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- Historic Churchs, Mt. Pleasant, Rattle & Snap, and Polk Home Tour
Tour Type: Historic Church, Mt. Pleasant, Rattle & Snap, and Polk Tour Cost: $70 per person Call: (931) 375-4102 9:30 am - Arrive in Columbia at the motor coach parking lot across from the James K. Polk Home. Our Visitors Center* (302 W. 7th Street) adjoins the parking lot. You’re Complimentary Step-On Guide will join you here. The phone number is 931-993-3286 in case you need to call in route. 10:00 am - Travel & Tour to Rattle and Snap (1522 N. Main St. Mt. Pleasant)* the South’s premier Plantation home. Built in 1845, this outstanding example of Greek revival architecture is unrivaled in sheer beauty. This beautiful home was built on land won in a bean game “rattle and snap”. It is privately owned and opened for you by special appointment. 11:30 am - Travel to Mt. Pleasant Grille* (100 S. Main St. Mt Pleasant) this historic building which Housed a pharmacy has been renovated as Mt. Pleasant’s favorite eatery. You will Enjoy the décor with many posters of famous musicians as well as local history. The The food here is an upscale diner and delicious. You will have a choice of three entrees when you are seated. A delicious sundae from the soda fountain is included with your meal. Sweet and Unsweet Tea, Water, and Coffee After lunch free time to explore the Mount Pleasant / Maury Museum of Local History and various shops around square. 1:30 pm - Travel & Tour St. John’s Episcopal Church (Hwy 243, Mt. Pleasant) was built in 1839 - 1842 by four Polk brothers at the junction of four of the Polk family plantations. One of the few unrestored buildings in the county with the interior basically left it as it was when general services were discontinued in 1889. The church is open once a year On Whitsunday. A fine example of Gothic architecture, the church contains original fixtures, materials almost all made on site by family slaves, including black cherry. 2:00 pm - Travel & Tour to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church* (311 W. 7th Street, Columbia). It was built in 1860 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. St. Peter’s is parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee. Active church to this day. Reredos and chancel rail and second-floor choir loft at the rear. 2:45 pm - Walk & Tour President James K Polk Home* Your group will be intrigued with just what impact this little-known President had on the landscape of our country. A slide show, museum exhibit, gift shop, and tour of the home, detached kitchen, and gardens to make an informative–packed tour. *Restrooms available 302 West 7th Street * Columbia, Tennessee 38401 * 931-375-4102 * rlance@maurycounty-tn.gov * experiencemaury.com
- Brews, Smokes & Wine in Maury County, TN
Maury County, Tennessee, offers a delightful journey for food lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike. The "Brews, Smokes & Wine Tour" is a curated experience that highlights the region's unique offerings. Whether you are starting your morning with a warm coffee, exploring historic landmarks, or winding down with fine wine and cigars, Maury County has something for everyone. Begin your morning at Buckhead Coffeehouse , where you can savor a handcrafted coffee paired with a fresh pastry. If you're in the mood for a heartier Southern breakfast, head over to Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant , where their biscuits and gravy are a must-try. This classic establishment promises a hearty meal that’ll fuel your day of exploration. For a unique cigar experience, stop by BriarWorks Pipes & Cigars , housed in a spacious 1940s warehouse. Enjoy premium cigars, tobacco pipes, craft beer, and cocktails in their welcoming lounge—complete with darts for a bit of friendly competition. As the afternoon unfolds, it’s time to relax and indulge. Visit Grinders Switch Winery in Columbia for a taste of locally crafted wines. Entrance to Amber Falls Winery Travel to Hampshire, TN and enjoy three award winning wineries within a short distance from each other Amber Falls Winery , Keg Springs Winery and Natchez Hills Vineyard all in Hampshire If spirits and craft cocktails are more your style, make your way to Whiskey Alley Saloon for coastal Mediterranean-inspired cuisine paired with their curated wine and top-shelf liquor Cap your day with a memorable dining experience. For Cajun flavors, visit Papa Boudreaux’s Cajun Café in Santa Fe, where you’ll find dishes like boudin balls and blackened shrimp cheese grits. Alternatively, enjoy a refined meal with river views at River Terrace , which specializes in traditional Cajun and Creole dinners. If you’re in the mood for steak, head to Prime & Pint , a steakhouse and butcher shop offering high-quality cuts, craft cocktails, and small plates in a casual yet sophisticated setting. Not ready to call it a night? Enjoy live music at one of Maury County’s beloved venues, such as Puckett’s , The Mulehouse , Rebel Bar and Grill , or The Boondox . With a vibrant local music scene, you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the sounds of the region.
