Beers & Brews
Autumn in Lynchburg, Tennessee
October 27, 2025
The amber hue of Tennessee whiskey. The excitable chatter of visitors discovering the town square. The comforting smell of barbecue cooked low and slow. Autumn in Lynchburg, Tennessee, engages all of your senses in a stunning symphony of Southern history, heritage, and hospitality.
Carved out from centuries-old Tennessee farmland and acres of vast, rolling hills, Lynchburg is a slice of paradise for those in search of the perfect autumn destination. Each fall, the small town is painted in gorgeous oranges, browns, and reds as the leaves change and the weather shifts.
TENNESSEE WHISKEY COUNTRY
Shaped by centuries of distilled spirits, Lynchburg is best known for being the only place in the world where Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is produced. The historic campus of the Jack Daniel Distillery is synonymous with the town of Lynchburg – the two have walked hand-in-hand since the 1860s. Tours of the distillery run seven days a week, and offer the opportunity to sample six distinct varieties of the famous whiskey.
A recent addition to the whiskey-loving town is the Company Distilling location on the square. Serving up handcrafted cocktails with a side of good company, this new spot is a hot spot for visitors and locals looking to tuck in for a quick warm-up from the autumn winds. Jeff Arnett, owner of Company Distilling, extends this invitation: “Come gather around with us, enjoy a good cocktail, and be part of the rich distilling history. Lynchburg has always stood for quality, making things the right way and creating spaces where people can come together. We’re honored to carry on that tradition and grateful for the chance to add our own chapter to the story of this town.”
TN WHISKEY TRAILHEAD
For those whiskey aficionados looking to expand their travels, the appreciation for the spirit goes beyond distillery tours in Lynchburg.
Located on the Jack Daniel Distillery campus, the Tennessee Whiskey Trailhead & Welcome Center is an immersive experience of not only whiskey, but all of the best that Tennessee has to offer. The first order of business is to grab your Tennessee Whiskey Trail Passport – collect stamps at each distillery you visit across the state and you’ll earn commemorative poker chips (and a ton of priceless memories). The passports never expire – so you can spend your time lingering and enjoying each stop on the trail in as many trips as it takes. There are three poker chips to collect in Lynchburg alone, earning you a head start on your journey. Don’t forget to stop by the “Crafting Whiskey” mural only a mile from Lynchburg’s town square – it’s a bonus stop on the trail and a must-see for whiskey-minded visitors. For those that check every stop off the list, a one-of-a-kind collectible poker set awaits you.
At The Trailhead, the Lynchburg visitor can also sample and shop quality goods made right in Middle Tennessee. The Lynchburg Mule Company showcases local hot sauces, BBQ sauces, beef jerky, rubs, and more.
MISS MARY BOBOS & TN BBQ SCENE
Chilly autumn temperatures are a sure sign that it’s time to turn to comfort food, and comfort is the name of the game in Lynchburg.
Miss Mary Bobo’s sits a short distance from the historic square, accessible by car or foot. The stately white house was a boarding house for many years, offering hospitality to travelers from across the country. A noontime meal was a hallmark of this hospitality, and that meal is what now makes the restaurant a bucket list destination.
The meal at Miss Mary Bobo’s is an entirely unique experience, and a must-do when in Lynchburg. The meal is served family-style, and you are encouraged to swap stories with your tablemates as you pass the famous fried okra. “A meal at Miss Mary Bobo’s feels less like dining out and more like coming home. The creak of the old floors, the clink of shared dishes, and the stories passed around the table make it a comforting reminder that some Southern traditions are too special to change,” remarks Christine Poston, Senior Manager of the Jack Daniel Homeplace.
Another facet to the Lynchburg foodie scene is the mouthwatering Tennessee barbecue that dominates the town. Two powerhouses of the Southern staple, Barrelhouse BBQ and the Barbecue Caboose, call Lynchburg home – and both keep visitors and locals satisfied with their classic smoked meats and their innovative specials. The town’s love for barbecue extends into the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue, a competition that brings teams from close to 80 countries together. Poston describes the electric atmosphere of the event: “Every fall, when the smoke drifts through the holler and the laughter rises from the cook sites, The Jack brings the world to Lynchburg – but in a way that feels like a neighborhood reunion. It’s a celebration of barbecue, yes, but also the stories, friendships, and heart behind every pit.”
The foodie footprint of Lynchburg grows each year – not only is the town home to The Jack every October, it also hosts a world-class steak cookoff each June. Coming in the spring is a brand-new culinary competition: a chili cook-off set to take place in April.