The Towns You Must-See in Tennessee
Music, food and farmland may come to mind when you think of Tennessee, and while there’s certainly no shortage of any throughout the Volunteer state, the diverse landscapes and unique charm of each town big and small offer more than meets the eye.
Uncover musical history from the blues to rock and roll to classic country, experience sweeping mountain ranges and breathtaking waterways, and delight in the small towns sprinkling charm along the way. Planning a visit to Tennessee this year? Here are six cities you can’t miss.
Memphis
Memphis is a city brimming with soul that comes alive through its streets, its venues, its food and of course, its people. May is the perfect time to visit, as the annual month-long Memphis in May celebration pays homage to all things Memphis plus an annual international partner.
What to See
A visit to Memphis wouldn’t be complete without a stroll down iconic Beale street, a neon-lit road dotted with famed clubs and restaurants like Rum Boogie Café, B.B. King’s Blues Club, and Silky O’Sullivans. Grab a drink and delight in the Memphis-inspired sounds along the route, or catch a show at the historic Orpheum Theatre.
Keep the musical adventure going with a visit to Graceland, the infamous home of Elvis Presley. The estate property not only houses the home where Elvis lived and died, but also a neighboring shopping center with Elvis-related items, an onsite hotel, restaurants, and even a theater for live performances and movies.
Make plans to also visit the National Civil Rights Museum, a complex of museums and historic buildings tracing the history of the civil rights movement from the 17th century to now.
Where to Eat
The food in Memphis is as famed as its music, and no trip to the city would be complete without a plate of BBQ. While the jury is still out on which restaurant serves up the best, Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous has been a Memphis staple since 1948 and is a necessary addition to any Memphis itinerary.
Where to Stay
Located in the trendy South Main Arts District, book a stay at the Central Station Hotel, a historic building that once served as the city’s train station. In fact, the train is still operational with daily routes to New Orleans and Chicago.
Nashville
Much like the country music legends hailing from the town, Nashville is the star of Middle Tennessee. Prepare to boot, scoot, and boogie, turn up the heat with Nashville hot chicken, and uncover plenty of hidden gems throughout each of its diverse neighborhoods.
What to See
Grab your cowboy hat and boots before heading to Broadway, a lively street with no shortage of bars, restaurants, and live music. Visit the famed Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, or a honky tonk newcomer like Jason Aldean’s Kitchen and Rooftop Bar.
Nashville is home to a number of museums and attractions worth visiting, from the Country Music Hall of Fame to the Parthenon at Centennial Park. Spend the day exploring before catching a show at any of the city’s famed venues at night, including the Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry, and Bridgestone Arena.
Where to Eat
Hot chicken has put Nashville on the international map, and a visit to the original maker will introduce you to a heat as fiery as a Tennessee summer. Prince’s Hot Chicken has a downtown outpost inside the new Fifth and Broadway complex, a perfect pit stop during a Broadway adventure.
In addition to hot chicken, Nashville’s culinary scene has taken off in recent years, with a wide variety of international cuisine and elevated dining options around town. In 2022, the 12 South neighborhood’s Locust was named Food & Wine’s Restaurant of the Year. Be warned: getting a reservation is no small feat.
Where to Stay
Nashville is booming, and there is no shortage of hotel options cropping up around town. For a centrally-located option, consider the new Grand Hyatt on Broadway, or the elegant W Nashville.
Franklin
Just south of Nashville sits historic Franklin, which is quickly becoming a destination all its own thanks to its charming shops and Hallmark movie-esque attractions.
What to See
Spend a day strolling Main Street (named America’s Favorite!), where rows of charming storefronts and deliciously Southern restaurants are housed. Shop for antique jewelry at Walton’s, memorable souvenirs at Tin Cottage, or the perfect gift at The Registry, or eat your way through town at standouts like Puckett’s Grocery and Gray’s on Main.
Keep the charm going with a visit to Leiper’s Fork, a neighboring city known for its sweeping farmlands and charming shopping district. Browse antiques, grab a bite, or catch live music from the famed Fox & Locke before stopping for a taste at Leiper’s Fork Distillery on your way out.
Where to Eat
In addition to Main Street’s restaurants, fantastic food can be found all around Franklin. For elevated dining, make a reservation at Downtown Franklin’s Red Pony, or for a more casual option, head to the Westhaven neighborhood for a bite at Scout’s Pub.
Where to Stay
There are a handful of vacation rentals available through VRBO and Airbnb, but for a luxury experience, book a night at the Harpeth Hotel. As the only hotel walking distance to Main Street, enjoy being in the heart of the charm with plenty of shopping and dining options onsite and nearby.
Chattanooga
Heading to east Tennessee will swap the rolling hills for the ranges of the Smoky Mountains, a gorgeous backdrop for a woodsy Tennessee adventure. Chattanooga is a great stop along the way.
What to See
Chattanooga is perfect for fans of the outdoors, with plenty of hiking trails and natural wonders nearby. Visit Ruby Falls or Lula Lake for breathtaking scenery. Indoors, enjoy the Tennessee Aquarium, which houses two separate buildings dedicated to both freshwater and saltwater marine life.
Where to Eat
Fuel a long day of outdoor adventure with a hearty brunch in the city. STIR is not to be missed, a destination for brunch favorites, craft cocktails and an oyster bar. For happy hour or dinner, try Pickle Barrel, an iconic pub located in a historic flatiron building.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of lodging options around town, but the Chattanooga Choo Choo provides an experience like no other. The former train station was revamped in the 1970s, still standing as a hotel where guests can stay in a train car or a traditional room today.
Knoxville
A Tennessee adventure wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Rocky Top, and we guarantee a sea of orange isn’t the only thing you’ll find in town.
What to See
Home to the University of Tennessee campus, Knoxville has plenty of school spirit to explore. Wander the hilly campus, notably home to Neyland Stadium, the fifth largest in the United States.
Off campus, explore World’s Fair Park, the site of the 1982 World’s Fair. The park is home to 10 acres of structures and greenways often hosting festivals and performances onsite. It can’t be missed, as the iconic Sunsphere that stands out amongst the Knoxville skyline is its defining feature.
Where to Eat
Knoxville is quickly becoming a culinary haven with options for every palate. Grab a burger from Stock & Barrel or any of the Southern bar favorites from Not Watson’s, rounded out with a cone packed with fresh ice cream from Cruze Farm Dairy.
Where to Stay
As with most college towns, there are plenty of hotels ready to welcome visiting fans and families to campus. But, the Tennessean Hotel is a standout for an elevated, luxury experience.
Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg
Delight in the Smoky Mountains surrounding Pigeon Forge, where there is no shortage of beauty and entertainment.
What to See
While Pigeon Forge is the perfect destination to soak up the mountain air during a quiet retreat, it’s also home to Dolly Parton’s famed amusement park, Dollywood. With something for every age, the park offers more than 50 rides, high-energy entertainment, award-winning dining, and the friendly nature matching that of Dolly herself.
Spend a day wandering the streets of Gatlinburg, a charming mountain town just outside of Pigeon Forge. Here, you can soar to the mountaintops on a number of aerial trams and gondolas, or enjoy activities like zip lining, whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, and even skiing in the winter.
Where to Eat
Step back in time at Gatlinburg’s Log Cabin Pancake House, which, as it sounds, is a cabin serving up breakfast favorites daily. For lunch or dinner, enjoy the best of Southern dining served family style at The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge.
Where to Stay
While there are hotels like Margaritaville and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort nestled near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, a vacation rental is an excellent option for a Smoky Mountain getaway. Consider a chalet or cabin big enough for the whole family, available on Airbnb and VRBO.
