In the Middle of Middle Tennessee—Watertown, TN
Middle Tennessee is known for its rich history, unique cedar groves, and—of course—Nashville the Music City. Watertown, TN, is a charming little burg that gives you easy access to all of this and more astride your motorcycle.
Watertown is located along US 70, merely 10 miles from Lebanon and 40 from Nashville. If you’re visiting either city, Watertown is a nice, quiet place to spend the night.
Make no mistake, though—this 1,500-resident town is not just an offshoot of bigger cities. Watertown is a destination worthy of visiting in itself.
Although Round Lick Creek flows through it, this town isn’t named after an abundance of water. Instead, the name stems from the town’s founder Wilson M. Waters.
Waters’ grandparents had moved to the area already in the 1790s, but it wasn’t until 1845 that the local post office was moved from Three Forks to Waters’ general store. He later also built a sawmill, grist mill, and a blacksmith’s shop in town which soon came to bear his name.
Although the original log cabin Waters built for his family no longer exists, their first “modern” house still stands and has been well refurbished. It’s a fascinating relic connecting directly to Watertown’s founding.
Another historical sight in town is the Watertown Historic District surrounding its main square. These buildings, however, didn’t stand in Mr. Waters’ day.
The historical district was built in the aftermath of a devastating fire that ripped through the town’s wooden buildings in 1903. Recovering from the disaster, the townsfolk decided to build a new town square surrounded by more fireproof brick buildings.
Today, the district houses little shops, cafes, and restaurants, forming the center of public life in Watertown.
Motoring into Watertown, you might find some buildings and locations strangely familiar. That might be because of a surprising number of movies, TV shows, and music videos filmed in town.
The 2021 Western Old Henry was shot in Watertown. The town’s quintessential “small-town America” vibe has also been depicted in music videos by famous artists, from Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw to Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift.
To catch some of the latest movies, whether featuring Watertown or not, head on over to the Stardust Drive-In Theater. You can watch the blockbusters right from the saddle of your bike (although personally, I’d recommend packing a lightweight camping chair).
If even Watertown is too urban for you, you can easily escape to wilder areas. Less than an hour to the east, you’ll find Center Hill Lake and Edgar Evins State Park, with plentiful opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and boating from the lake’s many marinas.
Meanwhile, to the west lies Cedars of Lebanon State Forest and State Park. In addition to camping and hiking, this area allows the hunting of small and large game and waterfowl with the appropriate permits.
If you’re exploring Middle Tennessee from the motorcycle saddle, base your adventure in Watertown. With easy access to everything the state is famous for and its own small-town charm, you’ll surely have a great time.
Facts & Info
Nearby Attractions
- Watertown Historic District
- Stardust Drive-In Theater
- Edgar Evins State Park
Nearby Roads
When visiting Watertown, you don’t have to look far for fun rides—one starts right out of town. Take SR 267 south from Watertown and motor west to Smyrna on US 96 and 266.
SR 267 offers some entertaining yet easy-to-ride curves through forested Tennessee foothills, while SR 96 and 266 are laidback cruises along good asphalt. At 40 miles in one direction, this Watertown-Smyrna route makes for a nice one-day trip.
For more curvy action, head east to Center Hill Lake on either US 70 or I-40 and hit SR 96. This 20-mile twister takes you past beautiful woods and fields, while crossing Center Hill Dam at the northern end of the ride offers some gorgeous waterscape views.
Recommended Lodging: Watermelon Moon Farm
Watermelon Moon Farm, located 10 miles north of Watertown, takes you back to Tennessee’s past. Built between 1835 and 1845, this historical tobacco plantation is a charming, unique bed-and-breakfast.
The delightfully decorated B&B suite houses you in a cozy country atmosphere. A hearty breakfast gets you ready for the day’s moto adventure.
After the ride, you can relax and take in the country views while sitting on the porch in a rocking chair (sipping a mint julep is optional). Watermelon Moon Farm also has plenty of animals that further immerse you in the rural Tennessee experience.
Food & Dining
Tennessee’s food culture shares much with the South in general, with its own twists. When riding through Tennessee, you can enjoy the usual Southern staples (like fried chicken and collard greens). The state is also home to its specialties, like Memphis barbecue with its distinctive dry rubs and Nashville hot chicken.
The Adopted Farmhouse Coffee Co. on Watertown’s main square prepares tasty pick-me-ups and small snacks, while also supporting children in need of adoption. Both La Cocina and Casa Amigos, meanwhile, will satisfy your craving for delicious Mexican food.
Best Time to Travel
When visiting Watertown, aim for summer to fall. Summers might be hot and humid, but that’s also when many of the state’s wonderful local festivals and events take place. Fall brings with it cooler temperatures and blazing foliage in the trees.
I’d avoid traveling to this area in spring. You’ll have to deal with Tennessee’s horrendous spring rains, a larger number of tourists, and high accommodation costs.