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With a selection of over twenty wines made from local grapes, the winery produces 80,000 bottles a year and ships nationwide. From dry whites to sweet reds, their wines have been served all over the country, including the White House while former Vice President and Tennessee native Al Gore was in office. Cellar Master John Smook and his family bought the winery from the original owners in 2013 and have since created a tasting room and gift shop full of local cheeses, jams, and pottery. Located just off exit 76 about 25 miles west of Knox County, a free tasting at the winery not only covers sips of each wine, but a lesson on grape growing and wine pairings.

Open seven days a week, there’s never a bad time for a happy hour at the winery. But during the summer months locals gather for a parking lot party as the winery plays host to Music on the Mountain. As the summer sun sets and solo cups are raised, bands from around the region entertain guests with the sounds of old country standards or classic rock ’n’ roll. A few sips of award-winning Country Red may lead to two-stepping or line dancing, and once the band slows it down a little, the vineyard backdrop makes for a romantic setting to Tennessee waltz. Pack a picnic and a chilled bottle of Tennessee’s finest and enjoy an evening in wine country.

Every southern girl dreams of being a June bride when the hydrangeas are in bloom and the summer sun casts a romantic glow over country club ceremonies from Tennessee to Texas. For the past nine years, wedding photographer Amy Campbell’s been capturing the big day for happy couples all over the Southeast, and looking back over the season’s trends, she might dub summer 2015 the summer of the boho bride. “Boho is really in right now with brides – long soft waves in their hair, floral headpieces, and simple wedding dresses,” explains Amy. She also saw her summer brides opting for gold tones in their jewelry, from earrings to wedding bands. And bridesmaids this summer walked down the aisle in muted tones in an array of colors.

Whether showcased in Mason jars or tied loosely with burlap and lace, Amy’s favorite summer wedding trend was big, fluffy flower arrangements of wildflowers. From centerpieces to the bridal bouquet, wedding planning website The Knot also suggests mixing and matching wildflowers to show off the season’s most beautiful blooms.

When it comes to signs, lettering, and invitations, Amy says, “Chalkboard signs throughout are popular for casual, outdoor weddings. For printed products, any type of lettering that looks hand-drawn.” And according to The Knot, it was out with the white and in with neon for save-the-dates and invitations. Summer brides opted for a pop of neon print for their nuptial notices, adding a colorful edge to classic black and white stationery.

As our summer brides settle into newly wedded bliss, we look ahead to fall and a new crop of trends. Amy predicts, “Richer jewel tones, metallics like copper and rose gold, and dresses with simple lines” will be the choices of fall and winter brides. So, as the leaves start to change and our weekends fill with tailgates and touchdowns, we’ll be scanning our alma mater’s football schedule for their bye week, because we all know there’s a wedding somewhere planned for that coveted off-weekend. And if you’re a Tennessee Volunteer, that weekend will be October 17.

Located in the pulse of the Bluegrass State in Lexington, Kentucky, Keeneland race track is the quintessential fall break experience for everyone from serious race fans and big bidders to simple bourbon drinkers and horse lovers. Founded in 1936, Keeneland symbolizes the best in thoroughbred racing. Its pristine and park-like grounds are open to the public every day, but during the track’s Spring and Fall meets the nation’s best thoroughbred owners, trainers, and jockeys compete for some of North America’s richest purse money.

Keeneland’s Fall Meet begins the first weekend in October and runs the entire month. Check out their website to plan the perfect weekend getaway, whether it’s enjoying the races from the grandstand or cheering on your favorite horse right next to the track. And don’t forget to pick up a souvenir from the Keeneland Shop featuring official merchandise of the 2015 Breeders’ Cup. Also a must for a day at the races: food and drink! The concessions at Keeneland are reasons enough to make the trek to the track. From warm buttery popcorn and Nathan’s hot dogs to bread pudding topped with Maker’s Mark, the hardest decision of the day won’t be which horse to bet on but which snack to eat between races. And because Keeneland is in the heart of bourbon country, the list of libations won’t disappoint either. Bloody Marys, frozen drinks, draft beers, and anything on the rocks will help cheer a winning horse or drown the sorrows of a losing bet.