Take a Tennessee Foodie Road Trip This Fall: Culinary Stops Worth the Drive

Tennessee’s fall food scene stretches far beyond barbecue and hot chicken (although both should be on your foodie bucket list). Here’s what’s new for 2026, followed by my firsthand Franklin-to-Nashville-to-Memphis culinary road trip. Nearly every stop offered a surprise alongside the Southern dishes I already loved.

Highlights

• Explore what’s new in Tennessee’s culinary scene this fall, including fun fall food festivals and events.
• Find my favorite places to eat in Franklin, Nashville and Memphis, including the one restaurant I would choose for a romantic dinner.
• Use my firsthand planning tips to decide where to stay, how long to spend in each city and which experiences require reservations.

Editor’s note: The writer was hosted.

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What’s New in Tennessee’s Culinary Scene This Fall

Tennessee’s fall food calendar extends well beyond barbecue. The recently launched Cork to Fork Culinary Trail connects Tennessee distilleries with restaurants serving dishes designed to accompany local spirits. New restaurants, a distillery and a full calendar of fall food festivals make me want to plan a return trip this autumn.

Tennessee’s Fantastic Fall Culinary and Beverage Festivals

BearVarian Fall Festival (Gatlinburg)

• Why Go: Anakeesta celebrates fall with Smoky Mountain views, live entertainment and Bavarian-inspired food throughout the park.
• Logistics: August 28 – Nov. 1 | 10am – 9pm | 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Basic Admission $39.99, Child $27.99, Senior $34.99: Additional fees for Beer Tasting and other activities.

Cheekwood Harvest Night Evening Cocktails (Nashville)

• Why Go: Cheekwood offers a quieter alternative to a crowded street festival. Walk through 55 acres of fall color before stopping for a craft beer or cocktail and live music.
• Logistics: On Thursdays, September 24 – October 29, 2026, from 5 – 9pm | Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN | Tickets ~$21 per adult. Reserve tickets online. | Non-Members: $5 per order parking fee

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival (Pigeon Forge)

• Why Go: Dollywood’s fall celebration combines seasonal dishes and live music with Great Pumpkin LumiNights. After dark, thousands of illuminated pumpkins transform parts of the park. I would visit this festival for the Cinnamon Bread alone.
• Logistics: Sept. 14 – Oct. 31, 2026 | Time varies by date. | 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | Included with regular admission.

Unicoi County Apple Festival (Erwin)

• Why Go: Celebrate apple season in downtown Erwin with hundreds of vendors, arts and crafts, food, live entertainment and family activities. The two-day festival has become one of Northeast Tennessee’s signature fall traditions. I haven’t attended this one yet, but a cold glass of apple cider would be enough to draw me to Erwin.
• Logistics: Oct. 2 – 3 | 8am – 8pm | Downtown Erwin, TN | Free Admission

National Banana Pudding Festival (Centerville)

• Why Go: Banana pudding! Need I say more? In addition to honoring one of the South’s favorite desserts, the festival also features live entertainment, vendors, family activities and its popular Puddin’ Path.
• Logistics: Oct. 3-4, 2026 | Sat.: 9am–5pm; Sun.: Noon–5pm | Hickman County Ag Pavilion, Upper Shipps Bend Rd., Centerville, TN 37033 | $10 adults; $5 children ages 5–12; under 5 free; active military free with ID. Advance one-day adult tickets are currently $7. Puddin’ Path tasting is an additional $10. Free offsite parking/shuttle or $20 onsite parking.

Jack Daniel’s World Championship Barbecue Invitational (Lynchburg)

• Why Go: Sample award-winning barbecue from world-class pitmasters paired with private distillery access and exclusive single-barrel whiskey tastings. I especially enjoyed watching the pitmasters work at the Jack Daniel’s barbecue competition. The smell alone makes it impossible to walk through Wiseman Park without getting hungry.
• Logistics: October 9-10, 2026 | 9am – 5pm | Wiseman Park & Jack Daniel Distillery (Lynchburg, TN) | Free grounds admission; tasting/tour passes ~$25–$75.

