Map Of Tennessee Counties With Names

Discover the Best of Tennessee

Tennessee is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains to the bustling cities of Nashville and Memphis, there is something for everyone in the Volunteer State. Whether you are a foodie, a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or an art lover, you will find plenty of things to see and do in Tennessee.

Top Attractions

There are many must-see attractions in Tennessee, including:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville
Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley in Memphis
The Chattanooga Choo Choo, a historic train station turned hotel and entertainment complex
The Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg

Hidden Gems

If you want to get off the beaten path and discover some lesser-known gems in Tennessee, consider visiting:

The Lost Sea, an underground lake in Sweetwater
The Ocoee River, a popular spot for whitewater rafting and kayaking in eastern Tennessee
The Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic road that runs from Mississippi to Tennessee
The Cumberland Caverns, a network of caves in McMinnville
The Museum of Appalachia, a living history museum in Clinton

Food Scene

Tennessee is famous for its Southern cuisine, including barbecue, fried chicken, and hot chicken. Some of the best places to eat in Tennessee include:

Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack in Nashville
The Loveless Cafe in Nashville
Central BBQ in Memphis
Rendezvous BBQ in Memphis
Arnold’s Country Kitchen in Nashville

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling to Tennessee on a budget? Here are some tips to help you save money:

Visit state parks and natural areas, which often have free admission or low entrance fees
Look for free events and festivals, especially in the summer months
Eat at local diners and cafes instead of tourist traps
Stay in budget-friendly accommodations, such as hostels or Airbnbs
Take advantage of happy hour specials at bars and restaurants

Outdoor Adventures

Tennessee is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking, biking, fishing, and boating opportunities. Some of the best outdoor destinations in Tennessee include:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Tennessee River Gorge in Chattanooga
The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Oneida
The Hiwassee River in Reliance
The Percy Priest Lake in Nashville

Historical Landmarks

Tennessee played an important role in the American Civil War and has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Some of the top historical sites in Tennessee include:

The Shiloh National Military Park in Shiloh
The Andrew Jackson Hermitage in Nashville
The Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville
The Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro
The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

Family-Friendly Activities

Tennessee is a great destination for families, with plenty of attractions and activities for all ages. Some of the best family-friendly activities in Tennessee include:

The Memphis Zoo in Memphis
The Adventure Science Center in Nashville
The Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge
The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga
The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster in Pigeon Forge

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you want to explore some unique and unusual attractions in Tennessee, consider visiting:

The International Towing and Recovery Museum in Chattanooga
The Synchronous Fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Museum of Wonder and Delight in Sevierville
The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg
The Parthenon replica in Nashville

Natural Wonders

Tennessee is home to many natural wonders, including:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga
The Rock Island State Park in Rock Island
The Reelfoot Lake in Tiptonville
The Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer

Vibrant Nightlife

Tennessee is not just about country music and honky-tonks. There are many bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to all tastes. Some of the best places to party in Tennessee include:

The Beale Street in Memphis
The Lower Broadway in Nashville
The Market Square in Knoxville
The Nightfall Concert Series in Chattanooga
The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester

Local Markets

If you want to shop for local goods and crafts, check out some of the markets in Tennessee:

The Nashville Farmers’ Market in Nashville
The Chattanooga Market in Chattanooga
The Gatlinburg Farmers Market in Gatlinburg
The Memphis Farmers Market in Memphis
The Knoxville Farmers Market in Knoxville

Beaches and Mountains

Although Tennessee is not a coastal state, it has plenty of rivers, lakes, and mountains to explore. Some of the best beaches and mountains in Tennessee include:

The Percy Priest Lake in Nashville
The Norris Lake in Norris
The Cherokee Lake in Jefferson City
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga

Cultural Immersion

Tennessee has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Native American, African American, and European traditions. To immerse yourself in Tennessee’s culture, consider visiting:

The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis
The African American Heritage Trail in Nashville
The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore
The Museum of Appalachia in Clinton
The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community in Gatlinburg

Art and Music Scene

Tennessee is famous for its music scene, especially in Nashville and Memphis. But there are also many art galleries, museums, and festivals to explore. Some of the best places to experience art and music in Tennessee include:

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville
The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum in Memphis
The Frist Art Museum in Nashville

Walking Tours

One of the best ways to explore Tennessee’s cities is on foot. Many cities offer guided walking tours that take you through historic neighborhoods, landmarks, and hidden gems. Some of the best walking tours in Tennessee include:

The Memphis Heritage Trail in Memphis
The Chattanooga Ghost Tours in Chattanooga
The Nashville Walking Tour in Nashville
The Knoxville Historic Homes Walking Tour in Knoxville
The Franklin on Foot Walking Tour in Franklin

Architectural Marvels

Tennessee is home to many architectural marvels, from historic homes to modern skyscrapers. Some of the best examples of architecture in Tennessee include: