Immerse yourself in Tennessee’s musical haven, a treasure trove for enthusiasts of country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll. Yet, its appeal extends beyond music, beckoning travelers to uncover stunning natural landmarks and neighboring towns like Memphis and Pigeon Forge. Dive into our guide to the “Amazing Places to Visit in Tennessee” and embrace a journey that celebrates both musical heritage and the captivating charm of this vibrant state.
Located in the southeastern United States, Tennessee offers a blend of Appalachian, Upland, and Deep South features, with the Mississippi River defining its western border and the Blue Ridge Mountains outlining its eastern one. The state is surrounded by Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri, and is known for its agriculture, karst landforms, and plains and plateaus.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular destination, and it’s not hard to see why. Its old-growth forests are beautiful and otherworldly, making it the most visited national park in the country. Visitors also appreciate the pleasant environment along the Appalachian Trail, and at Big South Fork and Cummins Falls, where they can hike and bike around the park’s stunning limits.
While Tennessee has many breathtaking landmarks, it’s the music scene that draws the majority of tourists. Nashville, the state capital and largest city, is home to the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, while Memphis and Pigeon Forge offer their own clubs, concert halls, and music theatres. Visitors can also explore other cities and towns, such as Chattanooga and Knoxville, each with their own unique attractions and culinary offerings.
Tennessee’s natural beauty is as diverse as its musical traditions. The Great Smoky Mountains are a world apart from the rest of the state, with their verdant valleys and sweltering lowlands, while each part of the state has its own unique musical heritage. Southern hospitality is evident everywhere, from charming towns and villages to glamorous resorts and thrilling theme parks.
Whether you’re a music lover, nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a warm welcome, Tennessee is the perfect destination for your next vacation.
10. Franklin
Explore the charming Downtown Franklin in Tennessee. Image source: Bennekom/Shutterstock.com
Franklin, a tiny city in Tennessee, is located across the Harpeth River from Nashville. Its downtown has a beautiful, easygoing vibe, and there are many shops, restaurants, and pubs to choose from. The battlefields and historical landmarks associated with the terrible Battle of Franklin, which was fought here in 1864, are the primary draws for tourists.
Carter House, Lotz House, and Carnton Plantation are all excellent stops for history buffs who want to learn more about the region’s past. Franklin, with its charming small-town vibe, is definitely worth a day trip from Nashville, and it can be paired with a drive to neighbouring Arrington, where you’ll find a beautiful winery offering some excellent local wines.
Amazing Places to Visit in Tennessee: Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Tennessee. Image source: Howdy Renee/Shutterstock.com
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, so called because it is situated between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, is sure to please outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Beautiful woods and wetlands await hikers and cyclists, and there are miles upon miles of stunning coastline to explore.
Much of the recreation area has a beautifully untamed atmosphere since it is surrounded by some of the greatest tracts of unspoiled and undeveloped forest in the eastern United States. It’s home to a wide variety of avian and mammalian inhabitants.
Many visitors spend the night camping at the park because of its proximity to two long lakes where they may swim, boat, and participate in other watersports.
8. Gatlinburg
The charming downtown area of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Image source: Miro Vrlik Photography/Shutterstock.com
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a popular tourist destination because of its picture-perfect location at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains and the fantastic national park that bears the same name.
Many tourists come to enjoy the many outdoor activities available there. One of the most popular things to do in Tennessee is go hiking along the Appalachian Trail, while in the winter, visitors flock to Ober Gatlinburg, the state’s sole ski resort.
There are many arcades, mini-golf courses, souvenir stores, and go-karting tracks in Gatlinburg since the town caters heavily to tourists. The Museum of Salt and Pepper Shakers and the Hollywood Star Cars Museum are just two of the many out-of-the-ordinary sights spread around the area.
Gatlinburg may be known for its ostentatious and kitschy architecture, but the city is not without its allure. Gatlinburg’s Arts & Crafts Community is a must-visit for anybody interested in Tennessee’s heritage and the handmade goods made there.
Amazing Places to Visit in Tennessee: Knoxville
Breathtaking view of Knoxville, Tennessee city skyline at sunset. Image source: Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock.com
Tennessee’s third-largest city and former capital is becoming a more popular tourist spot, and if you like to eat and drink, it’s a great place to go. In the past few years, a lot of great restaurants, bars, and breweries have opened up there.
Since the University of Tennessee is located in Knoxville, the city always seems to be buzzing with energy and young people. Seeing 102,000 enthusiastic fans fill Neyland Stadium on a Friday or Saturday night is a common occurrence in the city for college football games.
