Union City Travel Guide

A complete travel guide to Union City, Tennessee, covering attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, best places to stay, and transportation options.


Introduction to Union City

Union City, a small city in Obion County within the state of Tennessee, offers visitors a wide variety of experiences that include historical attractions, natural wonders, outdoor adventures, and more. Located in Western Tennessee, Union City is filled with sights and sounds that capture the essence of Southern living, making it an idyllic destination for those seeking a relaxing vacation.

From historical sites and museums to picturesque parks and hiking trails, Union City promises to be an unforgettable destination for all visitors.

List of Places to Visit in Union City

Here’s a list of the top attractions and places to visit in Union City:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Discovery Park of America: This unique museum is a great place for kids and adults alike to explore exhibits and interactive displays showcasing the history and cultural heritage of the region. There are also galleries dedicated to art, science, and space exploration, making it a favorite destination for people of all ages.

  • Obion County Museum: Located in downtown Union City, the Obion County Museum is filled with artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich history of the region. The museum comprises three floors of exhibits that tell the story of Union City and its surrounding communities.

Natural Attractions of Union City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Reelfoot Lake: The largest natural lake in Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake offers visitors a chance to engage in outdoor activities like fishing, boating, kayaking, and bird watching. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, white-tailed deer, and more.

  • Kiwanis Park: This picturesque park near the downtown area provides visitors with an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The park features a playground, picnic area, and walking trails that lead to the shores of Obion River.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Union City

  • Discovery Park of America Hiking Trails: Located within the Discovery Park of America, this trail system offers visitors a chance to explore the park’s natural habitat, including wooded areas, prairies, and wetlands. Visitors can also spot various animals during the hike, such as deer, wild turkey, and red-tailed hawks.

  • Reelfoot Lake State Park: With more than 10 miles of hiking trails, Reelfoot Lake State Park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The trails offer visitors an opportunity to explore the diverse habitats and wildlife of the park, including cypress swamps, forested hills, and rolling grasslands.

Best Things to Do in Union City: Activities and Tours

  • Reelfoot Lake Fishing Tours: Scheduled fishing tours of Reelfoot Lake are available for visitors who want to learn about the lake’s ecology and fish species. Visitors can also rent boats and gear, and hire local fishing guides for an optimized experience.

  • Blacksmith Shop Tours: The Rustic House in Union City offers a unique blacksmithing workshop that visitors can tour. Here, the blacksmiths show how they create custom metal works from raw iron through to the finished product.

Week-Long Itinerary for Union City

Here are our recommendations for a week-long itinerary when visiting Union City:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Discovery Park of America
Day 2 Take a Reelfoot Lake fishing tour
Day 3 Explore the historic sites in downtown Union City
Day 4 Go hiking on the Reelfoot Lake State Park trail system
Day 5 Visit the Obion County Museum
Day 6 Explore nearby attractions, such as the Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum
Day 7 Take a blacksmith shop tour

Food and Drink Scene of Union City

Union City offers visitors a taste of Southern cuisine with its range of local dishes and drinks. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Chicken: The Southern-style fried chicken is a culinary icon in Union City and can be found in many local eateries.

  • Pork Barbecue: Slow-cooked and smoky pork barbecue is another specialty of the area, served with warm cornbread, coleslaw, and other side dishes.

Local Beverages

  • Sweet Tea: A Southern classic, sweet tea is popular in Union City and is often served alongside meals.

  • Moonshine: Visitors can sample locally distilled moonshine, a distilled and unaged spirit popular in the region.

Where to Stay in Union City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in Union City, with a range of hotels, guesthouses, and motels to choose from. Some options include:

  • Hampton Inn Union City: A comfortable, modern hotel with free breakfast, Wi-Fi, pool, and fitness center.

  • Reelfoot Lake Inn: A lakeside retreat with spacious rooms, a pool, and a restaurant.

  • The Magnolia Place: A charming guesthouse with cozy rooms and antique furnishings.

What to Buy in Union City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tourists looking to take home mementos of their visit to Union City can purchase locally made products, such as handmade quilts and pottery. Union City also has a vibrant arts and crafts scene, with a variety of boutiques and gift shops selling unique items.

Local Culture and Customs of Union City

Southern hospitality and charm is alive and well in Union City, as locals welcome visitors with open arms and a friendly smile. Visitors are advised to dress casually, as the city has a laid-back atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit Union City

The best time to visit Union City largely depends on your personal preferences, but generally, the best time to visit is in the spring or fall. During these seasons, the weather is mild, and visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities without the scorching heat of the summer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Union City

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Union City:

Do:

  • Enjoy the local cuisine, particularly the fried chicken and pork barbecue.

  • Visit the historic sites in downtown Union City to learn about the town’s past.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter: The city has strict anti-littering regulations. Visitors are advised to keep the city clean by disposing of trash responsibly.

  • Don’t get too comfortable with strangers: While the locals are extremely friendly, visitors should be cautious when interacting with strangers and avoid revealing personal information.

Safety and Health

Visitors to Union City don’t generally face any significant safety or health risks. However, it is advisable to keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially during severe weather conditions.

Safety in Union City

Visitors are advised to take the usual precautions when visiting a new place, such as being aware of their surroundings and keeping valuables secure.

Health in Union City

Visitors should carry prescribed medications with them, and travelers who have chronic medical conditions should ensure that they are fully informed about their medical situation before traveling.

Getting to Union City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Union City is easily accessible by road, air, and bus. Here are some transportation options available:

Airports Near Union City

  • McKellar–Sipes Regional Airport (Jackson, TN) is the closest airport to Union City, located 58 miles away.

  • Nashville International Airport is another airport option, which is about 136 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Union City

  • The Greyhound Bus Station in Jackson, TN, is the nearest station to Union City and is about 50 miles away.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Union City, which is conveniently located off of Highway 51. Rental car services are also available at nearby airports.

How to Get Around in Union City

The best way to get around in Union City is by car or rental car. Cabs and shuttles are also available to visitors.

Where to Go Next from Union City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you decide to extend your stay, there are several nearby destinations and excursions that you can consider:

  • Memphis: Located about 2 hours southwest of Union City, Memphis is known for its legendary food, music, and culture. Visitors can visit sites such as the Memphis Zoo and the Beale Street Historic District.

  • Nashville: The state capital of Tennessee and home to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville is located about 2 hours northeast of Union City.

Conclusion

Union City is a hidden gem in Tennessee, offering visitors a wide range of activities and attractions that capture the essence of Southern living. From historic sites and museums to outdoor adventures and scenic views, Union City has something for everyone. So pack your bags, and embark on an unforgettable journey to this charming Southern city.

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