Exploring the Jack Daniels Smoothe Distillery Tours, Shopping, and Barbecue Experience
If you’re headed to Franklin, Tennessee, and craving a taste of authentic Southern hospitality paired with world-famous whiskey, this tour promises an engaging full day. Priced at $175 per person and lasting roughly 6 hours and 45 minutes, it combines a mix of distillery visits, local shopping, and hearty barbecue, all with a guide who keeps the day moving smoothly. You’ll visit the historic Lynchburg town square, explore several retail shops, enjoy some delicious food at Miss Mary Bobo’s, and sample some of Jack Daniel’s renowned whiskeys.
What we love about this experience is how it offers a balanced mix of education, shopping, and tasting, giving you a genuine feel for Lynchburg’s culture. The complimentary 0.5ml of Jack Daniel’s whiskey for adults over 21 is a nice touch, and the stop at the Lynchburg Candy Company for whiskey-flavored treats adds a fun, sweet ending. Plus, the transportation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle makes the day relaxed and comfortable, especially after a long drive.
However, a consideration for travelers is that this is a shuttle/transport-only experience, and the actual Jack Daniel’s tour is not included in the price, which can be confusing for some. You’ll need to budget extra if you want to do the official distillery tour and tasting on-site. This setup works best for those interested in a flexible, full-day outing with lots of shopping and good food rather than a formal behind-the-scenes whiskey tour.
This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic local flavor, enjoy shopping for souvenirs, and prefer a laid-back, guided day in Lynchburg. It’s particularly good for people who don’t mind a bit of a flexible schedule and are happy to explore at their own pace, with the option to purchase personalized whiskey bottles or enjoy some Southern comfort food.
Key Points
- Flexible itinerary with stops at multiple Lynchburg attractions
- Includes transportation, whiskey sample, and shopping—great value for a half-day full experience
- Not an official distillery tour; focus is on sightseeing, shopping, and tasting outside the production process
- Food and shopping are highlights—especially at Miss Mary Bobo’s and Lynchburg’s retail shops
- Reviews mention excellent guides and enjoyable rides, but some note the tour itself is limited
- Additional costs: Whiskey tastings start around $7 per glass; lunch is not included but available locally
A Practical Breakdown of the Experience
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The Starting Point and Transportation
Your journey begins in Franklin, where you’ll be picked up in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. This aspect makes the day stress-free, especially after a long drive or a busy morning. The experience is limited to your group, providing a more personalized feel — no crowded buses or large groups here. The driver, Diane, is praised in reviews for her friendly, attentive service, elevating the day’s enjoyment.
Lynchburg Winery and Town Square
The first stop takes you to Lynchburg Winery, where local families craft semi-sweet wines. This is a pleasant introduction to Lynchburg’s local flavor, especially for those who enjoy light, handcrafted wines. The emphasis on family tradition adds a personal touch to this part of the visit. Expect about 30 minutes here, with free admission, allowing you to taste or browse at your leisure.
Next, you’ll pass by the iconic Jack Daniel’s Distillery—though the actual distillery tour is a separate experience and not included here. Instead, you’ll have free time to explore the retail shop, where souvenirs, apparel, and whiskey barrels are available for purchase. According to reviews, the shop offers genuine Jack Daniels gifts and collectibles — a perfect place to pick up a keepsake or gift.
Shopping and Sweet Treats
The Lynchburg Hardware and General Store is your next stop, offering an array of official Jack Daniel’s merchandise. You’ll find shot glasses, t-shirts, scarves, and even whiskey barrels. This is an ideal spot to stock up on souvenirs or give a unique gift to friends and family. One reviewer mentions that this shopping experience is a highlight, especially if you’re into whiskey memorabilia.
Afterward, the Lynchburg Cake and Candy Company introduces you to the famous Jack Daniels Whiskey Cake, a dessert with historical roots and a spicy twist thanks to added whiskey. The shop also offers whiskey-flavored candies and pecans — a sweet way to commemorate your visit.
