Come Play in Nashville's Big Back Yard
Updated: Nov 15, 2021
Welcome to the Next Migration.
Humans have migrated from one area to another since the beginning of civilization, whether it was in search of an abundant food supply, more agreeable climate, economic opportunity, or freedom from oppression.
It’s no different in 2020. Today’s “back to the land” movement is part of the same technology-driven, opportunity-fueled cycle that has uprooted and transplanted Americans for centuries. For prehistoric people, stone arrowheads helped expand hunting areas. For European explorers, stronger ships reached more distant shores. For American settlers, steam engines opened access to neighboring economies. This time around, broadband internet access frees us to live, work, and play anywhere we choose.
So, how did technology get us back to small towns?
Until the late 1800s, America was an agriculture-based economy. That meant that the majority of folks lived and worked in rural areas and small communities. Around the turn of the century, new manufacturing technology spurred the industrial revolution. Whether out of necessity or ambition, people left the small towns in droves to pursue opportunity and economic promise in newly thriving, industrial urban centers.
By the 1930s, city life had become crowded, employment was competitive, living was expensive, and the urban environment was unsafe for many. New technology in the form of cars, electricity, and telephones created yet another opportunity to migrate. Families began to leave the stress and expense of city life for the newly expanding suburbs, seeking tranquility, space, affordability, and safety.
By the 1980s, bland suburban life began to lose its appeal for many. Folks began ditching long commutes for a revitalized urban experience, leaving many suburban communities in decline. At the same time, the already-shrinking small rural towns took another big hit. The sprawling factories that had come to sustain their local economies closed down as production moved overseas. Urban areas became opportunity magnets once again, drawing folks back into city life by choice and by necessity. Rural America’s slow drain of talent and passion had officially become a huge leak.

In the 1990s, many small rural towns wisely began to pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and start a decades-long self preservation effort. They aimed to entice folks not by competing with urban life, but by contrasting it; showing off quaint town squares, unique shops, artisan makers and close-knit communities. By retooling downtowns, promoting unique attractions, and establishing new festivals and events, small towns laid important groundwork for what we now know as the “experience economy.” Towns got their footing again. Empty storefronts became one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. Historic homes became Bed and Breakfast attractions. The next generation chose to stay put. And what began two decades ago as a trickle of tourists and weekend getaways is now a flood of new residents putting down ro
ots.
Once again, technology leads the next migration. Broadband internet access levels the playing field for small towns, bringing the conveniences, culture, and economic opportunity of urban living right into the heart of rural America. Opportunity is no longer tied to location, as online shopping, streaming entertainment, access to education, and the ability to work remotely have untangled the two forever. Access to affordable land and a resourceful, caring community no longer requires sacrificing economic opportunity. And that’s a big deal for small towns.
There’s no question that today’s COVID-19 crisis is the next catalyst for human movement. Families are emerging from lockdown and re-imagining life outside of densely populated, expensive areas. And they have their ticket out: almost overnight, a global pandemic has
made remote work a permanent reality for millions, just as broadband internet access is rapidly expanding into rural areas (including the 12 towns along the Natchez Trace parkway). The chance to leave the city or the suburbs without sacrificing a career breaks the final barrier to rural living, ushering in the next American migration. The communities in Nashville’s Big Back Yard represent a new lifestyle opportunity that will reshape the way America lives, works, and socializes in the future. “Back to the Land” is here to stay.
Explore Nashville's Big Back Yard:
Nashville
Music City -
You know Nashville as the country’s hot “it” city, hosting millions of visitors each year and welcoming throngs of new residents each month. With a thriving economy, hot housing market, famous food scene, eclectic neighborhoods and true Southern hospitality, it’s no wonder Nashville feels like a smart move. And we haven’t even started on the music.
City with a Soundtrack
Country music might be what put Nashville on the map, but this city is an entertainment hotbed where all genres collide. Americana, bluegrass, rock, blues, hip hop, and jazz all have deep roots here, and live music follows you everywhere you go. Music history underscores just about everything, from the names of the buildings and streets to the iconic venues and storied sites. Nashville is an important slice of the Americana Music Triangle.
