Best Places To Visit In Tennessee

Tennessee is a state with immense natural beauty and cultural riches. From the bustling cities of Nashville and Memphis to the tranquil forests and mountains of the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee offers a diverse array of tourist attractions and experiences. Let’s explore Best Places To Visit In Tennessee.

Nashville – Best Places To Visit In Tennessee

Let’s begin our Best Places To Visit In Tennessee journey in the vibrant city of Nashville, consistently rated as one of the top destinations in the Southeast. As the capital and second most populous city, Nashville sits at the heart of Tennessee geographically and culturally. It is most famous for its deep roots in country music and honky tonk atmosphere, but there is so much more to this city than its musical heritage.

Top Attractions: Best Places To Visit In Tennesse, the Country Music Hall of Fame, which chronicles country music history through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and theater screening music videos. Right next door is the iconic Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. Make sure to catch a live show here. For a taste of Nashville’s thriving music scene, spend an evening on Lower Broadway, taking in shows at the many honky tonk bars.

Outdoor Activities: Stop by Centennial Park, home to a replica of the famous Parthenon. Nearby is the picturesque Cumberland River, where you can relax along the banks or go kayaking. Head to Radnor Lake State Park just south of the city for a scenic hike.

Accommodations: As Nashville’s premier luxury hotel, the Thompson Nashville puts you in the heart of downtown. For a unique music-themed stay, book one of the suites at the Hutton Hotel, which has hosted countless artists. The Union Station Hotel in the Germantown neighborhood offers boutique-style rooms in a restored train station.

Dining: For authentic Southern fare, check out Arnold’s Country Kitchen or Peg Leg Porker BBQ. Husk restaurant highlights local ingredients with New Southern dishes. The Southern restaurant City House is a local favorite. Try Nashville hot chicken at Prince’s or Hattie B’s.

Memphis

A four-hour drive west of Nashville along scenic I-40 lies the vibrant Mississippi River city of Memphis. As one of the V’s largest urban areas, Memphis offers extensive city amenities alongside authentic Southern charm and history. It is renowned worldwide as the birthplace of blues and rock n’ roll and home of legendary musicians like Elvis Presley.

Top Attractions: No trip to Memphis is complete without Best Places To Visit In Tennesse like Graceland, the lavish former estate of Elvis Presley. Spend the day touring the mansion and grounds and see Elvis’ jet and automobile collection. The National Civil Rights Museum in the Lorraine Motel chronicles the American Civil Rights Movement. Stroll through beautiful Mud Island River Park for views of the Mighty Mississippi.

Outdoor Activities:

1. Take a guided bike tour along the scenic Greenline to explore Memphis’ diverse neighborhoods.
2. Kayak or canoe on the calm waters of the Wolf River Harbor.
3. Hike or picnic at Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country.

Accommodations: The Peabody Memphis oozes old-world charm in the historic South Main Arts District. For modern luxury near Downtown and Beale Street, book The Guest House at Graceland. Indie Memphis Midtown puts you near Overton Park and Cooper-Young.

Dining:

1. Pay homage to Memphis barbecue at the legendary Germantown Commissary or Central BBQ.
2. Catch live blues at the Rum Boogie Cafe.
3. Check out the Gus’s Fried Chicken locations or Chef Tam’s Underground Cafe for homestyle Southern fare.
4. Indulge in upscale New Southern cuisine at the Arcade Restaurant.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

About 1.5 hours east of Knoxville lies one of the most visited national parks in the US – Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Spanning over 522,419 acres across Tennessee and North Carolina, this lush temperate rainforest contains some of the most diverse plant and animal life east of the Mississippi River. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives, the Smokies offer unlimited opportunities for adventure and reconnecting with nature.

Top Attractions: A must-be visiting the scenic Clingmans Dome, the third-highest peak in Best Places To Visit In Tennessee. For gorgeous forest scenery, drive the scenic Foothills Parkway. Hike to spectacular waterfalls like Rainbow Falls or Abrams Falls. Spot black bears on the trails or relax along one of the crystal-clear mountain streams.

