Find all our Tennessee bucket list guides for things to do across the state!
If you have champagne taste on a sweet tea budget, Tennessee is about to be your favorite playground. From misty mountain sunrises to riverside strolls that feel straight out of Europe, these experiences deliver luxe vibes without the price tag. You will find breathtaking views, thoughtful design, and little moments of magic that feel curated…
Ready to trade crowded attractions for stories you will actually remember? Tennessee hides some wildly original small museums where quirks, craft, and history collide in the best possible way. These places feel personal, like stepping into someone’s carefully kept scrapbook and discovering chapters you never knew you wanted. If you love surprising details, hands-on moments,…
Spring 2026 is shaping up to be Dollywood’s biggest season yet, and NightFlight Expedition is the headline reason to plan early. This indoor adventure marries Smoky Mountain wonder with next-gen tech, promising a story you will feel as much as you see. With family-friendly access and serious thrills, it is designed to become your group’s…
Ready to drift, splash, and soak up Tennessee sunshine? These rivers deliver gentle currents, mountain views, and easy put ins that make planning a float day almost too simple. Whether you want a lazy lounge in calm water or a slightly livelier ride with ripples and rock gardens, there is a perfect tube run here…
Memphis has long been known for its music, food, and creative spirit—but there’s something else gaining major buzz among locals and visitors alike: The Memphis Vintage Market. On January 31, 2026, this vibrant event returns to Agricenter International with an entire afternoon dedicated to vintage finds, eclectic treasures, and small-business flavor that stretches far beyond…
Tennessee has become a magnet for smart shoppers who know where to find amazing deals on everything from designer clothes to everyday essentials. Outlet malls across the state offer discounts that can slash prices by 30% to 70% off regular retail, helping families stretch their budgets without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re hunting for back-to-school bargains,…
Imagine driving through a park where zebras poke their heads into your car, camels try to steal your food buckets, and giraffes lean down for a snack right from your hand. Tennessee Safari Park in Alamo offers exactly this kind of wild adventure on a 7.5-mile drive-through route where over 400 animals roam freely and…
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…
Tennessee has been a powerful force in shaping American music, especially when it comes to soul. From the streets of Memphis to small rural towns, this state gave birth to some of the most electrifying voices and innovative artists in music history. These legendary singers didn’t just perform—they transformed how we experience emotion, rhythm, and…
Memphis is the birthplace of the blues, and the city still pulses with that raw, soulful sound every single night. Whether you’re a longtime blues fan or just curious about what makes this music so powerful, there’s no better place to experience it live than in the clubs where legends were born. These six spots…
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 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…
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…
When winter winds blow through Memphis, the city transforms into a cozy haven filled with indoor adventures and warm Southern hospitality. Cold weather doesn’t mean staying home—it means discovering museums, music venues, and mouthwatering BBQ joints that make the city famous. Whether you’re a history buff, music lover, or foodie, Memphis offers countless ways to…
Crossville, Tennessee has earned its reputation as a premier golf destination with good reason. Tucked away in the Cumberland Plateau, this charming town offers more championship-quality courses per capita than almost anywhere else in the region. Whether you’re an experienced player seeking a challenge or a beginner looking for a welcoming atmosphere, Crossville’s diverse selection…
Tennessee is home to some of the most beautiful train rides in the country, winding through mountains, forests, and river valleys that will leave you speechless. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape, these rail adventures offer something special for everyone. From vintage locomotives chugging through the Smokies…
Tennessee offers some of the most exciting shopping destinations in the South. From Nashville to Memphis, these massive malls attract millions of visitors every year with their incredible variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Whether you’re hunting for designer brands or just looking for a fun day out with family, these shopping centers have…
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…
Tennessee does history, art, and spectacle with undeniable flair, and these museums prove it. From Nashville’s grand institutions to Memphis landmarks and mountain-town showstoppers, you’ll find powerful stories and gasp-worthy design at every turn. Whether you’re chasing civil rights history that moves you, music roots that shaped America, or immersive experiences that feel larger than…
Ready to meet a giraffe face to face and feel that soft, curious muzzle reach for your hand? Memphis Zoo delivers the kind of close encounter you will remember long after you leave. With top tier habitats, friendly staff, and a layout that makes exploring easy, every corner invites discovery. Let’s plan your perfect day…
Tennessee holds secrets that feel like they belong in the pages of a beloved fairy tale. From underground waterfalls glowing with magical lights to ancient caves wrapped in spine-tingling legends, the Volunteer State offers escapes that spark wonder and imagination. Whether you crave mystical forests, enchanted playgrounds, or bridges suspended high above misty mountains, these…
If peaceful mountain mornings and friendly front-porch conversations sound like your dream retirement, Tellico Plains might be your perfect match. Tucked at the gateway to the Cherokee National Forest, this small Tennessee town delivers big on beauty, community, and affordability. You get river views, scenic byways, and small-town comforts without the crowds. Keep reading to…
Tennessee has a sweet spot for people who want comfort without chasing a high salary. You will find towns where rents stay reasonable, commutes are sane, and weekends feel like vacation without blowing the budget. From mountain trailheads to university neighborhoods and military job hubs, these communities offer real value with a friendly pace. If…
If you crave a bookstore that feels like a conversation with a friend, The Book & Cover in Chattanooga is your spot. Tucked on Hanover Street, it blends thoughtful curation with welcoming vibes that make browsing feel effortless. You will leave with a great read and probably a new favorite ritual. Let me show you…
If you grew up in Tennessee, you already know the Volunteer State hides magic in plain sight. This list goes beyond the usual stops and gets you into the places that locals whisper about and travelers remember for years. Expect underground lakes, artsy small town charm, roaring waterfalls, a chilling legend, and a museum that…
Ready to trace Elvis’s footsteps across Memphis and feel the electricity that sparked rock history. This whirlwind list takes you from hallowed recording rooms to late night hangouts, with secret booths, preserved seats, and stories you can practically hear humming. You will get photo ops, deep cut memorabilia, and bites of the King’s favorite comfort…
Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down or settling into a quiet routine. Tennessee offers charming towns where every day feels like you’re on a getaway, with stunning scenery, exciting activities, and welcoming communities. Whether you crave mountain views, lakeside living, or historic downtown charm, these seven towns deliver the vacation vibe you’ve been dreaming…
Tennessee might be known for country music and hot chicken, but the Volunteer State has been quietly racking up firsts for over a century. From snacks you grab at gas stations to inventions that changed how we shop, Tennessee innovators have left their mark on American life. Get ready to discover nine surprising ways Tennessee…
Before the calendar flips, there is one place that turns winter into a glowing soundtrack of joy. Graceland, the heart of Elvis history in Memphis, wraps the season in twinkling lights, timeless music, and Southern comfort. You will wander past glittering trees and iconic rooms as classic holiday tunes follow every step. If you crave…
Tennessee’s beauty hides a darker side, and locals will tell you some places just feel wrong after dark. If you like history with a chill, these sites deliver goosebumps, whispered legends, and that unmistakable you-are-not-alone feeling. You will hear stories passed down for generations and encounters that make skeptics quiet down fast. Ready to explore…