Wine Over Water Food & Wine Festival (Chattanooga)

• Why Go: Sample hundreds of regional and international wines alongside local chef pairings while strolling across the historic Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge spanning the Tennessee River.
• Logistics: October 10, 2026 | 4 – 6:30pm | Renaissance Park, 133 River St, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37405 | Tickets: $95.

Franklin Pumpkinfest (Franklin)

• Why Go: Downtown Franklin transforms into a lively fall street festival filled with costumes, seasonal entertainment, food, vendors and family activities. The historic Main Street setting makes it an especially picturesque place to celebrate Halloween weekend.
• Logistics: Oct. 24-25, 2026 | Sat.: 10am – 6pm; Sun.: 11am – 5pm | Main Street, Historic Downtown Franklin, TN 37064 | FREE admission
• Add an Orchard: Pick some apples at Morning Glory Orchard (Nolensville), which is a short drive from Franklin.

Townsend Grain & Grits Festival (Townsend)

• Why Go: Tennessee distillers and Southern culinary talent come together for an evening of tastings in the Smoky Mountains. Guests can sample craft spirits and chef-created dishes while enjoying live music and the relaxed atmosphere of Townsend.
• Logistics: Nov. 7, 2026 | 6–9pm, Parking opens 5pm; gates open 6pm; entertainment 7–8:30pm; event ends 9pm. | Townsend Event Center, 7930 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Townsend, TN 37882 | Ticketed, ages 21+ only. $106.60
• Add an Orchard: Pick up some fresh apples and all types of apple products at Carver’s Applehouse Restaurant & Orchard (Cosby) or The Apple Barn (Sevierville). Both in the Smokies gateway area.

Tennessee’s Latest Culinary Openings and Experiences

• Cork to Fork Culinary Trail (Statewide)
  Recently launched by the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, this new culinary experience pairs distilleries with local restaurants to create whiskey-inspired dishes and curated tasting experiences like maple bread pudding and smoked old-fashioned bone-in pork loin. Sure sounds like fall food to me. I can’t wait to follow this portion of the trail.
• Leatherwood Distillery (Clarksville)
  This new Clarksville distillery adds another stop for whiskey lovers exploring Tennessee’s growing spirits scene.

New Restaurant Openings On My Radar

• W Nashville: This hotel has two new restaurants, Bar Mar, which focuses on seafood, cocktails and dishes influenced by Spanish coastal cooking, and Butterfly, a rooftop restaurant that combines city views with a menu influenced by the cultures and cuisines found along the monarch butterfly’s migration route.
• Valley Kitchen Restaurant: Hampshire
  Valley Kitchen brings a more polished dining option to Tennessee’s countryside.
• The Family Diner: Waynesboro
  Casual comfort food paired with community events and hometown charm.

Tennessee Foodie Road Trip

We began in Franklin, continued to Nashville and ended in Memphis. Along the way, our meals ranged from cafeteria-style catfish and biscuits to handmade pasta, blindfolded honey tastings and formal fine dining.

Chelsea Trott, Communications Manager for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, commented, “Tennessee’s culinary scene is rooted in tradition and elevated by innovation, featuring everything from hot chicken, barbecue and Appalachian fare to chef-driven cuisine inspired by global flavors.

Across the state, our restaurants and award-winning chefs tell the story of Tennessee’s people and places, a story now recognized on the national stage with 36 restaurants featured in the MICHELIN Guide to the American South.”

Whether you are planning a romantic dinner or exploring Tennessee on your own, these are the restaurants and experiences that stood out during my trip.

