Want to know the best and fun things to do in Manchester, TN? Manchester is a tiny city in Coffee County, Middle Tennessee, United States. It is also the county seat of Coffee County.
It is popular for its natural parks and sports like basketball and football. The city also features unique shops, historic attractions, and an overall lovely atmosphere.
There are quite some fun places to visit in Manchester, TN, you can explore the Old Stone Fort, the May Prairie State Natural Area and other outdoor attractions here.
Are you wondering what to do in Manchester? Here are some of the best things to do in Manchester, TN.
Things to Do in Manchester, TN
1. Explore the beautiful and mysterious Old Stone Fort
Old Stone Fort
Old Stone Fort is popular for its rock structure found all over the park. It is an enigmatic formation dating back between 1,500 and 2,000 years old.
People believe it was a ceremonial gathering place for the early Native Americans. These days, you can visit this former sacred place or use one of the numerous hiking trails crisscrossing the park.
The park’s museum comprises displays of prehistoric Native American imitations, pictures, and dioramas.
The exhibits provide information on the ideas regarding archaeological excavation at the site, the enclosure’s building, and the culture of its builders.
There is also a tiny theater for watching orientation films and other videos. The museum also accommodates the park office, welcome center, and gift shop.
For campers, there are beautiful spaces with available electric hookups and water, grills, picnic tables, and paved pads.
All the campsites are tucked back in the woods, which makes for a private and beautiful natural experience.
Old Stone Fort is one of the best places to visit in Manchester, TN. Its historical edge and gorgeous natural beauty are worth exploring.
Address: 732 Stone Fort Dr, Manchester, TN 37355, United States
2. See the unique wildflowers growing at May Prairie State Natural Area
May Prairie State Natural Area
May Prairie State Natural Area is a 492-acre natural area home to wildflowers and grasses commonly only found in the coastal regions of the Southern United States.
Rather than cliffs, Rocky hillsides, and remarkable waterfalls, the area is overflowing with cedar glades, grasses, and wildflowers seldom seen in the southeast.
The most outstanding feature at May Prairie is the open grassland that extends into the surrounding oak forest.
The open grasslands mainly consist of a small bluestem community and a tallgrass prairie community with a rare sedge meadow found in damp areas.
The tall grasses include Indian grass, big bluestem, plume grass, and switchgrass.
During spring, the area provides a magnificent floral display of blue, orange, and white colors as false indigo, Indian paintbrush, and bluets thrive and grow.
Plenty of sunflowers are common in late spring, including two species of blazing star and the occasional southern dock.
May Prairie is open to everyone during the day. It lacks developed trails and offers free parking on Asbury Road, and dogs on leashes are welcome.
Address: Manchester, TN 37355, United States
3. Shop for outfits at Emma Lu’s Boutique
If you want an outstanding shopping experience, Emma Lu’s Boutique is one of the best places to visit in Manchester, TN.
Emma Lu’s Boutique offers an incredible range of jewelry and clothing for women. The boutique contains outfits and accessories from various decades, so you will never lack classic evening wear pieces.
Furthermore, Emma’s Lu Boutique features quirky furniture and accessories for your house.
Emma Lu’s Boutique offers top-tier services that go a long way to ensuring that your needs are well met.
They have trained and experienced professionals with suitable technical knowledge of the subject matter.
Whether you are searching for something casual and simple for daily wear or something extra for a special occasion like a graduation or wedding, the boutique has got you covered.
Browse through the boutique’s extensive variety of products and discover the perfect time for your loved one.
Address: 1309 Royal Trail, Manchester, TN 37355, United States
4. Enjoy a cheeseburger at Jiffy Burger
Jiffy Burger is a hamburger restaurant that has been serving this city for over 50 years.
Come to this place if you crave some delectable cheeseburgers, as they are renowned for their double cheeseburger with hamburger and bacon.
