Tennessee is a good looking state to discover. I imply, you’ve obtained a heap of nationwide parks, unbelievable cities and a few of the finest BBQ within the US. Yeah, I stated it! We had essentially the most epic time on our street journey across the state, particularly as we obtained to discover so lots of the finest issues to do in Tennessee with out speeding or feeling quick on time.
Not solely that, Tennessee a extremely numerous state to discover; which is why we selected a street journey right here within the first place. After anchoring ourselves between Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville, we obtained to discover a lot of the native areas and fall in love with Tennessee.
I imply, I’m nonetheless not over how sizzling Hattie B’s was. Blew my socks off!
So, to get essentially the most out of your journey to Tennessee, we’ve included a few of the finest stopping factors to go to as you tour the state. You’ll be in for a deal with.
Have a look, under, at the perfect issues to do in Tennessee. Have the perfect vacation.
1.) Memphis
Nestled on the southern border of Tennessee, Memphis is one historic metropolis to go to while exploring the state. It’s fairly straightforward to spend 4-days right here, and may simply be pushed in a number of hours from Nashville (like we did).
After arriving, be sure that to replenish at the Magnificence Store Restuarant which is a retro eating expertise based mostly within the previous magnificence parlour the place Priscilla Presley would go.
When touring the town, you’ve obtained to go go to the Lorraine Motel (now, Nationwide Civil Rights Museum) the place Dr Martin Luther King was killed. Additionally, make sure to take within the historical past at Solar Studio and Stax Museum, too.
Plus, if it will get actually sizzling, prefer it did after we visited, get your sweaty self over to Jerry’s Snow Cones!
We did should queue for about 30-minutes, so be ready for this.
Lastly, for an evening in town, head to the rooftop on the Peabody Lodge. Within the heat summer season months, they host stay native bands, outside bars and meals which is a lot enjoyable. Plus, it’s an ideal place to observe the sundown with some tasty cocktails.
Although, if you happen to don’t need your night time to finish there, head straight on over to Beale Avenue, too. Simply don’t blame me to your sore head within the morning. 😉
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Memphis
2.) Nashville
Nashville was the very first metropolis that we visited in Tennessee and immediately beloved it. It’s such a buzzing metropolis to go to and among the finest issues to do in Tennessee if you would like a extremely enjoyable metropolis break.
After rocking up at your lodge, make sure to go to the historic Ryman Auditorium, discover the massive duplicate of the Parthenon and discover the downtown space with all its indie bars and music joints that serve up a few of the finest music within the south. They’ve such all kinds of artists from all around the US (and the world, to be trustworthy) and it’s a lot enjoyable.
If it’s the perfect eating places in Nashville you’re after, head on over to Pinewood Social that mixes informal eating with bowling and wonderful cocktails.
Although be warned, your bowling will get sloppy after these potent cocktails!
Alternatively, get your spice on at Hattie B’s (sure, you’ll sweat) or go to my favorite, the Loveless Cafe.
Simply on the outskirts of Nashville, it serves up an epic (and completely large) brunch that’s too good to overlook. Although remember, queue occasions can take some time; so have just a little persistence.
Oh yeah, and if you happen to’ve obtained your self a rental automotive, head on over to the historic Cheekwood Property with all its artwork and historic home.
Alternatively, go inside Belle Meade Plantation to study extra concerning the historical past of this historic spot within the metropolis.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Nashville
3.) Knoxville
Though generally overshadowed by its large sisters, Memphis and Nashville; visiting Knoxville is likely one of the finest issues to do in Tennessee if you would like a quieter metropolis and very easy entry to nature.
You see, not solely is Knoxville the biggest metropolis inside straightforward attain of the Nice Smokey Mountains, but it surely’s additionally obtained a heap of pretty spots to expertise when exploring.
When you arrive within the metropolis, head on over to the Knoxville Museum of Artwork, go to the birthplace of Knoxville at James White’s Fort and pop over to Mead’s Quarry Lake for some well-earned chill time.
For some tasty candy treats, pop over to the Phoenix Pharmacy which is crammed with yummy desserts and conventional soda fountains. It’s like stepping again in time 80 years!
For cocktails, head straight over to the Peter Kern Library which is a speakeasy that’s hidden behind the alley and lodge. They make some unbelievable cocktails and it’s so cosy.
Lastly, if you happen to fancy a stroll head out on the mural stroll that takes in a few of the finest road artwork in Knoxville. It’s properly value doing if you happen to love modern artwork and an effective way to discover the town.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Knoxville
4.) Lynchburg
South of Nashville and west of Chattanooga, Lynchburg is a good stopping level in your journey from both of the cities. Now, it’s seemingly that you simply’ll have heard of Lynchburg for one cause?
