Nashville Day Trip: Stillhouse Hollow Falls, Berry Picking, and Amish Country

A few Saturdays ago, we decided to take the kids berry picking. We opted to visit the Blueberries on the Buffalo Farm in Lawrenceburg, a scenic hour and a half drive from Nashville. What we discovered along the way makes this a truly wonderful family day trip.

Just off Highway 43 on your way to the farm, you will come across Stillhouse Hollow Falls, a state-owned natural area that’s a perfect stop for a short walk and perhaps a picnic.

Just a short walk from the parking area, we encountered a small waterfall that flowed into a shallow creek with a smooth, flat rock bed that had just enough traction to keep you from slipping — perfect for small children to play in.

A 2/3 mile walk along the trail brought us to this 75-foot waterfall, which ends in a swimming hole that’s considered to be one of the best in the nation.

After spending a few minutes at the falls, we went on to Blueberries on the Buffalo, where we received an effusive welcome from owners Dan and Debbie Eiser. They gave us pails, told us all about the different varieties of blueberries they had that were ready for picking, and encouraged us to eat as many as we wanted along the way.

We quickly got to work. The blueberries we ate off the bush were sweet and delicious.

It was hot in the sun, but we discovered that the kids could pick the low-hanging berries in the shade of the bushes.

  

Picking a whole gallon of blueberries takes a lot longer than you’d think — Luckily, Dan and Debbie have an air-conditioned office where families can take a break and enjoy a cold drink. They also have fish food available for those who want to take a walk down to their pond.

You know were were all about that!

At first when the kids threw their fish food into the water, nothing happened. About five minutes later, though, we started to see mysterious white shapes just beneath the surface of the water.

Catfish!

Soon, there were swarms of enormous white catfish (and even a few turtles) fighting each other for the fish food. TOTALLY worth the $.50 fish food cost!

We returned to finish picking our gallon of blueberries. Debbie and Dan’s farm borders the Buffalo River and they have a gazebo beside it where berry pickers can sit in the shade and enjoy lunch or a snack. The Eisers are also happy to give “inside tips” on finding nearby Amish areas, where you can buy fresh produce, baked goods, and Amish arts and crafts.

You will see a few of these signs on your way to the farm, which charmed the kids. We were lucky to see not one, but TWO Amish buggies on the road on our way to the farm, which led to a long discussion on the Amish and what they believe. We plan to go back to the farm in a few weeks for blackberry season, and this time, we’ll be stopping to visit some Amish settlements. I feel lucky to live in an area where we can show the kids a completely different way of life.

When we drive to Lawrenceburg, we opt to avoid the interstate and take the most scenic way we can find— the countryside is absolutely beautiful. The farm’s address is: 78 Cemetery Road, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464.

If you’re stopping at Stillhouse Falls, once you turn right on Hwy 43 from Saturn Parkway, you will drive about 21 miles. The natural area parking area is on the right once you have passed over the Judge Workman Bridge. It is about three miles northeast of Summertown on Hwy 43 on the left just before the bridge. Be on the lookout for it– the sign is small and the turnoff into the parkway is just a gravel road and you can easily miss it.

Blueberries on the Buffalo is open now from 8 am to 6 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. All four varieties of blueberries are ripening now and blackberries will be ready in a few weeks. The Eisers urge you to call before you come to check on berry availability- They record a message each day. Their phone number is (931)-964-4578.

Once you’ve got your gallon of blueberries, you’ll have so many, you won’t know what to do with them!

Here are a few recipes we enjoyed:

Blueberry Streusel Muffins
Blueberry Pie
Blueberry Buckle (link coming soon!)
Lemon Blueberry Bread

We will be making this day trip an annual summer tradition. If you live in the area or are visiting and looking for a unique experience, it is well worth the drive.

Stillhouse Falls image via SeeMidTn.com/Flickr; Amish sign via David_Jones/Flickr