How to Spend One Day in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee

Just 82 miles south of Nashville, Lawrenceburg is a quaint Tennessee city chock-full of history, notable figures and a square brimming with life. Looking for how to spend a day in Lawrenceburg? Pull up a chair and take notes.

Photo: Odinn Media

Grab breakfast on the Lawrenceburg square

The downtown Lawrenceburg square brims with historic buildings and life, a timeless backdrop for a charming rural town. Start your day in Lawrenceburg with breakfast at Square 40 on the square. This family-style restaurant offers a down-home atmosphere with affordable prices; expect menu items like omelets, French toast and biscuits with gravy.

Flex your wallet by shopping in Lawrenceburg

With more than 20 distinctive shops varying from clothing to antiques, Lawrenceburg’s shopping scene is an obvious next step on your itinerary. Looking for relics from a bygone era? Both novice and long-time antiquers will get lost among the treasures at antique stores Carriage House, New Moon Antiques and Lawrenceburg Mercantile.

Photo: Visit Lawrenceburg

Fancy yourself more of a general window shopper? Hit up Resplendent Boutique for higher-end and upscale designers or The Spotted Cow for their painted furniture, home decor and vintage items. Gigi’s Boutique has a large selection of baby and children’s clothing.

Grab a cup of coffee in downtown Lawrenceburg

If you need a midday pick me up as you shop, stop at Southern Brew for your caffeine fix. On top of serving some of the best coffee in Lawrenceburg, Southern Brew also sells tea, books, handcrafted home decor and gifts.

Get your bearings at the Old Jail Museum

After shopping, it’s time to dive into the local history. Located a short walk down Waterloo Street just two blocks from the square, the Old Jail Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In operation from 1893 to 1974, it not only housed prisoners but also sequestered jurors. Do not let the museum name mislead you, though, as exhibits include a wide range of Lawrence County history.

Photo: TN Vacation

The Old Jail Museum is owned and operated by the Lawrence County Historical Society, and due to limited and seasonal hours, you’ll want to check opening times in advance. If you want to plan your visit, you can call ahead to 931-212-1944 to schedule admission.

Learn about the Mexican-American War

On the north end of the square, this Mexican-American War monument was one of the first erected of its kind. When the war began, the state of Tennessee was asked to provide 2800 volunteers, and Company M of the 1st Tennessee Infantry Regiment formed from volunteers who enlisted out of Lawrenceburg. The monument went up in 1849 and is engraved with the names of the fallen soldiers.

See David Crockett’s likeness

Erected in 1922, the David Crockett statue sits on the south side of the historic square. The man who later came to be known as “King of the Wild Frontier” hailed from Lawrence County, from where he launched his political career. He was a statesman, businessman and legislator who died a hero during the Battle of the Alamo.

The David Crockett statue has towered over Lawrenceburg’s square for 100 years. A furnished replica of his magistrate office can also be found off the downtown square on South Military Avenue.

Dine out in downtown Lawrenceburg

Before heading home or back to your hotel, finish your day in Lawrenceburg with a bite to eat at Depot Street Break Room or Deb-O’s Pizza downtown. To dine in, opt for the Depot Street Break Room with its additional offerings of billiards and live music. Prefer takeout from the comfort of your hotel room? Call ahead and order a couple pies from Deb-O’s to go.

For more Tennessee travel tips, check out our Lawrence County archives.