- Family Fun Winter Days in Maury County, TN
Looking for the perfect winter day out with the family? Maury County, TN, has something for all ages, combining delicious food, hands-on activities, exciting entertainment, and a touch of history. Here is a guide to crafting a memorable family outing. Start Your Family Fun Day with a Sweet Breakfast at B.A.D. Bakery where the kids (and adults!) can build their own donut masterpiece. From sprinkles to frosting, the customization options are endless. Alternatively, visit B’s Salty and Sweet , known for its delightful house-made pop tarts that are as tasty as they are creative. Breakfast here will set a cheerful tone for the day ahead. Morning Fun at a’Museum For families with young children, a’Museum Children’s Museum in Columbia is a must-visit. This interactive museum offers hours of hands-on fun, allowing kids to explore different experimental and work-related stations. Whether building, pretending, or discovering, your little ones will be engaged and entertained in a safe and educational environment. Lunchtime at Red 7 Pizza When hunger strikes, head to Red 7 Pizza , where the whole family can watch as their personalized pizzas are made right in front of them. Kids will love choosing their own toppings, and the fresh, oven-baked pizzas are sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Afternoon Sweet Treats After lunch, treat yourselves to some of the best desserts Maury County has to offer. Stop by Pie Sensations for mouthwatering homemade pies or indulge in the creamy delights of Hattie Jane’s Creamery , where unique, small-batch ice cream flavors will have everyone coming back for more. Explore History at James K. Polk’s Home For a bit of history, visit the museum and ancestral home of the 11th President of the United States, James K. Polk Home , located in Columbia. This fascinating tour provides a glimpse into the life of one of America’s presidents and is a great way to introduce kids to history in an engaging setting. End the Family Fun Day with Action at Tenn Pin Alley For some high-energy fun make your way to Tenn Pin Alley . This entertainment hub has something for everyone—putt-putt golf, go-karts, bowling, an arcade, and even laser tag. With plenty of food and snacks available, it is the perfect way to round out your day of family fun. Maury County has it all 11th President James K Polk Home, Museum and Presidential Hall Tenn Pin Alley offers Bowling, Putt Putt, Go Karts, Laser Tag, Arcade and more No matter the season, Maury County provides endless opportunities for family adventures. From sweet treats to interactive museums and action-packed fun, your family is sure to create lasting memories on this winter day out.
- Heritage and Hospitality: A Progressive Dinner Journey through Polk Home, Athenaeum, and Elm Springs
Experience the charm of Maury County with a progressive dinner journey through historic homes. Discover the legacy of James K Polk and immerse yourself in rich history. Tour three different historical homes and enjoy beverages, southern food and homemade desserts along the way. Arrive at Maury County Visitors Bureau in Columbia, Tennessee at 3:45 pm the motor coach parking lot across from the Polk Home ( 302 W. 7th Street ). Restrooms are available at the adjoining Visitors Center. Your step-on guide will join you here. The phone number is 931-993-3286 in case you need to call on your way. 11th President James K Polk Home At 4:00 pm Tour the home of the 11th President of the United States, James K. Polk .* Your group will be intrigued with just what impact this little known President had on the landscape of our country. Built in 1816, it is the only surviving private residence of United States President James K. Polk. On your tour you will enjoy a slide show, museum exhibits, gift shop and tour of the home, detached kitchen and gardens make an information-packed tour. Beverages served in the garden. The Historic Athenaeum At 5:15 pm board the coach for The Historic Athenaeum .* 808 Athenaeum St., Columbia, TN 38401. We will split the group up and half will enjoy appetizers on the back porch and the other half will take the tour. Then switch. The Historic Athenaeum in Columbia, Tennessee is all that remains of two famous girl schools that flourished in the area from the 1830s until the Great Depression. Built in 1837, the Athenaeum served as the rectory for these two schools and was occupied by the same family for over 130 years. Today, the Athenaeum is a historic site and museum. Group Tour in front of Elm Springs Historic Home At 6:15 pm we will depart for Elm Springs *. 2357 Park Plus Drive, Columbia, TN 38401 Enjoy a southern buffet dinner with dessert in this grand home. After dinner, the group will tour this magnificent brick Greek revival home. Elm Springs was built in 1838 by James Dick, a wealthy businessman from New Orleans, for his sister Sarah who was the wife of Christopher Todd. It is now the International Headquarters of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. After your tour of the home we will walk to the brand new State of the Art Museum and gift shop which features a wide variety of southern heritage items available nowhere else in the area. If you are interested in bringing your group, please let us know. You group can have a minimum of 30 people and max of 55. Cost is $75 per person. Please email rlance@maurycounty-tn.gov for more information.
