Your Complete Travel Guide to Lebanon, Tennessee
Tucked just east of Nashville, Lebanon is a small Tennessee city with an outsized welcome. From limestone glades and cedar forests to a lively historic square filled with music, murals, and plates that arrive heaped with Southern comfort, it’s a place where heritage and everyday pleasures meet. You’ll notice it in the way shopkeepers chat at the doorway, in the rhythm of a bluegrass fiddle drifting from a weekend festival, and in the scent of hickory smoke curling up from a beloved local barbecue pit.
Lebanon’s vibe is warm and unhurried without ever feeling sleepy. Families come for parks and fairgrounds sprawl, foodies for the hot chicken, wood‑fired pizzas, and old‑school drive‑in treats, and adventurers for cedar‑scented trails, bird calls, and star-filled skies at a state park minutes from downtown. Whether you’re day-tripping from Nashville or settling in for a long weekend, this guide to the best things to do in Lebanon will help you savor its easygoing charm.
Why Visit Lebanon
Lebanon is one of Middle Tennessee’s best-kept secrets: close to the action yet with a character all its own. The city is the proud home of Cumberland University, a historic campus whose red-brick architecture gives the town an academic heartbeat. Its walkable downtown square is anchored by preserved storefronts and landmarks lovingly stewarded by Historic Lebanon, making it ideal for a leisurely morning of browsing, coffee, and conversation. For anyone searching “best things to do in Lebanon,” the answer often begins on the square.
Nature is central to Lebanon’s identity. Just a short drive south, Cedars of Lebanon State Park protects rare cedar glades and trails that thread through juniper-scented air and limestone outcrops. The park is a year-round playground for hikers, cyclists, birders, and families looking to picnic under towering evergreens. Come spring, wildflowers brighten the paths; in fall, migrating warblers draw binocular-clad enthusiasts to the canopy.
Lebanon is also a place where fairs, festivals, and Friday night lights bring folks together. In August, the Wilson County Fair – Tennessee State Fair transforms the James E. Ward Agricultural Center into a kaleidoscope of neon rides, prizewinning livestock, whirling Ferris-wheel views, and the irresistible aroma of funnel cakes. If you’re plotting the best things to do in Lebanon during summer, the fair is a don’t-miss tradition that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
Local tip: “If you want the square mostly to yourself for photos, come around 8 a.m. on a weekday—grab a pastry first, then wander while the shop doors creak open,” a shop owner told me with a wink.
Things to Do in Lebanon
Start downtown, where the Historic Square’s brickwork and painted signs set a storybook scene. Anchored by preservation efforts from Historic Lebanon, the district hosts maker markets, seasonal decorations, and casual street music that gives weekends a festival feel. Inside the restored Capitol Theatre, you might catch a classic movie night or a live show—the soft glow of marquee bulbs and the scent of fresh popcorn add vintage magic. For families, Don Fox Community Park’s splash pad and shady walking paths are a short drive from downtown; it’s a classic community green where kids squeal under fountains and the smell of sunscreen drifts through the pines—an easy add to any list of best things to do in Lebanon.
Outdoors, the star is Cedars of Lebanon State Park. Trails like Cedar Forest or Hidden Springs weave through rare limestone glades where delicate wildflowers nod in spring breezes and Eastern red-cedars scent the air year-round. Pack a picnic for the meadow or let the kids clamber over playgrounds while you listen to woodpeckers tap and leaves whisper overhead. If you’re curious about deep history, the nearby Sellars Farm State Archaeological Area preserves remnants of a Mississippian mound complex, offering a quiet, contemplative walk through one of the area’s most significant ancient sites.
Heritage seekers should circle the Wilson County Fair – Tennessee State Fair dates, when the fairgrounds come to life and Fiddlers Grove Historic Village opens its doors. Step into a one-room schoolhouse, peek at blacksmithing demos, and stand in a country chapel as sunlight pours through old glass—there’s a tactile, time-travel joy to it all. Golfers will find emerald fairways and rolling ridge views at Five Oaks Golf & Country Club, where the afternoon light gilds greens and the occasional hawk circles overhead; it’s a scenic round, even if your scorecard doesn’t cooperate.
Finally, give yourself time to amble around Cumberland University. The campus lawns feel collegiate and calm, especially at golden hour when brick facades warm in the fading sun and bell chimes drift between trees. If you’re traveling with kids, cap the day with a playground romp and picnic at Don Fox Community Park; if it’s date night, check the Capitol Theatre calendar and top your evening with a classic film and a shared box of Milk Duds. There’s a satisfying variety to the best things to do in Lebanon: a little culture, a little country, a lot of charm.
Local tip: “Bring a small flashlight for evening walks at Cedars of Lebanon—when you turn it off, the stars are shockingly bright,” a park regular advised.
Where to Eat and Drink in Lebanon
For a taste of the city’s culinary heartbeat, start on the square at Town Square Social. A crackle from the wood-fired oven carries across the dining room as pizzas emerge blistered and fragrant, topped with peppery arugula or layers of smoky bacon and sweet onions. The bar’s Tennessee whiskey selection pairs perfectly with a pie or a hearty salad, and the room hums with conversation without ever drowning it out—easygoing, jubilant, quintessentially small-town. When you want a big, comforting plate, Demos’ Restaurant shines with family-style Italian and steaks; the scent of simmering sauces and toasted garlic bread announces your arrival long before the server sets down the first basket.
