Four Greatest Locations to Go to in Tennessee (and an itinerary for every pl…
Four Locations to go to in Tennessee
Undecided about what to do in Tennessee? We’re right here to assist.
To begin with, you don’t must spend a month lengthy trip in Tennessee like us (although it’s best to) and the under recommended itinerary totals 9 days.
However I might add on two additional days of journey and one other day for some flexibility, so a superb 12 days and also you’re all set in your Tennessee street journey!
1. The Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park
The Nice Smoky Mountains straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina and is essentially the most visited Nationwide Park within the US and one of many high Tennessee trip spots.
One purpose is as a result of of its uncooked magnificence. The opposite is as a result of it’s inside a straightforward drive for over half of America’s inhabitants.
On the lookout for issues to do in Tennessee that contain nature and wildlife? You possibly can’t go previous the Smokies.
That is what we received as much as over two days.
Day 1 – Waterfalls and hikes within the Smokies
Morning
If you go to the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, why not begin off by mountaineering as much as Clingmans Dome, the very best level within the Smokies at 6,643 toes.
From the automotive park, it’s a comparatively steep half-mile stroll to the statement tower on the summit, however our children dealt with it no downside and on a transparent day you get spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and past – a terrific spot for dawn and sundown.
However, as you’ll be able to see from our expertise, they don’t name it “Smoky” for nothing as our view was a white out, however hey, you’re 6,600 toes up.
To get right here from Gatlinburg it’s a 21-mile drive.
Lunch
There are infinite choices of locations to eat in Gatlinburg, not plenty of wholesome choices thoughts you and for us as gluten free diners we struggled.
Our fall again choice is often Mexican, so we ate at No Method Jose’s Mexican Cantina which was fairly good!
Afternoon
We totally loved our hike to Grotto Falls, and excitingly on this hike we had our first bear sighting, at a protected distance off the path and there was a ranger close by.
The hike is a 1.three mile spherical journey and our children dealt with it simply. And the cool factor about this waterfall is you’ll be able to stroll proper behind the falls.
To get to Grotto Falls take the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Path 5 mile loop drive out of Gatlinburg.
Night
Take a stroll round Gatlinburg, there’s loads of quirkiness and amusement kind actions happening if that’s your factor.
A preferred place for dinner is the Smoky Mountain Brewery, however I believed the meals was common.
Day 2 – Bike using within the Smoky Mountains
Morning
Most likely our favourite exercise within the Smoky Mountains was biking the Cades Cove Loop Highway.
You possibly can drive the 11-mile circuit, however we love our bike rides and so Caz and Kalyra cycled while daddy and Savannah adopted in our car.
Across the loop, you’ll see quite a few historic buildings – cabins, church buildings, and workplaces of Cades Cove residents through the 19th and early 20th centuries – and several other strolling trails as effectively in case you wish to stretch your legs.
And nice wildlife recognizing alternatives, we noticed BEARS once more, a momma bear and two cubs! Once more they had been at a protected distance and we had a spread shut by.
Sizzling Tip: do that bike experience on a Wednesday or Saturday morning between 7am -10am when the street is closed to site visitors.
Cades Cove is an about an hour and a half drive from Gatlinburg. It’s a should do within the Smokies and one of many high locations to go to in Tennessee!
Afternoon
Laurel Falls is one other kid-friendly hike and some of the in style locations to go mountaineering within the Smoky Mountains.
And to be sincere, I believe we preferred this waterfall higher than Grotto Falls, there are a number of cascading ranges, however each hikes are good and straightforward sufficient for households.
Night Sundown
Apart from Clingmans Dome, a stunning spot to soak up a Smoky Mountains sundown is from Mortons Overlook, a few 20-minute drive up from Gatlinburg.
You get a stunning view throughout the valley because the solar dips under the peaks within the distance.
The place to remain within the Smoky Mountains
We stayed on the Previous Creek Lodge in Gatlinburg that had a terrific, quiet location simply off the primary street however inside simple strolling distance to all of the eating places, retailers and actions within the city.
2. Knoxville
Knoxville is greater than a Faculty Soccer city, though they are saying recreation day right here is like no different place within the nation and I plan to come back again within the fall for a Vols recreation.