- Experience Authentic Maury County
Nestled in the heart of Tennessee, Maury County offers travelers seeking an authentic experience. Comprising of several distinct communities - Columbia, Mount Pleasant, Spring Hill, Culleoka, Hampshire, Santa Fe, and Williamsport - this charming pocket of Tennessee promises a wealth of activities and sights to explore. We are known for being a Mule Town. Every year Mules were sold and traded in downtown Columbia. You may not see Mules going down the streets anymore, unless you come to Mule Day. Always the first weekend in April. However, you can find mule murals all around the county, plenty of clothing, household items and more with mules on it for your home or as a souvenir. For an immersive Maury County experience, we recommend spending a few nights in the area. One unique accommodation option is the "Two Lanes Guesthouse." This loft, centrally located in Columbia, owned and operated by none other than TV personality Mike Wolfe of American Pickers. Guests here get a firsthand look at unique artifacts and decor featured on the show, from framed motorcycle gear to a wooden windmill blade. Alternatively, for larger groups or families, consider "Soirée on the Square," a 3,700-square-foot loft overlooking downtown Columbia. It masterfully combines glamour and comfort. Unique option is Forest Gully Farms where you actually get to sleep underground. Guest cottage at Amber Falls Winery is a great getaway and quite. In addition, we have many nice hotel accommodations with free breakfast included. Before embarking on your Maury County adventure, make sure to fuel up with a visit to one of the local coffee shops. Local favorite is the Fainting Goat Coffee Co or Muletown Roasted Coffee, a Columbia staple since 2013, offers everything from classic coffee to flavored lattes and an array of teas. Other popular options for your caffeine fix include Towne Coffee, Wolf & Scout Coffee Bar and Nashville Tea Co. For a delightful combination of coffee and breakfast, Buckhead Coffeehouse should be your go-to. Their menu boasts popular breakfast items such as the classic Buckhead Sandwich, wholesome oatmeal bowls, and indulgent avocado toast. Once you are energized and ready to explore, Maury County offers a shopping paradise for those with a penchant for boutiques. Aubree P. Boutique is your destination for on-trend clothing and accessories and for babies Needle and Grain. For home decor, enthusiasts will appreciate shops like Amy Montgomery Home, Blue 32, Pleasant Home & Gift, Tin Cottage, Baxter's, Smith and York, The Linen Duck and Ye Peddler. To make a day of your shopping endeavors, venture to "The Factory at Columbia," where you'll find a curated selection of stores including Mountain Ash Home + Design, Columbia Antique Marketplace, Dwell Boutique, Southern Polished, and more. Stop by our Visitors Center and pick up one of our Antique trail brochures to locate a treasure from the past. Music lovers will find their groove in Maury County's vibrant music scene. Head to venues like "The Mulehouse," "Puckett’s," or "Homestead Hall at Hardison Mill" for a dose of live music and local talent. In addition, every week many of our local wineries, restaurants and bars have music. For history buffs, Maury County offers a treasure trove of historic sites to explore. From the stately Rattle and Snap Plantation to the home of President James K. Polk and the captivating Ripp Villa in Spring Hill, you will feel like you have gone back in time. In addition to the homes, we have several historic museums and a Civil War trail. Nature lovers do not miss the scenic outdoor attractions throughout the county. Spend a day exploring the beauty of The Duck River or hiking to the mesmerizing Stillhouse Hollow Falls. Take a drive down the Natchez Trace Parkway. Many people bike our beautiful back roads and if you are adventurous and like to jump with your bike, you will enjoy Chickasaw Park. Another adventure to get your heart rate up out of excitement is booking one of the ATV trails at Fisher’s Off Road. They will take you out in Maury County to see beautiful farmland, waterfalls, and historic homes. In addition, one trail takes you to one of our finest wineries Amber Falls. Many different options something for all ages. After a day filled with exploration, it is time to satisfy your appetite. Maury County boasts an array of dining options that highlight the best of Southern cuisine. For an authentic experience, make your way to Puckett’s or Campbell Station Country Store Restaurant. If you prefer an elevated dining experience, consider River Terrace, Buck & Board, or Southern Tré Steakhouse. For casual fare, Square Market, McCreary’s Irish Pub, Papa Boudreaux’s Cajun Café, Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery, Mt. Pleasant Grille and Mama Mila’s abound. This is just a few of the many restaurants available. In Maury County, Tennessee, you will discover a world of history, culture, and natural beauty, all wrapped in Southern charm. A destination promises a taste of the real Tennessee experience. Come and explore Maury County - it is waiting to welcome you warmly.
