It’s Time to Travel, Y’all!
Did you know that we have 8 (eight) Puckett’s Restaurant locations? Over the years our company has expanded from our flagship location in Franklin, Tennessee to include multiple locations across middle Tennessee, two in east Tennessee, and one in Alabama. If you’re yearning for a road trip and want to visit all of our locations then read on dear fan because we’re going to give you the local scoop on the best time to visit each location.
First stop… Franklin, Tennessee
If you’re wanting to visit the OG Puckett’s, the one that started it all, our flagship location – then you need to take a trip to historic Franklin, Tennessee. This charming Southern town has it all: shopping at cute boutiques, dining at fun and creative local restaurants (like us!), coffee shops, and festivals galore.
You might be asking yourself, “But when can I visit and not have all the crowds?” It’s a fair question. Franklin has become a popular destination so visiting during a slower time can be a bit tricky. Our advice: come early and stay late!
Visiting during the colder months (think January and February) and from middle August to early September will provide fewer crowds. Avoid weekends and holidays since more people tend to visit and most of the festivals happen over those days. If you’re wanting to get your hands on our mouth water BBQ and Southern staples, then we recommend arriving before 9:00am and dining during an “off” time – 2:00 - 4:00pm and after 7:30pm. There will be a shorter wait and quieter restaurant.
Next on the list… Nashville, Tennessee
Welcome to Music City, y’all! This town is always buzzing with activity. Whether the Titans or Predators are playing, a big name act is headlining at Bridgestone Arena, or it’s CMA Fest, Nashville is a popular spot. Broadway is usually lined with people bustling about, crowded with every kind of bar-on-wheels you can imagine, and all of the birthday parties and bachelor/bachelorette parties.
While our Nashville location is located just one block off Broadway it’s still a hopping spot. So when is a good time to visit if you want to avoid some of the craziness? Believe or not, July 4th in the Music City is a great time to stop by. This holiday is traditionally a slower day for most restaurants since people spend their time grilling and then heading off to watch fireworks.
Some other great times to visit would be on Memorial Day and Labor Day since people are heading back home from the long weekend. January and February are always quieter months in Nashville. Yes, there’s still people but nowhere near the crowds of summer and fall. We also suggest visiting the restaurant earlier in the morning and fueling up with our amazing breakfast. You’ll get a jump on the crowds and have the energy to walk and explore the sites and sounds all day.
Head on down to our next stop… Columbia, Tennessee
Welcome to the Mule Capital of the world! You heard right, Columbia, Tennessee is proudly known as the mule capital and claims to have more mules than people. Heck, they even have a weekend-long celebration centered around these magnificent animals. If you’ve never witnessed a mule driving, want to see who wins Best of Breed, want to try some traditional Appalachian foods, or are interested in being crowned Miss Mule Day then be sure to visit Columbia the weekend of April 11, 2026.
If mules, and crowds, aren’t your thing then there are plenty of other great times to visit this quaint city. Swing by during April and May to enjoy walking the square during the gorgeous spring weather. With our restaurant being located right on the main square we’re your perfect stop to grab a bite to eat while you’re out shopping or visiting a local museum. October is another great time to visit and meander through the city. While the first Friday of every month transforms the square into a vendor and artisan market with live music, other weekdays and Sundays are a great time to pop-in.
This Puckett’s location is also home to our largest private event space. The Guitar and Cadillac Hall can host groups up to 300 people and is the best place to host a wedding (or wedding reception), company event, or large family gathering.
Let’s head south to… Chattanooga, Tennessee
Ah yes, Chattanooga – the Scenic City. While Chattanooga is now known for its scenic beauty and having the fastest internet in the country it was also known for previously being a railroad hub (pardon me, boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo)* and for the pivotal role the city played during the Civil War.
Chattanooga proudly hosts the Little Debbie Ironman and half Ironman, the World of Bluegrass Festival, Main x24, and multiple other fun festivals. Stop in and visit the Tennessee Aquarium or see 7 states from beautiful Rock City. For all the foodies out there, Chattanooga also recently made the newly published MICHELIN Guide American South.
With so much going on in one city, it can be hard to find a time to visit when there isn’t a crowd. As with most of our locations and their home cities, January and February in Chattanooga are quiet months and make a great time to visit and enjoy all of the attractions without the busyness of the warmer months. Mid-August through September, with the exception of the weekends and Labor Day, are also perfect months to visit. It’s still hot enough that you can enjoy watersports on the river but there aren’t as many people out and about so you avoid the crowds.
Hop back on I-24 and visit… Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Home to MTSU and Blue Raider nation, Murfreesboro is a stop you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a history buff, looking for live music, or wanting to shop without the hustle and bustle of Franklin and Nashville then Murfreesboro is the stop for you. This hidden gem has something for everyone, and with its proximity to Nashville it’s an easy stop year ‘round without the crowds.
