Brownsville’s Best Hidden Gems

Known worldwide as the home of rock ’n’ roll legend Tina Turner, Brownsville is making a name for itself with other special attractions and claims to fame. An easy day trip from Memphis and Nashville, the Haywood County seat boasts the state’s oldest synagogue (Temple Adas Israel) and tallest freestanding sculpture (Billy Tripp's “Mindfield”). Brownsville is also a spectacular wedding locale, with unique venues like White Raven Manor and the Stanton Presbyterian Church. Read on to discover even more to see, eat, and do in this hidden gem of Tennessee.

Outdoor Activities in Brownsville

The crowning jewel of Brownsville’s natural beauty is the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, spanning over 11,000 acres around the scenic Hatchie River. Brimming with more than 250 species of birds, the refuge is the perfect host for the annual BirdFest event, which draws hundreds of seasoned and amateur birdwatchers every spring. Year-round, enjoy hikes around O'neal Lake and various trails within the refuge. The Hatchie is also a great place to fish, hunt or a laid-back float in your canoe and kayak on the river itself. 

For a longer stay, consider a glamping experience at the aptly named Serendipity Resort & Campground, where you can lounge in furnished yurts, luxury cabins and tents. (Or, roll up in your own recreational vehicle and spend a few days at the RV park.) Fill your downtime at this retreat with disc golf, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding or adventures to the surrounding state parks.

Places to Eat in Brownsville

The smell of barbecue wafting in the air is common in Brownsville, and many will tell you it's the best you'll ever eat. Choose from these legendary spots while you’re in town: 

• Mr. Baby Backs Restaurant 
• Rasin' Cain BBQ 
• Backyard Bar-be-cue

Planning to shop and stroll along the town square? Preface your outing with a down-home meal at: 

• Lilie’s on the Square
• Livingston’s Soda Fountain & Grill
• O’Taste and See 

Finally, less than 20 miles southwest of downtown Brownsville, Suga’s Diner in Stanton is a must-stop on your way in or out of town. Their specialty – chitterlings – is as Southern as it gets.

Must-See History Sites in Brownsville

Everywhere you turn in Brownsville, you’ll find pieces of the past. 

• The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is a true cultural destination, comprising museums dedicated to hometown heroine Tina Turner, blues icon “Sleepy” John Estes, the history of cotton in West Tennessee and more. Spend an afternoon exploring the grounds (self-guided tours are free) and essentially taking a crash course on the area’s rich roots.
• Anchored on the east by the farmer’s market, the Jefferson Street Historic District is home to notable attractions like the Dunbar Carver Museum and Cultural Center. Committed to chronicling Haywood County’s African American experience, the museum resides in a former segregation-era high school and shares stories of rural life in the community, as well as the history of the school. 
• Set in the building that previously served as Brownsville Baptist Female College and then Haywood High School, the Haywood County History Museum includes an Abraham Lincoln collection and other dusted-off treasures that history buffs will want to seek out.

Music Events and Annual Celebrations in Brownsville
 

No surprise here: Brownsville boasts delightful music events that you can plan your whole visit around. Every Memorial Day weekend, the Exit 56 Blues Fest celebrates the legacy of the country blues genre and the unofficial start of summer. The fun continues throughout the season with Live on the Lawn, a series of free weekly concerts put on by the Brownsville Arts Council, and Tina Turner Heritage Days in September. 

For a bright idea around the winter holidays, pile into the car and gawk at the Markowski Family Lights – this sprawling demonstration of festive spirit features 1 million Christmas lights, displays inspired by local children's drawings and occasional cameos by Santa himself. The dazzling Markowski property anchors Brownsville’s Trail of Lights, which runs annually from Dec. 1-30 and guides you to participating residences across the county.

Brownsville is home to history, outdoor activities and plenty of great music. Be sure to enjoy all that this small Tennessee town offers. Plan your trip today at visitbrownsvilletn.com.