More to do if you're going to Roo: Nashville's Big Back Yard

Whether you're arriving early, staying a few extra days, or looking for an adventure between festival weekends, Nashville's Big Backyard offers unforgettable experiences filled with music history, scenic drives, small-town charm, and authentic Tennessee culture.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Muscle Shoals—Low Rhythm Rising

Before you hear your favorite artist on stage at Bonnaroo, take a journey into the roots of American music at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in nearby Nashville.

Now open, Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising tells the remarkable story of how a small Alabama river town became one of the most influential recording destinations in the world. The exhibit explores the groundbreaking work of producer Rick Hall, FAME Recording Studio, and the legendary musicians of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio who created a distinctive sound that attracted artists from every genre.

Visitors will discover how Black and white musicians worked together during an era of segregation to create music that transcended barriers and reshaped American culture. From soul and R&B to rock, pop, and country, the Muscle Shoals sound continues to influence artists today.

For music fans heading to Bonnaroo, it's the perfect way to deepen your appreciation for the musical traditions that helped inspire generations of performers.

Leiper's Fork

If Bonnaroo's campgrounds leave you craving a slower pace, Leiper's Fork delivers a completely different side of Tennessee.

Located just outside Franklin, this charming village feels like stepping into a place where time moves a little slower and creativity flourishes around every corner. Despite its small size, Leiper's Fork has become a destination for artists, musicians, food lovers, and whiskey enthusiasts from around the world.

Browse art galleries featuring regional talent, hunt for treasures in antique stores and boutiques, or simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere that has made the village famous.

Music lovers won't want to miss Fox & Locke, a beloved venue known for its legendary open mic nights. Over the years, everyone from local songwriters to Grammy-winning artists has taken the stage, making it one of Middle Tennessee's most authentic music experiences.

For those interested in Tennessee's whiskey heritage, Leiper's Fork Distillery offers behind-the-scenes tours and tastings inside a beautifully restored 1829 log home. The distillery is helping revive Williamson County's historic distilling traditions through handcrafted small-batch spirits.

When hunger strikes, start your day with biscuits and gravy at Country Boy Restaurant, grab barbecue and live music at Fox & Locke, or recharge with a handcrafted coffee from The RedByrd Coffee Shop.

Leiper's Fork proves that some of Tennessee's most memorable experiences happen far from the spotlight.

Natchez Trace Parkway

Need a break from the crowds? Few drives in America are more relaxing than the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Stretching 444 miles through Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, the Parkway follows one of North America's oldest travel corridors. Long before highways existed, American Indians, settlers, traders, soldiers, and future presidents traveled this route through the heart of the South.

Today, the Natchez Trace Parkway offers a peaceful escape filled with rolling hills, dense forests, historic landmarks, and scenic overlooks.

Tennessee travelers can explore several noteworthy stops along the Parkway, including:

• Birdsong Hollow and the Double Arch Bridge One of the most photographed landmarks on the Parkway, the award-winning Double Arch Bridge rises 155 feet above Birdsong Hollow and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

• Timberland Park Located near milepost 437, Timberland Park features hiking trails, educational exhibits, and opportunities to experience the natural beauty of Middle Tennessee.

• Jackson Falls A short but steep trail leads visitors to a refreshing waterfall and crystal-clear pool, making it a popular stop during warm summer months.

• Meriwether Lewis Monument and Burial Site History enthusiasts can visit the final resting place of explorer Meriwether Lewis. The site includes trails, exhibits, a campground, and a preserved section of the original Natchez Trace.

The Parkway isn't just a scenic drive—it's a journey through 10,000 years of history connecting cultures, communities, and landscapes across the South.

Bonnaroo may bring you to Tennessee, but Nashville's Big Backyard gives you plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.

Spend the morning exploring music history in Nashville. Wander through the artistic charm of Leiper's Fork in the afternoon. Then slow down and take the scenic route home along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The festival may last only a few days, but the memories waiting beyond the farm can turn your Bonnaroo trip into a true Tennessee adventure.

Because when you're headed to Roo, you're already in one of the most unique destinations in America.