From the bustling city life of Nashville to the scenic mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee has a little something for everyone. And with so many great places to visit, it can be hard to narrow down your options. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 10 best places to visit in Tennessee. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, these destinations are sure to please. So without further ado, here are the 10 best places to visit in Tennessee:
Nashville
Nashville is the capital city of Tennessee and is known as the Music City. It is home to country music, blues, and rock and roll. Nashville is also home to the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Nashville has a lot to offer visitors, including museums, art galleries, concert venues, and parks.
Memphis
Memphis is a city in Tennessee that is known for its music and culture. The city is home to many famous musicians, including Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash. Memphis is also home to the National Civil Rights Museum, which chronicles the history of the civil rights movement in the United States.
Chattanooga
Chattanooga is a city located in the southeastern United States. It is the fourth-largest city in the state of Tennessee and is the seat of Hamilton County. Chattanooga lies approximately 120 miles (190 km) southwest of Knoxville, 130 miles (210 km) southeast of Nashville, and 120 miles (190 km) northeast of Huntsville, Alabama.
The city has a population of 167,674 people according to the 2010 census, and it is the principal city of the Chattanooga metropolitan area, which has a population of 528,143 people in 2014. Chattanooga is home to several national companies including Alstom, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United Inc., BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Cargill Inc., Gannett Co., Inc., Unum Group, and Volkswagen Group Chattanooga Assembly Plant.
The city's economy is primarily driven by manufacturing; however, it has become increasingly diversified in recent years with growing sectors in healthcare, transportation and logistics. Chattanooga is known for its many tourist attractions including the Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City, Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain. The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year including the Riverbend Festival and Celtic Festival.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, look no further than Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park spans over 800 miles and is home to an abundance of wildlife including black bears, elk, deer, and wild hogs. There are also over 2,000 species of plants.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy in the park including hiking, camping, fishing, picnicking, and horseback riding. You can also take a scenic drive through the park or take a leisurely stroll on one of the many trails.
No matter what time of year you visit, there is always something to see and do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a beautiful mountain town in Tennessee that offers a little something for everyone. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, like hiking and fishing, or you can explore the many shops and restaurants downtown. Gatlinburg is also home to a variety of attractions, like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. No matter what your interests are, you're sure to find something to love in Gatlinburg!
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is a small town in Tennessee that's best known for its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While the town itself doesn't have much to offer in terms of attractions, it's a great base for exploring the park and all it has to offer.
There are plenty of hotels and motels in Pigeon Forge, as well as campgrounds if you're looking to save some money. The town is also home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and bars, so you won't go hungry here.
In terms of things to do, Pigeon Forge is all about the outdoors. The national park is right on its doorstep, and there are plenty of hiking trails and scenic drives to keep you busy. You can also head into Gatlinburg for some more touristy activities like riding the tramway up Crockett Mountain or checking out Ripley's Aquarium.
Dollywood
Dollywood is a world-renowned theme park located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The park features over 40 rides and attractions, live entertainment, and dining experiences. Dollywood is also home to the popular Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show. This attraction is a must-see for any visitor to the area.
Nashville Zoo
Nashville Zoo is located in Grassmere Historic District of Nashville, Tennessee. The zoo began operation in 1996 and features over 2,700 animals representing more than 380 species from around the world. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Some of the popular exhibits at Nashville Zoo include the African Savannah, chimpanzee exhibit, elephant habitat, and predatory cat exhibit. The African Savannah is a 12-acre exhibit that is home to giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and wildebeests. The chimpanzee exhibit features a troop of chimpanzees that can be seen climbing, playing, and eating. The elephant habitat is a three-acre exhibit that is home to Asian elephants. The predatory cat exhibit is home to lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars.
In addition to the animal exhibits, Nashville Zoo also has a playground, educational programs, a gift shop, and a café. The playground is located in the African Savannah Exhibit and features a climbing structure shaped like an African baobab tree. Educational programs are offered for school groups and families. The gift shop offers souvenirs and gifts for all ages. The café offers light snacks and beverages.
Dixon Gallery and Gardens
Dixon Gallery and Gardens is a fine art museum in Memphis, Tennessee. The museum houses a permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works from the Renaissance to the present day. The museum also has an extensive collection of photographs and prints. In addition to the galleries, the Dixon also has an outdoor sculpture garden and a café.
Pink Palace Museum
Nestled in the heart of Memphis, the Pink Palace Museum is a must-see for any visitor to Tennessee. This world-renowned museum houses an impressive collection of historical artifacts, including items from the civil rights movement and the American Revolution. With something for everyone, the Pink Palace Museum is sure to enlighten and educate visitors of all ages.