• Best classic Southern experience: Arnold’s Country Kitchen
• Best romantic dinner: Felicia Suzanne’s
• Best luxury dining: Amelia Gene’s
• Best Franklin breakfast/brunch: Pérénn or Biscuit Love
• Best hands-on food experience: Goo Goo Chocolate Co.
• Best whiskey experience: Old Dominick Distillery
• Best special foodie experience: Southall’s Trust Me, Honey
• Best foodie city for a longer stay: Nashville

Franklin, Tennessee: A Hallmark Movie Come to Life

,You can’t talk about Franklin without starting at Puckett’s. What began in the 1950s as a small country market developed into a cultural institution. I first ate there a few years ago, and I fell in love with the comfort food, atmosphere and live music.

• The Food: Classic Southern comfort cooking
• The Vibe: Lively, nostalgic, music-filled
• Best For: First-time visitors, music lovers
• Food and Drink Favorites: Slow-smoked BBQ, catfish, baked beans and sweet tea
• Facts: Breakfast through dinner
• Logistics: 120 4th Ave. S., Franklin, TN 37064 | Sun – Thurs 7am-9pm, Fri & Sat 7am-10pm | $$ Moderate

SheBuysTravel Tip: Check the live music schedule and plan your meal around it.

Pérénn Bakery & Bistro

Pérénn is a top pick for breakfast or lunch. We enjoyed lunch overlooking the river, feeling like we were in a cozy European café in Tennessee. In a restored boathouse, they offer artisan sourdough and refined brunch plates with Southern touches. A buttery croissant is its own therapy.

• The Food: Artisan sourdough, tartines, salads, etc.
• The Vibe: Serene, elegant, quietly luxurious
• Best For: Couples, solo travelers, brunch lovers
• Food Favorites: Croissants and salads.
• Facts: Morning to early afternoon hours
• Logistics: 94 E Main St, Franklin, TN 37064 | Open Daily 7am-2:30pm | $$ Moderate

SheBuysTravel Tip: Arrive early before the bread sells out and remember to get your parking validated before leaving.

Biscuit Love

Eating scratch-made biscuits in a former flour mill felt authentic. Biscuit Love mixes sentimentality alongside creativity. The Bonuts, fried biscuit dough with lemon mascarpone, are unforgettable. I fully intended to share them. That plan lasted exactly one bite.

• The Food: Southern biscuits with contemporary variations
• The Vibe: Bright, upbeat, welcoming
• Best For: Families, brunch seekers
• Food Favorites: Bonuts, Princess with hot chicken or the B-Roll with sticky pecans
• Facts: Daytime hours; counter service
• Logistics: 3100 Village Plains Blvd, Suite 130, Franklin, TN 37064 | Open Daily | 7am – 3pm | Closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas | $$ Moderate

SheBuysTravel Tip: Split the Bonuts so you can sample more.

1799 Kitchen & Bar Room

1799 Kitchen & Bar Room celebrates Tennessee’s whiskey heritage with mindful design touches, including white-oak staves that convey the interior of a barrel. The smell of steaks cooking draws you in, and the seasonal, approachable dishes make it easy to linger.

• The Food: Seasonal Southern with whiskey influences
• The Vibe: Warm, refined, relaxed
• Best For: Date night, relaxed evenings
• Food and Drink Favorites: Steak, wonderful sides for sharing and whiskey cocktails – I recommend the Brussels sprouts
• Facts: Dinner service; mid-range pricing
• Logistics: 130 2nd Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064 | Sunday 10am-2pm Brunch, Sun.-Thur. 5-9pm , Fri.-Sat. 5-10pm | $$$ Expensive

SheBuysTravel Tip: Ask about Tennessee whiskey pairings.

Southall Farm & Inn Restaurant

Just outside town, Southall Farm & Inn offers a scrumptious meal in a luxurious venue. We had lunch at the Michelin Guide-recommended January Restaurant, which showcases a refined rustic style. January normally serves only dinner, with the Sojourner offering all-day service.

Lunch moved at an unhurried pace, and the room felt removed from the bustling activity of downtown Franklin. I especially enjoyed the lettuce wraps and the assortment of breads and spreads brought to the table.

