More to do if you're going to Roo: Whiskey Trail

Did you know Bonnaroo sits right in the heart of Tennessee Whiskey Country?

It’s true. In fact, until 2009, Coffee County (home of Bonnaroo) was one of only three counties in Tennessee where spirits could legally be distilled. Alongside neighboring Moore and Lincoln Counties, this region helped preserve Tennessee’s whiskey-making traditions long before the modern craft distillery boom spread across the state.

Today, that legacy lives on through the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, and if you’re coming to Bonnaroo, you’re already in the perfect place to explore it.

Your first stop should be the Tennessee Whiskey Trailhead and Welcome Center located on the campus of the world-famous Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, only about 30 minutes from Manchester. Here, you can grab a free Tennessee Whiskey Trail Passport and officially begin your whiskey adventure.

At each stop along the trail, you’ll collect a passport stamp and score a free collectible poker chip unique to that distillery.

From Manchester, you’re within easy driving distance of some of the most iconic whiskey destinations in the world, including the following:

• The legendary Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg

• Company Distilling in downtown Lynchburg

• Cascade Hollow Distilling Co., home of George Dickel Tennessee Whisky near Tullahoma

• Short Mountain Distillery outside of Woodbury

Looking to go even deeper into Tennessee spirits culture? You may also want to visit:

• Uncle Nearest Distillery in Shelbyville

• Prichard’s Distillery in Kelso

• Big Machine Distillery in Lynnville

While they aren’t currently official Tennessee Whiskey Trail stops, both destinations are worth the drive and offer incredible experiences rooted in Tennessee history and craftsmanship.

And this year, there’s even more reason to explore.

The Tennessee Whiskey Trail recently launched its new Mural Trail, blending Tennessee whiskey culture with public art. Special mural locations in Lynchburg, Fayetteville, and Tullahoma now serve as bonus passport stops where visitors can earn an exclusive special-edition poker chip.

So before you Roo (or after), hit a scenic backroad, a distillery tour, and enjoy the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.

You’re already in Whiskey Country. You might as well experience it.