Unearth The Voyage
Tennessee is one of those places that feels like a whole country packed into one state. From misty mountain trails to stages where music legends were born, this state offers experiences you will talk about for years. Whether you are chasing waterfalls in the Smokies, standing on Elvis’s shag carpet, or listening to live bands on neon-lit streets, Tennessee has something unforgettable waiting around every corner.
1. Get Lost (In a Good Way) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
America’s most visited national park sits right on the Tennessee-North Carolina border, and once you see those blue-hazed ridges rising above ancient forests, you will understand why millions come here every year. Waterfalls tumble over moss-covered rocks, black bears roam through valleys, and trails wind through some of the oldest mountains on Earth.
Scenic drives like Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove Loop let you soak in views without leaving your car. For those who want to stretch their legs, short hikes to spots like Laurel Falls reward you with picture-perfect scenery.
Sunrise or sunset at Clingmans Dome, one of the park’s highest points, offers breathtaking panoramas that seem to stretch forever. Just remember to grab a paid parking tag if you plan to stay longer than 15 minutes, so you can explore worry-free.
2. Ride Coasters and Catch Shows at Dollywood (Pigeon Forge)
Co-owned by Dolly Parton herself, Dollywood brings together the thrill of a world-class theme park with the warmth of Smoky Mountain heritage. Wooden coasters twist through the trees, water rides splash down hillsides, and live music fills the air throughout the day.
Beyond the rides, you will find craft demonstrations where artisans show off traditional skills like blacksmithing and glassblowing. Southern food stands serve up everything from funnel cakes to barbecue that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
The park runs a full calendar of seasonal festivals and special events, so checking their website before your visit is a smart move. From spring flower celebrations to Christmas light displays, there is always something extra happening. Families love how Dollywood mixes amusement park excitement with genuine Appalachian culture in one unforgettable package.
3. See a Live Show at the Grand Ole Opry (Nashville)
Walking into the Grand Ole Opry feels like stepping into country music history. This legendary live radio show has been broadcasting since 1925, helping launch careers and shape the sound of Nashville for nearly a century.
Multiple shows run throughout the week at the Opry House, featuring both rising stars and established legends sharing the same stage. The current calendar stretches across the year, packed with concerts and special events that keep the tradition alive.
Booking tickets for an evening show gives you a front-row seat to music magic, while adding on a backstage tour lets you peek behind the curtain. You will learn why becoming an Opry member is considered one of the highest honors in country music. The energy in that room when the band strikes up and the spotlight hits the stage is something recordings just cannot capture.
4. Tour the Mother Church of Country Music at Ryman Auditorium (Nashville)
Before the Opry found its current home, it lived right here at the Ryman Auditorium, a red-brick tabernacle in downtown Nashville that still radiates musical magic. Built in 1892, this venue has hosted everyone from Hank Williams to modern rock bands, earning its nickname through decades of unforgettable performances.
Self-guided and guided tours let you stand on that famous stage where countless legends once stood. Exhibits throughout the building tell stories of artists who shaped American music, and you will see why performers across all genres call the Ryman one of their favorite places to play.
The acoustics here are so good that many artists insist on recording live albums in this very room. Even when there is no show happening, the wooden pews and stained glass windows create an atmosphere that feels almost sacred to music lovers.
5. Bar-Hop the Honky Tonks on Lower Broadway (Nashville)
Neon signs glow bright against the Nashville sky as live music pours from every doorway on Lower Broadway. Known as Honky Tonk Highway, this strip of bars runs hot from late morning until the early hours, and the best part is that most venues do not charge a cover.
Bands play three or four sets a day in each spot, so you can wander from door to door until you hear a sound that grabs you. Celebrity-owned venues sit next to classic dive bars, rooftop stages overlook the street action, and every spot has its own vibe.
The experience is less about picking one specific bar and more about letting the music guide your night. You might start at one end of the strip and end up five blocks away, having heard everything from traditional country to Southern rock along the way.
6. Walk the Bluesy Heart of Memphis on Beale Street
Memphis without Beale Street would be like Nashville without music. This historic entertainment district earned its reputation as the Home of the Blues, and today it still pulses with the sound that made it famous.
Restaurants, live music spots, and attractions like the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum line the street, while FedExForum events bring even more energy to the area. Neon signs light up the night, street performers set up on corners, and blues guitar licks drift from open doors.
Even if you do not have tickets to a specific show, visiting in the evening is worth it just to soak up the atmosphere. The mix of history and modern entertainment creates something special. You can almost feel the ghosts of B.B. King and other legends still hanging around, watching new generations discover the music they helped create.
7. Tour Elvis Presley’s Mansion at Graceland (Memphis)
Elvis left the building, but his spirit definitely stayed behind at Graceland. His former home opens daily for tours that take you through rooms exactly as The King knew them, from the famous shag-carpeted Jungle Room to the billiard room with fabric-covered walls and ceiling.
Guided and self-guided tour options let you explore at your own pace. You will walk past gold records, stage costumes, and personal items that tell the story of a boy from Tupelo who became a global icon.
The Meditation Garden on the grounds is where Elvis rests alongside family members, a quiet spot that fans from around the world come to pay respects. On-site museums showcase his collection of cars, jumpsuits, and memorabilia that span his entire career. Booking tickets ahead is smart, especially during peak seasons when crowds pack the property to remember the legend who changed music forever.
