Nashville rocks. Literally.
But after enjoying the music capital of the world, don’t simply forget about the rest of the state. There are a bunch of cool places to visit in Tennessee, outside of Nashville.
8 Awesome Places to Visit in Tennessee
Are you looking for interesting vacation destinations? Expand your vacation sense! Read on to learn about 8 other exciting places to check out and things to do in Tennessee.
1. Memphis
One simply cannot travel to Tennessee without visiting the home of the king, Graceland. This historical mansion tour will impress you with a personalized touch of rock and roll history, while you explore the site of Elvis’ death.
The fun does not end there! Memphis also offers a rockin’ nightlife on Beale Street. Don’t forget to visit The Hollywood Cafe, sang about in the song Walking in Memphis, for some soul food and live piano.
For something different, check out the mind-blowing Crystal Shrine Grotto. This is one of the more unusual Tennessee attractions. It’s a Depression-era art museum built in a cave, where you will see a mix of Christian and geologic history with a plethora of quartz and Jesus Christ.
2. Gatlinburg
Soak up an incredible Smoky Mountain view, on the 33-mile drive, Newfound Gap Road, that leads from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina. Or, if driving doesn’t sound appealing, hike and observe the Smoky Mountain wildlife. Click here to learn more exciting ways to enjoy Gatlinburg!
Also known for its live entertainment, this is a place where you should definitely check out a show. Enjoy live music and sustenance at Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler, Smoky Mountain Brewery, and/or Crystelle Creek Restaurant & Grill.
3. Knoxville
Take Interstate 40 E straight from Nashville to Knoxville and stop into the Knoxville visitor’s center upon arrival for recommendations from locals on everything from cuisine to entertainment. What sets this center apart from the rest is that they host the Blue Plate Special, which offers live music every day except Sunday!
Stop at Sunsphere Tower and ride up to the 4th-floor observation deck for an outstanding view! You will overlook World’s Fair Park, which you should definitely check out and join in on whatever fun event they host during that time.
Another cool stop you should stop in Knoxville is Navitat. Experience a bird’s eye view while zip lining and working your way through the aerial adventure park. If you prefer your feet on the ground, stick to a walk, bike ride, or river paddle at Ijams Nature Center, to enjoy the natural beauty.
For more ideas of things to do in Knoxville, click here.
4. Chattanooga
One of the most heart-pounding things to do in Tennessee is to cross the Swing-A-Long bridge with somebody you love. You can see 7 different states from the bridge along with a breathtaking view. For the hopeless romantic, on this bridge, you stand over the site where, legend says, Native American star-crossed lovers jumped to their death.
If you want another stunning site to visit, just outside Chattanooga, visit Ruby Falls. Located inside Lookout Mountain, this 145-foot underground waterfall, electrically lighted, will wow you.
For indoor fun, walk through the Hunter Museum of American Art. Or, take the family for a science experience at the Creative Discovery Museum.
5. Pigeon Forge
Travel into the Smoky Mountains, to this small city, and find a great time. The people of Pigeon Forge clearly know how to have a blast!
Attend the party at Magiquest, the large castle off the highway. This place brings you back in time and makes you part of this epic world where you can play a variety of fun games.
Also, visit one of the best American theme parks in Pigeon Forge. Dollywood offers enchanted charm, exciting rides, water slides, mouthwatering food, entertainment, and a stylish stay at the resort.
During your stay in Pigeon Forge, also visit the Hollywood Wax Museum for some cool photo ops. Then, check out The Hit Parade Show for dinner and excitement.
6. Clarksville
Wind down and enjoy the historical city of Clarksville. During the summer, take a trip through time in Historic Collinsville. They immerse you into the past with pristine detail, offering you both entertainment and education.
Soak up some additional history with a visit to The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center. Also, check out Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center for an amazing reenactment of the Civil War!
The Downtown Artists Co-op displays local art to help you lean the current culture in Clarksville. Also, make it a point to stop by Roxy, a community staple, to enjoy some world-renowned entertainment.
7. Murfreesboro
If you enjoy the Civil War reenactment, you may also enjoy visiting Murfreesboro. This city caters to the Civil War buff through its history. You can walk Stones River National Battlefield, where over 6,000 soldiers lost their lives and were put to rest beside it in the Stones River Cemetery.
Cannonsburgh Village brings you back as far as the 1830’s. This place offers you a chance to step into old buildings like a general store and schoolhouse for an interactive history lesson.
You might also enjoy visiting the beautifully restored plantation house, Oaklands Mansion. You can explore this historically significant place in a day tour or on a more spooky, guided flashlight tour in the fall.
8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park boasts some of the most coveted Tennessee vacations sights and activities. Explore both natural and man-made history in the southern Appalachian Mountains.
You can hike or bike the trails for insanely beautiful sights and set up a tent on the campgrounds for the full experience. Fish in one of the rivers and horseback ride through the hills to make unforgettable memories enjoying the great outdoors.
Enjoy Everything Tennessee Has to Offer
Of course, you want to enjoy the great city of Nashville on your Tennessee vacation. But don’t overlook the other amazing places to visit in Tennessee.
Tennessee’s history encompasses rock and roll, the civil war, and plantations. But nothing beats the natural history on top of the mountains and beneath the peaks in the natural caves.
It’s easy to fall into tourist traps, but use this guide to experience all the awesomeness this state has to offer. For handy travel hacks check out our website!