- Day Trip: Columbia to Hampshire Natchez Wine Trail
Come experience our Natchez Trace Wine Trail VIP Tour! This experience is the best way to experience a taste of Tennessee wine country! The tour will begin at Grinder's Switch Winery's tasting room in Columbia, TN where guests will enjoy a tasting of all of the available wines. From there, guests will load up on the bus and head out to Hampshire ( we like to call it Napa Hollow!) where you will enjoy not only samples of their wines but also VIP perks like tank room tours, private tastings and more at Amber Falls Winery, Natchez Hills Winery and Keg Springs Winery before heading back to Columbia. We will have snacks and drinks on the bus including a personal mini charcuterie box for each guest just in case you get a little hungry on the trip. You also have the option of adding on a boxed lunch for your trip! At the end of the tour, guests will receive their very own Natchez Trace Wine Trail wine glass! The tour will take approximately 6 hours. Price includes transportation, tasting fees, snacks and drinks (on the bus) and gratuity for your driver and bartenders. You must be 21 or older to take this experience and guests will be carded. We do have a minimum guest count that we must achieve before this tour date will be confirmed. However, your money will be refunded should we not reach our minimum. Looking for a private tour for only you and your friends? Email Sherri@GSWinery.com to book a totally private VIP tour. If the tour is sold out or not available when you are here you are always welcome to visit each of the wineries on your own. Each stop you can shop in their gift shops, and have a tasting. If you like, purchase a bottle or two. Enjoy the views of the vineyards. Most weekends they have live music on the porch sit outside and enjoy great wine, live music, and nature. Sometimes, they also will have a food truck. Grinder's Switch Winery 510 North Garden St. Suite D, Columbia, TN, United States, 38401 Address (931) 729-3690 Mobile info@gswinery.com ; gswinery.com Grinder's Switch wine poured into a glass Amber Falls Winery and Vineyard 794 Ridgetop Rd, Hampshire, TN, United States, 38461 Address (931) 285-0088 Mobile wine@amberfallswinery.com ; amberfallswinery.com Entrance to Amber Falls Winery In addition to wineries in Hampshire, TN you can enjoy other things to do in Maury County. Check out the The Columbia Factory, downtown Columbia, Spring Hill or Mt. Pleasant. We have something for everyone from history to kayaking to hiking and all the great things between. Factory at Columbia full of restaurants, boutiques, antiques and more Imagine over sixty years ago, the building hummed with the buzz of sewing machines and production as one of the largest shirt factories in Southern Tennessee. Now fast forward to find this incredible 71,000 sq. ft. industrial facility converted to its present-day grandeur with the original steel windows and doors, an outside deck for music and entertainment, eateries, gift shops, specialty tea, a boutique resale shop, and so much more. There is ample parking, and you can expect the unexpected at the Factory from music on Saturdays to rare antiques and treasures of all kinds every day of the week. Plan your day at the Factory at Columbia and experience our amazing retail and dining options. Natchez Hills Vineyard Owners Jim and Karen Odom, having grown up in coastal Mississippi and California respectively, have brought together their histories and passions to establish Natchez Hills Winery and Vineyard--a small, family owned and operated boutique winery nestled in the hills of Middle Tennessee wine country. Having cultivated a love of both wine and travel during their 20+ years with the US Air Force and corporate sector, Jim and Karen were inspired to create a unique and local experience combining their passions of old-world style wine, music, and