8. Stand in the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Sun Studio (Memphis)
A small brick building on Union Avenue changed music forever. Sun Studio is where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, and other pioneers laid down tracks that would define rock and roll.
Hourly guided tours run during the day, walking you through those legendary recording rooms where magic happened in the 1950s. Your guide will share stories about late-night sessions, chance discoveries, and the unique sound that producer Sam Phillips captured on tape.
Original equipment and artifacts fill the space, and you can stand in the exact spot where Elvis recorded his first single. At night, the studio still operates for modern recordings, keeping that creative spirit alive. The building might be tiny, but the influence that came out of these walls is impossible to measure. Every rock band that followed owes something to what happened right here.
9. Learn Powerful History at the National Civil Rights Museum (Memphis)
Standing at the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, hits differently than reading about it in a textbook. The National Civil Rights Museum built around this site tells the full story of the American civil rights movement with honesty and power.
Exhibits trace the journey from slavery through Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and the modern civil rights era using multimedia displays, artifacts, and immersive settings. You will walk through a Montgomery bus, see lunch counter sit-in recreations, and stand in rooms that witnessed history.
Many visitors describe this as one of the most impactful experiences not just in Tennessee but anywhere in the country. The museum does not sugarcoat the difficult parts of American history, making it a sobering but essential stop. Plan to spend several hours here because rushing through would miss the point entirely.
10. Explore Lookout Mountain: Rock City, Ruby Falls & the Incline Railway (Near Chattanooga)
Lookout Mountain packs three classic attractions into one scenic spot overlooking Chattanooga. Rock City features cliffside trails winding through ancient rock formations, leading to the famous See 7 States viewpoint where you can supposedly spot seven states on a clear day.
Deep inside the mountain, Ruby Falls amazes visitors with an underground waterfall reached by elevator and cave tour. The 145-foot cascade lit by colorful lights creates an otherworldly scene you will not forget.
The Incline Railway, nicknamed America’s Most Amazing Mile, climbs the mountainside at grades up to 72.7 percent, making it one of the steepest passenger railways in the world. Looking down through the floor of the railcar as you ascend is not for those afraid of heights. You can tackle all three attractions in one busy day or spread them across a weekend to enjoy each at a more relaxed pace.
11. Visit the Tennessee Aquarium (Chattanooga)
Down on Chattanooga’s revitalized riverfront, the Tennessee Aquarium regularly ranks among the top aquariums in the entire country. Two separate buildings let you explore different aquatic worlds in one visit.
River Journey traces freshwater ecosystems from Appalachian mountain streams down through the mighty Mississippi, showcasing species that call Tennessee’s rivers home. Ocean Journey takes you from tropical reefs to open ocean environments, with everything from playful river otters to massive sharks swimming overhead.
Interactive touch tanks, feeding demonstrations, and educational programs keep visitors of all ages engaged for hours. The aquarium’s official website lists current hours and ticket information, plus details on nearby attractions on the same plaza. Planning a full day around your aquarium visit is easy since restaurants, shops, and the Tennessee River walk are all right there. Families especially love how the aquarium balances entertainment with genuine learning about aquatic conservation.
12. Cross the Record-Setting Gatlinburg SkyBridge (Gatlinburg)
A chairlift ride up the mountainside at Gatlinburg SkyPark leads to something truly special. The SkyBridge holds the title of longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America, stretching 680 feet across a deep valley with nothing but air beneath your feet.
Walking out onto that bridge gets your heart pumping, especially when you reach the glass floor panels in the middle section. Looking straight down through the transparent floor to the forest far below is thrilling and terrifying at the same time.
Panoramic views of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains spread out in every direction, making this a photographer’s dream spot. The attraction operates year-round but with seasonal hours, so checking the SkyPark website before you go saves disappointment. Some visitors walk across multiple times, finding the experience even better once the initial nervousness wears off and you can really appreciate where you are standing.
13. Visit the Full-Scale Parthenon in Nashville’s Centennial Park
Nashville calls itself the Athens of the South, and to prove it, the city built a full-scale replica of the Parthenon from ancient Greece. Originally constructed for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition as a temporary exhibit, locals loved it so much they made it permanent.
Today the Parthenon serves as an art museum and the centerpiece of Centennial Park near downtown. Inside, a 42-foot statue of Athena towers over visitors, recreated with the same gold leaf that would have adorned the original in ancient Athens.
Art exhibits and historical displays fill the galleries, while occasional cultural events and programs bring the space to life. Outside, the surrounding park offers a perfect spot for a picnic, stroll, or quick break from Nashville’s busy streets. Seeing this architectural marvel rising from a Nashville park is wonderfully weird in the best possible way, and it makes for photos that confuse everyone back home.
14. Take a Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour in Lynchburg
The small town of Lynchburg, population around 6,000, produces one of the world’s most recognizable whiskeys. Jack Daniel’s Distillery, billed as the oldest registered distillery in the United States, opens its doors for tours that walk you through the entire whiskey-making process.
Guided tours typically take you past the famous limestone spring that provides the iron-free water crucial to Jack Daniel’s taste. You will see the charcoal mellowing process that makes Tennessee whiskey different from bourbon, plus the barrel aging warehouses where the magic really happens.
Tasting experiences are available for guests 21 and older with valid ID, letting you sample the results of all that careful craftsmanship. Some tour packages combine the distillery visit with time exploring Lynchburg’s historic town square or lunch at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House, a local dining institution since 1908 where meals are served family-style at big communal tables.