• The Food: Farm-driven, ingredient-forward cuisine
• The Vibe: Luxurious, tranquil, nature-focused
• Best For: Food-forward travelers, special lunches
• Food Favorites: Seasonal vegetables, delicious breads and spreads – the lettuce wraps were amazing
• Facts: Reservations recommended | 2025 Michelin Green Star
• Logistics: 2200 Osage Loop, Franklin, Tennessee 37064 | Wed.-Sun. 5 -10pm | $$$$ Very expensive

SheBuysTravel Tip: Pair with the Trust Me, Honey tasting experience.

Don’t Miss

Southall Farm & Inn offers the “Trust Me, Honey” blindfolded tasting experience. Wearing a blindfold made me pay closer attention to every flavor and texture. I found myself slowing down and trying to identify each item before anyone explained what I had tasted.

Where to Stay in Frankfort

The Harpeth Hotel anchors downtown Franklin. Elegant yet unstuffy, it feels connected to the town rather than apart from it.

Nashville, Tennessee: Neon Lights and Michelin Moments

Leaving Franklin’s homey atmosphere behind, Nashville vibrates with energy. Music City felt louder and faster-paced than Franklin, but the meals took us well beyond Broadway’s honky-tonks. We found neighborhood bakeries, a traditional tray-line restaurant and handmade pasta served at communal tables.

D’Andrews Bakery & Café

I ordered a Pecan Cinnamon Bun and D’Andrews immediatley became one of my favorite Nashville breakfast stops. It was rich enough that I could have saved half for later (although I didn’t).

• The Food: French pastries and café classics
• The Vibe: Stylish, friendly, unpretentious
• Best For: Early risers, pastry lovers
• Food Favorites: Pecan Cinnamon Buns and their S’more Croissant
• Facts: Morning and lunch hours
• Logistics: 555 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219 | Monday – Friday: 7am – 2pm, Saturday – Sunday: 8am – 2pm | $ Inexpensive

SheBuysTravel Tip: Take pastries to go for later snacking.

The Butter Milk Ranch

The Butter Milk Ranch is a small-batch bakery in Nashville’s 12th South District. When I visited, the crowds were lively but relaxed, fueled by biscuits and Southern hospitality. The neighborhood is walkable, lined with boutiques and vintage shops, making it easy to wander between bites.

• The Food: Elevated Southern brunch
• The Vibe: Cheerful, community-driven
• Best For: Pastry enthusiasts, friend groups
• Food and Drink Favorites: Biscuits, Snickerdoodle Latte
• Facts: Brunch-focused; popular every day of the week and especially on weekends
• Logistics: 2407 12th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37204 | Tue–Sun 8am–4pm; dining room until 3pm | $$ Moderate

SheBuysTravel Tip: Arrive early or be ready to wait.

Arnold’s Country Kitchen

Lunch at Arnold’s Country Kitchen is a Nashville rite of passage. Recently recognized by the Michelin Guide as an American South Recommended Restaurant, it remains proudly unpretentious. Walking the tray line, choosing your sides and sitting elbow-to-elbow with locals is part of the experience.

• The Food: Traditional Southern cafeteria fare
• The Vibe: No-frills, authentic
• Best For: Cultural explorers, lunch diners
• Food and Drink Favorites: Meatloaf, Catfish, greens, cornbread
• Facts: Lunch only | Michelin Guide Recommended
• Logistics: 605 8th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203 | Mon–Fri 10:30am–2:45pm; Sat brunch 11am–3pm | $ Inexpensive

SheBuysTravel Tip: Follow the locals’ lead when choosing desserts.

Rolf and Daughters

At Rolf and Daughters in Germantown, we shared handmade pasta, steak, and heritage pork at a communal table. The shared seating made dinner feel more social than formal.

• The Food: Handmade pastas and seasonal plates
• The Vibe: Industrial-chic, convivial
• Best For: Food-savvy couples, friends
• Food and Drink Favorites: Pasta, Heritage Pork, yummy desserts and The Persistence of Pear cocktail.
• Facts: Dinner service; reservations recommended | Michelin Guide Recommended
• Logistics: 700 Taylor St., Nashville, TN 37208 | Daily 5–10pm | $$$ Expensive

SheBuysTravel Tip: Embrace sharing – It’s part of the experience.

