Vacation In Tennessee
If you want to travel to a spot near the great outdoors but don’t want to deal with an airport, Vacation In Tennessee is the place you need to go to. There are tons of great vacation spots in Tennessee where you can just drive right up to it and start having fun in no time. It’s like having the best of both worlds – you get a vacation experience without ever having to deal with the stresses of driving a lot or getting there.
Tennessee is beautiful, and there are plenty of fantastic vacation spots in the state. If you’ve been looking to visit Tennessee, now is the time to do so! With so many great spots to see, less crowds during the summer, and an affordable price to travel there. This guide will help you find the best places to visit during your vacation in Tennessee!
Are you, your family or friends planning a vacation to Tennessee? You’ve come to the right spot to learn about how different regions in Tennessee are to visit. Here is a list of 5 of regions in Tennessee and the activities you can do if you visit them.
Tennessee is a great place to visit. The climate and scenery is perfect, the people are friendly, and it’s a great place to enjoy a vacation. From mountains to lakes to museums, Tennessee is full of historical places that you can use as a starting point for planning your next trip.
Vacation In Tennessee
Although country music might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Tennessee, there are lots of other things to do and see in the “Volunteer State.” Tennessee vacations are attractive to visitors for a multitude of reasons, from the beauty and majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains to the ornate decadence of Elvis Presley’s Graceland. There’s something to be seen in every corner of the state. In fact, you might love these Tennessee vacation spots so much, that they may just become an annual tradition for you and your family.
Nashville
The city of Nashville is probably best known as the home of country music and fans of this nostalgic genre will definitely not be disappointed during their visit. Besides the Country Music Hall of Fame, it’s also home to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and the infamous Grand Ole Opry. But, it’s not just about music in Nashville. There are also walking and trolley tours of the city to explore, historic homes to tour and of course, several distilleries to visit for tastings including Jack Daniels. You’ll also find lots of dining options here from the local mom-and-pop spots, to fine dining and everything in between.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
People from all over the world travel to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the Tennessee/North Carolina border. This large park has over 800 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, forests, campsites, and wildlife and wildflower viewing opportunities. Everything from biking to horseback riding, fishing, auto touring, and ranger-led programs are available at the national park. Camping is available in developed campgrounds, out in the backcountry, in group campgrounds, and in small horse camps. Just keep in mind, however, that pets are not allowed on the national park trails.
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Pigeon Forge
For the ultimate family vacation, check out Pigeon Forge. This town in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains has everything you could possibly imagine all on one long strip. It’s like a family-friendly Vegas! In addition to tons of hotels and restaurants, you’ll find miniature golf, laser tag, all types of live shows like music and comedy, go-karting, shopping, museums and unique attractions like the massive Titanic attraction that will have you feeling like you are aboard the famous ship. Just a short drive from Pigeon Forge, you’ll find the entrance to Cade’s Cove – a beautiful 6,800-acre valley in the Smoky Mountains National Park that you can explore via an 11-mile one-way road that loops through the valleys and pastures and takes you past wildlife and historic buildings.
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Gatlinburg
Just down the road from Pigeon Forge is another popular Tennessee vacation destination – Gatlinburg. Although it’s right next door to Pigeon Forge, the feel of this beautiful mountain is much different. The pace is slower, there aren’t any bright lights or flashing signs and the focus here is on the natural beauty of the area. Many of the buildings along the main street of downtown Gatlinburg have the look of a Swiss ski town and within them, you’ll find lots of unique shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Guinness World Records Museum and the Ripley’s Aquarium. You’ll also want to be sure to check out the views from the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle and take a trip up the mountain at Ober Gatlinburg where you can ski, ice skate, and go tubing.
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Memphis
Music lovers may also want to plan a vacation to Memphis so they can see the famous home of Elvis Presley – Graceland, as well as the Memphis Rock n’ Soul Museum. While, history lovers may enjoy the National Civil Rights Museum, the Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange and the Mississippi River Museum at Mud Island. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to explore in downtown Memphis and, if you’re vacationing with kids, the Memphis Zoo and the Children’s Museum of Memphis for some family-friendly fun.
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Bristol
Sports enthusiasts, especially racing fans, know Bristol as the home to one of the fastest short tracks on the NASCAR circuit. But, there are also several other family-friendly attractions to visit here including the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bristol Caverns, and historic downtown State Street, where you can meander through a variety of shops and eateries, take in a show at the Paramount Theatre and even stand in two states at one time since the VA/TN state line runs right down the middle of State Street. While you’re there, make sure to also stop in at Blackbird Bakery (although it’s technically on the “Virginia side of town”) and try one of their amazing sweet treats like a pink almond cupcake or a coffee and crème brownie.
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Rock Island State Park
There are numerous state parks in Tennessee, but one of the most beautiful and popular ones is Rock Island State Park. When you visit this park, you can spend your days hiking around the Caney Fork Gorge and seeing the waterfalls, swimming beaches, and lakes. The park spans 883 acres and is best known for the 30-foot horseshoe cascading waterfall called Great Falls. To make a full weekend or weeklong stay out of it, consider camping in the park in a tent, RV, or rental cabin. There are two campgrounds in the state park with 20 campsites open year-round and additional ones that are seasonal. Once you’re done at the park, things to do nearby include the Rock Island Depot, Falcon Rest Mansion & Gardens, and Fishlipz Bar & Grill.