The 100 Best Things to Do in Tennessee

Music and Cultural Icons (1-20)Tennessee’s musical legacy is legendary, with Nashville as the epicenter of country music and Memphis as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and blues.

  1. Catch a live show at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville – the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.
  2. Tour the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville to dive into the stories behind the stars.
  3. Visit the Ryman Auditorium, the “Mother Church of Country Music,” for a historic concert or guided tour.
  4. Stroll down Lower Broadway in Nashville for honky-tonk hopping and live music at spots like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.
  5. Explore Graceland in Memphis, Elvis Presley’s iconic mansion and final resting place.
  6. Record your own track at Sun Studio in Memphis, where legends like Johnny Cash and Elvis got their start.
  7. Walk Beale Street in Memphis for blues clubs, street performers, and vibrant nightlife.
  8. Attend a performance at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, a beautifully restored vaudeville palace.
  9. Visit the Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville to see artifacts from the Man in Black’s life.
  10. Tour the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville honoring session players and producers.
  11. Experience the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis for a poignant history lesson.
  12. See the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, celebrating Otis Redding and Booker T. & the M.G.’s.
  13. Join a guided music history tour in Nashville’s Printer’s Alley for hidden gems and stories.
  14. Visit the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville for exhibits on the state’s cultural evolution.
  15. Catch the Duck March at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis – a quirky daily tradition since the 1930s.
  16. Explore the Museum of African American Music in Nashville for insights into Black musical contributions.
  17. Attend the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival near Manchester for world-class acts and camping vibes.
  18. Visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol to learn about the 1927 Bristol Sessions.
  19. Tour Historic RCA Studio B in Nashville, where hits by Elvis and Dolly Parton were recorded.
  20. Experience the Rossini Opera Festival in Knoxville for a taste of classical music in an unexpected setting.

Outdoor Adventures and Natural Wonders (21-50)With the Appalachian Mountains, rivers, and parks galore, Tennessee is an outdoor paradise.

  1. Hike to Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for panoramic views.
  2. Drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in Gatlinburg for waterfalls and wildlife sightings.
  3. Watch synchronous fireflies light up the night in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  4. Raft the Ocoee River for thrilling whitewater adventures near Chattanooga.
  5. Explore Cades Cove in the Smokies for historic cabins, biking, and bear spotting.
  6. Hike to Laurel Falls, an easy trail with a stunning 80-foot waterfall in the Smokies.
  7. Zipline through the treetops at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg for aerial views.
  8. Kayak or paddleboard on the Cumberland River in Nashville.
  9. Visit Cummins Falls State Park for swimming in a gorge waterfall near Cookeville.
  10. Bike the Shelby Bottoms Greenway in Nashville for urban nature trails.
  11. Go caving at Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend, one of the largest cave systems in the East.
  12. Hike the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte in the Smokies for epic vistas.
  13. Fish for trout in the tailwaters of the Tennessee River.
  14. Birdwatch at Reelfoot Lake State Park, a unique earthquake-formed wetland.
  15. Horseback ride through Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
  16. Camp under the stars at Fall Creek Falls State Park, home to Tennessee’s tallest waterfall.
  17. Parasail over Dale Hollow Lake for breathtaking aerial perspectives.
  18. Rock climb at Obed Wild and Scenic River near Crossville.
  19. Stroll the Big River Crossing pedestrian bridge in Memphis for Mississippi River views.
  20. Explore the Wolf River for canoeing and sandy beaches near Memphis.
  21. Hike to Rainbow Falls in the Smokies, a 5.4-mile trail with a colorful cascade.
  22. Go hang gliding at Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga.
  23. Visit Burgess Falls State Park for a series of dramatic waterfalls.
  24. Mountain bike the trails at Raccoon Mountain near Chattanooga.
  25. Swim in the natural pools at Rock Island State Park.
  26. Observe wildlife at Tennessee Safari Park in Alamo, feeding zebras from your car.
  27. Paddle the Harpeth River Scenic Float near Nashville.
  28. Hike the Fiery Gizzard Trail in South Cumberland State Park for rugged beauty.
  29. Stargaze at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, a dark-sky preserve.
  30. Go spelunking in the Lost Sea Adventure in Sweetwater, America’s largest underground lake.