Additionally, Knoxville’s art and culture communities are thriving, with several annual cultural events, art festivals, and music concerts. The city is conveniently located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it an ideal home base for those who like to hike the park’s many trails and then unwind with a meal and a few drinks in the evening.
6. Cummins Falls State Park
The beautiful Cummins Falls State Park waterfall in Tennessee. Image source: Jim Vallee/Shutterstock.com
Cummins Falls State Park, so named for the stunning cascade that can be seen inside its borders, has a wealth of stunning natural beauty. The park’s canyon and river are surrounded by unspoiled, pure wilderness. With its natural and rugged atmosphere, the state park is a great place to go hiking as you cross streams, climb over rocks, and wind through the woods on your way to the waterfall.
Besides the beautiful forest and gorge, Cummins Falls is the highlight of the trip. Water thunders down the rock wall and into a beautiful pool below. Swimming in the clear waters or having a picnic is a great way to spend time here.
Amazing Places to Visit in Tennessee: Chattanooga
Stunning aerial view of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Image source: Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock.com
Chattanooga, located on the banks of the Tennessee River on its border with Georgia, has been an important railroad hub for a very long time. The song “Chattanooga Choo Choo” by Glenn Miller has brought the city worldwide fame.
During the American Civil War, Chattanooga was a major battlefield because of its strategic value as a transportation centre. Consequently, you may find a variety of fascinating battlefields and historic sites all across town.
However, nowadays, the city’s excellent array of outdoor activities is the primary draw. Chattanooga’s nickname, “Scenic City,” is well deserved; the city is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, valleys, and ridges. Recreational opportunities abound in these stunning landscapes, from mountain biking and hiking to rock climbing and a wide variety of water sports.
Chattanooga’s downtown is full of life because of the abundance of excellent restaurants, pubs, and breweries that have opened in the city’s historic brick structures.
4. Pigeon Forge
A breathtaking view of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Image source: Ritu Manoj Jethani/Shutterstock.com
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a popular tourist destination and mountain town best known for its theme park, Dollywood. There’s a lot to see and do in this city, what with all the malls, amusement parks, and souvenir stores. There are many interesting museums to visit, covering topics as diverse as the Titanic, Hollywood legends, Alcatraz, and Southern gospel music.
Even if the town’s many musical theatres and museums dedicated to music are fantastic, the real draw is the Dolly Parton theme park, where you can enjoy a wide variety of thrilling attractions.
Pigeon Forge is a fantastic home base for exploring the great outdoors, thanks to its location near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After a long day of adventuring, it’s always nice to come back to town and relax with a magic show or a live performance to round off the day.
Amazing Places to Visit in Tennessee: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Beautiful view of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Image source: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is spectacular throughout the year since it is home to ever-changing landscapes and beautiful natural views that are different with each passing season. It’s easy to understand why this park is the most popular in the United States. The Great Smoky Mountains are covered nearly completely by lush woods, and several beautiful routes, like the Appalachian, run through these wooded areas.
Because of this, you’ll find a plethora of exciting outdoor pursuits, such as mountain biking, fly fishing, and hiking. In order to experience as much of the national park as possible, it is recommended that visitors camp for the night and then rise early to take advantage of the area’s various attractions.
2. Memphis
A stunning view of Memphis, Tennessee at night. Image source: f11photo/Shutterstock.com
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that music is deeply ingrained in Memphis’ culture, given the city’s status as the spiritual home of the blues. Beale Street is lined with exciting taverns and clubs, many of which feature excellent live music.
Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, is the most visited of the many museums and monuments in town honouring the city’s musical history.
Memphis, Tennessee, along the Mississippi River’s border with Arkansas, is a vibrant city that draws music enthusiasts from all over the world. Memphis was once a decaying city, but it’s since blossomed with trendy cafes, boutiques, and breweries; furthermore, no trip there would be complete without sampling some of the region’s legendary barbeque.
Amazing Places to Visit in Tennessee: Nashville
This stunning photo captures the Nashville skyline. Image source: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com
Nashville, Tennessee, is not only the state capital but also the global center of the country’s music industry. As a result, you may choose from a wide variety of excellent live music venues and museums honoring musical legends like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash.
Nashville is more than just the “Music Capital of the World”; it is also a major cultural and economic hub for the South and Midwest.
It has many beautiful historic landmarks and buildings for you to explore, and its modern districts are full of exciting shops, hip bars, and quaint cafes, as well as tonnes of green space.
However, the music is what draws most of the crowds. Attending a live broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry or a concert at the historic Ryman Auditorium are two of Nashville’s most defining tourist attractions. Also, a trip to Nashville isn’t complete without checking out the incredible Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
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