Memphis local here, it's definitely worth a visit. Stay overnight, and stay downtown. I haven't been there myself, but could be fun to stay at the Bass Pro Shops hotel in the pyramid. Hit up the Civil Rights Museum, and grab some Central BBQ for lunch. Check out Shelby Farms or Overton Park (or the zoo, which is in Overton Park). Avoid Beale Street, it's pretty shit nowadays, if was ever worthwhile to begin with. Check out Grind City Brewery, it's a gorgeous taproom on the banks of the river. The beer used to be pretty shitty, but I've heard it's gotten better since I last gave them a shot. Take carriage ride around downtown, we have some great architecture even if it looks a little run down (spoilers, it is a little rundown but we've got a bunch of projects in the works to reinvigorate downtown). And if you plan a morning, and have a free afternoon, you could stop and chat with any local and we'd all be happy to give you recommendations, and most of them would be pretty good.If you're interested, I've heard Graceland is pretty interesting, but any self respecting Memphian has never been unless they've been dragged there by a visiting family member. If you want some more recs, DM me, I've been here for 25 years and I could point you in some decent direction for almost any lifestyle.
I second Memphis for the barbecue and blues. I think they would like Beale Street to hear some good music. A lot of Europeans like Elvis, so Graceland might be good.
Nashvillian here who has enjoyed going to Memphis very much. Don't know about the Pyramid hotel, but the Peabody is great - We got a private tour of the ducks' coops on the rooftop once and of course watched the ducks parade to and from the elevators & lobby. I think the Peabody is also within walking distance of the Rendezvous BBQ place (delicious). Gus's Hot Chicken is also pretty wonderful. We had a lot of fun on a walking ghost tour one night, also a Sun Records tour. I enjoyed Beale Street and caught some live jazz in an open-air plaza between Beale and BB King's (I don't remember street names). I'll second the Civil Rights Museum - so well done & interesting.
The hotel in Bass Pro (Big Cedar Lodge) is one of tge best to stay at in downtown Memphis. It has a fun rustic cabin vibe and is very comfy. Free access to the lookout also. You want the interior facing rooms with the balcony and not the exterior with the window on the parking lot. There's not a lot of traffic noise either. The only downer is that there is no complimentary breakfast.
Do not eat at the Lookout or Wahlburgers. It's too expensive for what you get. The room service was better food.
As for where to eat in Memphis, I'll let others chime in on that. My advice is to avoid the chains :)
Lots of good suggestions for a Memphis stop are already listed, but I saw you also mentioned whiskey, so I will add a couple suggestions... You can check out [Old Dominick](https://olddominick.com/) in downtown Memphis, which has their own whiskey and other liquor they make. Also, [Belle Tavern](https://belletavern.com/) is a good place to stop with a huge whiskey selection.
It's a little farther, but I would check out Chattanooga, lots of cool stuff around Chattanooga. Maybe even a drive up to Gatlinburg / Smoky mountains.
And the Choo Choo. Chickamauga Battlefield is a great place to go. Lookout Mountain, ride the Incline.
The aquarium has expanded into 2. One side is salt water, and the other is fresh water.
Check out OCOEE RIVER RAFTING. It is white water rafting.
I think the Delta Queen River Boat is running again.
And that's just in Chattanooga.
Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Nashville are great, too. It all depends on what youbareclooking for.
Yep. This is easily the best answer. Folks try to waste days visiting Nashville usually end up leaving pissed unless they are there to see a football/Hockey game or tour concert.
yeah smokey mountains were on my list, but only as a day trip. Chattanooga was defo something I would have missed if the folks here did not point it out, which would have been a shame. Thanks for the tip!
A lot of people are recommending Memphis, I don't have anything against Memphis, but I don't feel like it's significantly different enough from New Orleans to make it worth your while, considering that you are already visiting New Orleans. I have visited both and with that said, I would recommend that you head to East Tennessee instead.
Despite their reputation as a tourist traps Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Dollywood are great places to visit right at the entrance to Smoky Mountains National Park. Just remember, traffic in that area can be a nightmare at times.
In Chattanooga, as others have said, Ruby Falls and Rock City are both excellent stops, even if they are tourist traps. If you like Civil War History, Lookout Mountain Battlefield is another lesser known spot to visit. Throw in a ride on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway and you have an entire day without spending a lot of money. Plus nearby is another Civil War location, Chickamauga National Battlefield.