Visitors Welcome
The lights of Broadway and the sounds of the Opry keep most visitors occupied while they’re in Nashville. But there’s another side to Music City: outside of downtown’s buzz and frenzy you’ll find quiet avenues, lazy front porches and a little room to breathe. And it’s just a taste of what the Nashville’s Big Back Yard has to offer.
Leiper's Fork

Picture-Perfect Village -
Leiper’s Fork is the poster child for charming rural villages. Located near the top of the Natchez Trace Parkway, this two-lane town checks all of the boxes: historic buildings, gorgeous scenery, working farms, friendly neighbors, down-home restaurants. The whole village is on the National Register of Historic Places and is protected by The Land Trust for Tennessee, saving it from overdevelopment forever.
Music City's Country Neighbor -
Situated just 28 miles south of Nashville, Leiper’s Fork sits just outside of Franklin, Tennessee. Packed with shopping and commerce and a cute downtown of its own, Franklin makes a great neighbor for those not quite ready to break up with city life. In fact, plenty of Music City visitors choose to stay in quaint VRBOs or AirBnB rentals in the village and day trip to Nashville’s attractions. With Nashville just up the road a piece, living in Leiper’s Fork means you can live “out in the country” and still have a Gucci store 18 miles away.
Chill Escape -
Being close to Music City has shaped this village into a well-known music celebrity refuge over the years; even Opry legends like Hank Williams Sr. found peace here in the village. These days, Hollywood is catching on, too. A quick Google search will tell you who’s settled here, but name dropping isn’t the Leiper’s Fork way. Stars can choose to live anywhere in the world; they relocate here because the community doesn’t make a fuss, and the locals are fierce about protecting celebs’ privacy. If you can make small talk with a world-famous actress while waiting in line for your Puckett’s burger without freaking out, you’ll do just fine here.
Live Music is King -
The anchor of the town is undisputedly Puckett’s Grocery, an old-time joint where you can order a burger and a beer off the grill and catch live music almost every night. Grammy-winning performers and songwriters love playing in this intimate, quirky spot. You never know who will take the stage on an open-mic Thursday, where the vibe is more Saturday night party than mid-week happy hour. Leiper’s Fork even has live music in its shops, like the Pickin’ Corner at Serenite Maison, where beautiful vintage instruments hang on the wall for visitors to play.
Village Life is the Good Life -
It’s been called “the most charming tiny town there ever was,” and for good reason. Classic country breakfast joint? Check. Country Boy Restaurant has you covered. Quirky gas station/ market/ restaurant/ hangout/ venue? You got it. Leiper’s Fork Market is your spot. Fancy coffee? Of course. Red Byrd serves the grounds you crave. Farm-to-table restaurant with local roots? Absolutely. 1892 serves up all sorts of foodie delights. Local artist gallery? Of course. Leiper’s Creek, Copper Fox, David Arms, and others show and sell an eclectic mix of fine art in a former gas station, restored 1860s home, and renovated barn, respectively. Southern antiques and curated vintage finds are plentiful at Serenitie Maison and Props. And every Friday night in the summer, the Lawnchair Theatre comes to life, showing free, family-friendly movies. Folks around here operate on “Leiper’s Fork Standard Time,” which is a lot like island time, if the surrounding ocean were rolling hills. And that’s just the way they like it.
Leiper’s Fork is tiny on purpose, a popular visitor destination, and a “famously secret” kind of haven. But those who live here know the one-in-a-million luck of finding such a close-knit, artists’ enclave, and they’re dedicated to keeping it that way. If you find property here, snatch it up quick!
Centerville

Centerville is the seat of Hickman County, perfectly situated in the beautiful Duck River valley 60 miles southwest of Nashville. It’s the only incorporated town in the county, with 11 square miles of small-town living, a music heritage heartbeat, and an abundance of surrounding acreage and farm land.
