If the smell of hickory smoke makes you hungry before you even see a menu, this list is your roadmap. Tennessee’s pitmasters turn patience, hardwood, and tradition into plates you will think about for days. From bustling Nashville rooms to quiet small town counters, each stop brings its own rhythm, rubs, and stories worth savoring….
Tennessee’s mountain roads are the kind you remember long after the engine cools. From glassy lakes and misty hollows to ridgelines glowing with autumn color, every mile tempts you to pull over for one more photo. These drives shine in spring blooms, summer greens, fiery fall, and quiet winter vistas that feel almost private. Grab…
Nashville is preparing to say goodbye to a beloved cornerstone of East Nashville dining. Margot Café & Bar has announced plans to close after more than two decades of rustic French and Italian cooking that defined Five Points. With a 4.7 star reputation and a fiercely loyal following, this seasonal, locally sourced bistro shaped countless…
Looking for a place where mornings feel unhurried and your dollar stretches further than you thought possible? Paris, Tennessee offers small town comfort, friendly faces, and a cost of living that lets you breathe. You can slow down, savor the quiet, and still find plenty to do. Ready to see what simpler living really looks…
If a crackly crust and tender crumb make your day, Tennessee has a road trip’s worth of sourdough stops worth planning around. These bakeries champion long fermentation, simple ingredients, and methods that let grain flavor sing. You will find everything from rustic country loaves to modern spins that still honor tradition, plus cozy cafes where…
When the temperature drops and the wind cuts through your jacket, Tennessee still brings the heat indoors. From Nashville to Memphis and Chattanooga to Pigeon Forge, you can spend a full day exploring museums, hands-on science, and thrilling attractions without shivering once. Whether you want a quiet, reflective experience or high energy play, there is…
Saying goodbye to a favorite restaurant hits harder than we expect. These Tennessee spots were more than places to eat, they were where first dates stumbled into laughter, friendships toasted milestones, and weeknights turned into small celebrations. In 2025, a surprising wave of closures left empty corners and neon signs going dark, especially around Nashville….
Some burgers are good, and some become legends. Dyer’s Burgers on Beale Street is the kind you plan a trip around, the kind that makes you text friends mid-bite. This historic Memphis diner deep-fries its patties in century-seasoned grease, and the flavor tells a story you can taste. Come hungry, bring curiosity, and prepare to…
Nashville, get ready for a crispy, cheesy arrival. Prince Street Pizza is bringing its cult favorite square slices and classic pies to Fifth + Broadway in early 2026. You have probably seen those pepperoni cups glistening online, and soon you can grab them right in the heart of downtown. Here is everything you need to…
Think you know Tennessee because you have seen Nashville’s neon and Gatlinburg’s crowds? There is a quieter, more soulful side waiting beyond the obvious stops. These small towns blend mountain air, river views, storytelling porches, and brick-lined history into trips that feel personal and unrushed. If you crave authenticity, local flavors, and scenic corners where…
Ready to try paddleboarding without stress or wobbles? Tennessee is packed with calm lakes, quiet coves, and beginner friendly launch spots where you can find your balance and just enjoy the water. You will get forest views, gentle shorelines, and easy morning conditions that help build confidence quickly. Grab a board, some sunscreen, and let…
You do not need ropes or rugged gear to experience Tennessee’s underground magic. These show caves keep things simple with paved paths, handrails, and friendly guides who reveal the stories behind the formations. You will trade claustrophobic crawls for easy walking tours, dazzling chambers, and even a boat ride. If you have been cave curious…
Tucked among rolling Tennessee hills, Bell Buckle feels like stepping onto a movie set where the extras never show up. You get storybook storefronts, porch swings, and friendly hellos without the bustle. The pace slows, the pie slices grow larger, and the smiles feel real. If you crave charm without chaos, this tiny town delivers…
You want that heart-skipping moment when an elk steps from the trees and the whole valley seems to hold its breath. Tennessee delivers, especially around the Smokies, where dawn light and river mist turn every pull-off into possibility. With a thermos, patience, and a little know-how, you can stack the odds in your favor and…
Eating well in Tennessee does not have to mean skipping flavor or fun. These spots keep the vibe casual, the plates colorful, and the ingredients wholesome without leaning preachy. You will find bowls, brunches, and plant-forward comfort food that satisfy cravings while still leaving you energized for the day. If you are looking to make…