At Jiffy Burger, you can order tasty beer and non-alcoholic beverages. The milkshakes, tea, and coffee are fantastic and are their most famous drinks.
Patrons can relax in this establishment’s comfortable setting after a tiring day. Plenty of visitors point out that the prices of their food are pocket-friendly.
Drop by Jiffy Burger for a delectable meal and exceptional hospitality. Don’t forget to try out the popular Bonnaroo burger while you are in there.
Address: 1001 Hillsboro Blvd, Manchester, TN 37355, United States
5. Buy house furniture at The Cracked Pot
The Cracked Pot
The Cracked Pot, founded in 2016 by the Hook Family, is a sophisticated, creative boutique where the owners share their love for bringing the family together in stunning places.
The Hook family has over 40 years of experience in interior designing, furniture designing and construction, and furnishing refinishing.
They sell many styles, from classic to farmhouse, bohemian, and modern. Whether you are adorning your first house or a client’s house, The Cracked Pot can offer great assistance.
Address: 111 W Main St, Manchester, TN 37355, United States
6. Go for a wine-tasting tour at Beans Creek Winery
Among the best things to do in Manchester, TN, is to drink wines at Beans Creek Winery.
Beans Creek Winery opened in October 2004 with the aid and commitment of nine local families.
The winery offers an extensive list of award-winning wines, many produced from local grapes.
The winery started and still runs as a family business. Their wines are available at the winery, where wine tasting is available. It is available for purchase across Tennessee.
Guests can also shop in the gift shop, which offers everything related to wine, along with gifts and crafts made by local artists.
During summer, Beans Creek Winery offers free music on the lawn on Saturday evenings.
Guests are invited to carry their lawn chairs, picnic dinner, and blankets. Unwind to some of Tennessee’s finest singers while enjoying a glass or bottle of Beans Creek Wine.
Address: 426 Ragsdale Rd, Manchester, TN 37355, United States
7. Eat a slice of pizza at Jand G Pizza and Steakhouse
Are you a pizza lover hunting for a restaurant serving tasty pizza in Manchester, TN? Look no more; drop by J and G Pizza and Steakhouse and enjoy mouth-watering pizza.
This Manchester, TN, steakhouse is famous for its tasty pizza and other Italian meals, so order healthy food there.
J and G Pizza and Steakhouse endorses vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, and other vegan options.
The restaurant serves fantastic meals, including spaghetti, steak salads, and sausage pizza. The Spaghetti meat sauce this steakhouse offers is exceptionally delicious.
J and G Pizza and Steakhouse also serve terrific beer, which visitors and locals recommend.
This location is also famous for its outstanding customer service and friendly staff, always ready to help you.
Guests can relax here thanks to the grand décor and unique environment.
Address: 520 McMinnville Hwy, Manchester, TN 37355, United States
8. Have a taste of Tennessee barbecue at Praters BBQ
Among the top things to do in Manchester, TN, is to eat barbecue at Praters BBQ.
Over ten years in the restaurant and catering business, Praters BBQ has built an expansive customer and client list and a reputation.
Locals and visitors consider this spot the finest BBQ restaurant in Manchester, TN.
This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and supper to suit your schedule, so make sure you don’t miss out on a scrumptious BBQ meal.
Prater’s BBQ presents well-made smoked chicken, beef brisket, brisket sandwich, banana pudding, tasty pecan pie, etc.
They also offer enjoyable draft beer and other drinks to complement the tasty meals.
This spot is charming because of the polite employee. Guests acknowledge the professional nature of the services.
You may have a large selection of dishes at this barbecue for affordable costs. Patrons will relax in this location because of its splendid décor and ambiance.
Address: 620 Woodbury Hwy, Manchester, TN 37355, United States
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9. Satisfy your sweet tooth at The Mercantile Café and Sweet Simplicity Bakery
The Mercantile Café and Sweet Simplicity restaurant on the historic square specializes in traditional southern plate lunches and desserts.