Opry Inspiration -
The town of Centerville is best known for its famous daughter, Sarah Cannon, AKA Minnie Pearl. The legendary Grand Ole Opry member was one of the most popular comics of her time and one of the first leading ladies of comedy. Centerville’s spirit is baked into the Opry’s story, as Minnie’s character hailed from the town of Grinder’s Switch, a fictional version of Centerville.
Sarah famously said “Grinder's Switch is a state of mind – a place where there is no illness, no war, no unhappiness, no political unrest, no tears. It's a place where there's only happiness – where all you worry about is what you are going to wear to the church social, and if your feller is going to kiss you in the moonlight on the way home. I wish for all of you a Grinder's Switch.”
A Town set to Music -
Centerville still lives up to Minnie’s Norman Rockwell vision, and live music flows through every town event. The Grinder’s Switch Radio Hour leads the way with a town-square tradition that seems straight out of a sweet Southern novel. Every Saturday morning, talented local players—many of them acclaimed country songwriters—take the stage in a historic former hardware store to perform a live radio broadcast. The town fills the pews, the fiddlers fiddle, the strummers strum. Feet are stomped, hands are clapped, and spirits are lifted. Hear the broadcast on WNKX FM every Saturday morning.
Quaint, quirky, and growing -
Centerville is a family-friendly, close-knit community of lifetime residents, recent transplants, makers, teachers, and entrepreneurs. And love for this sweet town is catching on; folks are discovering its quirky charm, especially now. Centerville has become a best-kept-secret for Nashvillians and other city dwellers seeking a lower cost of living, slower pace of life, music-drenched culture and a little room to breathe.
Santa Fe

Community of Creativity -
Santa Fe (pronounced Santa FEE, like TennSEE) is a best-kept-secret kind of place that draws all flavors of city dwellers. It’s pretty much exactly what folks picture when they dream of soaking up long country sunsets and keeping a few chickens on an honest patch of land. Located just 50 miles southwest of Nashville, this unincorporated community and its small neighboring villages knit together to form a friendly, connected mix of lifelong residents and eclectic transplants. For some, it’s a just-right blueprint for the modern rural escape.
Old Town, New Life -
There’s something about Santa Fe that draws creative entrepreneurs together. In the last decade, the town has welcomed a brilliant new crop of people leaving their corporate gigs to farm, create, or translate their urban experience to rural living. Makers. Healers. Shop owners. Growers. And of course, plenty of musicians.
Entrepreneurs dig in -
Here among the burbling creeks and forested acres, a midwife and physician blend conventional and holistic medicine via the Wild Healers podcast. A family leads curious visitors through a sustainable living experience, including a magical stay in permaculture “Hobbit Houses” at Forest Gully Farms. And plenty of next-gen farmers are homesteading and harvesting here. From the musician-farmer couple of the aptly named Farm and Fiddle to the Ivy League Peace Corps duo behind Athena’s Harvest Farm and Training Center, farmers in Nashville’s Big Back Yard are changing the world one crop at a time.
A Village gathers -
There’s no downtown to speak of, but the Santa Fe community certainly has its gathering spots. Nett’s Country Store and Diner is technically in the village of Bethel, and it’s served as a meeting place and family favorite for decades. Maybe it’s the Friday Catfish special, or the sweet tea, or the to-die-for pies that draw folks from all the way up in the big city. Or maybe it’s Nett herself, the area’s unofficial ambassador. (Local tip: she’s probably the best on-the-ground resource for local info). Locals and visitors also rave about the Santa Fe Diner, part country restaurant and part time machine, serving great burgers in an old white house straight from a movie set. Papa Boudreux’s Cajun Hideaway draws people from far and wide—some pretty famous— seeking its authentic Louisiana etouffee. And the hospitality extends all the way to the front door, with regular “bring a chair and a dish to share” Neighbor’s Nights hosted by the Fleishers at Athena’s Harvest.
