While Nashville and Memphis tend to be on many travelers’ radars, to get a true understanding of Tennessee, you also have to see its charming small towns, lush natural spaces, and lesser-known attractions. “Tennessee is a perfect mix of urban and rural, casual yet sophisticated, with easy proximity to the great outdoors,” says Cassidee Dabney, executive chef of The Barn at Blackberry Farm. “Throw in brilliant musical and cultural heritage, fantastic high and low culinary destinations, and rich and diverse geography, and you have a state that will keep you entertained and engaged.” Tandy Wilson, chef and owner of City House in Nashville, agrees and recommends getting off the interstate to explore “the local places that give this state so much great color and character.”
We tapped some in-the-know locals for advice on the best places to visit all over the state, from urban hot spots to a subterranean concert venue. Here’s a snapshot of Tennessee’s best cities, towns, and sights to help inspire your next trip to the Volunteer State.
Nashville
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There’s no doubt that Music City should top the list. “First-timers have to go honky-tonking on Broadway,” says Dabney, who recommends Robert’s Western World for cold beers, fried bologna sandwiches, and country music. As you plan your Nashville trip, keep some of Wilson’s favorite eats in mind, namely, the nachos and wings at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint and the mac and cheese at Silver Sands Cafe. “I want real Southern mac and cheese, and this is the only place I know to get it,” he says of the latter. Between food stops, get your steps in at the 132-acre Centennial Park and the Tennessee State Museum.
The Caverns
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While all of Tennessee seems to revolve around music, The Caverns is perhaps the state’s most unique concert experience. Though there’s also an outdoor amphitheater, the highlight of the venue is Big Mouth Cave, where subterranean shows take place. Keep your eyes peeled for bluegrass performances, and don’t forget to bring your hiking boots. If you stick around, there are trails, climbing crags, and waterfalls to explore, too.
Pigeon Forge
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Pigeon Forge has long been synonymous with Dollywood and all things Dolly Parton, a native Tennessean and veritable icon. It’s filled with activities for the whole family, whether you’re interested in theme park rides, shopping, or hiking. It’s also the location of Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, a 302-room lodge that opened in 2023.
Walland
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Walland is home to two glamorous Relais & Châteaux resorts, Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain. “You can hit Blackberry Farm for a high-end luxury experience with trails, mountain biking, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant, spa, farm animals, workshops, and concerts,” says Memphis artist Stephanie King. Of Blackberry Mountain, Dabney says, “you can’t go wrong with a guided hike to Leo the Enlightened (a large sculpture from Danish artist Thomas Dambo that overlooks the valley), sound bathing, spending an afternoon behind the wheel of a Lexus tackling the Off-Road Adventure, and throwing clay at the art studio.”
Chattanooga
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Of all the river cities in the South, Chattanooga is one of the best. “You have to visit Rock City and Ruby Falls if you’re in the area, and the art museum is great,” says Dabney, referring to the Hunter Museum of American Art, located in the Bluff View Art District. Between outdoor activities and cultural sights, you’ll want to fill up on fried chicken and tamales at Champy’s and wash them down with cocktails at The Rosecomb.
Memphis
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“When I think about Memphis, I think about music, art, and beautiful historical architecture,” says King. The city’s creative side can be found in many areas, but she recommends starting at The Memphian Hotel. “To me, The Memphian embodies so many aspects of Memphis in the most inspired, welcoming way… There is local art lining the walls, [and] layers of colors and texture, whimsy, and sophistication all rolled into a comfortable, home-like atmosphere.”
Graceland
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The storied home of Elvis Presley, Graceland is located about 10 miles from downtown Memphis. A destination in itself, the historic property includes the King of Rock and Roll’s mansion, gardens, car collection, and The Guest House at Graceland, where fans can stay overnight to experience the resort’s dedication to luxury and Southern hospitality.
Knoxville
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Make your way to Knoxville to cheer on the Volunteers or, if you’re not a sports fan, spend your day exploring the “Cradle of Country Music.” Dabney recommends parking and walking around Market Square and the Old City. “There’s a great farmers market on Saturdays in the warmer months that’s a must-visit,” she says. Her top picks for eating and drinking in the city include Cruze Farm Dairy, J.C. Holdway restaurant, Yassin’s Falafel House, and PostModern Spirits Distillery.
