For your summer travel fun, make plans to visit Nashville's Big Back Yard. This region is 13 charming Tennessee communities and The Shoals of Alabama, all connected by 100 miles of the historic Natchez Trace Parkway.

Plan your summer escape

Don't miss the Summertown Bluegrass Reunion, June 19, 20, and 21, in Summertown, TN. The 3-day festival is all things bluegrass music. Enjoy a weekend filled with top-notch performers, engaging workshops and family-friendly activities. Bluegrass Festival.

In Leiper's Fork, join design duo Brooke and Steve Giannetti at 11 a.m., June 21 when they welcome photographer Ed Rode to Patina Home & Garden. Ed will sign his critically acclaimed book "Songwriter Musician." 

Make plans to celebrate Helen Keller in her hometown of Tuscumbia, AL during the Helen Keller Festival, June 26–29. The multi-day event features a downtown parade, live music, arts activities and presentations of The Miracle Worker. 

Commemorate the 4th of July with "A Stars & Stripes Night with JT Hodges" at the iconic Fox & Locke in Leiper's Fork. Enjoy a night full of classic American songs, musical surprises and plenty of Hodges-style fun. If you can't make this one, get tickets to the Super Songwriters event on July 18. Fox & Locke shows.

Small towns on 4th of July are for celebrating pure Americana. Chance Beckham & Drake White will perform on July 3 in Waynesboro City Park. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., CDT. Fireworks at 9:30. Independence Day Celebration.

Boom on The Duck in Centerville's River Park features food, live music and fireworks. Event kicks off at 5 p.m. CDT, July 4. 

The Independence Day Celebration in charming Mount Pleasant, TN happens July 5. The event starts at 5 p.m. CDT, and features live music, food trucks, and a kids' zone, including a splash pad. Fireworks light up the sky starting at 9 p.m., CDT. Event Independence Celebration.

E-Biking in Florence, AL is a great alternative mode of transportation to explore the beautiful trails of The Shoals at a quicker pace than hiking. This offers easy-to-ride electric bikes, with access to great local trails. Rentals are available for riders 16 and up, with transportation to trails offered by the Florence-Lauderdale CVB. 

Experience a guided night kayak adventure on the beautiful Buffalo River in Linden, TN. You will glide along the Buffalo on a single or tandem kayak illuminated with stunning luminescence. Night time kayaking.

For a trip down memory lane, make plans for the Old Timer's Day festival in Collinwood, Aug. 30, 2025. Breakfast is at 6 a.m., CDT, followed by a day of arts and crafts, kids' games, food, and music. The parade at 10 a.m. features the Collinwood High School Marching Band. Collinwood Old Timers Day