Labor Day, the first Monday of September, is the first opportunity for a short break after school has started and the last opportunity to truly enjoy the summer and get a much-needed reprieve from work and school, even if it is just a few days. Below are 3 great Labor Day trip options that are close to home but still offer you time to relax and enjoy the long weekend.
Leiper’s Fork
You don’t have to go far for a vacation away from home. There’s a ton of places nearby that offer great sights, awesome fun, and a calming atmosphere. Leiper’s Fork is one of these places. One of the earlier settlements in Tennessee, dating back to 1700, it offers history and character throughout. Stay at the Moonshine Hill Inn, which offers two bedroom, two bathroom cabins and enjoy some front porch sitting. Also, don’t miss the shopping, do some antique shopping in downtown Leiper’s Fork, eat some great food at Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant and grab some whiskey (if you care for it) at Leiper’s Fork Distillery.
Memphis, TN
If you’re looking for a bigger town experience away from home, check out the great attractions and venues in Memphis. You won’t want to miss the unique atmosphere of Beale Street. Though Nashville may be Music City, Memphis is also known for their music and being the home of Elvis Presley. Check out Presley’s home, known as Graceland and don’t forget to stop by The Meditation Garden. Other great Memphis attractions include Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis’ Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Memphis Zoo and the National Civil Rights Museum. Take a tour on the Memphis Riverboat, and finish the day with a night stroll through Beale Street.
Rugby
About 2.5 hours from Nashville off of Highway 52 is this historic village near Jamestown. It was originally established as a new Garden of Eden in the 1880s by a community of British settlers, and still holds much of the historical sites, many with original furnishings. Out of the original 65 buildings, 18 of them still exist. Take a guided tour of the area, hike through the trails in Big South Fork. Take a swim in the Gentleman’s Swimming Hole before enjoying some good food at the Harrow Road Café. Stay the weekend in any number of their historic houses from the Historic Newbury to the Pioneer Cottage, each offers a unique stay that will leave you relaxed and enjoying the weekend as it was meant to be. For those of you who love all things books or want to give your children a unique experience, take them to see the Rugby printing press.
Each of these places is sure to be a hit for the whole family from small town feel to historic fun to the bustle of music in Memphis, you are sure to find something that everyone will enjoy.
