Tennessee is a ravishing state to discover. I imply, you’ve obtained a heap of nationwide parks, unimaginable cities and a few of the greatest BBQ within the US. Yeah, I mentioned it! We had probably the most epic time on our street journey across the state, particularly as we obtained to discover so lots of the greatest issues to do in Tennessee with out speeding or feeling brief 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 probably the most out of your journey to Tennessee, we’ve included a few of the greatest 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 simple to spend 4-days right here, and might simply be pushed in a number of hours from Nashville (like we did).
After arriving, ensure that to refill at the Magnificence Store Restuarant which is a retro eating expertise primarily based within the previous magnificence parlour the place Priscilla Presley would go.
When touring 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 you 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 awesome place to look at the sundown with some tasty cocktails.
Although, for those who don’t need your night time to finish there, head straight on over to Beale Road, too. Simply don’t blame me in 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 top-of-the-line issues to do in Tennessee if you need a extremely enjoyable metropolis break.
After rocking up at your resort, make sure you go to the historic Ryman Auditorium, discover the massive reproduction of the Parthenon and discover the downtown space with all its indie bars and music joints that serve up a few of the greatest music within the south. They’ve such all kinds of artists from everywhere in the US (and the world, to be sincere) and it’s a lot enjoyable.
If it’s the greatest eating places in Nashville you’re after, head on over to Pinewood Social that mixes informal eating with bowling and superb 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 somewhat endurance.
Oh yeah, and for those who’ve obtained your self a rental automobile, head on over to the historic Cheekwood Property with all its artwork and historic home.
Alternatively, go inside Belle Meade Plantation to study extra in regards to 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 greatest issues to do in Tennessee if you need a quieter metropolis and very easy entry to nature.
You see, not solely is Knoxville the most important metropolis inside simple attain of the Nice Smokey Mountains, however it’s additionally obtained a heap of beautiful 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 stuffed 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 resort. They make some unimaginable cocktails and it’s so cosy.
Lastly, for those who fancy a stroll head out on the mural stroll that takes in a few of the greatest avenue artwork in Knoxville. It’s properly price doing for those who love up to date artwork and a good way to discover town.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Knoxville
4.) Lynchburg
South of Nashville and west of Chattanooga, Lynchburg is a superb stopping level in your journey from both of the cities. Now, it’s seemingly that you just’ll have heard of Lynchburg for one purpose?
Yup, it’s dwelling to the Jack Daniels Distillery; a spot that’s completely simple 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 for those who’re not into your Bourbon, it’s nonetheless top-of-the-line issues to do in Tennessee because it’s a part of this areas historical past and make-up. Plus, it’s actually attention-grabbing to study a lot extra about its beginnings, too.
Afterwards, pop into the downtown space (Google Maps hyperlink right here) of the city that’s obtained a cute little sq. and many 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 top-of-the-line issues to do in Tennessee if you wish to discover the musical soul of this area.
As soon as dwelling to ‘the King’, now you can tour the Graceland itself, head onboard his personal aircraft, wander by means of his lounge and study a lot extra about his musical legacy.
Now, I’m not the most important 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 good outside in Tennessee. You see, it’s top-of-the-line nationwide parks within the state, particularly with all the paths, drives and delightful surroundings that’s comparatively near Knoxville.
For a reasonably robust hike, head on the Charlies Bunion (through the Appalachian Path) that takes you many of the day to finish. Now, it’s in no way a straightforward hike however you’re rewarded with some epic views throughout the mountain vary.
Alternatively, head over to identify Rainbow Falls or be a 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 greatest vistas over each states. It’s completely beautiful. Simply make sure you pack loads of water and meals with you; there are not any companies 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 superb place to stretch your legs. You see, it’s stuffed with a number of totally different trails and wooded pathways that make for some completely pristine hikes.
That being mentioned, the hike to Virgin Falls (through the Virgin Falls Path) itself may be robust and never be taken until you’re an skilled hiker. The path may be tough at occasions and somewhat planning shall be wanted.
8.) Forbidden Caverns
Simply south of Douglas Lake, visiting the Forbidden Caverns is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Tennessee for those who love geological historical past.
You see, Forbidden Caverns has taken tens of 1000’s of years to naturally create and is so unimaginable to stroll round.
Nonetheless being created by mom nature right this moment, these caverns may be explored through a guided tour that’s fairly epic to go on. Simply make sure you put on some wise footwear; 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 price stopping when passing by means of Chattanooga.
10.) Pigeon Forge
Okay, so this one won’t be everybody’s cup of tea, however a cease at Pigeon Forge is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Tennessee for those who love some kitsch enjoyable.
You see, Pigeon Forge is dwelling 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 individuals love to go to within the state and you’ll 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 greatest issues to do in Tennesee for those who’re in search of an journey. This completely awe-inspiring waterfall plunges deep inside the forest and is so spectacular to see.
Now, a few of the greatest views are from the Gorge Overview Path and the Base of Fall Creek Falls Path which varies in issue. Oh, and at all times persist with the paths and don’t wander off from the routes. In any case, nobody likes a reckless hiker.
Learn extra: Our 1-week itinerary to discover Tennessee
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