If Old Tennessee flavor calls, roll up to the retro awning at the Snow White Drive-In. The grill sizzles, shakes swirl thick and frosty, and burgers land wrapped in paper that warms your palms. It’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. For smoke-kissed meats, Blue Moon BBQ works its magic low and slow; you’ll smell the hickory before you spy the pit, and the bark on a slice of brisket—ringed in rosy smoke—needs little more than a dab of sauce. These are the top restaurants in Lebanon, Tennessee for the diner who craves flavor first and pretense never.
Beer lovers should make tracks to Cedar City Brewing Company, where tanks gleam behind the bar and the menu leans local. A citrusy IPA carries notes of grapefruit and pine, while a malty amber might lift hints of caramel and biscuit. There’s often live music in the background, just enough to tap your foot while you talk. Need caffeine? The roasty perfume at Split Bean Roasting Co. will pull you in from half a block: think chocolatey espressos, velvety cappuccinos, and a dash of latte art to brighten the morning. For a homey lunch or sweet treat, Urban Mills Bakery & Deli in The Mill at Lebanon fills cases with butter-rich pastries and loaves that crackle as they’re sliced.
Local food fans also love Demeter’s Common, a neighborhood market spotlighting regional producers. Grab pimento cheese, country ham, and jars of small-batch jams for a picnic, then set out for the park. Between wood-fired pies, old-school burgers, and smokehouse platters, you’ll never go hungry, and you’ll find that the best things to do in Lebanon can be as simple as hopping from coffee to lunch to a brewery patio as the sun slides west.
Local tip: “If you’re hitting Town Square Social on a weekend, aim for an early dinner around 5—then stroll for ice cream and beat the rush,” a frequent visitor told me.
Best Places to Stay in Lebanon
Lebanon’s accommodations are built for travelers who like convenience and comfort with a dash of Tennessee hospitality. Families and nature lovers gravitate to Cedars of Lebanon State Park, where cozy cabins tuck into the trees and campsites spread beneath the cedars. Wake to birdsong, sip coffee on a porch as sunbeams filter through evergreens, and step straight onto a trail. If you’re compiling best things to do in Lebanon for an outdoorsy weekend, mornings in the park followed by evenings on the square make a perfect rhythm.
If you roll in with an RV or prefer tent-camping amenities, the Lebanon / Nashville East KOA Journey offers easy access to I‑40 and a friendly, family-oriented vibe. Expect a pool in warm months, a small camp store for snacks and forgotten essentials, and that unmistakable grill-and-campfire aroma drifting at dusk. It’s a practical home base for day trips to Nashville, then back to Lebanon for dinner without the big-city hustle.
Prefer a plush bed and hot breakfast before exploring? The Hampton Inn & Suites Lebanon puts you close to the interstate and major shopping, with amenities like a fitness center and pool for unwinding. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lebanon does the essentials right, from strong coffee to reliable Wi‑Fi and firm pillows after a day on the trails. Travelers planning longer stays or road trips often opt for the My Place Hotel – Nashville East/Lebanon, where in-room kitchens and laundries make life easier for families and pet owners. Among these options, it’s simple to match price point and style—and still access the best things to do in Lebanon within minutes.
For golf getaways, check availability near Five Oaks Golf & Country Club and plan tee times around your meals on the square. If you’re visiting during the Wilson County Fair – Tennessee State Fair, book as early as you can; rooms fill fast and rates climb as the midway lights flicker on. Otherwise, weekdays bring solid values, and shoulder season in spring and fall pairs mild weather with easier hotel availability.
Local tip: “During fair week, consider staying at Cedars of Lebanon—morning hikes beat traffic, then head to the fairgrounds after lunch when lines are shorter,” a longtime attendee suggested.
Tips for Visiting Lebanon
Timing is everything. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and crisp air that’s ideal for hikes at Cedars of Lebanon State Park or strolls around the square. Summer is prime festival season, with the Wilson County Fair – Tennessee State Fair as the headline act; plan ahead for crowds and heat. Winter can be quiet and cozy, with downtown storefronts twinkling for the holidays. No matter when you come, remember that some of the best things to do in Lebanon are outdoors—pack layers, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket for surprise showers.
Getting here and around is straightforward. Fly into Nashville International Airport (BNA) and drive about 30–40 minutes east. On weekdays, the WeGo commuter rail connects Lebanon to Nashville; check the WeGo Star schedule if you’d like to day-trip into the city and return to small-town calm by night. Around Lebanon, a car makes life simpler for hopping between the Historic Square, parks, and dinner spots; parking is typically easy and often free.
Plan for local flavor. Check Historic Lebanon and city event calendars for seasonal markets, concerts, and heritage tours. Foodies can map meals between Town Square Social, classic stops like the Snow White Drive-In, and a pint at Cedar City Brewing Company. If you love farm-fresh produce, head to the Wilson County Farmers Market on seasonal mornings for tomatoes still warm from the sun, jars of local honey, and the happy hum of neighbors catching up. This is where the city’s community spirit is most deliciously on display, and where you’ll feel why the best things to do in Lebanon often revolve around simple pleasures.
A few practicalities make the trip smoother. Summer afternoons can be sticky; hydrate and plan shaded breaks at parks or coffeehouses like Split Bean Roasting Co.. On fair week, book dinner reservations or go early to beat the rush. Sundays are slower and some shops may have abbreviated hours—excellent for quiet photos on the square or an unhurried brunch at Demos’ Restaurant. If you’re adding a lake day, nearby Old Hickory Lake offers marinas and picnic spots just a short drive from town; expect loons in winter and sun-sparkled water in summer.
Local tip: “Street parking on the square is easiest on the east side before 10 a.m.—grab coffee, then loop clockwise; you’ll find hidden murals if you peek down the side alleys,” a photographer shared with a grin.