Mount Pleasant

Postcard-Perfect Living -
Mount Pleasant, Tennessee is one of the larger towns in Nashville’s Big Back Yard, with about 5000 residents enjoying its historic buildings, friendly attitude, and small-town charm. It’s darn near exactly halfway between Nashville and Muscle Shoals, making it an excellent hub for the smaller communities surrounding it and a popular spot for visitors from all over.
Historic Charm -
Downtown Mount Pleasant feels like a step back in time. It’s a designated Historic Commercial District, featuring lovingly restored storefronts surrounded by preserved homes, walkable side streets, and historic buildings and businesses. Since 1824, folks have gathered on the Square to meet friends, celebrate together, and conduct business; the same is true today. It seems like something’s always happening in Mount Pleasant, from music and public arts projects on the Square to festivals, theater events and Summer Porch concerts.
Entrepreneur Haven -
Small businesses are the backbone of Mount Pleasant, and the locals happily support their neighbors. From carefully curated boutiques and vintage shops to a historic dairy dip and bright, sunny coffee shop, this small town loves its local businesses and takes care of the entrepreneurs who make them possible.
Living History -
Mount Pleasant has a special music undercurrent. Visit the Mount Pleasant Grille downtown, a restored spot that once regularly hosted Eddy Arnold, Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff, and other Opry members on its second-floor stage. Today, you can hear live music from local artists at almost every community event and gathering, or host your event in the Triangle Room, named for the Americana Music Triangle.
Mount Pleasant is situated on what was once Andrew Jackson’s Old Military Road, a route that transported troops from Nashville to New Orleans during the War of 1812 and saw hundreds of Cherokee journey through town after being forced from their homes to walk the tragic Trail of Tears. Look for the art installation honoring those who passed through town on the deadly march to Oklahoma, featuring brightly colored flower sculptures named after Cherokee women.
And just outside of town, tour Rattle and Snap, a beautifully preserved Antebellum mansion that tells the story of the town’s rich agricultural and phosphate mining history.
Hitch a Ride -
Mount Pleasant offers a unique public transportation experience via the MuleTown Trolley, a $1 ride between Mount Pleasant and the larger towns of Columbia and Spring Hill. Riders can request a stop anywhere along the routes and transfer for free. Where else can you hop from town to town on an old-fashioned trolley car?
Just outside of town, you’ll find more of the rolling hills and affordable acreage that makes Nashville’s Big Back Yard such a special place to call home.
Hampshire

Village Charm -
The Village of Hampshire is a quaint, close-knit town tucked into the hills between Columbia and Hohenwald, Tennessee, just 9 miles off the Natchez Trace Parkway. It’s a picture-perfect representation of life in Nashvile’s Big Back Yard, brimming with personality and hospitality. It’s so peaceful and sweet, you’d never believe Music City is just 50 minutes away.
Toast to Small-Town Living -
This is Tennessee’s Napa Valley. The soil and climate here are a little cooler and drier than the surrounding areas, ideal for grape growing and spectacular for winemaking. The Village of Hampshire is home to three award-winning wineries: Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, Keg Springs Wineries, and Natchez Hills Vineyard. They’re not just tourist attractions, though plenty of people cruise the Natchez Trace Wine Trail to visit each one. They’re also beloved local businesses, perfect spots for sunset picnics, scenic date nights, and a happier happy hour than anything you’ll find at a crowded pub.
Drink in the Scenery -
What’s a charming village without gorgeous views? Hampshire is surrounded by rolling hills and postcard-worthy farmland that’s an instant de-stresser. The farms around the village make up a thriving organic farming community, growing everything from organic blueberries and homemade honey to sustainably raised beef and pork. You don’t have to live on a farm to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Folks come from all over the county to get the first taste of the best the land has to offer at Hampshire’s bustling Farmer’s Market every Tuesday.
Authentic Charm -
Downtown Hampshire is movie-set version of a small town, with quaint shops and restaurants lining the small strip. Copperhead Creek is its anchor, displaying and selling one-of-a-kind handmade goods from local artisans. Most folks out here like a little space, with many building custom homes in the hollers and woods that you’d never see from the road. But like any true village, you’ll find that the locals have their natural gathering spots: the post office, the farmer’s market, and live music and festivals at the Hampshire Museum.
