If you’re itching for an adventure, consider planning a road trip through Tennessee. Road trips are ideal for adventure seekers since the journey is also the destination. Between its scenic landscapes and rich musical history, Tennessee has so much to experience. We’ve compiled a list of must-see attractions in Tennessee to make your visit unforgettable.
Ruby Falls in Chattanooga
One of Chattanooga’s most popular places of interest is Ruby Falls, located 1,100 feet underground deep inside Lookout Mountain. This hidden beauty is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States.
Descend 260 feet underground by elevator into Lookout Mountain to explore stunning rock formations underground. Afterward, pop up to the Lookout Mountain Tower, which offers spectacular views of the Tennessee River, or explore any of the hiking trails, including Sunset Rock Trail and Gum Springs Trail.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Extending across North Carolina and Tennessee lies the most visited national park in the country: Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Its expansive landscape is comprised of lush forests, an abundance of wildlife, and diverse wildflowers that bloom year-round.
For stunning 360-degree views of the park, hike up to the observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome, the highest point of the Great Smoky Mountains. This national park is a fantastic place to spend the day hiking, visiting cascading waterfalls, or camp out overnight.
Graceland in Memphis
Visit the former home of Elvis Presley in the birthplace of rock and roll. Graceland is the second most visited house behind the White House, with 650,000 visitors a year. Guests are guided through the mansion by an interactive iPad tour featuring commentary from the King himself.
One of the most notable rooms in the mansion is the Jungle Room, where Elvis recorded his last two albums. You can also pay tribute to the King in the Meditation Garden, where he was laid to rest.
Beale Street in Memphis
If you’ve heard the song “Walking in Memphis” Beale Street might sound familiar to you. Many famous musicians including B.B. King and Louis Armstrong made their start on Beale Street helping develop a music style known as “Memphis Blues.”
Stop by and experience the intoxicating nightlife and blues-inspired live music that inspired Marc Cohn all those years ago. For a unique hotel experience in Memphis that will let you live like a rock-star, consider booking a stay at The Madison Hotel.
Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg
Few American spirits have as much prestige as Jack Daniels. That’s why even non-whiskey fans can appreciate a tour through Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Established in 1866, Jack Daniel’s Distillery is the oldest registered distillery in the United States.
This historic distillery showcases the whiskey-making experience from glass to grain. Walk through the 150-year old history of Jack Daniel and experience the entire process of how his whiskey is made. After the tour, guests are given flights of Jack Daniel’s five core products: Gentleman Jack, Single Barrel, Tennessee Honey, Tennessee Fire, and its signature Old No. 7 blend.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville
There are so many great places to stay in Nashville and even more things to see and do. For over 50 years, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been a Nashville music staple.
Whether you’re a fan of country music or just a fan of music in general, this museum is worth visiting. Its leading exhibition, Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music, exhibits artifacts, photographs, and original videos that tell the stories of country music’s origins and evolving history.
Bluebird Café in Nashville
Continue with the music-themed attractions and pop over to the Bluebird Café for a bite to eat and live entertainment. Bluebird Café is an unassuming yet renowned listening room. The mission of the café is to celebrate local songwriters and the Nashville music community.
Most nights, Bluebird Café hosts an open mic night for up-and-coming artists who become well-known singers and songwriters. Artists such as Garth Brooks, LeAnn Rimes, and Maren Morris have graced the halls of this café.
Belle Meade Mansion in Nashville
Come to Belle Meade and experience a taste of the Old South. What started as a single log cabin on 250 acres of land evolved into a 5,400-acre estate complete with a Greek Revival mansion and horse farm. The Belle Meade Mansion was one of the largest and wealthiest private estates in Nashville, raising the nation’s finest thoroughbred racehorses.
Throughout the years, a myriad of celebrities, presidents and generals graced the estate’s halls making it one of the largest private estates in Nashville. Today, guests are offered guided tours through the mansion as well as complimentary wine tastings.
Tennessee has so many unique experiences to offer. From its outdoor splendors to deep musical roots, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Pack your bags and hit the road – this is a trip you will never forget.
