You are within an hour driving of 2 of what Mrs. Sippi calls her "Big 3".
Stan's Restaurant (http://www.stanscountryrestaurant.com/) in Columbia is right off I-65 at exit 46. Supposedly the model on which Cracker Barrel was based. Same set up. Everything is home made with the exception of their cream pies. (for some reason) It's a meat n 3.
Bell Buckle Cafe (http://www.bellbucklecafe.com/Bell_Bu...) is in Bell Buckle which is about 15 miles from I-24 in Bell Buckle (S/E of Nashville) Pretty little town that is a bit of a time capsule. BBC has the best non chocolate dessert I've ever had. The Oatmeal Cake with Caramel. Just simply incredible. Like a thick, soft oatmeal cookie with caramel sauce on top. One of the best meat n 3's you'll find.
Should you feel like going as far as Chattanooga then Dixie Freeze (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dixie-...) in S. Pittsburg is a great bet. Part drive in, part meat n 3. It's 2 blocks away from the Lodge Cast Iron plant and Factory Store.
In Chatt is Champy's Chicken (http://champyschicken.com/) which has the best fried chicken I've ever had. Delta tamales are great too. Also the best deep fried dill pickles.
Should you decide to head to Jack Daniels, Bell Buckle is kinda along the way but there is also Barrel House BBQ (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Barrel... Lynchburg. BBQ obviously but supposedly they make a wicked BBQ Grilled Cheese (w/mac n cheese). I didn't try it but a friend at the distillery says her kids eat them all the time. Good Q but not my favourite. I do have another buddy that eats there all the time as well.
Also on the square is a little boutique selling crafts, kitsch and goodies. It's called Nina's Taste of Tennessee (http://www.ninastasteoftennessee.com/).
If you head up to the Land Between the Lakes region, stop by Broadbents (http://www.broadbenthams.com/) for the best country ham in the country. They did have a little cafe that serves sandwiches and the like. Not sure if they still do.
South of town there is the Cool Springs area with just about every known chain store or restaurant known to (wo)man. There is also Cool Springs Brewery (http://www.coolspringsbrewery.com/). Terrific bar fare and house brewed beers. The pizza was a perennial favourite of Nashvillians in a previous incarnation.
Near by (CS) is Franklin and Puckett's Grocery. An eclectic mix of bar, bistro and meat n 3. Dotson's in Franklin is also very good. Well known for their cream pies. They also have Puckett's Boathouse which I've only been to once but was thoroughly impressed.
(https://www.puckettsgrocery.com/)
There is also the original Puckett's Grocery in Leipers Fork. (http://www.puckettsofleipersfork.com/) They aren't associated with the other Puckett's around the area. Equally as good though.
In Columbia, Tn there is Truelove's Pizza and Grits. (http://www.truelovespizza.com/) Yes, pizza and grits. Both are fantastic. Their house grits that Mrs. Sippi wanted desperately to hate (not at all traditional) are amazing. She just couldn't hate them.
Well, hopefully that'll do.
Not sure where you're coming from but I may be able to help with that as well.
Enjoy
DT
You are within an hour driving of 2 of what Mrs. Sippi calls her "Big 3".
Stan's Restaurant (http://www.stanscountryrestaurant.com/) in Columbia is right off I-65 at exit 46. Supposedly the model on which Cracker Barrel was based. Same set up. Everything is home made with the exception of their...
