PresidentJamesK.Polk Home and Museum

One of the significant historical landmarks in Columbia, Tennessee, is the James K. Polk Home and Museum. This preserved presidential home offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the 11th U.S. president. As you tour the property, you'll appreciate the well-preserved artifacts and learn about Polk's contributions to America's history. Just across the street from the Polk Home is the Experience Maury Visitor's Center. After exploring the historic home, it's worth popping into the visitor's center. The staff there are incredibly helpful, providing insights into local attractions and events. It is a wonderful resource for visitors to discover all that Maury County has to offer, from its rich history to its vibrant modern culture.

In the hustle and bustle of Nashville’s renowned music scene and lively culture, it is easy to overlook one of its best features: the natural beauty and smalltown charm found just beyond the city limits. Welcome to Nashville's Big Back Yard an expansive natural region, rich with history and brimming with the promise of adventure.

The Big Back Yard is a natural watershed region spanning 100 miles of the breathtaking Natchez Trace Parkway. It is composed of 12 picturesque communities, each with populations under 5,000, including Leiper's Fork, Centerville, Santa Fe, Hampshire, Linden, Hohenwald, Mount Pleasant, Summertown, Clifton, Waynesboro, Collinwood and Loretto in Tennessee, and extending down to the Shoals in North Alabama.

Enveloped by the serenity of nature, each of these small towns radiates a sense of charm and warmth that is distinctly Southern. Here, you are not just a visitor you are part of a community that values its roots while embracing the promise of the future

At the heart of Nashville's Big Back Yard is the Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic road rich in Native American and early settler history. Winding through dense forests, alongside towering bluffs and over gently rolling hills, the parkway offers a journey through centuries of history and unspoiled natural beauty. Whether you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast or simply in search of a peaceful drive, the Natchez Trace Parkway is an unforgettable journey through America's past

The region's natural grandeur is amplified by its watersheds, which provide crucial habitats for diverse species of wildlife and add to the landscape's scenic allure Explore the Duck River in Maury County, recognized for its diverse aquatic life. Visit the Buffalo River in Wayne County, a favorite for canoeing and fishing. These watersheds are not just vital ecosystems, but also offer a plethora of recreational opportunities, from boating and fishing to bird watching and nature walks.

Nashville's Big Backyard is not just about the natural beauty — it also boasts a rich musical heritage that stretches from Nashville to the Shoals From the foottapping bluegrass tunes in Leiper's Fork to the heartrending country ballads in Waynesboro, music is an integral part of life in these small communities. Each town adds its unique note to the symphony, creating a musical tapestry that is as diverse as it is vibrant. In the Shoals, you can walk the same streets that once echoed with the sounds of the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, where artists like Aretha Franklin and the Rolling Stones recorded hit songs

Nashville's Big Back Yard is an invitation to step out of the city's fast pace and lose yourself in a landscape of lush greenery, sparkling waters, and welcoming small towns It is a place where you can find a sense of connection to the land, to history, to music and, most importantly, to each other. Come discover the charm of small-town life, the majesty of unspoiled nature, and the rhythm of a rich musical heritage — come play in Nashville's Big Back Yard