McMinnville Stay Guidebook
Beautiful TN Spots
Not in the mood for long hikes? These are some of our favorite destinations that offer beautiful views and sightseeing from your vehicle or a short walk from parking.
So much to see even just driving around the park, and several points within a short walk of parking on both sides of the river. Grab a park map at the visitors center for more detail.
109 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Rock Island State Park
82 Beach RdSo much to see even just driving around the park, and several points within a short walk of parking on both sides of the river. Grab a park map at the visitors center for more detail.
This spot is right off highway 70 (there are signs on the road) just a few miles outside of Sparta eastbound. There are limited parking spots so aim to grab one early to watch the sunset.
Sunset Rock
4581-5047 Bockman WayThis spot is right off highway 70 (there are signs on the road) just a few miles outside of Sparta eastbound. There are limited parking spots so aim to grab one early to watch the sunset.
If you're not in the mood for hiking, this park offers plenty of fantastic views from you vehicle, or a short walk from parking (including the main falls). Also plenty of other activities like golf, playground, boating, etc.
205 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-State Park yase-Fall Creek Falls
2009 Village Camp RdIf you're not in the mood for hiking, this park offers plenty of fantastic views from you vehicle, or a short walk from parking (including the main falls). Also plenty of other activities like golf, playground, boating, etc.
A view of the falls can be seen a short walk from the parking area, and a short trail will also take you down the base which we would highly recommend.
34 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Eziko Lwezokuhlala lweFoster Falls
498 Foster Falls RdA view of the falls can be seen a short walk from the parking area, and a short trail will also take you down the base which we would highly recommend.
I-Cumberland Caverns
1437 Cumberland Caverns RdOld Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
732 Stone Fort DrLost Creek Falls and Cave
White's Cave Road0.2 mile trail to the falls
Dinner Spots
McMinnville isn't known for fine dining, but these are some of our favorite spots to grab dinner while in town. Most serve lunch as well.
Classic McMinnville spot. Excellent fried chicken. We recommend the classic "bone in" chicken vs. the tenders.
Chicken Chef
1020 Smithville HighwayClassic McMinnville spot. Excellent fried chicken. We recommend the classic "bone in" chicken vs. the tenders.
Nelos Mexican Restaurante
Excellent authentic food.
Fun little bar and grill right on the river.
34 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Smooth Rapids Outfitters
245 Durham StFun little bar and grill right on the river.
Our go-to dinner spot. Woodfire style pizza, burgers wonderful plates and great beer right downtown.
Begonias
Our go-to dinner spot. Woodfire style pizza, burgers wonderful plates and great beer right downtown.
Collins River BBQ & Cafe
117 E Main StFun BBQ spot downtown.
Excellent food. Currently in a good truck just a mile from the house, but soon to open downtown!
Helen's Restaurant
Excellent food. Currently in a good truck just a mile from the house, but soon to open downtown!
Outdoor Adventure: Hike, Float, Climb, etc
These are our favorite spots for more intensive outdoor adventures all of which are highly rewarding and showcase the beauty found in TN that made us fall in love with the area!
In addition to some great sightseeing from your car, there are miles of beautiful trails to hike at this park including several waterfalls and bluff views along the way. Also there are backcountry campsites for longer hikes.
205 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-State Park yase-Fall Creek Falls
2009 Village Camp RdIn addition to some great sightseeing from your car, there are miles of beautiful trails to hike at this park including several waterfalls and bluff views along the way. Also there are backcountry campsites for longer hikes.
This park is MASSIVE with endless hiking trails (including backcountry camping) and includes multiple areas not all geographically connected: Greeter Falls, Ranger Falls, Foster Falls, Stone Door, The Fiery Gizzard, Savage Gulf, etc.
57 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
South Cumberland State Park
11745 US-41This park is MASSIVE with endless hiking trails (including backcountry camping) and includes multiple areas not all geographically connected: Greeter Falls, Ranger Falls, Foster Falls, Stone Door, The Fiery Gizzard, Savage Gulf, etc.