Bacco at Four Seasons

I previewed Bacco, a restaurant at Four Seasons Nashville. The dinner provided a sneak peek into Nashville’s growing luxury dining scene.

• The Food: Italian-inspired fine dining
• The Vibe: Sleek, modern, elevated
• Best For: Special occasions, luxury travelers
• Food and Drink Favorites: House-made pastas, craft cocktails
• Facts: Now open
• Logistics: 100 Demonbreun St., Nashville, TN 37201 | Breakfast 7–11am; lunch 11:30am–5pm; dinner Sun–Thu 5–9pm, Fri–Sat 5–10pm; weekend brunch 7am–2pm | $$$ Expensive

SheBuysTravel Tip: Keep this one on your radar for milestone meals.

Don’t Miss

For something sweeter, Goo Goo Chocolate Co. offers hands-on candy-making classes. Creating your own Goo Goo Cluster, that according to Goo Goo was America’s first combination candy bar, is messy, fun and surprisingly educational. Melted chocolate ended up everywhere, including my sleeve, but nobody in our group seemed to care once we started tasting our creations.

Where to Stay in Nashville

The Four Seasons Hotel Nashville shows how far the city’s hospitality has come. Polished, modern and riverfront, it fits the city’s energy. If visiting in the summer, head to the seventh-floor terrace with an infinity pool for the most gorgeous views.

Memphis, Tennessee: Soul, Elvis and Storytelling

Memphis city stories surface everywhere, in the names of dishes, the history behind its distilleries and the crowd waiting for the Peabody Ducks.

Hive Bagel & Deli

Hive Bagel & Deli is a great way to start your day in Memphis. The energy felt bright, intentional and community-rooted. Their seed-to-plate philosophy uses local honey in the boiling water. My Elvis Bagel layered peanut butter, banana, bacon and honey into one sweet-and-salty breakfast. I expected it to feel like a novelty order, but the crisp bacon kept the sandwich from becoming overly sweet.

• The Food: Hand-rolled bagels, local ingredients
• The Vibe: Thoughtful, community-minded
• Best For: Breakfast lovers, sustainability-minded travelers
• Food Favorites: Elvis Bagel with bananas, peanut butter, bacon and honey
• Facts: Morning hours; limited quantities
• Logistics: 276 S. Front St., Memphis, TN 38103 | Daily 8am–3:30pm | $ Inexpensive

SheBuysTravel Tip: Arrive early to avoid sell-outs.

Felicia Suzanne’s

By the time dessert arrived at Felicia Suzanne’s, our table had gone completely silent except for the occasional, ‘You have to try this.’ The restaurant showcases refined Southern cooking with deep respect for tradition. Recently recognized by the Michelin Guide, the thoughtful menu reflects the chef’s legendary status in the city.

• The Food: Refined Southern cuisine
• The Vibe: Romantic, intimate
• Best For: Couples, special dinners
• Food Favorites: Seasonal chef-driven plates and save room for desserts! They are fabulous.
• Facts: Dinner service; Michelin Guide Recommended
• Logistics: 383 S. Main St., Memphis, TN 38103 | Tue–Sat 4–10pm; Sun–Mon closed | $$$ Expensive

SheBuysTravel Tip: Make reservations and enjoy a special night out.

Good Fortune Co.

At Good Fortune Co., I had the chance to roll noodle dough myself during a hosted lunch experience. My technique was far from professional, but the experience gave me a new appreciation for the work behind the restaurant’s scratch-made noodles.

• The Food: Asian-inspired noodles and dumplings
• The Vibe: Fun and modern with bright colors
• Best For: Adventurous eaters, groups
• Food Favorites: Fresh noodles, dumplings
• Facts: Dinner service
• Logistics: 361 S. Main St., Memphis, TN 38103 | Wed–Sun 4–10pm; Mon–Tue closed | $$ Moderate

SheBuysTravel Tip: Try the unique drinks.