Yup, it’s house to the Jack Daniels Distillery; a spot that’s completely straightforward to go to for a number of hours journey. We spent round half a day exploring Lynchburg and headed on a distillery tour, too. Even if you happen to’re not into your Bourbon, it’s nonetheless among the finest issues to do in Tennessee because it’s a part of this areas historical past and make-up. Plus, it’s actually fascinating to study a lot extra about its beginnings, too.
Afterwards, pop into the downtown space (Google Maps hyperlink here) of the city that’s obtained a cute little sq. and plenty of little trinket outlets to browse.
It’s completely tiny and straightforward to cease at earlier than leaving Lynchburg itself.
Learn extra: What’s it like to go to the Jack Daniels Distillery
5.) Graceland
Okay, I do know I already talked about Memphis however Graceland deserves a point out in its personal proper. Not only for Elvis followers, it’s among the finest issues to do in Tennessee if you wish to discover the musical soul of this area.
As soon as house to ‘the King’, now you can tour the Graceland itself, head onboard his personal airplane, wander via his lounge and study a lot extra about his musical legacy.
Now, I’m not the largest Elvis fan however completely beloved this place; it was a lot enjoyable.
Learn extra: What it’s like to go to Graceland
6.) Nice Smokey Mountains
Heading over to the Nice Smokey Mountains is a should if you wish to discover the nice outside in Tennessee. You see, it’s among the finest nationwide parks within the state, particularly with all the paths, drives and exquisite surroundings that’s comparatively near Knoxville.
For a fairly robust hike, head on the Charlies Bunion (through the Appalachian Path) that takes you many of the day to finish. Now, it’s certainly not a simple hike however you’re rewarded with some epic views throughout the mountain vary.
Alternatively, head over to identify Rainbow Falls or be part of the Kephart Prong Path that’s nice for the entire household.
Lastly, proper on the borderline of Tennessee and North Carolina, Clingman’s Dome for a few of the finest vistas over each states. It’s completely beautiful. Simply make sure to pack loads of water and meals with you; there are not any providers when you get right here.
Learn extra: Our 1-week itinerary to discover Tennessee
7.) Virgin Falls State Pure Space
Located midway between Nashville and Knoxville, Virgin Falls State Pure Space is a good place to stretch your legs. You see, it’s crammed with a lot of completely different trails and wooded pathways that make for some completely pristine hikes.
That being stated, the hike to Virgin Falls (through the Virgin Falls Path) itself will be robust and never be taken except you’re an skilled hiker. The path will be troublesome at occasions and just a little planning will probably be wanted.
8.) Forbidden Caverns
Simply south of Douglas Lake, visiting the Forbidden Caverns is likely one of the finest issues to do in Tennessee if you happen to love geological historical past.
You see, Forbidden Caverns has taken tens of 1000’s of years to naturally create and is so unbelievable to stroll round.
Nonetheless being created by mom nature at the moment, these caverns will be explored through a guided tour that’s fairly epic to go on. Simply make sure to put on some smart sneakers; it does get moist and slippy inside.
9.) Ruby Falls
Proper on the border area with Georgia, Ruby Falls is one epic place to see!
This underground waterfall is completely distinctive and so spectacular to go to. Like, how are there waterfalls like this underground? It’s so stunning.
Visits sometimes final a number of hours and it’s properly value stopping when passing via Chattanooga.
10.) Pigeon Forge
Okay, so this one may not be everybody’s cup of tea, however a cease at Pigeon Forge is likely one of the finest issues to do in Tennessee if you happen to love some kitsch enjoyable.
You see, Pigeon Forge is house to Dollywood; an enormous leisure complicated of theme parks, eating places, water parks and extra! Plus, you’ve obtained the Alpine coaster and The Previous Mill, too.
Find it irresistible or hate it, it’s one of many spots folks love to go to within the state and you may simply spend a number of days on all of the rides and sights right here.
11.) Falls Creek Falls
Comparatively near Spencer, seeing Falls Creek Falls is likely one of the finest issues to do in Tennesee if you happen to’re on the lookout for an journey. This completely awe-inspiring waterfall plunges deep inside the forest and is so spectacular to see.
Now, a few of the finest views are from the Gorge Overview Path and the Base of Fall Creek Falls Path which varies in issue. Oh, and all the time stick with the paths and don’t get lost from the routes. In any case, nobody likes a reckless hiker.
Learn extra: Our 1-week itinerary to discover Tennessee
Your Bumper 1-Week Itinerary To Discover Tennessee