Community Feel -
Community starts early in Hampshire, with most of the village’s young folks attending its K-12 Unit School of Applied Sciences and Natural Resources. That means these kids truly grow up together and mentor each other in a small and attentive setting, all on the same campus.
Hohenwald

Giants in the High Forest -
Hohenwald means “High Forest” in German. This classic small town is tucked seven miles back into the trees along the Natchez Trace Parkway, just 85 miles southwest of Nashville. It’s a friendly, thriving community with loads of charm, a one-of-a-kind claim to fame, and a surprising wine country vibe.
As the seat of Lewis County, Hohenwald naturally brings folks together, fostering a supportive entrepreneur community and true taste of small-town living. From life-long residents to recent transplants, people put down roots in Hohenwald for its high-quality public and private schools; safe, family-friendly parks; unique local shops and businesses; and retired circus elephants.
Elephants come home -
That’s right, elephants. Hohenwald is home to the Elephant Sanctuary, the nation’s largest natural-habitat refuge developed specifically for African and Asian elephants. Circus and show elephants live out their retirement here, away from crowds and noise and pressure, on 2,700 gorgeous acres in the Tennessee hills. The sanctuary itself is private, but the Elephant Sanctuary Discovery Center downtown Hohenwald will give you a glimpse into their lives and personalities.
Off-the-Grid Flavor -
The elephants are onto something. Hohenwald is a picture-perfect escape from the hustle and urgency of urban living. In fact, it’s a magnet for homesteaders of all kinds looking to live or learn about life off the grid. Hohenwald is home to the The Sonnenschein Green Initiative, a non-political organization dedicated to helping people learn how to get back to the land through energy efficiency, agriculture, artisan crafts, emergency preparedness, and more.
Nature on the Buffalo -
You don’t have to be a self-sufficient organic farmer or an all-in survivalist to enjoy the great outdoors here. Hohenwaldians have a giant back yard full of year-round opportunities for life-land connection with abundant camping, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and more along the gorgeous Buffalo River. The Swan Conservation Trust works hard to protect the headwaters of Swan Creek and the Swan Valley.
Wine Country Charm -
The soil and climate in Hohenwald make it ideal for grape growing and spectacular for winemaking. Lewis County is home to three award-winning wineries: Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, Keg Springs Wineries, and Natchez Hills Vineyard. They’re not just tourist attractions, though plenty of people cruise the Natchez Trace Wine Trail to visit each one. They’re also beloved local businesses, perfect spots for sunset picnics, scenic date nights, and a happier happy hour than anything you’ll find at a crowded pub.
Small-Town Delights
Hohenwald affords folks a delightful mix of rural living and close-knit community, offering affordable acreage that’s still relatively close to the heart of the town. You can put acres between you and the next neighbor and still make an easy trip into town for the Oktober Heritage Festival, Summer Block Parties, Christmas In Hohenwald or the locally famous Oak Grove Fish Fry.
Summertown

Peace on the Parkway -
Serene Summertown, Tennessee is an unincorporated community nestled into the hills east of the Natchez Trace Parkway. It’s a small community of friendly neighbors, where folks look out for each other but don’t mind a few acres of breathing room. The actual “town” is a cluster of streets where you’ll find most local businesses; however, many Summertown residents opt to stretch their wings a little and settle or build in the picturesque rural areas in the surrounding hills.
Back to the Land, Once Again -
Summertown has its own fascinating “Back to the Land” stories. In the 1970s, a caravan of school buses and vans brought 320 “hippie idealists” from San Francisco to pool their resources and put down roots in the Tennessee hills. The Farm remains an active intentional community just outside of Summertown. It’s home to an EcoVillage Training Center, international outreach mission, K-12 school, world-famous Farm Midwifery Center, vegan cookbook publication house and biannual weekend retreat for curious visitors. About 200 people still live on The Farm today, representing four generations of compassion for the planet and peaceful community.
