Travel doesn’t always need to be confined to the big cities where all other tourists flock to. Nor do you have to go very far to find that peaceful and slow pace of life you might need from time to time. Tennessee’s city of Fairview offers just such a balance of rural small-town America, while still being accessible as a part of the Nashville Metropolitan Area. Nashville definitely draws the tourist crowds (which is little surprise, given it’s one of the best destinations for a guys’ trip).
However, you’ll find Fairview’s personality shining through its tight-knit community and local celebrations. The city is perfect if you’re just looking for a reprieve from the bigger destinations, but still want to be close to the metropolitan area. Fairview is home to around 10,000 people and is a mostly residential community. A visit here will allow you to explore the local businesses while shopping at several of their antique stores or sampling the local fare.
In an interview with Williamson County Source, Mayor Lisa Anderson underscored the community’s concerted efforts to preserve their natural and recreational areas. “We’ve experienced a lot of development, but we always emphasize beauty and nature,” Anderson said. “Our commitment to preserving green spaces is part of what makes Fairview unique.” In fact, the top destination in the city is Bowie Nature Park, a 700-acre space that’s one of the biggest nature parks in the state and has great scenic spots. It’s also a great family-friendly destination, featuring playgrounds, a well-maintained trail system, and numerous local events to enjoy.
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Explore Bowie Nature Park
Bridge along a tree-lined hiking parth at Bowie Nature Park – @cupecake_64 / Instagram
With acres of nature to explore, you won’t run out of things to do in Bowie Nature Park. The park is a day-use park and is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. You have the option to explore the forests and 17 miles of trails, or check out the water and try your hand at fishing in the park’s five lakes, where anglers cast their lines. You’ll find ducks and geese in the area as well, and a variety of ecosystems. Kids will also love a visit to the park’s informative Nature Center, picnic shelters, and a playground for the little ones.
The trails here accommodate hiking, biking, and horse riding, though some are exclusively for foot traffic. Overall, they’re mostly flat and beginner-friendly, offering fun for the whole family. Those who bring s bike or a horse to the park will have to pay a fee of $2 per day, as of writing. For an easy loop trail, try the Lakes of Bowie Loop Trail. The trail spans 2.5 miles, starting from the parking lot by Bowie Lake Road and continuing through the five lakes of the park.
It’s a popular option because it’s a relatively easy trek, well-maintained and well-marked, and offers some scenic views throughout. A more moderate trek comes in the form of the Perimeter Trail. As the name suggests, this loop trail encircles the park’s perimeter, passing through Lake Van and the White Pine Wetland. It covers 4.7 miles and can typically be done within 2 hours. If you’re still looking for more outdoor adventure, Kingston Springs, a river-fringed retreat, is a 20-minute drive away.
Fairview’s dining, shops, and community events
Fairview City Hall on an overcast day – Skye Marthaler/Wikimedia Commons
Start your day by popping into a local diner and fueling up for the day ahead. Uncle Lenny’s Country Café is a good option for breakfast and brunch. It’s a cozy spot that offers home-cooked meals with a family feel. The menu is a mix of the typical breakfast items, burgers and sandwiches for lunch, and baked goods. Another local spot is The Thomspons Kitchen, a hidden gem of Southern classics. Repeat visitors commend their consistent service. Don’t miss out on the smash burger or shrimp tacos when you visit.
If you’re looking for some retail therapy, the city has several choices for antiques and vintage items. Farm Fresh Vintage Finds & Creamery leans towards furniture decor that’s on the rustic farmhouse vibe while offering ice cream at the same time. Buried Treasures, on the other hand, is more artsy, trading in collections of vinyl records, collectibles, and art pieces.
The city hosts its fair share of events that celebrate Fairview’s tight-knit community. 4th of July celebrations may not be out of the norm for many cities, but Fairview’s annual Independence Day celebrations are a little different, taking place at City Hall a day before. The day is filled with live music, vendors, food trucks, kid-friendly activities, and, of course, a fireworks display to cap off the evening. Fairview is under an hour’s drive from Nashville, depending on the traffic. Getting to other towns and cities in Williamson County is also easy, with Franklin, “America’s Favorite Main Street District,” only 18 miles away.
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Read the original article on Islands.