bringing people together. At its core, Natchez Hills was born from a vision to create a first-class, local destination where people from all over the world can enjoy the best of what Middle Tennessee has to offer and leave with new memories and lasting stories. Now, with two locations, the Natchez Hills family continues to elevate the local Tennessee wine experience--bringing together the staples of southern culture, original music, and European, old-world charm. Amber Falls Winery Judy and Tim purchased the Lewis County property in 2003 with the intention of building and opening a christian retreat center. As things worked out the retreat center did not happen and a beautiful vineyard and winery developed. The first vines, Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc, were planted in 2005. For the next 3 years, several thousand more vines were planted as the vineyard expanded. The winery tasting room opened in March of 2008 and the community has never been the same. Travelers and wine lovers from every state and many international countries have discovered Hampshire and Amber Falls Winery & Cellars. Award winning wines, live music, fundraising events, food trucks, television specials, magazine articles and more have brought attention to this wonderful community and the people and families living and working here. In 2019, Amber Falls Winery Tasting Room - Nashville was opened. The outstanding Satellite Room and Wine Bar introduced the wonders of Amber Falls Winery to a much larger audience. It has been wonderful to see how, over the years, our community has grown and thousands across the world have been able to experience and enjoy the specialness of Amber Falls Winery & Cellars and join our community of family and friends. Keg Springs Winery
- Exhilarating adventure at Fisher’s Off-Road offers gorgeous views, creeks, waterfalls, and more
Listen to the splashing sound when the tires hit the water, as you enjoy the exhilarating trip through the hills of Middle Tennessee offered by Fisher’s Off-Road Rentals. The journey includes scenic creek beds, rock cliffs with caves, waterfalls, wildlife, wineries and local history. Brian Fisher, president of Fisher’s Off-Road, invites you to hit the dirt roads and experience an unforgettable day filled with excitement, beautiful nature and history. Bring your family and friends – the reviews show that everyone, from 8 to 95, who’s taken the tour has loved the adventure, said Brian. Fisher's Off-Road Rentals is a family owned and operated business launched by Brian and his wife, Melissa. Brian, Melissa, their sons, Tyler and Brady, and daughter, Briana, have been a part of the off-road community for more than 20 years. They’ve spent their lives traveling, riding and filming for their national television show, Fisher’s ATV World, at off-road parks and trail systems all over the country to allow viewers to experience off-roading. Now, they’re offering these experiences to you. Fisher’s Off-Road Rentals opened to the public in 2020. “Fisher’s Off-Road was originally a television show for more than 20 years, called Fisher’s ATV World,” Brian said. “My wife, Melissa, and I traveled the world doing this and promoting other people. We did a lot of this for tourism and for off-road parks. We realized what we had here, the beauty in our own backyard, was just incredible. We thought, ‘We’ve been doing this all over the world, let’s share our own Middle Tennessee beauty with folks and do this for ourselves.’ And we launched Fisher’s Off-Road Rentals. We opened in January 2020. We had a soft opening for a year. Friends, family, media, other off-road parks and rental agencies came and took the tour, and we polished it and made it a full experience before we opened to the public.” Not only will visitors find adventure but they will find helpful and pleasant staff to guide them. “When guests get to our facility, they have great customer service – we greet everybody with a smile,” Brian said. “We take care of visitors – we know some guests have a little bit of jitters because a lot of the people that come to do the tours have never done this before. They come and don’t know what to expect, and they’re a little nervous. The first thing to do is to get them laughing, smiling and enjoying themselves, and fill them in on what they’re going to experience over the next several hours. We have a driver’s meeting that brings them up to speed on the vehicle and what they’re going to experience.” The tour is set up like a