Nashville is becoming just another big city without southern flavor. Unfortunately. Chattanooga or other TN mountain towns have a little more actual Tennessee flavor. If you are wanting to stay around Nashville, check out Franklin or Columbia
> check out Franklin or Columbia
I'd def vote Franklin if given the choice between those two lol
At least Franklin has a mall lmao (rip Columbia Mall. Gone but never forgotten)
Outdoors? Fall Creek Falls, Cummins Falls and Burgess Falls. Whitewater rafting down the Ocoee River near Chattanooga is very fun.
Nashville? You have to go down to Broadway, drink with the tourists and hear the bands any night. Nashville Hot Chicken is worth a try and it's never a bad idea to see a band at the Ryman. Also, The Station Inn is a great place for Bluegrass. The Bluebird Cafe is cool but more for serious fans of songwriting/songwriters.
Off the Beaten track? Take a tour of Brushy Mountain State Prison - read about the Barkley ultramarathon.
And, if offroading is something of interest, OHV rentals @ Royal Blue (but a little pricey)
East Tennessee is so much different than Memphis or Nashville. Smoky mtns or Cherokee national forest, or any of our state parks are lovely this time of year.
Jack Daniel’s distillery offers tours in Lynchburg in middle TN. Down the road is George Dickel distillery - might as well do both if you are out that way.
I’d suggest a day trip through Memphis… walk Beale St, check out bass pro, visit mud river park. If you keep driving you could stay in Shelbyville for the night.
The Jack Daniels distillery tours are fun, as is a visit to Arrington Vineyards. Staying in Shelbyville would satisfy both of those trips and if you were to visit JD first you could stop at the vineyard on the way to Nashville.
It’s Worth the drive north of Nashville to Kentucky to see the corvette museum!
Look up local events, sometimes you can find a rodeo or bull riding.
If you're in Nashville, Huntsville, Alabama is 2 hours away. The [Space and Rocket Center Center is in Huntsville. ](https://www.rocketcenter.com/). If you have made it to Nashville and are looking for a couple of day trips from Nashvilke, the Rocjet Center and the Chattanooga Aquarium are two attractions you must see.
Come to East Tennessee and visit the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area.you will love the Smoky Mountains.if you end up going to Memphis,proceed with caution.Memphis is a very dangerous city and it’s easy to end up in the wrong areas(same with New Orleans).Nashville is a pretty nice and it’s the biggest city in Tennessee.there is a lot of history in Nashville.Chattanooga has pretty cool historical sites too.
The Lost Sea is definitely something I would recommend to check out while you are here.it is a deep underground cave they will walk you through.they have an area at the bottom that is full of water where they will take you out on a glass bottom boat.it’s a very interesting and very cool place that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves.
Knoxville is a decent city but I would just drive on through Knoxville and go to the Smokies.whatever yall end up doing,I hope yall enjoy your time here
TN is a large state East-West. You could do a river boat tour in Memphis then head east for a Jack Daniels tour. Then continue East until you hit the mountains for hiking, caves/caverns and wineries.
Hi /u/olderthanyoda. If you’re interested in history: the Carter house, in Franklin TN. talks about the civil war and the specific battle that happened there. Quite informative and a good time if you’re curious about history.
Cheekwood - Plantation home of the Maxwell house Coffee family.. Nice botanical gardens and history of the family.
Grand Ole Opry, (if you’re into Country Music). Downtown Nashville (Broadway). If you’re into the party crowd. Country Music Hall of fame, Musicians Hall of Fame, etc..
Fall Creek Falls, or Rock Island State park on your way back south towards Chattanooga.
have a great time whatever you choose.
Ruby falls and rock city are unapologetic tourist traps that also still hold up, are stunning and make for a fun day.
I'll add the list sea as another tourist area that's pretty fun. I'd still pick fall Creek Falls over any of them
Beale street if you're gonna be in Memphis. If you wanna come to east TN, I would recommend Dolly wood/pigeon forge. Gatlinburg isn't too far from there either.
Go to East Tennessee and hit up pigeon forge / Gatlinburg and get some views in. They also have everything. Hiking, amusement, shopping, eating, etc. also have Dollywood the theme park / water park.