Roadside Attractions -
The Summertown area is also home to a sizable Amish and Mennonite population, which means the best of the best roadside farm stands and natural food markets. Don’t miss Yoder’s Homestead Market on Highway 20 on your way into town for the freshest veggies, excellent bulk items, and best homemade breads and pastries you’ll ever try.
Highland Cool -
Summertown is part of the Highland Rim, once a popular “summer home” spot for folks traveling on the railroad from Nashville to New Orleans. Those high-class city dwellers were onto something: temperatures run just a bit cooler here in the summer, and the scenery is just sublime. Great hiking awaits at the 90-acre Stillhouse Hollow Falls State Natural Area, or you can catch some amazing views in motion at Wheelin in the Country, a privately-owned off-road adventure park.
Linden

Arts on the Water -
Linden, Tennessee is a picture-perfect small town, full of quaint shops, restored buildings, an award-winning hotel, and a historic Main Street that draws visitors from across the country.
Float on Downtown -
The town sits on the banks of the Buffalo River, just a few minutes’ walk from downtown, where folks drink in the town’s natural beauty as they float through some of Tennessee’s prettiest scenery in kayaks and canoes. And the Tennessee River is close, too, perfect for boating and watersports.
Visitor Favorite -
If you’re wondering what it’s like to make a 180-degree shift to life in Linden, just ask the Dumonts. The couple visited from the East Coast in 2007 and saw a rough-around-the-edges town with great potential. They got a great bargain on a large plot of land and made an offer on the spot, then got to work sinking their hearts and resources into restoring what’s now known as the Commodore Hotel in downtown Linden. It has become the heart of downtown, where locals and visitors gather to grab a bite at the restaurant, hear local talent at the music cafe, or sip a cocktail at the speakeasy lounge.
Revitalized Charm -
Once the Commodore opened its doors, Linden’s revitalization was unstoppable. This town loves its artisans, with studios and one-of-a-kind shops lining its Main Street. The Arts District includes the Buffalo River Artists Co-op, the studio home to 12 working artisans who paint, weave, blow glass, and so much more in an open studio setting. A New York native creates hand-made jewelry just down the block, street murals add pops of color through downtown, and folks visit from all over just to spend a few days immersed in artsy, small-town charm.
Celebrate All Seasons -
This town knows how to throw a party, with community festivals and events bringing residents together and drawing crowds of visitors year round. From the spring’s Blooming Arts Festival and summer’s Music on Main Street series to a Halloween downtown and a picture-perfect Christmas parade, Linden’s downtown is the glue that holds this community together.
Slice of Heave for Sale -
Just outside of town, Linden’s lifelong residents and transplants find incredible investment opportunities, snapping up acreage rich in picturesque views; waterfront access; caves, creeks, and waterfalls; abundant wildlife and plenty of peace and quiet.
Clifton
River Living -
It’s hard not to fall for a classic river town; Clifton, Tennessee is no exception. Sunsets on the water, beautifully preserved historic buildings, and plenty of opportunities to get outside, on and off the river. What’s not to love?
Arts on the Water -
Clifton is home to an emerging arts district, with local theater, fine arts, music, literature, and artisan crafts fueling the town’s culture. Life in an artsy small town is about more than craft fairs and festivals, though Clifton has plenty of both. It means stretching your wings and auditioning for a part in community theater; abundant arts programming for kids, local studios open for tours. You can even experience a piece of literary history at the historic home of T.S. Stribling, the first Tennessean to win a Pulitzer Prize in literature for his 1933 novel, The Store.
Riverfront Charm -
Folks in Clifton claim their river gem with pride. They love the quiet pace, close-knit community, and gorgeous backdrop. Plenty of non-natives are catching on, too. They’re walking away from the packed restaurants and urban buzz of “It” cities to enjoy picnics on the library lawn and slow, peaceful dinners on the riverfront. They’re more than willing to trade tourist-packed nightlife for relaxed, comfortable evenings catching up with their neighbors at a local watering hole like the Bear Inn or the Clifton Marina.