Activities: Besides hiking, enjoy ranger-guided programs, fishing, picnicking, camping, and horseback riding. In the winter, you can go sledding or cross-country skiing. Check the park website for seasonal events like firefly viewing or synchronous fireflies in the Elkmont area.

Accommodations: Stay at the historic LeConte Lodge or rustic Smokemont Campground inside the park. Book the eco-friendly Inn at Blackberry Farm or the luxurious Ober Gatlinburg in nearby towns. The Peaks Resort in Sevierville offers resort amenities near the park entrance.

Dining:

1. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the park or dine at LeConte Lodge after hiking.
2. In Gatlinburg, check out Rendezvous Mountain Grill for mountain cuisine with views.
3. Stock up on gourmet provisions at The Smoky Mountain Cupboard before your trip.

Chattanooga

Nestled along the Tennessee River bordering Georgia, Chattanooga is one of the most scenic cities in the Southeast. Known as the “Scenic City,” Chattanooga has undergone immense revitalization of its downtown and riverfront areas in recent decades. It uniquely combines natural beauty, outdoor adventure, arts, culture, and Southern charm.

Top Attractions:

1. Take the Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain for stunning panoramic views.
2. Best Places To Visit In Tennesse is Aquarium, which is ranked as one of the best in the country.
3. Wander the Bluff View Art District and check out the Hunter Museum of American Art.
4. Stroll the scenic Southside Walking Bridge across the Tennessee River.

Outdoor Activities: Go hiking, biking, or rock climbing on the Cumberland Trail or Enterprise South Nature Park. Kayak down the Tennessee River through downtown. Check schedules for guided kayak or stand-up paddleboard tours. Enjoy leaf-peeping or cross-country skiing at Cloudland Canyon State Park in the fall and winter.

Accommodations: The modern and eco-friendly StoneFort Inn puts you in the heart of downtown. Book a room at The Edwin Hotel in the North Shore district for river views. In nearby Lookout Mountain, stay at historic Fairyland Cottages.

Dining: Sip craft cocktails at Dwell, featuring a rotating menu highlighting local ingredients. Check out The Feed Co. Chicken + Beer for Southern fare. Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken is a local institution. Stock up on gourmet provisions at The Daily Ration.

Knoxville

About an hour east of Gatlinburg lies the “Volunteer State’s” third largest city – Knoxville. As the home of the beloved University of Tennessee, Knoxville has a lively college-town vibe. It is also a prime gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains and offers various attractions.

Top Attractions:

1. Wander the University of Tennessee campus and catch a Volunteers game.
2. Best Places To Visit In Tennesse is the Knoxville Museum of Art and Historic Marble Springs.
3. Go whitewater rafting or kayaking on the Pigeon River.
4. Check out the Sunsphere observation tower for panoramic downtown views.

Outdoor Activities: Hike trails like Ijams Nature Center or Seven Islands State Birding Park. Go cycling on the Tennessee Rivergreen urban greenway system. In winter, enjoy sledding or cross-country skiing at Seven Islands—Kayak or canoe on the calm waters of Fort Loudoun Lake.

Accommodations: The downtown Hilton Knoxville puts you near Market Square. For B&B charm, book a room at The Tennessean Hotel. In nearby Sevierville, Wilderness at the Smokies Resort offers golf, a spa, and an indoor waterpark.

Dining: Check out Stock & Barrel for New Southern fare. Knox Mason is renowned for wood-fired pizzas. Preservation Pub specializes in craft beer and pub food. Yassin’s Falafel House is a local favorite for Mediterranean dishes.

Read More: A Comprehensive Guide to the World’s Most Visited Places

Take Away

Whether you’re looking for vibrant cities, peaceful natural escapes, or historic small towns, this diverse state has something for every type of traveler. Check details on seasonal activities and events before visiting any of these recommended destinations. With so much natural beauty and Southern charm, I’m sure you’ll find plenty to keep you exploring Best Places To Visit In Tennessee’s treasures for multiple visits. Safe travels, and enjoy immersing yourself in all this excellent state has to offer!