Find all our Tennessee bucket list guides for things to do across the state!
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…
Tennessee is packed with charming little towns that feel like they jumped straight out of a storybook. From underground lakes to Victorian villages frozen in time, these spots offer way more than just sweet tea and Southern hospitality. Each one has its own quirky personality that makes visitors feel like they’ve discovered a hidden gem…
Tucked deep in the Cumberland Plateau, Rugby, Tennessee feels like a place time forgot. This tiny Victorian village was founded in 1880 as an experimental utopian colony by English author Thomas Hughes, and today it stands frozen in history with its original buildings, English charm, and quiet woodland beauty. Most travelers zoom past on their…
Tennessee transforms into something magical when winter arrives, offering cozy towns filled with twinkling lights, festive celebrations, and breathtaking mountain views. From the Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River, each corner of the state presents its own unique charm during the colder months. Whether you crave small-town holiday markets or big-city entertainment with a seasonal…
Tennessee is packed with surprises that sound too wild to be true—but every single one of them is real. From underground lakes to oddball museums, this state has a quirky side that most people never hear about. Whether you’re a Tennessee native or just curious about strange American history, these facts will make you do…
Tennessee has a culture all its own, built on hospitality, pride, and a whole lot of unspoken expectations. If you grew up here, you already know these rules by heart—even if nobody ever sat you down to explain them. From the way you greet strangers to how you talk about your favorite chicken joint, being…
Nestled high on Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, there’s a university campus so enchanting it might make you look twice for wizards and witches. Sewanee: The University of the South features towering Gothic architecture, misty forests, and stone buildings that could easily be mistaken for a magical castle. With its breathtaking beauty and storybook charm, this hidden…
Step into Dollywood with a little sparkle of Smoky Mountain magic and a whole lot of Dolly heart. This guide gathers the can’t miss bites, shows, and rides that feel closest to her story, so you can plan with confidence and savor every moment. From warm cinnamon bread and bubble wonder to soaring coasters and…
Tennessee is famous for its music, mountains, and mouthwatering barbecue, but the real treasure lies in its small towns where hospitality isn’t just a word—it’s a way of life. From the rolling hills of the east to the quiet river valleys out west, you’ll find communities where folks wave from their porches, shop owners remember…
Tennessee holds more than just country music and rolling hills. Hidden beneath its surface and scattered across its landscape are places that defy easy explanation, where history blends with the unexplainable. From underground wonders to buildings that refuse to let go of their past, these mysterious locations continue to fascinate visitors and locals alike. 1….
Tucked away in Bluff City, Tennessee, there’s a backyard attraction that will transport you millions of years back in time. Backyard Terrors and Dinosaur Park features 40 life-size dinosaur sculptures handcrafted by the property owner, turning an ordinary backyard into an extraordinary prehistoric adventure. With a near-perfect 4.9-star rating from nearly 2,000 visitors, this hidden…
Memphis, Tennessee, is where Elvis Presley became the King of Rock and Roll. From his humble beginnings to his legendary rise to fame, the city is filled with places that tell his incredible story. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering his music, these landmarks offer a chance to walk in the footsteps of…
Ready to hunt luxe looks without the luxury price tag? Tennessee’s thrift scene hides designer gems, heirloom furniture, and curated steals that make every outing feel like a treasure quest. From massive warehouses to boutique nonprofits, these shops pair heart with high style, turning every rack and aisle into possibility. Bring a keen eye, comfy…
Tennessee is packed with haunted history, from the blues-soaked streets of Memphis to the misty peaks of the Smokies. Whether you’re a ghost-hunting enthusiast or just love a good spooky story, this state offers plenty of chilling stops to explore. Planning a road trip through Tennessee means you can visit legendary theaters, eerie cemeteries, and…
Tennessee is home to more than just country music and hot chicken. Scattered across the state are some seriously unusual museums that celebrate everything from pepper shakers to tow trucks. Whether you’re a local looking for weekend adventures or a visitor wanting something beyond the typical tourist spots, these quirky collections offer memorable experiences you…
Tennessee has always been the beating heart of country music, producing some of the genre’s most legendary voices. From the Smoky Mountains to the rolling hills, this state has shaped countless artists who went on to define what country music means to millions. The stars on this list weren’t just passing through Nashville—they were born…
Tennessee hides ancient oceans in plain sight, and you can wade right into them. Along certain rivers and creeks, limestone shelves and gravel bars peel back time to reveal crinoids, corals, brachiopods, and even trilobite bits. With the right timing and a gentle eye, you can spot fossils without fancy gear or long hikes. Keep…
Looking for a city where your housing dollar still goes far without sacrificing culture or convenience? Memphis might be the rare sweet spot, with pockets of homes still under $100K and neighborhoods rich in character. You get music history, riverfront sunsets, and mouthwatering food scenes alongside real starter-home prices. If you want value and vibes,…
Are you thinking about visiting Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains? Cades Cove has been one of our top travel destinations in Tennessee — and for good reason! Once you visit yourself, you’ll see why. For one, it’s an absolutely beautiful area with sweeping smoky mountain views, especially during the spring for the blooming meadows or…
Looking for the best free things to do in Knoxville? You’re in the right place! This guide has 15, with something for everyone.
Planning a Smoky Mountains 3-day itinerary? This is THE guide for you, with details plans, tips on where to stay, alternates, and more.
Looking for a detailed Knoxville travel guide? This one leaves no stone unturned, with tons of details about the Marble City.
Planning an Appalachian Mountains vacation? This guide’s for you, with the best towns to visit, things to do, and much more!
Looking for some especially unique things to do in Knoxville? This guide takes you way off the tourist path, with over 15 unique ideas.
There’s no shortage of outdoor activities in Knoxville, in all four seasons. This guide features the best 12, and where to enjoy them.
Planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains in the spring? This guide covers everything you need to know: what to do, where to stay, and more.
Visiting at least one or two distilleries in Tennessee is a must. Plan your tours and tastings with our guide to 10 of the best!