This restaurant is a staple for freshly baked sweets and traditional comfort meals in Manchester. Their dishes include classic southern cooking with the best natural ingredients.
The Mercantile and Sweet Simplicity restaurant serves homemade meals, including blackened fish, chicken pot pie, meatloaf, and sides like green beans, mashed potatoes, and cheesy grits. Try their popular chess pie or coconut cake for dessert.
The business also has a bakery where different pastries and cakes are available. They sell beer, wine, soft drinks, sweet tea, tea, and fruit.
Outside seating is available, which makes it a perfect location to eat on a warm day.
Address: 210 N Irwin St, Manchester, TN 37355, United States
10. Go shoe shopping at Shoe Sensation
Shop for your whole family’s sandals, boots, dresses, and athletic shoes at Shoe Sensation.
Their sales employees will be happy to help you find the right pair of shoes, whether those lovely ones you have admired for the spring or snow boots for the winter.
Shop for women’s, kid’s, and men’s selections. There are brands like Adidas, Fila, Under Armour, and Hey Dude for the perfect casual and running sneakers to suit your needs.
Shoe Sensation is always getting fresh styles, so visit often to see the new deals and specials on shoes.
Address: 936 Hillsboro Blvd, Manchester, TN 37355, United States
11. Have a meal with your family at Emma’s Family Restaurant
Emma’s Family Restaurant
The Emma’s Family Restaurant is a superb location to eat and enjoy satisfying food. They serve excellent dishes and provide you with top-tier customer service.
Although the restaurant may look small from the outside, the delicious food and friendly services you will find inside will make you want to come back.
Try Emma’s Family Restaurant’s tasty friend chicken, mushroom soup, and crab cakes.
You will enjoy the food there, particularly the French toast and cheesecake. Make use of the opportunity to sample fantastic coffee.
Thanks to the restaurant’s comfortable atmosphere, patrons can relax after a long day of touring.
So, if you’re visiting with your family, dining at Emma’s Family Restaurant should be added to your checklist of the top things to do in Manchester, TN.
Address: 82 Paradise St, Manchester, TN 37355, United States
12. Participate in the Bonnaroo Festival
Bonnaroo Festival
Bonnaroo, started in 2002, is a globally recognized music and festival that takes place every June on a stunning 700-acre farm. One of the fun things to do in Manchester, TN, is to attend the Bonnaroo Festival.
The festival brings together some of the finest performers in all genres of music, including jazz, rock, hip-hop, electronica Americana, etc.
The Bonnaroo festival normally begins on the second Thursday in June and lasts four days.
The festival’s 100-acre entertainment village is always busy with attractions and activities, including an on-site cinema, a classic arcade, a comedy club, a music technology village, a silent disco, and theater performances.
Address: 1560 New Bushy Branch Rd, Manchester, TN 37355, United States
13. Get your adrenaline pumping at Skydive Tennessee
The audacious guests of Tullahoma can look forward to a healthy amount of adrenaline rush at Skydive Tennessee.
Its facility is advertised as Tennessee’s Premier Skydiving Center, which offers the state’s biggest parachute-jumping plane.
It runs a 20-30-seater Twin Otter aircraft for solo, tandem, wingsuit jumping and skydiving.
First-time skydivers are expected to spend approximately two hours training and the tandem jump with a coach at Skydiving Tennessee.
On the other hand, individual jumpers will have to show an Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) Course certification or register for this full-day course at Skydive Tennessee.
Additionally, Skydive Tennessee offers courses for wingsuit first-flight adventures for professional skydivers certified with 200 jumps and above.
Address: 807 William Northern Blvd #4734, Tullahoma, TN 37388, United States
14. Sweat it out at Workout Anytime Manchester
Workout Anytime Manchester is all about results. Regardless of your reasons for going to the gym, they are willing to assist you in achieving your personal fitness goals.