rollercoaster, said Brian. “It starts up with getting you familiar with the vehicle, then 20 minutes into it, you have a little bit more challenges, a little bit more fun, a little bit more dirt and in-the-middle-of-nowhere roads. Then you start getting into some creek crossings, and you come to a cave after an hour. You get a chance to drive the machine for an hour and you get out and experience some beautiful Middle Tennessee creeks and caves and then you drive for another 45 minutes. You’re going to have 20 to 30 creek crossings; you’re going to have waterfalls and all kinds of farming animals and wildlife. You never know what you’re going to see out there. So we get them out there in the middle of nowhere, and it’s amazing. Hickman County has over 800 miles of dirt roads and people get to experience that. It’s kind of like Dukes of Hazzard with some spice and flavor.” Guides help make the experience exciting and enjoyable, providing direction and historical background. "You drive clean, new equipment and have expert guides,” Brian said. “We have two-way radios in all our vehicles. Our guide communicates with everybody in the vehicle when they’re driving, so they get history and, also, they get a coaching lesson. The guide will tell them, ‘Here you have water crossing and might be a little deep, and here’s what you want to do.’ Guides coach people how to drive and what to do.” You will love the adventure, even if you’ve never had an off-roading journey and you’re a little nervous. “People looking at Fisher’s Off-Road and the tours may not think they can do it, but if you can drive a car, you can come out and do this,” Brian said. “It’s one of the most exhilarating experiences a lot of people will ever do in their lives. It doesn’t matter how old you are. We had a gentleman recently with three boys that were teenagers, and they said that was one of the coolest things they’ve ever done. We have heard the same thing from an 87-year-old guest, who came here to celebrate his birthday and drove a side-by-side vehicle and hit those creek crossings.” For more information about Fisher’s Off-Road Rentals, 3500 Marlowe Rd, Williamsport, Tennessee, visit www.fishersoffroadrentals.com.
- Progressive Lunch Tour: Tour of James K. Polk Home, Memorial Building, Athenaeum, & Rippa Villa
Tour Type: Progressive Lunch Tour - Tour of James K. Polk home, Memorial Building, Athenaeum, and Rippa Villa Cost: $75 per person Call: (931) 375-4102 10:00 am - Arrive in Columbia at the Maury County Visitor Bureau (302 W. 7th Street, Columbia, TN) parking lot is across from the Polk Home. Restrooms are available at the adjoining Visitors Center. Your step-on guide will join you here. The phone number is 931-993-3286 in case you need to call on your way. 10:15 am - Walk across the street to Tour the ancestral home of the 11th President of the United States, James K. Polk.* Your group will be intrigued with just what impact this little-known President had on the landscape of our country. A slide show, museum exhibits, gift shop, and tour of the home, detached kitchen, and gardens make an information-packed tour. Enjoy tasty appetizers in the courtyard or the primitive kitchen on the grounds. (Assorted cheese, pimento cheese, crackers, mini-quiches, fruit tea, or water) 11:30 - Walk across the street to the Historic Memorial Building, 308 W. 7th Street, Columbia, TN 38401 Enjoy a full buffet meal which includes baked ham, fried chicken, green beans, corn pudding, sweet potatoes, rolls, sweet and unsweet iced tea, coffee or water. 12:30 pm - Depart for The Athenaeum.* 808 Athenaeum St, Columbia, TN 38401 12:45 pm - Tour the Historic Athenaeum in Columbia, Tennessee. All that remains of two famous girl schools that flourished in the area from the 1830s until the Great Depression. Built in 1837, the Athenaeum served as the rectory for these two schools and was occupied by the same family for over 130 years. Enjoy southern dessert, iced tea, coffee, or water on the covered back porches. 1:45 pm - Depart for Rippavilla Plantation*. 5700 Main Street, Spring Hill, TN 37174 2:15 pm - Your tour of this magnificent antebellum mansion will begin. Built in the 1850s by Major Nathaniel Cheairs, who served as a major in the 3rd Tennessee Infantry during the Civil War. This home is noted for its beauty, history, and romantic love story which broke a long family tradition. During the war, the Battle of Spring Hill unfolded across the property on November 29, 1864. In addition to enjoying this beautiful home, you can walk the gardens outside. 4:00 pm - End your tour of Maury County at Rippa Villa 302 West 7th Street * Columbia, Tennessee 38401 * 931-375-4102 * rlance@maurycounty-tn.gov * experiencemaury.com
