7 Hours
169
Middle Tennessee
Highlights
- Discover the role the Civil War played throughout the State of Tennessee, as well as for the cities of Nashville, Franklin, Spring Hill, Columbia, and many more.
- Tour the actual battle sites and forts throughout Middle Tennessee
- Taste the unique BBQ offerings of restaurants who have been serving locals for decades in Tennessee.
- Opportunities to shop and support local restaurants, boutique shops, and coffee shops.
Tour Details
The Best BBQ along the Civil War Trail in Middle Tennessee.
Welcome to History and Hogs, your ultimate guide to exploring the rich history and mouth-watering barbecue of Middle Tennessee. Our guided tour takes you through some of the most significant Civil War sites in the area, coupled with stops at some of the best BBQ joints in Middle Tennessee.
The tour starts with a visit to Fort Negley, located near Downtown Nashville, where you’ll learn about the forts pivotal role in the Civil War, and its impact on the city’s history. From there, we head to Downtown Columbia, Tennessee where you can immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage and enjoy some of the region’s best BBQ at JJ’s Barbecue. After our first BBQ stop, we will make a quick stop in the town square in Downtown Columbia, and give a quick tour of the area, and hear the Civil War stories of the area. We’ll also allow you to take a few minutes to shop in some of the small stores located along the square. Some of our favorites include Muletown Coffee Roasters, Jenny’s Ice Cream, and Southern Exposure.
But that’s not all! The tour culminates near the site of the Battle of Franklin located in Franklin, Tennessee, where you can walk in the footsteps of soldiers and learn of the epic battle that took place. And, of course, no trip to Middle Tennessee would be complete without a taste of the BBQ, so we’ll take you to one of the best BBQ spots in Franklin, Tennessee, BB’s Bar-B-Q. A stop to Franklin also includes some time to shop in the best small town in America. In Downtown Franklin, you have the opportunity to shop for just about anything you can think of: clothes, souvenirs, dessert, coffee, books, and more! Some of our favorite stores in Downtown Franklin include: Twine Graphics, White’s Mercantile, Kilwins Franklin, Blink’s Outfitters, Finnley’s, Citizen, Rooted, and so many more.
Whether you’re a history buff, a BBQ lover, or just looking for a fun and educational adventure, History and Hogs has something for everyone. Join us for an unforgettable journey through Middle Tennessee’s rich past and delicious culinary delights!

Tour Itinerary
8:45 AM – Meet at Pickup Site
9:00 AM – Depart for Fort Negley
9:20 AM – Arrive at Fort Negley
10:00 AM – Head to JJ’s BBQ
11:00 AM – Arrive at JJ’s BBQ
11:45 PM – Depart for downtown Columbia, TN. This stop will include a brief stop for shopping, dessert, and coffee.
12:25 PM – Depart for downtown Franklin, TN
1:15 PM – Arrive at the Battle of Franklin Historic Site
1:45 – Head to downtown Franklin, This stop will include a brief stop for shopping, dessert, and coffee.
2:20 PM – Head To BB’s BBQ
2:45 PM – End of the tour, return to the starting point in Nashville
3:15 PM – Arrive Back To Nashville
*Please note that the itinerary is subject to change based on traffic, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.
FAQs
What is the group size of a this tour?
The group size can depend on the tour operator, but for this tour, having groups of 12 people or less per vehicle helps to best create a small-group adventure.
Can you accommodate wheelchairs?
At this time, we cannot guarantee that individuals that need accommodations can will be able to take this specific tour. While all of the paths that we will be walking on are ADA accessible, our vans cannot accommodate for wheelchairs.
What should I bring on the tour?
XPLR Tours will provide the snacks, water, and the BBQ! Please bring close-toed shoes, a hat, sunscreen and a camera.
Can you accommodate dietary needs and restrictions on this tour?
We will typically have coolers and can store a lunch that you may bring food on if you cannot eat the BBQ that is provided on the tour. As of right now, there are no vegetarian or vegan substitutes for the BBQ that is offered on this tour.
Who is this tour suitable for?
This is the ideal tour for families, couples, friends and friend groups, and solo travelers. We welcome ages 9 and up (over 57 inches tall for kids per Tennessee State Law) on this tour, and with just 12 people per vehicle, this is a family-friendly tour.
How much walking do you do on the tour?
This tour allows people to explore at their fitness and comfort level. Throughout the day, we make a handful of stops for people to get out and enjoy the sights and shopping either through a battlefield, a fort, or a downtown square. All walks are optional, but the longest hike will be the at the beginning at Fort Negley. This walk in a little less than 1 mile, and will involve a small hill around the fort.
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