However what stunned us about Knoxville is the out of doors points of interest, the foods and drinks, it’s family-friendly, the music scene, the pleasant locals and the relaxed vibe.
Knox would high essentially the most underrated listing of locations to go to in Tennessee. Right here is how we might spend 2 days.
Day 1 – Knoxville markets and out of doors adventures
Morning
In case you go to Knoxville between Could – November, and might time your journey for a Wednesday or Saturday, begin your go to on the Knoxville Farmers Market in historic Market Sq..
We love a superb native farmers market, and lots of of our readers recommended this as among the finest, and so they weren’t flawed!
This market has an emphasis on native produce and group and all the pieces is grown or made by the seller within the East Tennessee area with a wonderful vary of merchandise from scrumptious native meals and low to artisan crafts.
We at all times do our greatest to buy native and if we lived in Knoxville we’d be regulars right here!
(Wednesdays 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, Saturdays 9:00 am to 2:00 pm)
Lunch
While in Market Sq., seize a burger at The Inventory & Barrel. Once more this place got here extremely advisable by our readers and my turkey burger and duck confit fries had been delish!
Afternoon
We love getting open air, and in Knoxville there’s no higher place than the Ijams Nature Middle.
With 10-miles of trails, rock formations, lakes and gorgeous overlooks it’s a much-loved sanctuary by the locals and solely a 10-minute drive from downtown.
There’s a stunning stress-free quick stroll alongside the Tennessee River, then we upped the adventurous aspect and took on the Navitat Cover Expertise – a excessive ropes problem consisting of 6 totally different programs and every course is designed with various diploma of problem from newbie to superior.
And simply down the street from Ijams is Mead’s Quarry, a stupendous place to go canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Night
Take a stroll alongside the riverfront of the Tennessee River adopted by drinks and dinner at Calhoun’s which has a first-rate riverfront location.
We visited right here twice to sit down exterior on the deck and benefit from the recent air and watch life on the river go by (children and gluten free menu accessible).
Day 2 – Knoxville Zoo and Market Sq.
Morning
One other suggestion by our readers was to take a look at the Zoo which proved in style with our children, they beloved feeding the giraffes, watching the gorillas play (they’d a child once we visited) and getting up near a tiger and elephants.
The zoo is among the most family-friendly points of interest in Knoxville and you’ll simply spend a couple of hours right here.
Particulars:
Adults $19.95
Kids ages Four-12 $16.95
Seniors ages 65+ $16.95
Kids beneath Four FREE
Lunch
One other cool factor about Knoxville is their Ale Path with 10 breweries at present in operation and extra on the way in which, so if craft beer is your factor you’re in luck!
One brewpub we stopped in for a beer and a chew to eat at was Balter Beerworks which has a pleasant out of doors seating space.
Afternoon
Again house in Australia, we might solely ever go bowling when it rained and had nothing else to do! Within the US, bowling alleys are so fancy and in style.
Maple Corridor bowling alley is situated underground within the historic J.C. Penney constructing and is that this tremendous cool boutique bowling with a full-service bar, cozy lounge areas and even a VIP room.
And virtually subsequent door on Homosexual Avenue is Cruze Farm Ice Cream, a cool household story and naturally their ice cream was successful with our children.
They milk their very own Jersey cows and bottle complete pasteurized Jersey milk, in addition to actual churned buttermilk, gentle milk, and chocolate milk.
You may need seen their farm ladies round city delivering milk of their putting crimson and white clothes!
Night
In case you don’t get an opportunity to expertise the morning farmers market, visiting Historic Market Sq. continues to be one of many should do issues in Knoxville.
It’s the center and hub of downtown Knoxville and while it’s a cool vacation spot at any time of day, it actually comes alive within the night and is the place to be for cafes, eating places and stay music on choose nights.
An awesome place for dinner in Market Sq. is Tomato Head, they’ve yummy pizzas and a pleasant vary of sandwiches, salads, and sweets.