Hate steep climbs but still want those wow views and soothing forest vibes? Tennessee is full of gentle paths that deliver waterfalls, wildlife, and mountain panoramas without draining your energy. These easygoing trails let you slow down, breathe, and actually enjoy the scenery instead of staring at your boots. Lace up, pack some snacks, and…
There is a hush to Clifton that you notice the moment the Tennessee River slips into view. Time moves softer here, inviting you to trade schedules for sunsets and long walks under sycamores. History lingers in brick storefronts and steamboat lore, while friendly locals offer directions with a wave. If you are craving a slow-weekend…
Craving a scoop that loves your stomach back? Tennessee’s dairy-free scene is rich with creamy textures, bold flavors, and joyful shops that make dessert feel like a full-on treat-yourself moment. From Nashville to Knoxville and Pigeon Forge, you will find inventive pairings, silky plant-based bases, and over-the-top creations that do not compromise on taste. This…
You crushed the climb, soaked in the views, and now your legs are begging for a chair while your stomach sounds like distant thunder. Around the Smokies, the best post-hike eats are hearty, fast when you need them, and comforting in a way only mountain towns understand. From fluffy biscuits to stacked sandwiches and smoky…
Craving slow-smoked flavor without compromising your halal standards? Tennessee delivers, especially around Nashville, with spots that blend Southern barbecue soul and Middle Eastern warmth. From smoky brisket vibes to Uzbek comfort plates and Kurdish grills, you will find generous portions, rich spices, and plenty of char-kissed goodness. Consider this your friendly roadmap to halal-friendly barbecue-adjacent…
If a dining room could hand you a house key, Harper’s in Nashville would. The moment you slide into a booth, the glow, the smiles, and that first pop of champagne whisper you are exactly where you should be. This steak house blends celebration energy with living room comfort, and it shows in every detail,…
Think the Smokies are only about hiking boots and trail maps? Not even close. You can chase mountain views from your car, glide over treetops by tram, nibble on cinnamon bread, and watch elk step through dawn mist without lacing up for a single climb. This guide gathers unforgettable, low-effort adventures that still deliver smoky…
Tucked on the Cumberland Plateau, Lunch in Sewanee proves a tiny mountain town can punch far above its weight. You walk in for coffee and a pastry, then stay for sandwiches, frittatas, and creative plates that change weekly. Local ingredients, warm hospitality, and a genuinely quirky atmosphere make it feel like a friend’s thoughtfully curated…
You hear the buzz long before you taste the cornbread. At The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge, the line wraps around like a theme park ride, but every step builds the anticipation. Classic Southern plates, stream views, and those legendary corn fritters make the clock fade into background noise. If you crave generous portions,…
Ready to meet bison without leaving the city limits of Memphis? Shelby Farms Park stretches across 4,500 acres of lakes, meadows, and shady woods where adventures feel endless and surprisingly close to home. You can bike, paddle, zip, ride horses, and yes, walk near the resident bison herd from safe viewing spots. Here is everything…
Step inside Ye Olde Steak House and you will feel Knoxville history in every timbered wall and sizzling plate. This family-owned, no-frills chophouse has been flame-grilling legends since 1968, and the aroma alone could convince you to stay. The menu is straightforward, the service warm, and the steaks speak for themselves without fancy gimmicks. If…
Tennessee hides some of the most surreal waterfalls in America, and you do not need a passport to feel transported. From caves glowing with theatrical light to cliffs where water pours straight from the rock, these falls look like special effects come to life. You will find yourself double checking photos because every angle seems…
Ready to fly a thousand feet above the Smokies with the wind roaring in your ears and views that stretch for miles. The MegaZip at WildSide Adventure Park in Pigeon Forge takes adrenaline to another level with America’s longest zipline. Guides keep things safe and upbeat while you soak up jaw dropping scenery you will…
If your cravings point south and your compass says Tennessee, you are in for a crispy, peppery road trip. From no-frills shacks to chef-driven hotspots, locals know exactly where the crunch is golden and the heat lands just right. Consider this your insider map to eight beloved fried chicken spots that deliver juicy meat, shattering…
If fluffy stacks and warm syrup call your name, the Smokies might be your breakfast heaven. From Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge to Sevierville, classic diners and cozy cabins serve golden pancakes that taste like mountain mornings. You will find crispy edges, cloud soft centers, and toppings from huckleberry compote to candied bacon. Grab a fork,…