You're already "in" -
In fact, the Marina’s new owners are transplants themselves. They arrived with boat dreams to fulfill, and loved this community so much they now own a historic Main Street building they’ve turned into a thriving Airbnb destination called The Landing. Another “newcomer” family opened an art studio on Main Street; yet another has taken on the role of volunteer curator at the T.S. Stribling Museum. Proof that it’s easy to fall in love with Clifton, and easy to find your place on the river.
Waynesboro

Good-Natured Community -
Waynesboro is the seat of Wayne County, home to 2,500 people who appreciate all of the perks of small-town living: affordability, low crime, good schools, and an opportunity to be a part of a close-knit community.
Get Involved -
Folks in Waynesboro are quick to invite you to just about anything: community events, high school football games, local happenings, and civic opportunities. That’s because Waynesboro is the kind of place where everyone plays an important part, and people just naturally want to work together. It’s common for visitors to feel like instant locals, and easy for transplants to plug in, get involved, and make a good life outside of the urban hustle and suburban sprawl.
Waynesboro might be small, but it’s a hive of activity. Residents play sports, support local causes, plan events, worship, and celebrate together. Just pop into Emeralds Restaurant any day during lunch time and you’ll find a multigenerational crowd catching up, sharing stories, and welcoming newcomers.
Get Outside -
Located on the Green River, Waynesboro has long been a magnet for outdoorsy folks. With abundant kayaking, hiking, and wildlife just outside the few blocks that make up the city limits, it’s a no-brainer for hunters, hikers, paddlers, and nature lovers. It’s also just a stone’s throw away from the Tennessee and Buffalo rivers for even more opportunities to float through the unspoiled natural beauty of Nashville’s Big Back Yard.
Perhaps its most well-known nature getaway is Tennessee Fitness Spa and its famous wooded wellness center campus. Visitors come from all over the world looking for a re-set in the “middle of nowhere,” nestled in the Tennessee foothills. The property includes more than just gorgeous views; it’s also home to the only known double-span natural bridge formation in the world.
Hum your own tune -
Like so much of Nashville’s Big Back Yard, Waynesboro is a music town, home to local musicians, acclaimed songwriters, and aspiring performers. The Waynesboro Music Museum is brimming with the memorabilia and songs that connect the town to Muscle Shoals, Nashville, Memphis, and other music cities.
Business is good -
Waynesboro is a great place to work, remote work, or open that little coffee shop you’ve been dreaming about. Its city limits were recently designated an Opportunity Zone, creating especially smart and lucrative business opportunities for entrepreneurs. It’s a true win-win for company owners and the community, too.
Collinwood

Welcoming by Design-
Don’t let Collinwood’s small population fool you - this micro community is bursting with personality and connection. This historic former railroad town sits just north of the Alabama state line, welcoming north-bound travelers to Tennessee just a few hundred yards off the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Welcome one and all -
While Wayne County’s official Welcome Center is here, it’s fair to say all of Collinwood, Tennessee is a visitors’ center of sorts. The town is widely known as a friendly stop for travelers; offering markets, grocery stores, and a bite to eat for anyone driving or riding the Natchez Trace Parkway. Nashville cyclists, Midwestern road trip tourists, cross-country motorcyclists, and even Canadian RV travelers stop through regularly as they travel the scenic route through the Mid-South, and they all make friends in Collinwood.
How could folks resist a stop here? It’s the perfect tucked-away spot to stop and enjoy the scenery and hospitality along the Natchez Trace Parkway. And more and more, the people who visit fall in love with the region and choose to call it home.
Community and Coffee -
You can almost always find visitors and locals mingling at The Dragonfly in downtown Collinwood. It’s the kind of eclectic emporium experience you just can’t replicate in a big city, where folks of all ages gather for a cup of coffee, amazing pastries, and good old fashioned face-to-face conversation. It’s also a great spot to support local artisans, shop for quirky antiques, and find one-of-a-kind gifts. And yes, it’s just as friendly and cozy as it seems.
