Tennessee is a gorgeous state to check out. I imply, you have actually got a load of national forests, amazing cities and a few of the very best BARBEQUE in the United States. Yeah, I stated it! We had one of the most legendary time on our trip around the state, particularly as we got to check out numerous of the very best things to do in Tennessee without hurrying or feeling brief on time.
Not just that, Tennessee an actually varied state to check out; which is why we chose a journey here in the very first location. After anchoring ourselves in between Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville, we got to check out a lot of the regional areas and fall for Tennessee.
I imply, I’m still not over how hot Hattie B’s was. Blew my socks off!
So, to get the most out of your journey to Tennessee, we have actually consisted of a few of the very best stopping indicate go to as you explore the state. You’ll remain in for a reward.
Have a look, listed below, at the very best things to do in Tennessee. Have the very best vacation.
1.) Memphis
Nestled on the southern border of Tennessee, Memphis is one historical city to go to whilst checking out the state. It’s quite simple to invest 4-days here, and can quickly be driven in a couple of hours from Nashville (like we did).
After getting here, ensure to fill at the Charm Store Restuarant which is a retro dining experience based in the old appeal parlour where Priscilla Presley would go.
When visiting the city, you have actually got to go check out the Lorraine Motel (now, National Civil liberty Museum) where Dr Martin Luther King was eliminated. Likewise, make sure to take in the history at Sun Studio and Stax Museum, too.
Plus, if it gets truly hot, like it did when we went to, get your sweaty self over to Jerry’s Snow Cones!
We did need to queue for about 30-minutes, so be gotten ready for this.
Lastly, for a night on the town, head to the roof at the Peabody Hotel. In the warm summer season, they host live regional bands, outside bars and food which is a lot enjoyable. Plus, it’s a fantastic location to view the sundown with some yummy mixed drinks.
Though, if you do not desire your night to end there, head directly on over to Beale Street, too. Simply do not blame me for your aching head in the early morning.
Find Out More: Finest things to do in Memphis
2.) Nashville
Nashville was the extremely first city that we went to in Tennessee and quickly enjoyed it. It’s such a buzzing city to go to and among the very best things to do in Tennessee if you desire an actually enjoyable city break.
After rocking up at your hotel, make sure to go to the historical Ryman Auditorium, discover the big reproduction of the Parthenon and check out the downtown location with all its indie bars and music joints that provide a few of the very best music in the south. They have such a variety of artists from all over the United States (and the world, to be truthful) and it’s a lot enjoyable.
If it’s the very best dining establishments in Nashville you want, head on over to Pinewood Social that blends casual dining with bowling and remarkable mixed drinks.
Though be cautioned, your bowling will get careless after those powerful mixed drinks!
Additionally, get your spice on at Hattie B’s (yes, you will sweat) or visit my preferred, the Loveless Coffee shop.
Simply on the borders of Nashville, it dishes out an impressive (and completely big) breakfast that’s too excellent to miss out on. Though know, queue times can take a while; so have a little perseverance.
Oh yeah, and if you have actually obtained a rental vehicle, head on over to the historical Cheekwood Estate with all its art and historical home.
Additionally, go within Belle Meade Plantation for more information about the history of this historical area in the city.
Find Out More: Finest things to do in Nashville
3.) Knoxville
Although often eclipsed by its huge sis, Memphis and Nashville; checking out Knoxville is among the very best things to do in Tennessee if you desire a quieter city and truly simple access to nature.
You see, not just is Knoxville the biggest city within simple reach of the Great Smokey Mountains, however it’s likewise got a load of charming areas to experience when checking out.
As soon as you get here in the city, head on over to the Knoxville Museum of Art, go to the birth place of Knoxville at James White’s Fort and pop over to Mead’s Quarry Lake for some well-earned chill time.
For some yummy sweet deals with, pop over to the Phoenix Pharmacy which is filled with delicious desserts and conventional soda water fountains. It resembles going back in time 80 years!
For mixed drinks, head directly over to the Peter Kern Library which is a speakeasy that’s concealed behind the street and hotel. They make some amazing mixed drinks and it’s so cosy.
Lastly, if you elegant a walk go out on the mural walk that takes in a few of the very best street art in Knoxville. It’s well worth doing if you like modern art and a fantastic method to check out the city.
Find Out More: Finest things to do in Knoxville
4.) Lynchburg
South of Nashville and west of Chattanooga, Lynchburg is a fantastic stopping point on your journey from either of the cities. Now, it’s most likely that you’ll have become aware of Lynchburg for one factor?