This state park may be on the smaller side but there is so much to do here: hike, boat, kayak, grill, fish, camp, sightsee etc. If you are up for a very challenging yet short hike, the Blue Hole trail is a must, although extremely steep so watch your footing and take your time!
109 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Rock Island State Park
82 Beach RdThis state park may be on the smaller side but there is so much to do here: hike, boat, kayak, grill, fish, camp, sightsee etc. If you are up for a very challenging yet short hike, the Blue Hole trail is a must, although extremely steep so watch your footing and take your time!
Not only is there a bar and grill, but they offer transportation and rentals for river floats plus campsites on their property.
34 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Smooth Rapids Outfitters
245 Durham StNot only is there a bar and grill, but they offer transportation and rentals for river floats plus campsites on their property.
Lost Creek Falls and Cave
White's Cave RoadShort Mountain Disc Golf
Tours offered including some challenging routes!
80 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Cumberland Caverns
1437 Cumberland Caverns RdTours offered including some challenging routes!
Legendary Trail, but 13 miles end to end so plan accordingly! Backcountry camping is available.
Fiery Gizzard Trail
Legendary Trail, but 13 miles end to end so plan accordingly! Backcountry camping is available.
This is where you can park for the Bigbee River Trail, a short, easy trail 2.2 miles out and back that follows the river. Great for trail running. From the parking area head downhill toward the river down Cedar St. and the entrance is downhill at the end of the clearing in the field. Rocket Park is the other end of the trail with a boat ramp.
Ramsey Park
This is where you can park for the Bigbee River Trail, a short, easy trail 2.2 miles out and back that follows the river. Great for trail running. From the parking area head downhill toward the river down Cedar St. and the entrance is downhill at the end of the clearing in the field. Rocket Park is the other end of the trail with a boat ramp.
Breakfast Spots
Lovely breakfast spot right downtown. Not open every day of the week so check hours online first.
10 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cumberland Biscuit Company
114 W Main StLovely breakfast spot right downtown. Not open every day of the week so check hours online first.
Classic diner style southern breakfast. A time warp in the best way possible. They also serve lunch and dinner.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Foutch Restaurant
1127 Sparta StClassic diner style southern breakfast. A time warp in the best way possible. They also serve lunch and dinner.
Tammy's Market
Excellent breakfast sandwiches that are easy on the wallet.
C and K donuts
513 N Chancery StWaffle House
An American classic just down the road.
Coffee Shop / Wifi Hangs
Comfortable little coffee shop right downtown with some baked goodies as well. Check hours as they typically close in the afternoon.
The Vanilla Bean Baking Co.
224 E Main StComfortable little coffee shop right downtown with some baked goodies as well. Check hours as they typically close in the afternoon.
Good spot to hang with wifi to also grab a coffee or sandwich.
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Topz Frozen Yogurt & Metro Deli
104 W Main StGood spot to hang with wifi to also grab a coffee or sandwich.
Quick Bites
Our GO-TO quick food spot in town. Excellent authentic Mexican food truck with a fun outdoor dining area.
Flor de Mayo
Our GO-TO quick food spot in town. Excellent authentic Mexican food truck with a fun outdoor dining area.
This place is such a time warp in the best way possible. Great simple affordable breakfast sandwiches and burgers. Plus nearby a put in point for the Barren Fork River.
Tammy's Market
This place is such a time warp in the best way possible. Great simple affordable breakfast sandwiches and burgers. Plus nearby a put in point for the Barren Fork River.
Depot Bottom Old Country Store
215 Bridge StReally fun little spot with southern classics.
Rainy Day?
Much of what we love about the area is connected to the outdoors, and we've set up the house to be a cozy place to hang out on cold or rainy days, but if you're wanting to get out of the house here are a few spots to check out indoors.
Pioneer Lanes
Fun little bowling alley. Ask the staff about Sammy the ghost!
the vintage market
208 E Main StBlack History Museum
McMinnville Civic Center
500 Garfield StJack Daniel's Distillery Visitor Center
133 Lynchburg HwyIsha Institute of Inner Sciences
951 Isha LaneFalcon Rest Mansion & Gardens
2645 Faulkner Springs RdI-Short Mountain Distillery
8280 Short Mountain Rd