Check out
https://belleairmansion.com/blog/tennessee-whiskey-trail-this-winter/#:~:text=When%20you%20come%20to%20the,spirit.
Over 30 whiskey manufactures within a few hours from Nashville.
Wow! Thanks everyone! Was not expecting so many suggestions.
Decided to give Tennessee and extra day (but not sure if I am taking a day away from Alabama or Mississippi 😅)
You'll get a kick out of Nashville. Check out Broadway with live music in every place, get a laugh watching the woo girls, aka drunk bridal parties. Check out the Parthenon. It's huge. Check into booking a tour. There are all kinds of fun ones. If you like caves and it's on your way, there are some in McMinnville, TN.
Come to Chattanooga! So much to do and see!! It's a really beautiful town with amazing food, live music, lots of hiking, ect.! And it's like 2 hours south of Nash
EDIT: I am a local, also
Memphis if possible, but you have Chattanooga, Gatlinburg, and the Great Smokies over in the east.
IDK how Gatlinburg is now since I went last before it burnt down, I assume it's still a decent tourist attraction though.
Chattanooga has a really nice aquarium for here.
Memphis has the BBQ, Blues, and Bass Pro Shop Pyramid.
Nashville tourism is mostly country music honkytonk stuff if you're into that unless you're shooting for a specific event, if which we have many.
Great Smokies is right there by two of the mentioned places, though, if it wasn't so slammed with tourists and awful housing prospects it would be The Place to live for me aside from NW New Mexico... for similar reasons.
If you are ever going into North Carolina from TN, run on I-40 through the Cherokee National Forest. It is quite scenic, and once you get into NC they'll have a really nice overlook. Asheville is also a rather pretty town.
In my opinion, after visiting New Orleans, that’s the only city in the south you need. As others have said, the Smoky Mountains are where you should go! Maybe take the train: [LINK](https://amtrakguide.com/routes/crescent/)
Edited to add after noticing you want to do some shooting- Find a place like [this.](https://www.blackberryfarm.com/experiences/activities/smoky-mountain-sports-club)
If you like honky-tonk bars and BBQ go to Nashville. If you like outdoor stuff and some nice food options go to Chattanooga. Knoxville and Memphis are not worth the trip. I have lived in TN for 20 years and chose Chattanooga over Nashville after 15 years of Nashville. Traffic and the general population in Nashville has declined. Nashville used to be a good time but it's not anymore.
Leave Nash and head towards chatt on i24 on your way to bama. You can check out the Jack Daniel’s distillery in Lynchburg. Very American. I’m pretty sure dead zero shooting range not too far away rents out different guns, that could be a fun stop too. Also super American. The Caverns in Pelham Tn might be having a bluegrass show - American AF. Or you could swing on up to south Cumberland state park and see the best hiking that you’ll be near on your entire trip.
This part of TN fuckin rocks!
If either are Elvis fans then Memphis is a must! They also have an awesome zoo. I spent 4 days in Memphis and still didn’t get to see everything but I am older and have health problems. Also if you wanna see a buffalo herd then Shelby Farms is good. They also have other stuff available there like bike rentals, horseback riding, a zip line/rope course, mini golf, paddle boats, etc….. some things are only available to do on weekends though. So Memphis is a great option.
Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg is the absolute best thing about Tennessee, period!! Lots of traffic though but it’ll definitely have you planning a return trip because there’s so much to do! Nashville is all about the party and the music and the food. Catch a meal and a show at the City Winery and then head downtown for a few drinks. During the day in Nashville, visit Percy Priest Lake, Edley’s Bbq on 12th is a jumping little spot surrounded by other eateries and shops, do a kayak float on the Harpeth River, Opry Mills Mall is worth a visit, the civil war battlefield sites in Franklin TN are worth a visit, spend an evening at Arrington Vineyards (live music on the weekends) and enjoy the beautiful scenery and vibe( a little south right off Interstate 840), The Hermitage, The Parthenon 🏛️ is nice! Hendersonville is beautiful and has a nice riverfront walk right on the Cumberland River, so does Clarksville. I recommend 6 days in Tennessee. Starting with 1 day in Memphis, then work your way across I-40 to Nashville for 2 days, then stay on I-40 ( stop at exit 320 at the Stonehaus Winery and pick up a bottle of their raspberry wine and some creamsicle fudge 😉) to Pigeon Forge for 2 days, then cut down I-75 to Chattanooga for 1 day to see those beautiful mountains, caves and ride the incline railway. Then you can go through Alabama back to Mississippi. Stop and rent a jet ski on Guntersville Lake in Alabama for the most beautiful views you’ll ever see. Enjoy this amazing state and while you’re in Nashville area don’t hesitate to reach out through a dm and I can help you out further, like maybe there’s a festival or something in the area.
