Things to Do in Tennessee

Tennessee’s flea market scene is packed with treasure-hunting opportunities that turn casual shoppers into dedicated collectors. From the Smoky Mountains to rolling hills and bustling cities, these markets offer everything from vintage records and antique furniture to handmade crafts and quirky collectibles. Whether you’re searching for a specific item or just love the thrill of …

Every spring, Paris, Tennessee, comes alive for one of the state’s most beloved traditions. The World’s Biggest Fish Fry is about much more than food. It is a full week of parades, carnival rides, races, and community events that celebrate the area’s long connection to fishing. For more than 70 years, families have gathered here …

Every spring, the town of Columbia, Tennessee transforms into a celebration of history, heritage, and hardworking mules. Maury County MuleFest brings thousands of visitors to the public square for parades, live music, crafts, and of course, plenty of mules. This festival honors a tradition that dates back more than 180 years, when mules were essential …

Tucked into the hills of Pigeon Forge, Parrot Mountain and Gardens is one of those places you don’t expect to come across. Instead of crowds and noise, you’ll find quiet paths, bright flowers, and rare parrots that can get close enough to actually perch on your arm. It’s calm, colorful, and a little more special …

Tucked away in Union City, there’s a place that completely changes what you expect a museum to be. Discovery Park of America stretches across 50 acres and brings together science, history, nature, and hands-on experiences in a way that feels anything but typical. Whether you’re into dinosaurs, space, or early American history, there’s something here …

Tucked away in Alcoa, Tennessee, Mountain Creek Quilt Shop has become a beloved destination for quilters from across the region and beyond. With a reputation for exceptional fabric selection, this charming shop offers everything a quilter could want under one roof. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, this welcoming store promises an …

Spring in Tennessee brings blooming flowers, warm sunshine, and the perfect weather for outdoor adventures. One of the most enchanting ways to celebrate the season is aboard a special train ride at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga. The SeaLights Festival Train Ride combines vintage railcars, dazzling light displays, and coastal-themed magic to create …

Tennessee is home to thriving Mennonite communities that have built remarkable businesses offering everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods. These family-run stores blend traditional values with exceptional customer service, creating shopping experiences you won’t find at big-box retailers. Whether you’re searching for bulk foods, garden supplies, or locally grown vegetables, these seven Mennonite-owned businesses …

Tennessee is home to some of the best vintage clothing stores in the South, where you can find everything from retro band tees to authentic 1940s dresses. Whether you’re hunting for a unique piece to complete your wardrobe or just love the thrill of discovering hidden gems, these shops offer incredible finds at great prices. …

Imagine strolling through acres of colorful tulips without spending a single dollar. Dixon Gallery & Gardens in Memphis makes this dream a reality every spring, offering free admission to both its stunning botanical displays and impressive art collections. This hidden gem combines natural beauty with cultural experiences, creating the perfect destination for families, art lovers, …

Gatlinburg has plenty of attractions, but few can match the pure fun and creativity of Hillbilly Golf. This isn’t your typical putt-putt experience where you stand on flat pavement and knock balls through windmills. Instead, you ride an incline railway 300 feet up a mountainside just to reach the first hole, then play your way …

Tennessee knows how to throw a party, especially when food is involved. From smoky barbecue battles to spicy chicken showdowns, the Volunteer State hosts some of the most delicious festivals in the South. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just love trying new flavors, these celebrations offer incredible tastes, live entertainment, and memories you’ll treasure …

Spring in Tennessee brings something truly magical to Eagleville. Lucky Ladd Farms transforms into a sea of vibrant tulips each year, offering visitors the chance to walk through fields bursting with over a million colorful blooms. Beyond just looking at the flowers, guests can pick their own bouquets to take home, making it one of …

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Dandridge, Tennessee, a special place offers hope to some of nature’s most misunderstood creatures. Wolf Paws: Positive Awareness Wolf-dog Sanctuary rescues wolf-dogs that have nowhere else to go, giving them safe homes and second chances at life. This sanctuary not only saves lives but also teaches visitors why …

Tennessee families know the struggle of finding places where kids can burn off energy year-round, especially during rainy days or scorching summers. Indoor playgrounds have become lifesavers for parents who want their children to stay active without worrying about the weather. From trampoline parks to interactive museums, the Volunteer State offers some of the most …

