How to Spend One Day in Wayne County

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle of Nashville, a day in Wayne County promises plenty of outdoor fun. Nestled in the countryside of South Central Tennessee, this area of pastoral countryside boasts various adventures galore: From down-home cuisine to outdoor activities galore, here are a few ways to explore Waynesboro and its surroundings.

Photo: ABP

Start your morning with breakfast at Momma’s

Open before the roosters crow, Momma’s Kitchen serves a savory breakfast, complete with a hot cup of coffee. From pancakes and bacon to homemade biscuits and gravy, this Southern-style will provide plenty of fuel for a full day ahead. Pro tip: Don’t forget to ask for Momma’s famous chocolate gravy.

Learn about Wayne County’s famed author

Once you’ve loosened your belt buckle, make your way over to the T.S. Stribling Museum, where you can get to know Tennessee’s first Pulitzer Prize-winning author. Donated to the city before his death, Stribling’s former home has become a collection of his famous writings that’s open for public consumption. Thanks to exhibits sharing the details of Stribling’s personal life, you can acquaint yourself with one of Wayne County’s own.

Get outdoors on the Buffalo River

The true star of Wayne County is the outdoors, and few places will give you a handle on the natural treasures of the region like the Buffalo River. If you’re visiting between April and October, book a guided Buffalo River Trail Ride and explore by horseback. Complete with bubbling streams, steep hills and deep hollows, the trails offer the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of nature all while horseback riding.

Photo: Odinn Media

In the warmer months, floating the Buffalo River is a great way to get your bearings. At Crazy Horse outdoor rentals, you can borrow a canoe or kayak for the day, enjoying the impressive natural sights of Wayne County. With multiple floating trips offered, you will be navigated down the river to see the bluffs, waterfalls and caves—and you can even sway on a rope swing.

For a more relaxing outdoor activity, the Natural Bridge—which formed over millions of years—is a popular spot to unwind on Sunday afternoons, the only day of the week the organic structure of rocks operated by the Tennessee Fitness Spa is currently open.

Wind down with shopping and exploration in Waynesboro

After an eventful day, it’s time to slow down, do some shopping and grab a bite to eat. On Waynesboro’s town square, you can visit one of Wayne County’s many antique stores or flex your credit card muscle at Sherry’s, a women’s store brimming with jewelry and clothing. Down the road is Clifton Main Street, a quiet area with history aplenty. Located near the banks of the Tennessee River, the stone-lined streets of this center of commerce sit on a bluff overlooking Horseshoe Bend.

Photo: Odinn Media

Just outside of Collinwood is an entry point to Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile stretch of national park-governed land that’s punctuated by towering trees and winding roads. Before hitting the road once more, though, enjoy a casual dinner at Emeralds Restaurant in Waynesboro to fuel up for your journey home.

Photo: Odinn Media