Weekend Getaway: What to Do in Lawrenceburg

Its lush surrounds of forests and parks are part of what makes Lawrenceburg the perfect place to spend a weekend; the rich history of the area will help fill in all the between hours. Whether you’re headed south from Nashville or north from Huntsville, you’ll find plenty to do on a weekend in Lawrenceburg.

Photo: Odinn Media

Tour the area’s Amish history

Less than a 15-minute drive north of Lawrenceburg is the largest settlement of Old Order Amish in the South. Driving on the highway, do not be surprised if you see a horse-drawn buggy or a traveler on horseback; the Amish do not utilize electricity, indoor plumbing or gas engines. Want to learn more about this devoutly Christian group? Book an Amish Heritage Wagon Tour, which will give you a front-row seat to a lifestyle you may know little about.

Once you’re in Lawrenceburg, you can purchase tickets for the Amish Heritage Wagon Tour at the Amish Welcome Center. After arriving in Amish Country just beyond the last telephone pole, no photos or video are allowed. The tour stops at several Amish farms along the way with many handmade or grown items like produce, soap, candles, baked goods and furniture for sale. The full tour takes an hour on average.

Enjoy the great outdoors

Outdoor enthusiasts have several options for activities in Lawrenceburg to enjoy year-round. Fishing, hiking, cycling, and birdwatching are just a few of the more popular ways to spend a day outside in Lawrence County thanks to easy access to David Crockett State Park, Shoal Creek and Laurel Hill Lake.

Photo: Odinn Media

David Crockett State Park

David Crockett State Park consists of 1319 acres of land in Lawrenceburg, and cyclists and hikers can take advantage of the park’s trail system 12 months out of the year. The park even has a short segment of the Trail of Tears where more than 600 Cherokees passed through in the 19th century; hikers can walk the 2.25-mile designated route that was part of the historically significant event.

Laurel Hill Lake

The 325-acre Laurel Hill Lake is fully stocked with native fish: bass, crappie, catfish and more. Ideal for fishing, birdwatching and horseback riding, Laurel Hill Lake also offers several picnic areas and grills in designated areas, meaning you can easily spend an entire day of your weekend in Lawrenceburg there. With a youth-only area for ages 16 and under, this lake is a family-friendly favorite.

Shoal Creek

During the summer months, the hottest places in Lawrenceburg are places to cool off. It’s easy to spend an entire day splashing in Crockett Falls, swimming in Lake Lindsey or floating down Shoal Creek. The float at Shoal Creek can last anywhere from three to ten hours thanks to multiple entry points, and there are outfitters in Lawrenceburg that rent out equipment and lead guide floats.

Photo: Odinn Media

Where to shop in Lawrenceburg

Lawrenceburg’s historic downtown boasts more than 20 storefronts that sell a variety of goods from antiques to home décor and even more shops if you venture beyond the square. While outside the historic district, Rustic Hinge is worth the drive. A furniture store that specializes in custom-built furniture, it sells repurposed items along with other homemade items featuring the artistry of local makers.

Where to eat in Lawrenceburg

You’ll want to leave your diet behind as there’s plenty of traditional Southern food and mouthwatering barbeque in Lawrenceburg that will have you unbuttoning your pants.

Society American Nosherie

Live music, good food and friendly service are what keep the booths full at Society American Nosherie in downtown Lawrenceburg. With indoor and outdoor seating, Society is popular year-round for brunch, lunch or dinner, and the bar menu contains a vast selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, as well.

Allie Grace Bakery

A friendly atmosphere and tempting smells greet each patron as they walk through the door at Allie Grace Bakery. This woman-owned bakery sells gourmet coffee along with some of the best-baked goods in Lawrenceburg. Allie Grace Bakery is more than just a breakfast stop, though; it also has a lunch menu with the caramelized grilled cheese and guaco taco both fan favorites.

Photo: Allie Grace Bakery

Artful Harvest

With frequently changing menus—check the restaurant’s Facebook page to see what’s on tap for the day—Artful Harvest uses locally sourced produce for its homemade soups, salads and desserts. It also supports the arts by offering weekly painting classes.

Where to stay in Lawrenceburg

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Lawrenceburg, the area houses many chain hotels like the Best Western Plus Lawrenceburg. For visitors who want to stay closer to nature, David Crockett State Park rents out camping sites for both RVs and tents, as well as seven energy-efficient cabins.

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