Locations to Keep in Knoxville
We stayed on the new and trendy Tennessean Lodge which has a first-rate central location downtown throughout the road from the Sunsphere and a simple 5-10 minute stroll to Market Sq..
three. Nashville
Nashville is not like any US metropolis we’ve got visited to this point and a spot we are able to see ourselves returning to time and again. It’s enjoyable, it has a soul, it has music and funky museums and professional sports activities and a rising meals scene!
And music metropolis has overtaken Vegas because the primary vacation spot for bachelorette events – it’s a HOT place to be proper now!
That is what you are able to do with three days.
Day 1 – Nation music Museum and Grand Ole Opry
Morning
In case you’re a fan of Nation Music or wish to be taught about its historical past and well-known artists, then a go to to the Nation Music Corridor of Fame and Museum is a should do in Nashville.
This is among the hottest tourist points of interest in Tennessee and one among our favourite museums to spend a couple of hours. There are 4 ranges throughout the constructing, every sharing a distinct period and tales of the previous.
Lunch
Nashville has some nice rooftop venues and one among our faves is the ACME Feed & Seed. It’s among the finest locations to eat in Nashville for gorgeous views over the river and Broadway down under.
Afternoon
A enjoyable and informational factor to do in any metropolis is a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour. We like them as they’re nice for getting your bearings and for the professional commentary you get from an area within the know.
On this tour of Nashville we had been proven Taylor Swift’s penthouse, the resort Keith City stayed in earlier than he was Keith City, and obtained plenty of native ideas for locations to eat in Nashville and the place to hearken to stay music.
Enable about 90 minutes for a loop.
End your bus tour on Broadway and take a stroll round downtown, and possibly go looking for some cowboy boots!
Broadway is vibrant and the place to be for individuals watching. Wander previous all of the honky tonk bars with cool music blaring, possibly take a horse and cart experience, pop right into a sweet store, or soar on a pedal tavern – they’re the factor to do in Nashville.
Night
One in all our favourite evenings but on our travels within the US has been seeing a present on the Grand Ole Opry. That is the present that made Nation Music well-known and an evening out you gained’t quickly overlook.
The Opry began as a radio broadcast in 1925 and developed right into a stay present. Every Opry present continues to be broadcast stay on radio.
You get to see all kinds of musicians and well-known artists – new and previous in a single night. We noticed six performers in complete and we additionally advocate doing a backstage tour to see behind the scenes and for a deeper perception into the Opry expertise.
Guide your Opry ticket earlier than you go, so that you don’t miss the present!
Even in case you’re not on the town on a present night time, you’ll be able to nonetheless go to the Opry on a tour – undoubtedly among the finest locations to go to in Tennessee!
Press play to see extra of our Grand Ole Opry expertise:
Day 2 – The Gulch and stay music in Nashville
Morning
Seize a terrific breakfast and low at Fido Cafe in Hillsboro Village. You would possibly even spot a star right here, it’s one among Taylor Swift’s favourite hangs and once we had been there so was Lennon Stella, AKA Maddie from the hit TV present Nashville.
Then discover The Gulch, a district with an industrial historical past that’s been revamped into one of many hippest locations to go to in Nashville with boutique procuring, a cool meals scene, and unbelievable wall murals.
The “What Lifts You” angel wings mural is among the most photographed locations in Nashville.
Lunch
Keep within the Gulch, the extremely in style Biscuit Love is right here (be ready to line up) or head to Hattie B’s Well-known Sizzling Rooster.
If it’s essential to be again downtown and fancy some ribs, a couple of blocks from Broadway is Martin’s BBQ Joint and we had the most important rack of ribs we’ve ever eaten – cool venue too!
Afternoon
Again on the music scene and the Johnny Money Museum is simply off Broadway and is house to the most important assortment of Johnny Money gadgets on the planet that tells the story of his life. Effectively value a go to, what a legend!
And upstairs is the Patsy Cline museum, one other nation music legend value studying about.
Throughout the street is among the finest issues to do in Nashville with children (that doesn’t contain music), and that’s the Goo Goo Clusters retailer.
What’s a Goo Goo cluster? A singular mixture sweet bar (chocolate, peanuts, caramel and marshmallow nougat), and Goo Goo Clusters stays a household owned Nashville establishment!
From there, head to one among Nashville’s high rooftop bars for a drink and to prime your self for a night of Honky Tonk bars.
