Tennessee Travel Guide
Tennessee beckons with its diverse attractions, from the vibrant music scene of Nashville to the soulful blues tunes of Memphis on Beale Street. Nature lovers can explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains, while history enthusiasts can delve into the rich heritage of Civil War sites and charming antebellum towns.
Nashville
12 Best Things to Do in Nashville, Tennessee
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “Nashville?” For me, the answer is country music. Country music was not born here (it was actually born in Bristol, Tennessee) but Nashville is responsible for growing the country music industry over the past 100 years. People travel here to see the Country Music […]
15 Great Restaurants to Try in Nashville, Tennessee
Most people travel to Nashville for the music scene, but did you know that Nashville is packed with great places to grab a bite to eat? We were here for only two and a half days and we ate at as many places as possible and still barely scratched the surface of what Nashville has […]
How to Get a Seat at the Bluebird Cafe
The Bluebird Cafe is one of the most popular destinations in Nashville. Most people come to listen to talented artists play their music in the writers-in-the-round. This is enough to sell out the tickets at Bluebird Cafe every night and leave others waiting in line, hoping to get a seat. But the Bluebird Cafe reached […]
Great Smoky Mountains
A Weekend in Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
In an attempt to catch the last of the autumn colors, Tim and I went a road trip to the Great Smoky Mountains in early November. We spent a weekend exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, using Gatlinburg, Tennessee as our home base. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the United States’ most visited national […]
Hiking Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains
Summiting Mt. LeConte is one of the Smoky Mountains great hikes. It is a long way to the top but it’s an interesting experience, hiking through caves and along trails that, at times, cling to the side of the mountain. On a clear day, the view from the top of Mt. LeConte can be magnificent. There […]
Top Experiences in Tennessee
Nashville: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “Nashville?” For me, the answer is country music. Country music was not born here (it was actually born in Bristol, Tennessee) but Nashville is responsible for growing the country music industry over the past 100 years. People travel here to see the Country Music Hall of Fame, the legendary Ryman Auditorium, and of course, the hallowed halls of the Grand Ole Opry.
Great Smoky Mountains: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the United States’ most visited national park. It actually receives twice the number of visitors of any other national park, which came as a surprise to us. Why is this park so popular? Since it is so easy for everyone to see, with beautiful scenic drives through woodlands and past overlooks, and there are over 800 miles of trails to spend your day on.
Gatlinburg: Gatlinburg is a small town that totally caters to tourism. With lots of hotels and restaurants to choose from, Gatlinburg makes a great home base for exploring the Smoky Mountains. Additionally, this town offers fun activities for both adults and kids such as tasting moonshine, taking a ride on the sky lift, and flying down an alpine coaster.
Memphis: Known as the “Birthplace of Rock n’ Roll” and “Home of the Blues”, Memphis is central for music lovers. Here you can see the recording studios of world famous artists, tour Elvis’s former home, and wander down vibrant Beale Street as live music plays out of themed bars.
Chattanooga: Chattanooga is a great town for outdoor lovers. Ride the Incline Railway to the top of Lookout Mountain, admire Ruby Falls, stroll the Riverwalk, and go white water rafting down the Tennessee River Gorge. Chattanooga also has a vibrant arts district with museums and murals scattered around the town.
Dollywood: Named after singer Dolly Parton, Dollywood is one of the largest amusement parks in the United States, and its themed areas represent the culture and history of Tennessee.
Best Time to Visit Tennessee
Tennessee is a year-round destination. Spring and fall boast pleasant weather, wildflowers, and stunning foliage. Summer can be hot with occasional rain. In winter, outdoor spots like the Great Smoky Mountains stay open, offering a quieter experience with the possibility of snow and fewer crowds.