Find all our Tennessee bucket list guides for things to do across the state!
Black bears are one of North America’s most fascinating creatures, but spotting them in the wild can be challenging and even dangerous. Fortunately, Tennessee is home to several excellent zoos where you can observe these magnificent animals up close in safe, naturalistic settings. These zoos not only provide a rare opportunity to watch black bears…
Deep beneath the rolling hills of Sweetwater, Tennessee, lies America’s largest underground lake, hidden inside a sprawling cave system that has captivated visitors for generations. The Lost Sea Adventure offers a rare chance to explore ancient caverns filled with stunning rock formations before boarding a glass-bottom boat that glides across crystal-clear waters 140 feet below…
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Piney Flats stands a log home that witnessed the birth of Tennessee as we know it. Rocky Mount State Historic Site isn’t just another old building—it’s the actual place where territorial leaders gathered to shape what would become the 16th state. Walking through its doors is like stepping…
Ready to trade the predictable dinner crowd for something you will actually remember? Tennessee is stacked with quirky, story worthy date ideas that mix romance, adventure, and a little bit of weird in the best way. From vintage trains and underground lakes to museums you never knew you needed, these picks spark real conversation and…
Nestled deep in the Tennessee mountains sits a place where history and haunting memories collide. Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary once held some of the most dangerous criminals in America, including James Earl Ray, the assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Today, this historic prison opens its doors to visitors who want to walk through…
Tennessee is famous for its music scene, the Smoky Mountains, and barbecue joints, but there’s so much more hiding beneath the surface. If you’ve already visited the usual tourist spots and want something totally different, you’re in for a treat. From glowing fireflies that dance together to secret underground lakes and mystical caves, Tennessee holds…
Just outside Nashville sits a vintage railway experience that most visitors never hear about. The Tennessee Central Railway Museum operates special wine train excursions that combine historic rail travel with wine tasting and small-town exploration. If you’re looking for a unique day trip that feels luxurious without the crowds of typical tourist attractions, this hidden…
If you are dreaming up the perfect Tennessee proposal, consider this your sign to plan something unforgettable. From mountaintop vistas to sparkling city skylines, the Volunteer State sets the scene for moments that feel big, cinematic, and deeply personal. You will find spots where sunsets blaze, waterfalls echo, and twinkle lights reflect off rivers just…
Shopping for secondhand treasures can work up quite an appetite or leave you craving a caffeine boost. Thankfully, Tennessee has solved this problem in the most brilliant way—by combining thrift stores with coffee shops and cafés right under the same roof. These unique spots let you sip a latte while you hunt for vintage clothing,…
Deep in the heart of Tennessee, something extraordinary is happening that most people don’t know about. The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald provides a peaceful retirement home for elephants who spent years performing in circuses and living in zoos. Spanning over 2,200 acres of beautiful countryside, this special place gives these magnificent animals the freedom and…
Tennessee is full of hidden stories waiting to be discovered. Tucked away in valleys, along rivers, and throughout the countryside are small towns that once stood at the center of major American events. From revolutionary movements to presidential homes, these forgotten communities shaped our nation’s path in ways most people never learned in school. Their…
Valentine’s Day does not need a fancy price tag to feel magical. Across Tennessee, you can spark romance with simple moments that linger longer than any reservation. Picture cozy picnics, moonlit lakes, and small town strolls where conversation comes easy and time slows down. Grab these budget friendly date ideas and turn an ordinary day…
If you love hunting for hidden treasures and unique finds, LIVE-IT Thrift Store in Seymour, Tennessee, deserves a spot on your must-visit list. This sprawling shop offers way more than your typical thrift store experience, with endless aisles packed with everything from vintage furniture to brand-name clothing. What makes it truly special is the combination…
Imagine rolling through the beautiful Tennessee countryside while enjoying a delicious meal served right at your table. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga offers exactly that experience with their famous dinner train excursions. This isn’t just a meal or just a train ride—it’s a journey back in time that combines vintage rail travel with…
Ready to lose track of time in the best possible way? Green Olde Deal Antique Mall in Sevierville is the kind of place where an hour turns into an afternoon, and you still leave saying one more aisle. With 4.5 stars and a reputation for massive variety, it is a treasure hunt that keeps rewarding…
Ready to hunt down treasures across Tennessee without blowing your budget? This guide maps out seven secondhand spots where you can furnish a room, refresh your wardrobe, and find that one piece friends will ask about. Expect polished displays, maze-like aisles, and prices that reward patience and curiosity. Grab a coffee, clear your trunk, and…
Looking for a Valentine’s adventure that feels romantic, refreshing, and totally unforgettable? Tennessee’s waterfalls deliver misty overlooks, hidden pools, and forested trails where you can slow down together and soak up the season. From short strolls to heart-pumping climbs, each trail offers a perfect chance to connect, breathe, and share a view worth lingering over….