The Heart of Lynchburg: Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant
The tour concludes with a hearty, all-you-can-eat Southern feast at Miss Mary Bobo’s. Known for classic dishes like fried chicken, BBQ pork ribs, mac & cheese, green beans, and peach cobbler, this restaurant embodies the genuine flavors of Tennessee. The reviews highlight this as a memorable food stop, with many emphasizing the delicious, comfort-food style cooking.
Although lunch is not included in the tour price, it’s strongly recommended as a highlight. The setting is warm and welcoming, with a chance to soak up Lynchburg’s small-town charm and hospitality.
Wrapping Up with Whiskey and Souvenirs
Back at the distillery, participants in the tasting session will proceed to a dedicated room to sample Jack Daniel’s whiskey and purchase personalized bottles with engraving options. The complimentary 0.5ml whiskey sample and signature shot glass are nice perks, but it’s important to note that additional tastings cost extra, typically around $7-$10 per glass.
The visit finishes with a stop at the Jack Daniel’s Candy Company, where whiskey-infused candies and pralines add a sweet, boozy twist to your souvenirs.
Authentic Experiences and Authenticity of the Tour
While this isn’t a comprehensive distillery tour that reveals the secrets of whiskey making, it offers a genuine taste of Lynchburg’s culture. The stops at local shops and the restaurant give you a sense of community and tradition, and the friendly driver helps make the day feel relaxed and personal.
The reviews reflect a mix of appreciation for the guide’s friendliness and the enjoyable rides, though some mention the discrepancy between expectations and what the tour actually includes. One reviewer pointed out that they loved the driver, Diane, but felt the tour was more about transportation than a guided whiskey experience.
It’s important to be clear that the actual Jack Daniels distillery tour and whiskey flights are separate and require an additional purchase. Travelers should see this experience as a comprehensive Lynchburg outing with shopping, food, and optional tastings rather than a focused distillery educational tour.
Price and Value: Is It Worth It?
At $175, this tour offers value in transportation, multiple stops, and meals, especially considering the convenience of door-to-door service. However, if your primary goal is to learn about the whiskey-making process, you’ll need to plan for an additional tour. For those seeking an authentic, relaxed day exploring Lynchburg’s charming shops and enjoying Southern cuisine, this offers a good balance.
The extra costs for whiskey tastings or additional drinks mean you should budget accordingly. Still, the overall experience gives a solid taste of Lynchburg’s charm, along with memorable shopping and food highlights.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is best suited for travelers who want a delightful local day out—enjoying shopping, good food, and whiskey tasting at a relaxed pace. It’s ideal for those who value personalized service and don’t mind that the actual distillery tour is separate. Perfect for groups, couples, or solo travelers who want a flexible, friendly introduction to Lynchburg’s culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does this tour include the official Jack Daniels distillery tour?
No, this tour does not include the actual distillery tour or whiskey flights—they are separate and require an additional fee. - How long is the entire experience?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes, including stops for shopping, eating, and tasting. - Is transportation provided?
Yes, a private, air-conditioned vehicle is included, offering a comfortable ride and personalized service. - What is included in the price?
You get transportation, a 0.5ml whiskey sample for adults over 21, and access to shopping and food stops. Lunch and additional tastings cost extra. - Can I buy souvenirs?
Absolutely. There’s a range of official Jack Daniel’s merchandise, whiskey barrels, and whiskey-flavored treats. - Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
Yes, children are welcome, but the whiskey tasting opportunities are only for those over 21. - Are there any accessibility issues?
The high barley warehouse is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs, but most other parts should be manageable. - What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, some cash or cards for shopping, and an appetite for Southern food. - How far in advance should I book?
Booking about two months ahead is typical, as this tour is popular and booked around 57 days in advance. - Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund policy.
In the end, this Lynchburg outing offers a laid-back, enjoyable way to experience local flavor, shop for souvenirs, and savor Southern cuisine. While it’s not a comprehensive distillery tour, its value lies in the relaxed pace, personal service, and memorable stops that make it suitable for whiskey fans, foodies, and those wanting a taste of Tennessee hospitality.