Nashville Fall Bucket List

IT'S SPOOKY SEASON IN NASHVILLE Y'ALL, AKA MY FAVORITE! Many of you might know my love for horror movies and all things dark tourism. Nashville's fall time has it all. The leaves usually start changing late October and usually don't stick around too long. So if you are planning your fall trip to Nashville, I would recommend the time frame in the four weeks between late October to early November. And what should ya do during that time?! Well y'all know I got you on all the Nashville Fall Bucket List things to see! Let's dive in!

Take a Hike

Get outside and ENJOY! Really take some time to be present and enjoy the MAGIC of Tennessee in the fall. The best places to walk around are Radnor State Park (warning about the parking), Pickett State Park, Bicentenntial Mall, Percy Warner Park, and Centennial Park.

Cheekwood Fall Harvest

Cheekwood goes full pumpkin spice on us in the fall! Between the mum walls, pumpkin clad houses, and super festive grounds, it is sure to get you fired up about the seasons change. The Cheekwood Estate also has the original plantation home preserved at the top of the hill and tours are available if you wanna tour the old home. I personally suggest just walking around the outside terrace (free) for the best views! They also have a Beer garden open on Saturdays and Sundays!

Pop-Up Bars

Errbody loves a good theme and Nashville is all about being extra. A few of my favorite pop up bars Beetlebar at Dream Parlor Bar, Hocus Pocus Immersive experience at the Holston House, and Stranger Things Hawkins Arcade pop up at HQ on 3rd Ave! YES! Plus the drinks are all fall themed, making it the perfect way to end a fall day! Get the butter old fashioned. Also, go to Nashville Guru's Event Page here to see all the events/pop up info during current times!

Pumpkin Patch

No doubt we all need a day feasting on pumpkin sugar donuts, wandering around with a hot apple cider, and that cool fall country air. It’s the ultimate soul cleanse from the humidity of summer and the promise that cooler weather is coming. Wanna know the best family farms around Nashville to road trip to for that feeling?! Check out Walden Farm, Fiddle Dee Farms, Lucky Ladd Farms, Honeysuckle Hill Farm, or Gentry Farms. If you don’t have a car but still wanna get some pumpkins to decorate with, check out Flying Ghost Pumpkin Patch in 12 South or the Farmers Market.

Festivals

Fall is the best season to get out and enjoy outdoor patios and outdoor festivals as the humidity leaves the air. Oktoberfest, Americanafest, & Bonnaroo have all already happened but Halloween festivities are in full swing. As well as other fall festivals and vintage pop ups. Make sure to check out Nashville Fall Festival in Springfield, Musicians Corner Concerts at Centennial Park, Arts Fair, and Pumpkinfest in Franklin. A full list of the best events happening on the weekend you may be visiting on is located on Nashville Guru's page here.

Titans Game

Photo Cred: Nissan Stadium

Nothing is more fall than a bowl of chili on a tailgate with horns and music blaring everywhere. THAT’S RIGHT! FOOTBALL BABY! Nashville is home to the Tennessee Titans. I personally have never been to a game at Nissan Stadium since moving here but its still on my bucket list for the fall time. Here is their schedule for the rest of the season. I am one of those people that loves the social aspect of it but just want both teams to have fun lol. So for people like us... here's a list of the best sports bars to catch a game when you just wanna have a game day binder.

Natchez Parkway Drive

THE BEST way to see the fall colors is out Natchez Parkway. This iconic drive does require a car to go explore, so I'd suggest renting one for the day! Start the drive with a full belly with brekky at Loveless Café. Warm biscuits and honey ham are like a fall day right of passage in these parts. Plus the restaurant is right at the start of the drive. Head over the bridge to the two lane country road that has hidden turn offs and hiking trails. By far the best views for fall!

Day in Leiper's Fork

This also is a place to feel like you're in that quintessential small town. With huge farms lining the road, driving out there is one of the best parts. Leiper's itself has historical shops and restaurants, as well as many pop up markets and other outdoor fall events. My favorite stops are Tennessee Turquoise, owned by Morgane Stapleton (Chris Stapleton's wife), Prop's Antiques, and the new restaurant that just took over Pucketts! Most days it smells of fresh chopped fire wood. 

Breakfast at Loveless

Photo Cred: Loveless Cafe

Loveless is one of those Nashville staples. The building has only grown since they opened in the 50's. Nothing warms your bones better than warm, buttery biscuits and honey ham. Highway 100 is right there that leads you straight onto the Natchez Parkway I was telling ya about earlier.

Parlour at Urban Cowboy

My favorite bar to visit when the weather gets chilly is Urban Cowboy's Parlour Bar in the main lobby. They turn on the fireplaces and their restaurant/bar in the back cooks over the fire, making it smell AMAZING. The vibes are just so cozy on their vintage leather sofas and surrounded by vintage decor. If you wanna sit outside, check out their Public House bar out back, which also just opened a Roberta's pizza pop up and wine garden on the side yard. The best thing to do at this spot though is to book a staycation. The beds are so cozy and the in room claw foot tubs just scream self care.

Glamp in the Mountains

Last on my Nashville fall bucket list is to get out and camp! There are so many good parks, including the Great Smoky Mountains being so close, and companies that offer glamping opportunities to fall asleep under the changing leaves. Some companies I would look to if tent pitching isn't your scene is Airbnb (click here for $65 off your trip), Hipcamp, or a local company. Check out my fall guide to the Smokies here to figure out where to go when you are there!

Bell Buckle Day

Road trip down to Bell Buckle, Tennessee just 45 minutes from downtown Nashville. This small town is open on the weekends to local guests and occasionally home to a weekend event or two. Click here to check out their events schedule. While you are there, eat a meat and three at Bell Buckle Cafe, antique hunt at Hilltop Antiques, and get fried apple pies for a treat later at Bluebird Antiques and Ice Cream Parlor.

Haunted Houses

Photo Cred: Dead Land Scream Park Facebook

So if you really wanna get into the holiday spirit, join the rest of the freak show at these epic haunts certain to make you shit your pants: Nashville Nighmare, Dead Land Scream Park, and Millers Thrillers Haunted Woods. I also love that there are ghost tours with a historical focus, like this one at the Hermitage, and other old cemeteries to explore at night. This one is my favorite (click here for location) and you can book a guided night tour of the cemetery after hours here. We would love to eventually do a ghost tour up in Lousiville at Waverly Hills Sanitorium or at the Tennessee State Prison which are both internationally known for their active hauntings.

Into ghost tours and the paranormal side of the towns you visit? Check out my other blog about Dark Tourism hot spots around the world (coming soon). Again, fall is my favorite... Like truly makes me so happy. So I can't wait to see y'all around town checking off both of your Nashville Fall Bucket List!

Not visiting in the fall?! Make sure to check out my bucket lists of all the other seasons in Nashville below: Nashville Summer Bucket List! Or get your full Nashville itinerary for a 7 day trip in my shop. What is on the itinerary?! The PDF download lays out a full days itinerary for 7 days of how I would recommend any visitors (especially solo travelers, couples, or small girls group getaway) spend their week in Nashville. Even a season specific day. Click here to learn more and download!