Image via Pixabay It's that time of year when road trips are at the top of the list of things to do. When you live in Morrison, there is a long list of places you can go visit, allowing for a fun road trip. more McMinnville McMinnville is just a hop and a skip away from Morrison and offers several things to do such as taking a tour of the Falcon Rest Mansion & Gardens. Built in 1896, the southern mansion captures the essence of the time. Take in the beauty of each room filled with period antiques then stroll through the manicured gardens. Stop by the gift shop for a souvenir then head to the Victorian Tea Room for food and refreshments. The mansion is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also in McMinnville, Cumberland Caverns offers 32 miles of beautiful underground landscape. As you begin the walking tour of the U.S. National Landmark, you'll see underground waterfalls, stunning rock formations, and quiet pools along the way. The caverns are open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nashville A visit to Music City opens the door to a variety of sights and sounds for all ages. For the music lover, you'll want to put the Grand Ole Opry on your list and make your way to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Visit ancient Greece at Centennial Park where the full-scale replica of The Parthenon resides. Other Nashville points of interest include The Hermitage, which is a beautiful display of Greek Revival architecture and home to President Jackson. Kids will enjoy spending the day at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere where they'll see wildlife from around the world. After a day of fun, light up the night with a visit to Tootsies Orchid Lounge for live music, food, and beverages. Chattanooga Chattanooga has things to do above and below ground. For a view from the top, Lookout Mountain is a visual wonderland of beauty with caves and trails throughout the Civil War battle site. Get focused and take a memorable pic of 145-foot Ruby Falls. The Tennessee Aquarium is a fine example of what you want an aquarium to be with its focus above and below the water. Get an up-close look at denizens of the deep such as sharks, jellyfish, assorted freshwater fish, river otters, and much more. Watch the penguins as they enjoy the day in and out of the water and colorful frogs leaping from leaf to leaf. Sit in on one of the daily animal programs and learn about lemurs, alligators, and turtles then participate in a creature close-up animal encounter. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Townsend A little further south, but worth the drive, are the Tuckaleechee Caverns. Step down into the cool recesses of the caverns with their unusual formations. Tour the underground network with a guide leading the way through ancient passageways and see a stunning double waterfall. Absorb the peace and quiet while walking the same passages that moonshiners would tread. The caverns are open seven days a week with seasonal tours available March 15 through Nov. 15. No matter which route you take from Morrison, all roads lead to fun and excitement. Image via Pixabay
Image “Cumberland Caverns/Bluegrass Underground” by Gamma Man There is plenty of adventure to be had when you're in Warren County. From going to an underground cave to explore, to getting out in nature, these are the best outdoor adventures in Warren County. Cumberland Caverns Cumberland Caverns has over 32 miles of underground passageways and caves to explore. You'll also see beautiful pools, waterfalls, and stunning rock formations all underground. Every day they offer walking tours that leave on the hour. You'll be given a helmet and helmet light before you get into the cave so you're safe. People of various activity levels can do the daily walking tours, as no climbing or crawling is required. It's recommended to wear a light jacket and closed-toe tennis shoes. more You can also choose to go on adventure tours which go through the wild parts of the cave. Participants can expect to climb over rocks, ladders, and on their hands and knees. You can even sign up for an overnight adventure trip to extend the fun. The caverns are open year round (with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day) with hours from 9 am to 5 pm. The caverns are located 17 miles northeast of the town of Morrison. Rock Island State Park Rock Island State Park is located 26 miles northeast from Morrison and is an 883-acre park. This sits on the Center Hill Lake headwaters that go into Collin's River, Rocky River, and Caney Fork. Visitors can also visit the Great Falls Dam at the Caney Fork Gorge. From these overlooks, some of the most beautiful views are seen from the Eastern Highland Rim. A 19th-century cotton textile mill is located at the Great Falls that was in use over a century ago. The area became a start park in Tennessee in 1969. While you're at Rock Island State Park, you'll find plenty of activities to do. You can take your boat on the launch ramp to go on the lake to enjoy a day on the water. Kayakers and canoers will also enjoy the white water, although they're for experienced paddlers only. In the warm weather, swimming is a popular activity on the lake (but be advised no lifeguards are present). Nine hiking trails are also available in the area for those who would prefer walking or running. Riverfront Park Located 10 miles northeast from Morrison, there's an activity for everyone to do at Riverfront Park in McMinnville. The park has picnic areas, restrooms, a playground, fishing piers, boat docks, a volleyball court, ramp access, and a pavilion. The pavilion can hold up to 80 people and has charcoal grills in addition to restrooms, making it a great place to entertain for the afternoon. Children of all ages are able to enjoy the Riverfront Park when they're there. You're able to access the park throughout the year from dawn to dusk. You'll love how much there is to do in Warren County when you're in the mood for an adventure. Image “ Cumberland Caverns/Bluegrass Underground” by Gamma Man, used under CC BY 2.0
Image “Alabama (See Seven States)” by rmkoske, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 With its small-town atmosphere and laid-back lifestyle, Morrison is a great destination for people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Besides an authentic experience of rural life, the town also provides easy access to many famous places of interest. As such, it's a popular base for road trips around central Tennessee. Enjoy a fun road trip to these attractions around Morrison. more Nashville Located about 76 miles northwest of Morrison, Nashville is the capital of and largest city in Tennessee. Nicknamed Music City, it's home to numerous music-related attractions, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, Grand Ole Opry, The George Jones, RCA Studio B, and the legendary Honky Tonk Highway. If you're a history buff, make sure you check out the Tennessee State Museum, Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, Battle of Franklin Trust, and the Belle Meade Plantation. In addition, you can learn how world-famous Tennessee whiskeys are made at the Jack Daniel Distillery and the George Dickel Distillery, satisfy your passion for cars at the National Corvette Museum and Lane Motor Museum and enjoy great family fun at the Nashville Zoo and Wave Country. Rock City Gardens Rock City Gardens is situated on Lookout Mountain in Georgia, which is about 80 miles southeast of Morrison. This place offers a unique nature bonding experience and some of the most breathtaking views in the state. It features massive ancient rock formations, beautiful gardens with more than 400 native plant species, a 100-foot waterfall, and a vantage point where you can see seven different states. Some of the interesting activities you can do in the park include hiking on the Enchanted Trail, exploring the magical Fairyland Caverns, and visiting Mother Goose Village. Rock City Gardens opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 4 to 8 p.m., depending on the time of the year. Admission fees are $19.95 for adults and $11.95 for children 3 to 12 years old. Combo tickets for Rock City, Incline Railway, and Ruby Falls cost $49.90 for adults and $27.90 for children. Cumberland Caverns If you don't want to travel too far, you can visit Cumberland Caverns in nearby McMinnville. Designated a National Natural Landmark, this magnificent show cave is one of the longest caves in Tennessee. It features some of the most spectacular formations and largest underground rooms in North America, as well as crystal-clear pools, waterfalls, and a three-quarter-ton chandelier. Besides amazing geological features, you'll also see a 19th-century saltpeter mine and a fabulous underground pageant of light and sound during your tour. Cumberland Caverns is located about 20 miles northeast of Morrison. It's open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily walking tours are available every hour on the hour. Going on one of these road trips around Morrison is a great way to unwind, explore attractions, and enjoy the ride on the open road. You'll be treating yourself and your passengers to spectacular memories that you'll remember always. Image “ Alabama (See Seven States)” by rmkoske, used under CC BY-SA 2.0
