2 Best Sights in Side Trips from Nashville, Tennessee

Loretta Lynn's Ranch encompasses the entire village of Hurricane Mills 65 miles west of Nashville. The singer's personal museum is here, and you can take tours of the first floor of the coal miner's daughter's stately antebellum home, of a simulated coal mine, and of a re-creation of her simple childhood home. Camping, canoeing, paddleboats, trout fishing, and swimming are among the many recreational activities available here. See website for camping (RV, tent or cabin) rates.

The Tennessee Antebellum Trail, which has more than 54 historic sites, plantations, and Civil War battlefields, is a 90-mi loop tour that begins south of Nashville in Franklin and continues through historic Maury and Williamson counties. Nine sites are open to the public daily. The official website includes downloads of a detailed brochure and map.