Bon Aqua is a small, unincorporated community in Hickman County, Tennessee, with portions extending into Dickson and Williamson counties. It's located about 40 miles west of Nashville and approximately 9 miles southeast of Dickson, making it a popular rural community for commuters.
- County: Hickman (primarily)
- ZIP Code: 37025
- Area Code: 931
- Time Zone: Central Time
- Elevation: Approximately 837 feet above sea level
History
The name "Bon Aqua" means "good water" in Latin and French, referring to the area's famous mineral springs. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Bon Aqua Springs Resort was one of Tennessee's premier health resorts, attracting visitors seeking the healing properties of its mineral waters.
Johnny Cash Connection
Bon Aqua is well known as the longtime home of Johnny Cash. He owned a farm here for more than 30 years and often used a local general store as a gathering place for musicians.
Visitors can tour:
- The Hideaway Farm – Johnny Cash's former property
- The Storytellers Museum – Exhibits featuring Johnny Cash and other country music legends
Things to Do
- ?? Visit The Hideaway Farm
- ?? Explore John Noel at Bon Aqua State Natural Area
- ??? Tour the historic Bon Aqua Springs Historic District
- ??? Eat at local favorites like Beacon Light Tea Room or Country Kitchen
Economy
Bon Aqua is primarily a residential and rural community. Many residents commute to nearby cities such as:
- Dickson
- Fairview
- Franklin
- Nashville
Agriculture, construction, small businesses, and service industries are common local employers.
Nearby Attractions
- Montgomery Bell State Park
- Loretta Lynn's Ranch (Hurricane Mills)
- Natchez Trace Parkway
- Downtown Dickson
- Nashville (about a 45-minute drive)
Bon Aqua offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with rich Tennessee history, scenic countryside, and a unique connection to country music legend Johnny Cash, while remaining close enough to Nashville for work and entertainment.
Bumpus Mills, Tennessee is a quiet, unincorporated community in Stewart County, located in northwestern Tennessee near Lake Barkley, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, and the Kentucky state line. It's known for its outdoor recreation, rural setting, and rich local history.
Quick Facts
- County: Stewart
- ZIP Code: 37028
- Area Code: 931
- Time Zone: Central Time
- Elevation: Approximately 400 feet above sea level
- Population: Unincorporated community (no official census population).
History
Bumpus Mills was established around a mill complex built by Andrew Bumpus in 1846 on Saline Creek. The community grew around a sawmill, gristmill, flour mill, and planning mill. It became especially well known for producing Bob White Flour, which was sold throughout the region.
Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty to enjoy nearby:
- ?? Lake Barkley – Fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming.
- ??? Bumpus Mills Campground – A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground with campsites, a marina, boat ramp, and hiking access.
- ?? Wildlife viewing, including bald eagles, deer, wild turkey, and many bird species.
- ?? Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area – Hiking, camping, ATV trails, elk and bison prairie, and nature centers.
- ???? Fort Donelson National Battlefield – One of the most significant Civil War sites in Tennessee.
Economy
The area is largely rural, with employment tied to:
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Outdoor recreation and tourism
- Construction and trades
- Nearby Fort Campbell and Clarksville employment
- Small local businesses
Nearby Communities
- Dover – 10 miles
- Big Rock – 5 miles
- Clarksville – 35 miles
- Paris – 40 miles
- Cadiz, Kentucky – 20 miles
Why People Like Living There
- Peaceful, rural lifestyle
- Excellent fishing and hunting
- Close access to Lake Barkley and Land Between the Lakes
- Low traffic and scenic countryside
- Popular destination for retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, and vacation homeowners
Bumpus Mills is an ideal destination for anyone who enjoys boating, fishing, camping, and quiet country living while still being within driving distance of Clarksville and western Kentucky.
Clifton, Tennessee is a scenic river town in Wayne County on the banks of the Tennessee River in southern Middle Tennessee. Known for its historic downtown, boating, fishing, and Civil War history, Clifton is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and small-town charm.
Quick Facts
- County: Wayne
- Population: 2,651 (2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 38425
- Area Code: 931
- Time Zone: Central Time
- Distance to Nashville: About 2 hours by car
History
Founded as a river port in the early 1800s, Clifton grew because of its location on the Tennessee River. During the Civil War, it was an important transportation and supply point, and today visitors can follow the town's Civil War history through markers and historic sites.
Things to Do
- ?? Clifton Marina – Popular for boating, fishing, fuel, dining, and river access.
- ?? Riverside Park – A relaxing park overlooking the Tennessee River.
- ??? T. S. Stribling Museum – Dedicated to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Thomas Sigismund Stribling, a Clifton native.
- ? Explore Clifton's historic downtown and waterfront.
- ?? Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing on the Tennessee River.
Outdoor Recreation
Clifton is a favorite destination for:
- Bass and crappie fishing
- Boating and water sports
- Camping
- Hiking
- Wildlife watching
Nearby attractions include:
- Natchez Trace Parkway
- Mousetail Landing State Park
- Crazy Horse Recreational Park
Economy
The local economy includes:
- Tourism and recreation
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Small businesses
- River-related commerce
- Manufacturing in the surrounding area
Nearby Communities
- Savannah – 25 miles
- Waynesboro – 20 miles
- Florence, Alabama – 45 miles
- Lawrenceburg – 35 miles
- Nashville – Approximately 110 miles
Why People Visit or Live in Clifton
- Beautiful Tennessee River views
- Excellent boating and fishing
- Historic downtown and Civil War heritage
- Peaceful, small-town atmosphere
- Convenient access to outdoor recreation year-round
Clifton is often called one of Tennessee's hidden gems along the Tennessee River, offering a blend of history, outdoor adventure, and a welcoming waterfront community.