Historical and Educational Sites (51-65)Delve into Tennessee’s rich past, from Civil War battlefields to presidential homes.

  1. Tour The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson’s plantation home near Nashville.
  2. Visit Shiloh National Military Park for Civil War history and reenactments.
  3. Explore Fort Donelson National Battlefield near Dover.
  4. See the Parthenon replica in Nashville’s Centennial Park, a full-scale Athenian wonder.
  5. Tour Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville for bourbon history and horse farms.
  6. Visit the James White’s Fort in Knoxville, the city’s founding site.
  7. Explore the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge with interactive exhibits.
  8. Walk the grounds of Carnton Plantation in Franklin, site of a major Civil War battle.
  9. Visit the Lotz House Museum in Franklin for Civil War artifacts.
  10. Tour the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Greeneville.
  11. See the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga for vintage train rides.
  12. Explore the Casey Jones Village and Museum in Jackson, honoring the legendary railroad engineer.
  13. Visit the Green McAdoo Cultural Center in Clinton for civil rights history.
  14. Tour the Blount Mansion in Knoxville, home of Tennessee’s territorial governor.
  15. Learn at the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville.

Food, Drink, and Festivals (66-80)Savor Tennessee’s BBQ, whiskey, and seasonal celebrations.

  1. Taste Memphis-style dry-rub BBQ at Central BBQ or Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous.
  2. Tour the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg for whiskey sampling (dry county, so no drinks on site).
  3. Sample hot chicken at Prince’s or Hattie B’s in Nashville.
  4. Attend the National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg.
  5. Sip moonshine at Ole Smoky Distillery in Gatlinburg.
  6. Eat farm-to-table at Husk in Nashville.
  7. Join the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis.
  8. Tour George Dickel Distillery in Tullahoma.
  9. Indulge in Goo Goo Clusters at their Nashville shop.
  10. Attend the CMA Music Festival in Nashville for country stars and fan events.
  11. Sample craft beers at Yazoo Brewery in Nashville.
  12. Eat soul food at Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken in Memphis.
  13. Visit the Chattanooga Market for local produce and artisan goods.
  14. Try Tennessee whiskey trail stops like Prichard’s Distillery.
  15. Attend the Tomato Art Fest in Nashville’s East Side.

Family-Friendly and Theme Park Fun (81-90)Perfect for kids and the young at heart.

  1. Ride roller coasters at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Dolly Parton’s theme park.
  2. Visit the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere for animal encounters and playgrounds.
  3. Explore Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg.
  4. Play at the Children’s Museum of Memphis.
  5. Ride the coasters at The Island in Pigeon Forge.
  6. Visit the Adventure Science Center in Nashville for interactive exhibits.
  7. See penguins at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga.
  8. Explore the Knoxville Zoo.
  9. Play mini-golf and go-karts in Pigeon Forge.
  10. Visit the Memphis Botanic Garden for family-friendly gardens and play areas.

Unique and Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences (91-100)For those seeking something extraordinary.

  1. See the Parthenon at night in Nashville for illuminated Greek architecture.
  2. Explore the Crystal Shrine Grotto in Memphis, a man-made cave with biblical scenes.
  3. Visit the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg, a quirky collection of over 20,000 items.
  4. Tour the Bell Witch Cave in Adams for haunted folklore.
  5. See the Sunsphere in Knoxville, a remnant of the 1982 World’s Fair.
  6. Explore the Underground Nashville art scene in abandoned tunnels.
  7. Visit the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park for pioneer history.
  8. Attend a drive-in movie at the Stardust in Watertown.
  9. Explore the Forbidden Caverns in Sevierville for underground wonders.
  10. Watch a sunset baseball game with the Memphis Redbirds at AutoZone Park.

Tennessee’s blend of urban excitement and natural serenity makes it a must-visit destination. Plan your trip around these highlights, and don’t forget to check local updates for seasonal events. Safe travels!

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