- Experience Maury's Outdoor Adventure
Create everlasting memories and connect with your family and friends when you experience the back roads, rivers and parks of Maury County together. Get away from the ordinary activities and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Get ready for an outdoor journey. Feel the sun on your face and the wind in your hair and listen to the sounds of the river flowing in the rocky landscape in the forest. Outdoor adventures await you in Maury County. The area offers a variety of experiences that will bring you closer to nature, from hiking and kayaking to fishing and off-road adventures. Erin Jaggers, tourism director for Maury County, Tennessee, invites you to experience Maury County. Jaggers encourages Maury County residents and visitors to appreciate the beautiful nature of the area. “We love to kayak the Duck River or float on tubes,” Jaggers said. “However, we recently went to Fisher’s Off-Road. They have several different guided tours on ATVs thru backroads, water, scenic views, and along the way, your guides tell you the history of the area. Our family had a blast on the tour. In addition, you cannot beat driving the back roads of Maury County – down the Natchez Trace and hiking to several waterfalls.” Hit the back country roads Travel the back country roads of Maury County. See the wildlife and hear the tires hit the creeks. Fisher's Off-Road Rentals is a family owned business operated by Brian and his wife, Melissa, who have been a part of the off-road community for more than 20 years. They’ve spent years traveling, riding and filming for their national television show, Fisher’s ATV World. The show allows viewers to experience trips to off-road parks and trail systems all over the country. Fisher’s Off-Road Rentals opened to the public in 2020 and now offers these exciting trips to you. Experience an unforgettable day filled with delight and beautiful nature. The journey includes scenic creek beds, rock cliffs with caves, waterfalls, wildlife, wineries and local history. Biking, hiking, kayaking, fishing Head to Chickasaw Trace Park for hiking, kayaking or fishing. Take in the splendor of the Duck River or its tributary Knob Creek. Chickasaw Trace Park is a 240-acre park welcoming you to experience nature. Chickasaw Trace Park offers mountain bike trails, a pump and jump track, boat ramp, radio control flying field and radio control car track. Chickasaw Trace Park invites mountain bikers of any level to enjoy the trails. The Columbia Cycling Club maintains an “outstanding mountain bike course with 9.2 miles of single track.” Several race events are held at the park, including weekly group rides, the Jailbreak Triathlon, the Chickasaw Trace Classic, the Duck River Trail Run and the Scarecrow Century. Listen to the water falling Stillhouse Hollow Falls is a 90-acre state natural area in Maury County. Hike the trails and appreciate the beauty of the natural area on the Western Highland Rim in the Duck River watershed. Listen to the water plunging 75 feet as you’re surrounded with a canopy of sugar maples, sycamores, oaks and hickories. Stillhouse Hollow Falls was designated a state natural area in 2006. The name of the area comes from its most significant feature, Stillhouse Hollow Falls, which can be seen by walking less than a mile along the Stillhouse Hollow Falls trail. The trail crosses a stream, forming scenic cascades before dropping about 75 feet over the falls. Stay at Forest Gully Farms When you’re ready to relax after a day of exploring Maury County’s nature, unwind at Forest Gully Farms. Jon and Mandy Giffin own and operate Forest Gully Farms, an “experiment in sustainable living, built around the goal of living off the land.” “On our farm, we strive for a balance in diversity with our plantings,” the owners said. “We work with the whole system to produce a holistic edible ecosystem…Using methods from both permaculture and food forestry, we hope to keep a self-sustaining ecosystem using our plants, trees, animals and bees.” The farm includes a vegetable garden, orchard and chickens, providing a unique experience to guests. When you rent a night, you get all three huts, constructed of white cedar, and you can enjoy the 15-acre farm, which will be a perfect ending to a day of outdoor adventure.
