Enjoy a Holiday Weekend Full of Shopping, Dining and Christmas Lights

iTRAVEL

Enjoy a Holiday Weekend Full of Shopping, Dining & Christmas Lights

The jingling of Christmas bells, the holiday shopping and the twinkling of lights are just a few moments that come to mind when you think of the Christmas season. After a year full of chaos, changing of work schedules and hindrances of travel, you deserve a little getaway to get in the spirit of Christmas.

Start planning a weekend getaway in northwest Tennessee to experience some unique shopping, eating, lodging and entertainment. From the cute boutiques in downtown Union City and the delicious Mom ‘n’ Pop restaurants, to the scenic Reelfoot Lake and the quirky Discovery Park of America, you can experience the hidden treasures of northwest Tennessee and the holiday events each area has to offer.

Union City First stop on the list is Union City. Walk the charming downtown and pop in each of the eclectic array of boutiques and antique shops. The Chocolate Bunny is a great boutique full of clothes, jewelry, candles and accessories. The Peddler’s Mart is a must for the antiquing folks. Also, be sure to swing by The Gallery Showroom to find some of the most unique pieces for your home.

Grab lunch at one of the many delectable Mom ‘n’ Pop restaurants in Union City. PV’s Hut offers a throwback experience with great, greasy burgers and fries. Penny Hill is another local favorite that serves hot sandwiches with shoestring fries and tasty homemade desserts. Other fun lunch places are listed on Discovery Park of America’s blog, Best Diners and Dives In and Around Union City.

LET IT GLOW LIGHT SHOW November 13 through December 30 Drive through over one million twinkling lights at Discovery Park of America

Of course, you can’t visit Union City without experiencing its flagship, Discovery Park of America. Tour the museum and outdoor heritage park for a fun family outing. Then, drive through over one million dazzling and dancing lights synchronized to classic Christmas songs at the Let It Glow light show. It’s open November 13 through December 30, 5-9pm. It’s $10 per car and sponsored by McDonald’s.

Reelfoot Lake If you are looking for more holiday lights, drive down scenic route 21 to Reelfoot Lake State Park and stop at Blue Bank Resort. The resort and restaurant are beautifully decorated from top to bottom in Christmas decor, and they have a Winter Wonderland, where guests can walk through a display of lights. Grab a nice dinner in the restaurant before heading off to bed.

Kenton If you want to leave the kids at home and do a little wine tasting, then make plans to experience White Squirrel Winery in Kenton. This winery has wine tastings and holiday specials with live music. They now have an AirBnB to rent right on the property. Call ahead for hours of operation and to book your experience at the vineyard.

WHITE SQUIRREL WINERY is tucked away in Kenton, Tennessee. Try samples of their wines. Stay in their new Air BnB.

Lodging If a cabin or AirBnB is not your style, the three brand new hotels right next to Discovery Park of America are a great choices for lodging. Sleep Inn, MainStay Suites and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites are now open and accepting reservations.

Start planning your road trip to northwest Tennessee for some holiday shopping and entertainment to get you in the spirit of Christmas. For more information, visit discoveryparkofamerica.com or obioncounty.org.

SLEEP INN & MAINSTAY SUITES are two of three new hotels that are open next to Discovery Park.