Did you know that Murfreesboro is home to the Stones River National Battlefield which played a crucial role in the Civil War? This historic site is both beautiful and haunting and is a must-see for the history buff in your life. It’s also a wonderful location for a quiet break or to see some local wildlife.
If you’re more into shopping or live music then stop by the Fountains at Gateway, the Avenue or the Square downtown. All three areas are sure to have something to please you and your crew. Saturdays from March to October are the best time to visit the square and stock up on fresh produce and local bites at the farmers market. The Fountains at Gateway and the Avenue have more of your traditional shopping spots. If you’re looking for live, local music then Puckett’s Restaurant on the square is for you. We’re proud to host both local music acts and up and coming artists from the MTSU music program.
Load up the camper and kids and head east to the Great Smoky Mountain and… Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
The Pigeon Forge area is one of the most visited cities in the entire nation, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park. What was once a summer and fall destination, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg have all become a year-around attraction. Gone are the days when the hotels, attractions, and restaurants would shut down in January and February. Those have since been replaced with youth retreats, WinterFest, Wildlife Week, and more.
When this place gets busy, it gets BUSY! People and cars everywhere to the point it feels like you can’t breathe or even move. Pigeon Forge had been growing at a consistent pace pre-COVID, but after the pandemic the city and its popularity skyrocketed. Things have started to even back out, but people are visiting in higher volumes than ever before. This can make it difficult to find a time to visit when you want fewer crowds and something a little quieter.
If you’re not afraid of a chance of snow and really want to enjoy the serenity of the area then make plans to visit in January and February. Winter is a peaceful time in the mountains. It’s easy to get around and there's something tranquil about the stillness this time of year. Another great time to visit if you’re looking for warmer weather and want to enjoy Dollywood (because who doesn’t!) then swing by in early May or mid-August. Both times will be busier than the winter but there’ll still be fewer crowds, especially if you visit during the week. No matter when you decide to visit, whether it’s your first time or you and your family have been coming for generations, Pigeon Forge has something for everyone, and we’d be honored to have you add Puckett’s to your list of stops while in town.
From east Tennessee to north Alabama, our next stop is… Cullman, Alabama
Now you may be asking yourself, “How did a Tennessee brand end up in Cullman, Alabama?” Well, a group of ladies, now affectionately known as the Alabama Girls, would travel from Cullman to Columbia, TN for antique shopping. Over the years these amazing ladies developed a beautiful friendship with our owners. As time went on, Andy and Jan knew they wanted to eventually open a location in Cullman, Alabama. That dream became a reality in the fall of 2023.
Cullman is a true Southern treasure. This unassuming town has one of the best downtowns for shopping, and there are festivals and events galore! Be sure to visit during the Alabama Strawberry Festival, Oktoberfest, or the month long Christkindlmarkt. All of these have local, handmade vendors, farm-fresh produce, live music, rides for the kids, and food trucks – it’s a great chance to stop by and visit our very own Trolley Parton, the Puckett’s food truck.
If you’re looking for a slower time to visit this cute town, then stop by during the week. You’ll find less traffic and fewer crowds but still get to enjoy the charm that Cullman has to offer. While you’re in town be sure to stop by Puckett’s, located right off exit 310 on I-65, and also swing by Hank’s Sports Bar & Rumors Deli, a locally owned spot that has become a favorite of our team.
One last stop, and we’re heading north to… Hendersonville, Tennessee
Our last stop of our Puckett’s Restaurant road trip is to Hendersonville, Tennessee. This little town is home to some of country music’s true legends: Johnny & June Carter Cash, Roy Orbison, and Conway Twitty. Heck, even Kelly Clarkson owned a lakeside home here for a short while. One thing is certain, Hendersonville has a long history with the music industry which made it a no-brainer for our newest Puckett’s location.
Whether you’re looking to spend a day on Old Hickory Lake or enjoy some shopping at The Streets of Indian Lake, every day is a good day to visit Hendersonville. While getting here from Nashville can come with traffic, once you’re here you’ll be treated to a city with fun festivals, good eats, and live entertainment.
If you’re a BBQ enthusiast, like us, be sure to visit Hendersonville in October for Pig Fest. This 3 day festival has a BBQ competition, live pig races, and food trucks. It’s another great opportunity to see us and Trolley Parton. While you’re there grab our famous piggy mac to enjoy while you walk around the festival.
Whether you’re a road warrior or just looking for a weekend getaway – you’re now armed with the insider tips and tricks to make your visit as enjoyable, and local, as possible.
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Written by: Graci Burnett
Marketing Manager, A. Marshall Hospitality
Graci has been part of the AMH family since 2015, and when she’s not keeping the marketing train chugging along, you might find her out on a hike soaking in mountain views, cheering on the Vols (GBO!), catching a live music festival or spending time with her family.