- Day Trip: Historic Churches and Mt. Pleasant
This day trip will take you on a tour of four incredible historic churches in Maury County with time for lunch at the Mount Pleasant Grille.
- History Tours in Maury County
Step into the past and learn fascinating stories when you visit Maury County, Tennessee. Museums, battlefields and antebellum homes will take you on a tour of earlier periods. Erin Jaggers, tourism director for Maury County, invites you to experience history. “The history in Maury County is unmatched,” Jaggers said, encouraging guests to learn about the past and to take pleasure in visiting historic landmarks. Historic Elm Springs, James K. Polk home, Rippavilla Plantation and Spring Hill Battlefield are just a few of the interesting destinations in Maury County. “Elm Springs was built in 1837 and will definitely take you back in time,” Jaggers said. “This home is one of the few that has retained its historical integrity throughout the years.” President of the Maury County Historical Society Eric Previti said, “Maury County is the antebellum home capital of the State of Tennessee.” “We have more antebellum homes that remained in this county than anywhere else,” Previti said. “An antebellum home is any structure built before the war between the states. Elm Springs was built in 1837. It’s located on the Old Stage Road that led from Pulaski to Franklin.” Elm Springs is “Maury County’s premier tourist attraction,” said Previti. The two-story, brick house was built in the Greek Revival style and is located at 2357 Park Plus Dr., Columbia. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The Sons of Confederate Veterans purchased the home in 1992, and it has served as the organization’s international headquarters since then. A new museum was recently built on the property. This new building houses the National Confederate Museum and the offices of the headquarters, “allowing the house to return to being a true historic site, open for tours and rentals.” “Elm Springs was built in 1837 by Maury County’s master homebuilder, Nathan Vaught,” said Previti. “When guests visit this large antebellum home, they will see nine-foot-tall mirrors in the hallways. When the house was built, the hallway was the largest in Maury County. Visitors will see a beautiful home. When you come here, we will tell you the story of the families that lived in the home. We will tell you about the two brothers that had the house built for their sister, Sarah.” The home was built by James and Nathaniel Dick, cotton merchants from New Orleans. “They built the house for their sister Sarah (Todd) and her husband, Christopher. During the war between the states, the younger daughter of (Sarah and Christopher), Susan, and her husband, Abraham Looney, who was attorney and Tennessee State Senator, occupied the house,” Previti said. The home is located on the same property as the National Confederate Museum, which is another great tourist attraction in Maury County, added Previti. Visiting historic places in Maury County will bring your family together and create opportunities for interesting conversations. “We want everyone to come see all the sites in Maury County and spend time with us in Columbia and Mount Pleasant,” Previti said. “We hope people see the other homes, too.” He encouraged visitors to also go to the Athenaeum Rectory, the James K. Polk home and Rippavilla Plantation. “We’d like people to come and make an entire weekend,” he said. “Visit with us at Elm Springs and learn about the home and the family. Spend some time downtown and go to the other homes. Maury County is the fastest growing county in Tennessee right now, and we are excited to have visitors to come see us. We love tourists. We love to tell visitors our stories, and we love to preserve history – that’s what we are about.” The Athenaeum Rectory in Columbia is “all that remains of two famous girl schools that flourished in the area from the 1830s until the Great Depression. Built in 1837, the Athenaeum served as the rectory for these two schools and was occupied by the same family for over 130 years.” Today, the Athenaeum is a museum, welcoming visitors to tour it. Learn about James K. Polk and his family when you enter the James K. Polk home. Built in 1816, the home is the only surviving residence of James K. Polk, other than the White House, and one of the best examples of Federal-style architecture in Tennessee. Rippavilla Plantation, located in Spring Hill, is a Greek Revival home, built in the 1850s by Nat Cheairs, who served as a major during the Civil War. During the war, the Battle of Spring Hill unfolded across the property on Nov. 29, 1864.