Yup, it’s house to the Jack Daniels Distillery; a location that’s completely simple to go to for a couple of hours journey. We invested around half a day checking out Lynchburg and headed on a distillery trip, too. Even if you’re not into your Bourbon, it’s still among the very best things to do in Tennessee as it belongs to this locations history and makeup. Plus, it’s truly fascinating to discover a lot more about its starts, too.
Later on, pop into the downtown location (Google Maps link here) of the town that’s got a charming little square and great deals of little ornament stores to search.
It’s completely small and simple to stop at prior to leaving Lynchburg itself.
Find Out More: What is it like to go to the Jack Daniels Distillery
5.) Graceland
Okay, I understand I currently pointed out Memphis however Graceland is worthy of a reference in its own right. Not simply for Elvis fans, it is among the very best things to do in Tennessee if you wish to check out the musical soul of this area.
As soon as house to ‘the King’, you can now explore the Graceland itself, head onboard his personal aircraft, roam through his living space and discover a lot more about his musical tradition.
Now, I’m not the greatest Elvis fan however completely enjoyed this location; it was a lot enjoyable.
Find Out More: What it resembles to go to Graceland
6.) Fantastic Smokey Mountains
Heading over to the Great Smokey Mountains is a need to if you wish to check out the outdoors in Tennessee. You see, it is among the very best national forests in the state, particularly with all the routes, drives and lovely surroundings that’s reasonably near to Knoxville.
For a quite difficult walking, head on the Charlies Bunion (through the Appalachian Path) that takes you the majority of the day to finish. Now, it’s by no suggests a simple walking however you are rewarded with some legendary views throughout the range of mountains.
Additionally, head over to identify Rainbow Falls or sign up with the Kephart Prong Path that’s fantastic for the entire household.
Lastly, right on the borderline of Tennessee and North Carolina, Clingman’s Dome for a few of the very best vistas over both states. It’s completely sensational. Simply make sure to load a lot of water and food with you; there are no services once you get here.
Find Out More: Our 1-week travel plan to check out Tennessee
7.) Virgin Falls State Natural Location
Located midway in between Nashville and Knoxville, Virgin Falls State Natural Location is a fantastic location to extend your legs. You see, it’s filled with great deals of various routes and woody paths that produce some completely beautiful walkings.
That being stated, the walking to Virgin Falls (through the Virgin Falls Path) itself can be difficult and not be taken unless you’re a skilled hiker. The path can be tough sometimes and a little preparation will be required.
8.) Forbidden Caverns
Simply south of Douglas Lake, checking out the Forbidden Caverns is among the very best things to do in Tennessee if you like geological history.
You see, Forbidden Caverns has actually taken 10s of countless years to naturally produce and is so amazing to walk.
Still being developed by nature today, these caverns can be checked out through an assisted trip that’s quite legendary to go on. Simply make sure to use some practical shoes; it does get damp and slippy within.
9.) Ruby Falls
Right on the border area with Georgia, Ruby Falls is one legendary location to see!
This underground waterfall is completely distinct therefore excellent to go to. Like, how exist waterfalls like this underground? It’s so lovely.
Goes to usually last a couple of hours and it’s well worth stopping when going through Chattanooga.
10.) Pigeon Forge
Okay, so this one may not be everybody’s cup of tea, however a stop at Pigeon Forge is among the very best things to do in Tennessee if you like some kitsch enjoyable.
You see, Pigeon Forge is house to Dollywood; a huge home entertainment complex of amusement park, dining establishments, water parks and more! Plus, you have actually got the Alpine rollercoaster and The Old Mill, too.
Love it or dislike it, it is among the areas individuals like to go to in the state and you can quickly invest a couple of days on all the trips and destinations here.
11.) Falls Creek Falls
Fairly near to Spencer, seeing Falls Creek Falls is among the very best things to do in Tennesee if you’re trying to find an experience. This completely breathtaking waterfall plunges deep within the forest and is so excellent to see.
Now, a few of the very best views are from the Canyon Introduction Path and the Base of Fall Creek Falls Path which differs in problem. Oh, and constantly stay with the routes and do not stray from the paths. After all, nobody likes a negligent hiker.
Find Out More: Our 1-week travel plan to check out Tennessee
Your Bumper 1-Week Schedule To Check Out Tennessee