Workout Anytime’s certified personal coaches can aid you in creating an effective workout program mainly designed to help you attain your fitness goals.
Their instructors educate, motivate, and cheer you when you achieve those long-held personal health goals.
No matter your personal fitness goal, Workout Anytime’s team of professionals is ready to help you at any time of the day.
Address: 2161 Hillsboro Blvd Ste 4B1, Manchester, TN 37355, United States
15. Stay at Comfort Suites
Comfort Suites
Comfort Suites is a hotel that offers cozy guest rooms with free Wi-Fi, a heated indoor pool, and a complimentary hot breakfast.
All the rooms at Comfort Suites provide a different seating area with a sofa bed, coffee maker, and refrigerator. An enormous work desk with an ergonomic chair is also available in the rooms.
Visitors can exercise at the on-site fitness center or work from the business center in the hotel, which offers copy and fax services. Laundry facilities and a snack shop are available for visitor convenience.
Comfort Suites is also near many attractions like the Old Stone Fort Park, which makes the hotel a fantastic place to stay when you come into town. Ensure to add lodging here to your itinerary of what to do in Manchester, TN.
Address: 152 Hospitality Blvd, Manchester, TN 37355, United States
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16. Watch an event at Frazier McEwen Park
Frazier McEwen Park hosts a yearly summer outdoor concert series on Saturday evenings from August through September.
This park also hosts Annual Haunted Hayrides, one of Tullahoma’s holiday events.
Children enjoy visiting this park on normal days because its playground features an aerospace rocket theme.
Additionally, amenities at Frazier McEwen Park include a ballfield, picnic facilities, two pavilions, and a nature trail.
Address: 216 Big Springs Ave, Tullahoma, TN 37388, United States
17. Stroll around the Short Spring Natural Area
Short Spring Natural Area
The Short Spring Natural Area, accessed from the Country Club, offers its guests 430 acres of dense forests to explore.
They can pick from six carefully maintained trails for sightseeing in its large, peaceful environment that grows wildflowers in spring.
Many of these pathways are loops intersecting each other, allowing guests to have a mix of options on verdant settings to see and terrains to handle.
All these six trails contain route markings and signage, which makes them easy to follow.
Visitors can get a map of the trails in the Short Spring Natural Area from its page on the internet.
Address: 200 Short Springs Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388, United States
18. Allow your children to enjoy the Hands-On Science Center
Hands-On Science Center
The Hands-On Science Center is another excellent destination in Tullahoma where children can enjoy a learning experience.
This city attraction on Mitchell Boulevard offers over 100 thrilling displays linked to scientific concepts. These exhibits involve light, sound, pressure, and aerodynamics.
The Hands-On Science Center also offers an entertaining showcase about geology, electricity, the ocean environment, and outer space.
Also, the center runs a store selling scientific equipment for children and hosts special events.
Address: 101 Mitchell Blvd, Tullahoma, TN 37388, United States
19. Bring your kids to Tullahoma Splash Island
The Splash Island, located on North Collins Street near the D. W. Wilson Community Center, is run by the Tullahoma Parks and Recreation.
This public facility opened in the late 1970s as an Olympic-sized pool. It was elevated to a family-oriented water park in 2015.
Adults and children visiting this park may use its 25-foot-high water slides and splash pad.
Besides its expansive outdoor swimming pool, Splash Island has a 300-foot lazy river for water tubing.
Additionally, park guests can use a nearby indoor pool featuring six lanes for lap swimming. This pool also holds aqua aerobic classes for all ability levels and ages.
Food concessions and picnic facilities are also among the features offered by Tullahoma’s Splash Island.
Address: 501 N Collins St, Tullahoma, TN 37388, United States
20. Hone your golf skills at Lakewood Golf & Country Club
This family-friendly facility is southwest of the untouched Short Springs Nature Area. Even non-golfers can visit Lakewood Golf & Country Club.