Just close enough -
Collinwood is the best of both worlds: a close-knit, small town community that’s still a stone’s throw away from the convenience of bigger towns and cities. It’s just 40 minutes to Lawrenceburg or The Shoals (where many of our folks commute), or a quick 90 miles to Huntsville, AL. The town’s residents claim those cities as their own for work and play, but always come home to peaceful Collinwood.
Loretto
Small-Town Spirit -
If you’re looking for your Mayberry, Loretto just might be the ticket. From parks and schools to Christmas parades and community events, this small town is a Rockwell painting come to life.
Just Close Enough -
When it comes to affordability and access, Loretto is a gem. Situated just 20 minutes outside of The Shoals, many folks commute to regional jobs, but it’s not the commute you might be used to. Gorgeous scenery, zero traffic, and smooth, interstate-quality highway access puts bigger cities within easy reach while still enjoying the easy cost of living that a small town provides. That means a few acres instead of a postage-stamp yard, a friendly community instead of suburban anonymity, and easy affordability for families, retirees, and folks seeking a slower pace of life.
Family is Everything -
Loretto is one of those rare places where grandparents watch their grandkids grow up. This community is built on multigenerational relationships and handed-down traditions, with family roots that run decades deep. It’s the kind of town where the Friday night high school football game serves as the town’s nightlife; where visitors are treated like friends and residents become family.
Music Trivia -
Loretto was once home to Terrytown, a 1960s Western-themed amusement park tucked into the woods, owned by famed bluegrass fiddler Gordeon Terry. The park welcomed Johnny Cash, June Carter, Jerry Lee Lewis and other music greats to its rickety wood stage in its heyday. Ask some of the locals about those shows - many of them remember it like it was yesterday. Loretto is also the hometown of Grammy winning recording artist John Paul White, co-owner of Single Lock Records.
Great Outdoors -
This little town sits on a wide ridgetop between the Shoal Creek Valley and Bluewater Creek. Outdoor opportunities are plentiful, from hiking and camping to canoeing and kayaking Shoal Creek. Economic opportunity, genuine hospitality, and Friday night football… what’s not to love?
The Shoals
The Shoals -
The region we call “The Shoals” is actually a cluster of four Alabama cities spanning two counties, tucked right near the Tennessee line. Like Nashville, Muscle Shoals, Florence, Tuscumbia and Sheffield are Music Cities in their own right, and the perfect southern border to Nashville’s Big Back Yard.
Singing Heritage -
Right on the banks of the Tennessee River, this area was once home to Native Americans who settled near the “singing river” -- so named for the sound of the shallow, treacherous rapids flowing over the rocky deposits called “shoals.” In the 1960s and 70s, the area was home to the music studios that produced some of the most revolutionary records of the era.
Legacy of Sound -
Muscle Shoals Sound and Fame Studios recorded everyone from the Rolling Stones and Aretha Franklin to the Allman Brothers and Cher, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Now-iconic local house bands brought a swirling mix of blues and country influence to the stars’ recordings, leaving a mark as the “Muscle Shoals Sound” and earning the Shoals its title as the Hit Recording Capital of the World. Music is still a driving force in the region, with both studios still welcoming national artists to record and live music punctuating every outing and event. The Shoals is an important slice of the Americana Music Triangle.
Small Cities, Big Heart -
Life in the Shoals is “Southern Living at its Best,” with distinctive small-city experiences that attract transplants from across the country. People love Florence’s restored homes, quaint boutiques, award-winning restaurants and ten (that’s right, ten) historic districts. Tuscumbia’s Main Street is a delight; the town is also home to Ivy Green, museum and former home of Helen Keller. The Shoals’ sleepier cousin, Sheffield, offers a sweet cluster of historic homes and access to outdoor fun on Pickwick Lake; Muscle Shoals is a family-friendly community full of personality and opportunity.
Folks are flocking to the Shoals as visitors, and finding it easy to picture a life here. Opportunity, affordability, and creative spirit make residents out of guests every day.
Even currently, financial incentives are being offered to work remotely in The Shoals. Find out if you are eligible here.