Ready to chase chills across Tennessee? From opulent hotels to creaking Victorian mansions and shadowy caves, these spots carry whispered legends, unexplained footsteps, and the kind of stories you will tell with the lights on. Each stop blends real history with goosebump-worthy encounters, inviting you to test your nerves and your curiosity. Grab a flashlight,…
Tennessee hides otherworldly worlds beneath your feet, and stepping inside feels like walking onto a film set. Streaks of light, echoing chambers, and secret rivers turn simple tours into scenes you’ll replay in your head. Whether you crave fantasy vibes, thriller tension, or pure cinematic awe, these caves deliver instant mood and unforgettable atmosphere. Lace…
Tennessee turns into a bird lover’s playground in 2026, with migrations, meetups, and magical moments on every trail. Whether you are chasing your first eagle sighting or already know the difference between sparrows by song, these festivals make it easy to learn, explore, and connect. Expect expert guides, hands-on activities, and close-up views you will…
Tennessee’s mountains hold some of the best-kept secrets for mountain bikers who crave stunning scenery alongside challenging trails. From ridgelines overlooking rivers to lakeside loops through hardwood forests, the state offers terrain that rewards every pedal stroke with breathtaking views. Whether you’re chasing technical descents or peaceful forest rides, these five destinations deliver unforgettable experiences…
Tennessee holds secrets far beyond country music and barbecue. Scattered across the state are places so unusual and enchanting they seem pulled straight from storybooks and imagination. From underground lakes to fairy-tale caverns, these seven destinations prove that wonder exists in the most unexpected corners of the Volunteer State. 1. Ancient Lore Village — Knoxville…
Tennessee holds onto its history in special ways, and nowhere is this more obvious than in its old general stores. These aren’t just shops—they’re time capsules where wooden floors creak beneath your feet and the smell of penny candy fills the air. Visiting these stores means stepping back into a simpler era when communities gathered…
Tucked away in Watertown, Tennessee, the Stardust Drive-In Theatre offers something rare in today’s world: a genuine trip back in time. While modern multiplexes dominate the movie-going landscape, this family-run gem keeps the magic of outdoor cinema alive with two massive screens, classic concessions, and double features that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re a…
Ready to ditch full-price shopping without sacrificing quality or style? At AMVETS Thrift Store in Knoxville, you will uncover brand-name finds, sturdy furniture, and quirky collectibles that feel made for you. Prices are fair, color-tag discounts run often, and every purchase supports U.S. veterans. Bring a tote, set a budget, and get ready to surprise…
Tennessee knows how to throw a barbecue party. From the smoky streets of Memphis to the mountain towns near the Smokies, the state hosts some of the country’s most exciting BBQ festivals every year. Whether you love tender ribs, perfectly charred brisket, or just want to enjoy great music and good times with your family,…
Craving a sandwich that tastes like it was made in a farmhouse kitchen, not a factory? Head to the Amish Country Store in Ethridge, where locals line up for thick-cut meats, tangy cheeses, and spreads that taste like summer memories. You will find simple ingredients, big portions, and prices that make the trip worth it….
Hidden beneath Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis lies a magical underground world that feels like it was plucked straight from a storybook. The Crystal Shrine Grotto is a man-made crystal cave filled with sparkling rock formations and hand-carved biblical scenes that transport visitors to another realm. It’s completely free to explore and unlike anything else…
Tennessee isn’t just known for country music and hot chicken—it’s also home to some of the most powerful historic sites in America. Walking through these places lets you feel history in a way no classroom ever could. From Civil War battlefields to secret atomic research labs, each location tells a story that shaped our nation….
Tucked into the rolling hills of Arrington, Castle Gwynn looks like a fairytale that wandered off a storybook page. You get that hush of wonder the moment its towers appear beyond the trees, and it only grows as you step closer. Part private residence, part living dream, this place opens its gates on select days…