Aside from its golf course, Lakewood Golf & Country Club has lighted tennis courts, a ladies’ lounge, a swimming pool, and the 19th Hole Bar & Grill.
The golf course provides a par 72 plays above 6,613 yards from the longest tees.
Golfers can sharpen their skills in a driving range with grass and mats, a short game area, and a putting green.
Address: 1900 Country Club Dr, Tullahoma, TN 37388, United States
21. Take your children to Imagination Station
The Imagination Station is another excellent destination for families with children. An extraordinary playground is its primary attraction,
The Imagination Station was called Tennessee’s biggest community-built playground in the late 1980s.
This playground teases kids’ imagination with its numerous play features, including an enormous imitation of a pirate ship, a sandbox, and different play setups.
After spending time at the Imagination Station, children can visit the neighboring Cascade Park.
This children’s sports park contains two ballfields that have hosted Little League Baseball games since the 1950s.
Address: 509 W Hogan St, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA
22. Take a walk on the Tullahoma Story Book Trail
Take the opportunity to mix exercise and reading at the Tullahoma Story Book Trail.
The Tullahoma Story Book Trail contains a chain of 25 podiums placed 25 yards apart along the 1.5-mile greenway.
Each podium along the way showcases a page of a book enclosed in glass, which allows guests to read the content of the book along the way.
The Coffee County Lannom Library alternates the 25 books chosen to be featured in the trail every 14 days.
The Rock Creek Greenway’s path that houses the Story Book Trail measures eight feet wide and is accessible to everyone.
Several visitors appreciate the natural beauty of this greenway cutting across the banks of Rock Creek.
You will pass picturesque bridges along this greenway, offering picnic tables and benches alongside the Tullahoma Story Book Trail.
The Tullahoma Story Book Trail is in Tullahoma, TN, 17 minutes from Manchester, TN.
Address: Tullahoma, TN, United States
23. Marvel at the Tullahoma Waterfalls
The splendor of three Tullahoma Waterfalls is a beauty to behold in the Short Spring Natural Area.
The leading attraction for numerous visitors is Machine Falls, which tumbles down 60 feet and is almost as wide.
The Machine Falls 1.6-mile hoop begins at the Short Spring Parking lot and carries you to Machine Fall.
The hike is relatively challenging, so make sure you put on sturdy footwear. This trail is among the few trails in the area that can accommodate dogs, but they must be on a leash.
The Machine Fall is among the exquisite falls in the area, with many different layers ending in a shallow pool. If you feel hot, wade through the pool or stand under the falls to cool off. The trail to Machine Falls is open throughout the year.
Rutledge Falls is a stunning waterfall with a surrounding Park where you can conveniently spend the whole day hiking and picnicking.
The falls are expansive and low, completing in a big pool perfect for swimming during the hot seasons.
Since the waterfall is situated in a shaded forest, the waterfall is constantly cold, so you might only want to go for a swim when it is really hot.
To reach the falls, you have to walk along a short, unpaved path, so make sure you put on sturdy walking shoes. Once you get to the waterfalls, there are picnic tables and many other routes to continue your hike.
The area offers free parking, as well as free hiking. Camping is prohibited, and the park is closed daily at dusk.
The Lower and Upper Busby Falls is a set of waterfalls in the Short Spring Natural Area but on another trail.
The trail begins in the exact place as the Machine Falls path. If you use the Busby Falls Loop Trail, it will carry you to a lookout point where you can see atop the waterfalls and admire the view.
You can access these falls through a trail along Bob Creek that cuts across the picturesque Collier Horn Bridge.
Address: Tullahoma, TN, United States
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Plan Your Trip to Manchester
Tourists who visit Manchester, TN, say it has a calming atmosphere with numerous things to do and see.
This small city is also famous for fans of music due to the many live music venues and festivals featuring local talents.
Manchester is a budget-friendly destination filled with friendly people and fun activities. It is an exceptional place for anyone seeking relaxation or escape from everyday stress.