Amelia Gene’s

Amelia Gene’s was the most formal meal of our trip. I ordered the filet mignon, followed by chocolate cobbler, but the rolling cheese cart was the detail that made the evening feel special.

• The Food: Globally inspired Southern fine dining
• The Vibe: Contemporary, dramatic, celebratory
• Best For: Culinary travelers, special occasions
• Food Favorites: Prime Filet Mignon, Chocolate Cobbler and the Bees Knees cocktail
• Facts: Dinner service; reservations essential
• Logistics: 255 S. Front St., Memphis, TN 38103 | Tue–Thu 5–10pm; Fri–Sat 5–11pm; Sun–Mon closed | $$$$ Very expensive

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you enjoy cheese, be sure to check out the rolling cheese cart.

Don’t Miss

To toast the trip’s end, Old Dominick Distillery offers grain-to-glass tours rooted in family history. During the tasting, the guide’s stories about the Dominick family gave each pour a connection to Memphis history. It was a fitting final stop on our trip.

Where to Stay in Memphis

The Peabody Memphis, known as the South’s Grand Hotel, delivers timeless charm and, perhaps most importantly, it delivers the Peabody Ducks. Each morning, the five resident Mallard ducks leave their rooftop home, ride the hotel elevator down 12 floors and waddle along a plush red carpet to a marble fountain in the hotel lobby. They reverse the ceremony each evening to return to the rooftop.

Children press against the red carpet ropes while adults lift phones overhead to get their paparazzi shots of the web-footed celebrities.

Enjoying a Rubber Ducky cocktail, the Peabody’s sweet signature drink, complete with a small rubber ducky, in the lobby bar is the perfect way to end the day.

A Plate Full of Memories

I returned home remembering more than individual dishes. I remembered sharing Bonuts in Franklin, making a mess with chocolate in Nashville and watching a cheese cart roll toward our table in Memphis.

Tennessee’s food scene impressed me, but the welcome surrounding those meals is what tied the trip together.

Which Tennessee Foodie City Is Right For You?

• Choose Franklin for historic charm, relaxed meals and romantic weekends.
• Choose Nashville for the greatest variety, from classic meat-and-three cooking to luxury dining.
• Choose Memphis for Southern food with strong connections to local history, plus memorable fine dining and whiskey experiences.

Have 4–6 days? Combine all three.

Tennessee Foodie Road Trip Planning Tips

If you want to follow a similar route, allow at least four days and make your most important dining reservations before leaving home.

• Ideal Trip Length: 4–6 days allows enough time to savor Franklin, Nashville and Memphis without rushing. Add an extra day in Nashville if live music or museums are a priority.
• Getting Around: A car is essential. Distances are manageable, and the drive itself becomes part of the experience, especially between Nashville and Memphis. I was glad we had a vehicle, especially once we started collecting leftovers, chocolate and whiskey-stop souvenirs along the way.
• Where to Base Yourself: Stay in walkable downtown areas whenever possible. Franklin and Memphis reward travelers who can explore on foot, while Nashville’s neighborhoods each offer a distinct personality. I recommend staying in downtown Nashville and driving to the other neighborhoods.
• Who This Trip Is Best For: Couples, culinary travelers and anyone who prefers meaningful experiences over packed itineraries.
• Reservations and Timing Tips: Make dining reservations in advance. Popular restaurants, speakeasies and experiences like tastings or tours frequently book up weeks in advance.

Tennessee Foodie Road Trip FAQ

Read More:

• Tennessee Whiskey Trail: Essential Planning Guide
• The Ultimate Tennessee Family Fall Break Guide (And Why to Book Early)
• From Dolly Parton’s New Hotel to Smoky Mountain Foliage: How to Experience the Best of Fall in Tennessee
• Nashville Christmas Girlfriends’ Getaway