Tucked away in Kodak, Tennessee, near the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, sits one of the region’s most impressive shopping destinations. The Great Smokies Flea Market sprawls across 200,000 square feet, housing hundreds of vendors selling everything from antiques to fresh produce. Whether you’re hunting for unique treasures, craving delicious food, or just looking …

Remember when going to the movies meant pulling up in your car, tuning the radio to the right station, and watching films under a blanket of stars? Tennessee still has several drive-in theaters keeping that magical tradition alive. These outdoor cinemas offer families a chance to experience movies the way their grandparents did, complete with …

Just outside Nashville sits a peaceful wildlife refuge that most people drive right past without knowing it exists. Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary in Brentwood protects 300 acres of forests, meadows, and creeks where more than 2,000 species of plants and animals thrive. Whether you’re hoping to meet resident owls up close or explore quiet trails …

Tucked away in the small town of Grand Junction, Tennessee, sits a treasure that celebrates one of America’s most beloved sporting traditions. The National Bird Dog Museum honors the incredible bond between hunters and their four-legged partners, showcasing the history and legacy of field trial competitions. Whether you’re a devoted dog lover, a hunting enthusiast, …

Tennessee is famous for Nashville, Memphis, and the Smoky Mountains, but the state hides dozens of unusual places most travelers never hear about. From underground lakes to giant roadside oddities, these spots offer something completely different from the typical tourist trail. Whether you love history, nature, or just plain weird attractions, Tennessee has secret gems …

Spring in East Tennessee means tulips, and Oakes Farm in Corryton is about to put on one of the most colorful shows of the season. Starting March 14, half a million tulips will burst into bloom across the farm’s rolling fields, creating a stunning display that draws families from all over the region. Whether you’re …

Every spring, something extraordinary happens in Nashville that turns heads and fills camera rolls across Tennessee. Cheekwood Estate and Gardens transforms into a breathtaking wonderland when a quarter-million tulips burst into bloom across its historic grounds. The colorful display creates a picture-perfect scene that draws visitors from all over the country who want to experience …

Tucked along the Memphis riverfront sits a park unlike any other in the country. Mud Island River Park offers something truly special—a chance to walk the entire length of the Mississippi River without leaving Tennessee. A One-of-a-Kind Riverfront Park in Memphis, Tennessee Mud Island River Park sits on a small peninsula jutting into the mighty …

Tennessee is packed with incredible experiences that won’t drain your wallet. From thundering waterfalls to live music echoing through Nashville streets, the Volunteer State proves that the best memories don’t come with hefty price tags. Whether you’re hiking mountain trails or exploring vibrant city murals, these adventures deliver unforgettable moments for less than the cost …

Tucked away in Sevierville, Tennessee, Rainforest Adventures Zoo offers something most attractions in the Smoky Mountains can’t—a chance to stand just inches from playful monkeys and hundreds of exotic animals from around the globe. This indoor zoo brings the rainforest to the heart of East Tennessee, making it easy for families to explore the wild …

March is when Tennessee comes alive with color. Fields of tulips, daffodils, and other spring blooms stretch across the countryside, turning family farms into stunning flower wonderlands. Whether you want to pick your own bouquet, snap beautiful photos, or simply walk through rows of colorful petals, these seven flower farms offer unforgettable spring experiences that …

Deep in the forests of West Tennessee sits a collection of ancient earthworks that most Americans have never heard of. Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park protects one of the largest and most mysterious prehistoric sites in the entire United States. At its heart stands Saul’s Mound, a massive structure built over a thousand years ago …

Tennessee is home to thriving Amish and Mennonite communities that welcome visitors with open arms and shelves stocked full of handcrafted goods. From freshly baked bread and fruit preserves to handmade furniture and old-fashioned candies, these stores offer a glimpse into a simpler way of life. Whether you’re searching for unique gifts, quality pantry staples, …

Deep beneath the rolling hills of Tennessee lies one of the most extraordinary concert experiences in America. The Caverns in Pelham isn’t your typical music venue—it’s literally carved into the earth, where natural rock formations meet world-class performances. This underground marvel has earned national recognition as a must-visit destination, drawing music lovers from across the …

Tucked away in Sevierville, Tennessee, Flea Traders Paradise has become legendary among bargain hunters for an almost unbelievable promise: fill an entire shopping cart for just $25. With hundreds of vendors spread across indoor and outdoor spaces, this sprawling marketplace offers everything from vintage collectibles to everyday essentials at prices that seem too good to …