The George Jones Museum ranks as among the finest rooftop bars in Nashville with unbelievable river views plus stay music, or Rockbottom Brewery on Broadway!
Night
You’re in Nashville and you’ll’t go to music metropolis with out hitting up a couple of of the honky tonk bars!
Tootsies is world well-known and is understood for shock visitor appearances by a few of nation music’s hottest stars!
Robert’s Western World is house to conventional nation music, Legend’s Nook has among the finest stay music in Nashville, and Honky Tonk Central is a rockin joint all hours of the day!
Received children? Go earlier than time for dinner or try the Wildhorse Saloon Bar, a 66,00zero sq. foot stay music, dance and dinner venue that’s extra kid-friendly.
Day three – The Ryman, Studio B & The Blue Chicken – Nashville icons
Morning
Go behind the scenes on the well-known Ryman Auditorium, acknowledged as one of many finest stay efficiency venues within the USA, and some of the historic locations to go to in Tennessee for music!
Often called the Mom Church of nation music, that is hallowed floor and the unique venue of the Grand Ole Opry Present. It’s additionally the place Johnny Money met June Carter, and the place numerous careers had been launched.
If there’s a stay present on right here while you’re on the town, do it.
Lunch
Throughout the river, East Nashville and 5 Factors are hip and taking place spots for lunch or dinner. The Wild Cow serves up scrumptious vegan and vegetarian meals, The Pharmacy tops many lists as the very best burger joint on the town, or there’s Burger Up!
Afternoon
As a part of your go to to the Nation Music Corridor of Fame Museum, you’ll be able to add on a Studio B Tour which takes you to Music Row, the place all of the artists report their music, and to Studio B, essentially the most well-known of all of them.
It’s not a lot to have a look at from the skin, however behind the partitions, Billions of value of hits have been recorded right here, primarily when the studio was operated by RCA Data – Elvis recorded most of his primary hits right here!
Guide your combo cross right here
Night
In case you’re a fan of the hit Nashville TV sequence like us, you’ll be excited to go to the well-known Bluebird Café.
This tiny and intimate music venue in an previous strip mall launched the careers of among the previous and trendy greats, suppose Taylor Swift.
The Bluebird has scheduled reveals all through the week, see this calendar for information and tickets, however on Monday nights they host Open Mic – we needed to line up tremendous early to get tickets, this place solely holds 80 individuals.
In case you can’t get into the Bluebird, The Listening Room Cafe comes extremely advocate.
Locations to Keep in Nashville
Lodging in Nashville will be laborious to search out and costly. The town has plenty of occasions taking place on a regular basis.
We stayed in three Airbnbs whereas in Nashville. First-time customers click on right here for a reduction in your first Airbnb keep.
We additionally stayed two evenings on the family-friendly Loews Vanderbilt Lodge situated in Mid-town. Its location is close to many eating places together with the well-known Hattie B’s sizzling hen, and likewise close to Vanderbilt College.
Four. Memphis
We didn’t plan to go to Memphis on this street journey, however after experiencing the Grand Ole Opry Present and the Blue Chicken Cafe in Nashville, we mentioned to one another,
“let’s chase the music, let’s go to Memphis!”
Right here is our two day itinerary.
Day 1 – Graceland, Solar Studio and Blues
Morning
Probably the most in style locations to go to in Tennessee can be Graceland. The house of Elvis Presley is essentially the most well-known home within the historical past of rock ‘n’ roll and the highest points of interest in Memphis.
It’s really wonderful that over 600,00zero individuals nonetheless go to Graceland every year to tour the house of Elvis who died 40 years in the past.
From the second you enter his mansion, you go on a journey by the non-public lifetime of Elvis and what it should have been wish to be the king of rock!
We advocate the Elvis Entourage VIP Tour which incorporates an audio tour with headsets and an iPad, however the tour doesn’t cease at Graceland, throughout the street on the Customer Leisure Advanced you’ll be able to see his:
- automotive assortment
- iconic vogue tendencies
- non-public planes
- and far more.
Lunch
Earlier than we arrived within the metropolis, everybody saved raving about Memphis BBQ as among the finest within the nation, and you’ve got loads of choices.
