One-Day Itinerary: Explore Tennessee Whiskey Country

Welcome to Tennessee Whiskey Country, where heritage, craftsmanship, and Southern hospitality flow as smoothly as the spirits themselves.

Tennessee whiskey is defined by the Lincoln County Process, a charcoal filtering method created right here in southern Middle Tennessee. This region is home to iconic distilleries, meaningful new names, and hidden gems that tell the story of one of the world’s most famous spirits.

If you’ve only got one day, this itinerary is designed to help you sip, savor, and explore in the most efficient (and fun) way possible.

Morning in Lynchburg

• Tennessee Whiskey Trailhead & Welcome Center – Start your day here! This is the official entry point to the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, a passport-style experience that gamifies visiting distilleries across the state. Pick up your trail passport, browse unique whiskey and Lynchburg merch, and check out Jack Daniel’s antiques on display. It’s a fun and informative kickoff before you tour the big-name distilleries.

  
  

• Jack Daniel Distillery – The world’s most famous Tennessee whiskey distillery. Take a guided tour, learn the history, and sample the spirit that put Lynchburg on the map. Tours book quickly, reserve in advance.

  
  

• Company Distilling (right next door) – A modern distillery with a refined, boutique tasting room. This is a great way to compare traditional whiskey-making with innovative approaches.

  
  

Other things to do in Lynchburg:

• Barrel House BBQ – Famous for the “Grilled Cheese on Crack.”

• Bar-B-Que Caboose Cafe – A local BBQ staple on the historic square.

• Lynchburg Square shops – Souvenirs, gifts, and photo ops galore.

  
  

Afternoon in Tullahoma

• Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. (George Dickel Whisky) – A rustic, scenic distillery tucked into a hollow. George Dickel is one of Tennessee’s most iconic names, and the tasting here feels personal and off the beaten path.

  
  

Optional Tullahoma treats:

• Water’s Edge Chocolates – Handcrafted sweets.

• Legacy Creamery – Small-batch ice cream (weekends only).

• The Seafood Place – A surprising local hit for casual dining.

  
  

Evening in Shelbyville

• Nearest Green Distillery – End the day with one of the most powerful stories in whiskey history. This distillery honors Nathan “Nearest” Green, the enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel the craft of distilling. The campus is beautiful, the storytelling inspiring, and the whiskey award-winning.

• Humble Baron (on-site) – Home to the world’s longest bar, with live music, craft cocktails, and a vibrant dining atmosphere. Perfect for dinner and entertainment to close out your whiskey-country journey.

  
  

Optional activity:

• Music City Kartplex – High-speed outdoor karting for those who want a little adrenaline alongside their whiskey adventure, located near the distillery.

  
  

Optional Overnight

• Cascade Hollow Lodge – Stay close to the source at George Dickel’s rustic lodge.

• Twin Creeks Cottages – Lakeside lodging near Tim’s Ford Lake for a relaxing retreat.

  
  

Travel Tips

• Book ahead: Jack Daniel’s and Nearest Green are especially popular, book ahead online.

• Age & ID: 21+ for tastings, bring valid ID/passport.

• Drive smart: Consider a designated driver or local tour service.

  
  

Collect stamps: Don’t forget to get your Tennessee Whiskey Trail passport stamped at each stop!