It’s the kind of question that divides whiskey drinkers, casual tourists, and anyone who’s ever contemplated a detour to Lynchburg. Some trips are obligatory—you visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris, you stand in Times Square in New York, and if you’re in Tennessee, you wonder if Jack Daniels’ distillery is worth the drive.
But let’s cut straight to the chase, courtesy of the most spirited jury: Facebook commenters.
“Absolutely Worth It!”
From whiskey lovers to folks who couldn’t care less about the drink, the overwhelming consensus is: yes, the tour is worth it. “Totally worth the drive!” said Joanna Voltaggio, who added that her mom, “not a huge whiskey person,” still loved the tour and tasting. Kimberly Ann chimed in with a hearty, “Yes!!!” while Gaye Owens Moses didn’t hold back: “We loved it!!!” And for good measure, Amanda Johnson gave it her stamp of approval, saying, “Request Sean D as your tour guide—he is the best!!!”
What Makes It So Great?
The tour itself gets high marks for its storytelling, history, and tasting experience. “Even if you don’t like whiskey, you’ll enjoy it,” promised Caroline Heffernan Bradshaw, who also recommended, “Take the backroads, eat at Miss Mary Bobo’s (reservations required), and visit Uncle Nearest on the way home.”
Speaking of Miss Mary Bobo’s, it’s a name that pops up in nearly every enthusiastic comment. This historic boarding house-turned-restaurant has become the perfect pairing for the distillery tour. Sherri Leonard Martin put it simply: “Don’t miss Miss Mary Bobo’s for lunch. Reservations required.” According to Brenda Baird, “She fed and housed the original distillery men.” The whiskey sauce-topped vanilla ice cream? “Wow,” said Vicki Wiederkehr. Enough said.
It’s More Than Just a Tour
The town of Lynchburg itself is worth exploring. “The little town is great,” said Chris Kebler Payton, while Sandy DePew emphasized, “Don’t miss exploring the little Lynchburg town—it has a lot to offer.” And if you’re a sucker for scenery, Jayson Hood swore, “The drive there and back is worth it alone.”
Tips From the Pros (AKA Your Fellow Commenters)
- Make a Reservation: Multiple people stressed the importance of planning ahead, especially for Miss Mary Bobo’s. “Reserve your spot ahead of time,” said Terrie Lee Ragsdale.
- Try the Tasting Tour: Steven Davis declared, “Do the tasting tour!” while Audrey Pendergrass Rickle agreed, “Yes! Do a tasting tour.”
- Pack a Full Day: According to Adam James, “Plan to spend the day in Lynchburg if you go.”
- Expand Your Trip: Combine your visit with other distilleries nearby. “Stop at Nearest Green on your way back,” suggested Eric Lehman, who also mentioned that “George Dickel is not far from Jack Daniels.”
For the Skeptics
There are a few dissenters, like Darlene M. Cain Corso, who simply said, “No.” And Gregory A. Beamer added that while the tour is great, “You have to carve out hours, as it is an hour and a half ride.” His advice? Look for packages that include lunch to make the most of your time.
Final Thought (Without Being Too Final)
Whether you’re a die-hard Jack Daniels fan or just curious about the iconic distillery, this tour comes with glowing endorsements. And even if whiskey isn’t your thing, the history, charm, and unforgettable flavors of Lynchburg might just win you over.