- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park – a jolly good national park in the Appalachian Mountains that stretch across Tennessee and North Carolina. It’s chock full of critters and plants, with over 800 miles of hiking trails, gorgeous views, and ancient structures.
- Nashville – the buzzing capital city of Tennessee that’s just swell for music enthusiasts, boasting the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Grand Ole Opry. Visitors can also soak up the city’s fascinating history, art museums, and scrummy Southern grub.
- Memphis – a city that sits on the Mississippi River, known for its groovy blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll music scene, as well as its close ties to the king of rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis Presley. Visitors can rock out at the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Sun Studio, and Graceland.
- The Dolly Parton’s Stampede – a jamboree of a dinner theatre show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where you can enjoy horseback riding stunts, live tunes, and a lip-smacking four-course Southern feast.
- Pigeon Forge – a charming little city nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, well-known for its family-friendly attractions such as Dollywood, the Titanic Museum, and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.
- Gatlinburg – a fanciful mountain resort city perched near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, renowned for its scenic beauty and attractions like the Space Needle, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, and the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
- The Nashville Parthenon – a spot-on full-size copy of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, that’s located in Nashville’s Centennial Park. Visitors can take a gander at the museum inside the Parthenon, brimming with art and artifacts from ancient Greece.
- The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum – a museum situated on Beale Street in Memphis, that celebrates the history and legends of rock ‘n’ roll and soul music. Visitors can boogie down and learn about the roots of these music genres and the impact they had on the cultural and social movements of the 20th century.
- The Tennessee State Capitol – a historic building in Nashville, designed by architect William Strickland in the Greek Revival style. Visitors can take a tour of the building and learn about the history of the state of Tennessee and its government, it’s a real cracker!
- The Johnny Cash Museum & Cafe – A shrine to the “Man in Black,” featuring rare artifacts and memorabilia from the life and career of the country music legend. The cafe serves up some finger-licking Southern cuisine and toe-tapping live music to keep you entertained.
- The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum – A must-visit attraction for all you country music enthusiasts out there. This museum houses a treasure trove of country music artifacts, including recordings, instruments, and costumes. They also regularly host live performances and educational programs, so you can brush up on your honky-tonk knowledge.
- The Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage – Take a step back in time and explore the historic mansion, gardens, and grounds of the former U.S. president’s plantation. You can also learn about the controversial legacy of “Old Hickory” through the museum exhibits.
- The Belle Meade Plantation – A stately plantation that was once a renowned thoroughbred horse farm, now a historic landmark with guided tours of the Greek Revival mansion, carriage house, and slave cabin. Discover the fascinating history of this Southern gem.
- The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park – Take a hike through history on the famous Wilderness Road Trail, used by pioneers to travel westward in the 18th century. This park also features historic sites, such as Hensley Settlement and the Pinnacle Overlook, so you can get your dose of American frontier nostalgia.
- The Nashville Zoo – Home to over 2,700 animals from around the world, including majestic elephants, towering giraffes, and mighty rhinoceroses. Take a walk on the wild side and enjoy a variety of exhibits and experiences, from the Kangaroo Kickabout to the Lorikeet Landing.
- The Memphis Zoo – A menagerie of over 3,500 animals from more than 500 species, including the rare and adorable giant panda. This zoo offers an array of educational programs and experiences, such as the Zoolympics and the Night Safari, to keep you engaged and entertained.
- The Jack Daniel’s Distillery – Tour the iconic distillery and learn about the history and process of making Jack Daniel’s whiskey. And, of course, enjoy a sampling of several varieties of this famous Tennessee tipple.
- The Rocky Top Sports World – A sporty complex with plenty of outdoor and indoor facilities, hosting a variety of tournaments and events throughout the year. Whether you’re a fan of football, soccer, or lacrosse, this is the place to be.
- The Beale Street – For all you music lovers out there, this street is a blues and jazz paradise with a vibrant live music scene. With numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from, you’ll be sure to find something to tickle your fancy. Just remember to bring your dancing shoes!