Things to do in Hohenwald TN

This post on Things to do in Hohenwald TN is sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A few weeks ago, the seasons finally shifted. Summer switched to fall and the air in Tennessee turned crisp and chilly. When this happens, all locals head to the mountains or the country for a weekend away.

This very thing happened to my husband and me and we decided to leave the busy city and head to quiet and quaint Hohenwald for a couple’s fall getaway. Only an hour and a half outside Nashville, Hohenwald is a town that’s known for being relaxing and off the grid. When you walk down the street, literally everybody knows your name and your life story.

We enjoyed our weekend here so much, I’m excited to share with you all there is to do during a weekend getaway to Hohenwald, TN!

EAT

Smokie’s Butcher Shop – Who doesn’t love bacon and meat? This butcher shop smells heavenly and you can smell the goodness as soon as you step onto the main street. Stop in for a fresh deli sandwich!

Hank’s Family Diner – Stop in for a cup of coffee and chat with the locals in this recently renovated space. The tea is sweet, coffee is hot and the food is delicious!

Junk Yard Dog Steak House – If you want a delicious steak dinner, Junk Yard Dog is where you go. The owners worked in the Nashville restaurant business for years and decided to open their own place away from the city. This spot is a local favorite because it was packed out when we stopped in for lunch. The Ragin’ Cajun’ steak was a favorite; the steak has a spicy butter than melts onto the steak and into your mouth!

Lewis & Clarke’s – The outside of this restaurant has beautiful murals of Lewis & Clarke that are so wonderfully done. Stop by for their American cuisine and a cold drink. They also had a great beer garden!

DO

Lewis County Museum of Natural History – Start your visit to the town with a history lesson. Did you know the county is named after Meriwether Lewis of Lewis & Clark fame? To learn the history of this town and check out the extensive wildlife collection of the eccentric Maddox family.

Lewis County Chamber of Commerce – This old train station depot has been converted into a welcome center and gift shop. You can pick up some pamphlets on what to do in the area and shop pieces from local artisans.

The Oktober Heritage Festival – The weekend we visited was the annual festival where Hohenwald celebrates its German and Swiss roots. There’s food trucks, live music, street vendors, a car show, big rigs, a marketplace and much more! It was so much fun being outside and wandering around and exploring the town. We especially loved the marketplace because you could buy baked goods (I got the best cinnamon rolls), see locals saw wood and shop handmade items like toys and brooms. There were also booths where you could walk around and learn more about the green initiatives happening in the area.

A lot of residents are off the grid and homesteaders are popping up all over the county. Lewis County is doing a great job making sure residents are caring for the environment and living off the land they have. The town is also very proud of their history and the residents wear many hats. You could be talking to a teacher by day, a pastor by the weekend and historical society president by night!

More Things to do in Hohenwald TN

The Elephant Discovery Center – Pass the elephant made of tires and visit the discovery center. A few miles away there’s an elephant sanctuary that was founded in 1995. It’s grown to be one of the nation’s largest natural habitat refuge for African and Asian elephants. Most of the elephants were born in the wild but have lived their lives at the zoo or circus. The sanctuary gives them the companionship of a herd and the space to roam and thrive in their retirement. When you go inside there are screens live-streaming the elephants as well as exhibits about these animals.

DRINK

Keg Springs Winery – Lewis County is also home to some great Tennessee wineries. The first stop is the award-winning Keg Springs! The views are remarkable, the live music is exceptional and the wine is divine. Split a bottle with friends and enjoy the view and live music on their side porch. They also have some fun gifts inside if you have any friends or family members who love wine. Also, make sure you say hi to their winery dog! You’ll want to take the sweet pup home.

Amber Falls Winery – Drive up to Hampshire for Amber Falls. We got to take a tour of the winemaking process there and learn all about their peach tea (aka grown-up peach juice) and the wines their offer. They also had an underground tasting room, which I didn’t see in any of the other wineries we visited. They have outdoor seating and live music on Saturdays. You can buy wine by the glass but you can have a tasting and purchase a bottle to enjoy the music. They also just opened a tasting room in Opry Mills Mall!

Natchez Hills Winery – Not only is this a beautiful wedding venue (they were hosting one when we visited) but the winery itself is gorgeous. Nestled in the trees, the building is surrounded by lush greenery, wood detailing, chandeliers, and pretty flowers. They also have a tasting area at the Nashville Farmer’s Market.

SHOP

Sparky & Ringo’s – The boutique is off the main street and is named after the owner’s two dogs. Here you can find men and women’s clothing and accessories. I especially loved all their fun graphic tees for fall and football season!

Janet’s – If you need a dress for any occasion, Janet’s is the place to go. I wish I had a special occasion because they were in the middle of their annual sale and dresses were 50% off! There were so many fabulous deals.

All Around Southern Mercantile – Stop here for a pumpkin, mums or some truly unique home décor. Their inventory goes quickly and you’ll never find the same piece twice. Take your time, look around and bring home someone of a kind treasure!

If you’re looking for charm, friendly locals, and lots of good food and wine, Hohenwald is the place to be. The autumn is a great time to visit and the drive is easy with pretty fall foliage. It’s also great having homemade cinnamon rolls in the car to eat on the way home. If you’re looking for a couple’s getaway, give Lewis County a go.

Which of these things to do in Hohenwald TN was your favorite? Share in a comment below!