Near Graceland is Marlowes Ribs & Restaurant, and once you stroll in it’s such as you entered a museum about Memphis, Rock & Roll and the king himself.
Afternoon
I believe we loved the Solar Studio Guided Tour as a lot as Graceland, it’s undoubtedly among the finest issues to do in Memphis.
Initially known as the Memphis Recording Studio, Solar Studio is now referred to as essentially the most well-known recording studio on the planet and the birthplace of Rock and Roll.
Elvis recorded his very first track right here, plus among the nice have recorded right here like Johnny Money, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee Lewis, even U2 and Bob Dylan.
Night
Beale Avenue is the center of Memphis, the place to be for stay music and some of the enjoyable locations to go to in Tennessee!
This three block radius of golf equipment and eating places is a melting pot of delta blues, jazz, rock’n’ roll, and R&B. And in case you’ve received children like us, go late afternoon / early night for dinner and music.
It’s laborious to beat the unique BB King’s Blues Membership for cool music. We took a late afternoon stroll alongside Beale Avenue, adopted by dinner and a high night time at BB King’s!
Day 2 – Civil Rights Museum and Bass Professional (you say what?)
Morning
Step again in time and get your repair of eggs, pancakes, and biscuits at Memphis’ oldest cafe, The Arcade Restaurant.
This traditional American diner was based in 1919 and has that nostalgic feeling to it, Elvis as soon as ate right here, and also you would possibly acknowledge it from films similar to Stroll the Line, The Consumer and Nice Balls of Fireplace.
And also you’ll want a full abdomen as a result of over the subsequent couple of hours you’ll be spending absorbed within the Nationwide Civil Rights Museum, among the finest museums I’ve ever visited!
Situated on the Lorraine Motel, that is the precise location the place Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and this museum walks you thru his life, the tragedy of his assassination, and centuries of historical past.
Visiting this museum is among the most shifting issues to do in Tennessee.
Lunch
Earlier than arriving in Memphis we requested our pal, a former Memphis resident, the place do the locals go for Memphis BBQ? Central BBQ was on the high of his listing.
From the skin, this place is nothing flash however the second you stroll in you’ll be able to inform it’s a locals fave, and he was proper, the BBQ is tasty – take your selection of ribs, beef brisket plate, pork plate, hen or turkey, BBQ nachos, sizzling wings and extra!
Afternoon
Lots of you recommended we go to the Bass Professional Store. Why we saved asking ourselves, why? How may a fishing and searching retailer be one of many high Tennessee vacationer points of interest??!
Seems, it’s some of the uncommon locations I’ve ever been within and one of many craziest locations to see in Tennessee!
Situated inside the large Pyramid, this isn’t your extraordinary fishing and searching retailer, this place is house to an aquarium, bowling alley, and an award successful 5-star resort known as Massive Cypress Lodge!
Solely in America lol.
Oh, and you’ll experience the world’s tallest freestanding elevator 28 tales to the highest of the Memphis Pyramid, stroll out onto the glass ground statement deck, and get the very best views of Memphis and the Mississippi River from 300 toes above!
For an additional uncommon expertise, go see a parade of geese stroll down the crimson carpet within the resort foyer of the Peabody Lodge.
The Peabody Geese are one of many high points of interest in Memphis. The Legend of the Peabody Memphis Geese began again within the 1930s, and so they nonetheless go to the foyer fountain at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day.
No joke, they hop out of the fountain, stroll the crimson carpet, step into the elevator and experience to the rooftop.
The place to Keep in Memphis
If you wish to keep close to Graceland, you’ll be able to actually stroll there from the Visitor Home at Graceland. Designed with Elvis in thoughts, you’ll really feel such as you’re a visitor of the King staying right here!
However to be near all the opposite points of interest in Memphis I counsel staying downtown.
The Peabody Lodge ranks extremely, and for a full listing of locations to remain in Memphis our companion Reserving.com has over 90 properties to select from.
Disclaimer: This submit is sponsored by Allianz International Help (AGA Service Firm) and I’ve obtained monetary compensation. However all opinions about journey in Tennessee are our personal
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