Leiper’s Fork
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About 25 miles southwest of Nashville is Leiper’s Fork, one of the most charming small towns in Tennessee. According to David Mishkin, managing partner at Southall Farm & Inn, it’s a “charming place to grab some barbecue, do some antique shopping, and enjoy a delicious drink at the distillery.” Like many places in the state, it has a relationship with music. If that’s up your alley, check out Fox & Locke, an old-timey grocery store that’s been turned into a venue and barbecue joint.
Fiery Gizzard State Park
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With 62 state parks, Tennessee is the perfect destination for those who find peace among the trees and fresh air. Fiery Gizzard State Park is located about an hour from Chattanooga. It’s where you’ll find the Fiery Gizzard Trail, which Wilson says is one of the best. “To tackle this hike, you need to be able to walk a few miles, but it’s one we take the kids on,” he says.
Ocoee River
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The Ocoee River is King’s favorite area in Tennessee. “You can whitewater raft, kayak, hike, camp, [and] bike,” she says. Flowing northwestward through the Appalachian Mountains, the river is easily accessed from Chattanooga. Many people take advantage of the rafting, but the area can also be explored by driving the Ocoee Scenic Byway.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
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“Fall Creek Falls State Park is another unbelievable spot for camping, biking, and hiking,” says King. Covering about 30,000 acres, it’s one of the largest state parks in Tennessee. Other features that set it apart include interesting geological formations (caves and gorges) and scenic waterfalls.
Franklin
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It’s easy to overlook Franklin in favor of Nashville, its neighbor to the north, but travelers would be remiss to not spend at least an afternoon in this historic community. “Nothing beats walking down this picture-perfect Main Street on a beautiful day. With curated shops and friendly faces everywhere, we often spend our days wandering through town with the family,” Mishkin says. For a longer trip, stay overnight on 325 acres of apple orchards, greenhouses, and rolling hills at the gorgeous Southall Farm & Inn.
Cummins Falls State Park
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Wilson says Cummins Falls State Park is home to the ideal short summer hike. Two trails ranging from a mile to a mile and a half lead you through the gorge to this stunning waterfall, which cascades from a height of 75 feet. Be sure to slip a swimsuit into your backpack—according to Wilson, it’s a great place for a dip.
Maryville
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A small city close to Knoxville, Maryville is an excellent choice if you love all things outdoors. “Book a room at RT Lodge, a charming lodge tucked away behind Maryville College,” says Dabney. “You’ll feel secluded while in the center of town, and they have a great restaurant and a gorgeous bar called The Morningside Room.” The lodge will also put you on the right side of town for a quick escape into the Great Smoky Mountains, about an hour’s drive away.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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The most-visited national park in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is notable for its lush forests, wildflowers, rivers, streams, waterfalls, and incredible hikes. “My favorite hike in the Smokies is Indian Flat Falls,” says Dabney. The feature for which it’s named is about 3.5 miles in on the Middle Prong Trail, but there are several trail connections to turn this half-day excursion into a longer loop.
Gatlinburg
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Gatlinburg maintains the title of “gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.” There are three park entrances right in town, so it’s likely your hiking trip will start here. After you’ve taken a stroll along the jam-packed main drag, explore some of the city’s historical sites, like the John Oliver Place, the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse, and the Bud Ogle Cabin. “The history contained within remnants around the parks also shows how people lived hundreds of years ago,” Mishkin says.
Bristol
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Bristol, Tennessee, is the twin city of Bristol, Virginia. Both states even claim the main street, aptly named State Street, as their own—allowing you to stand in two states at once. Whether you’re staying on the Virginia side or the Tennessee side, there are a few important things to check off your must-do list, including snapping a photo with the iconic Bristol sign, checking out the Bristol Motor Speedway, and visiting the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Reelfoot Lake State Park
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King notes that Reelfoot Lake State Park in the northwest is “home to the most beautiful cypress trees” and notable for its bird-watching opportunities. There are more than 280 species of birds to look out for. This park is totally different from other parks in the state because the lake itself is a flooded forest, and the cypress trees King mentions rise above the water to set a majestic scene.
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
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History buffs will appreciate the Old Stone Fort, a prehistoric structure built roughly 1,500 to 2,000 years ago and once used as a ceremonial gathering place by the area’s Indigenous people. You can learn all about its history on the archaeological park’s main interpretive trail, which is dotted with informational displays and roaring falls.
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