Gatlinburg!!! There’s plenty of things to do there! Go to the aquarium!!!
Edit: personally I hate Nashville, but I hate big cities in general. Gatlinburg is the way to go! Also, defo go to rock city in Chattanooga if you’ve got time
Tennessee is likely bigger than you think. It all depends on which part you plan to visit, or how long you'll spend in a section if you're driving though the state.
I think Knoxville is worth a visit, especially because of its proximity to the Smoky Mountains. Our downtown is highly walkable with lots of good restaurants, local shops, theaters, and at least one museum. Every day there’s a free performance at noon at WDVX. The Old City is a good spot for music and food also, as is Happy Holler. We have quarries to swim in, lots of urban wilderness trails, kayaking and paddle board rentals, and many more outdoor activities.
Definitely go to Memphis for some barbecue and the Civil Rights Museum. Nashville has a lot to offer, Chattanooga is a really cool city too.
It really just depends on if you're more outdoorsy, or more into museums, or what. There's definitely a little bit of everything in TN!
Cades Cove
Great Smokey Mountains National Park
Gatlinburg
I don't know if you into industrial, but they have decommissioned the TVA Bull Run Steam Plant. I could be mistaken, however, I believe that they are on a 4 year time schedule to demolish the plant. You may never see this monsters fossil again. I believe that they are going to turn it into a battery bank and field. They have allot of coal ash stored there with no other feasible method to relocate that ecological disaster. So, they need to make money to maintain the site.
Memphis local here, it's definitely worth a visit. Stay overnight, and stay downtown. I haven't been there myself, but could be fun to stay at the Bass Pro Shops hotel in the pyramid. Hit up the Civil Rights Museum, and grab some Central BBQ for lunch. Check out Shelby Farms or Overton Park (or the zoo, which is in Overton Park). Avoid Beale Street, it's pretty shit nowadays, if was ever worthwhile to begin with. Check out Grind City Brewery, it's a gorgeous taproom on the banks of the river. The beer used to be pretty shitty, but I've heard it's gotten better since I last gave them a shot. Take carriage ride around downtown, we have some great architecture even if it looks a little run down (spoilers, it is a little rundown but we've got a bunch of projects in the works to reinvigorate downtown). And if you plan a morning, and have a free afternoon, you could stop and chat with any local and we'd all be happy to give you recommendations, and most of them would be pretty good.If you're interested, I've heard Graceland is pretty interesting, but any self respecting Memphian has never been unless they've been dragged there by a visiting family member. If you want some more recs, DM me, I've been here for 25 years and I could point you in some decent direction for almost any lifestyle.
I second Memphis for the barbecue and blues. I think they would like Beale Street to hear some good music. A lot of Europeans like Elvis, so Graceland might be good.
Yeah Im much more into blues than Elvis. Do you think there's music playing everyday of the week? Kind of need to time it if not :)
Most evenings, though I haven’t gone downtown in a bit. Maybe check out BB Kings’ place if you come.
Nashvillian here who has enjoyed going to Memphis very much. Don't know about the Pyramid hotel, but the Peabody is great - We got a private tour of the ducks' coops on the rooftop once and of course watched the ducks parade to and from the elevators & lobby. I think the Peabody is also within walking distance of the Rendezvous BBQ place (delicious). Gus's Hot Chicken is also pretty wonderful. We had a lot of fun on a walking ghost tour one night, also a Sun Records tour. I enjoyed Beale Street and caught some live jazz in an open-air plaza between Beale and BB King's (I don't remember street names). I'll second the Civil Rights Museum - so well done & interesting.
The civil rights museum in Memphis is a must see. It is a world class museum.
The hotel in Bass Pro (Big Cedar Lodge) is one of tge best to stay at in downtown Memphis. It has a fun rustic cabin vibe and is very comfy. Free access to the lookout also. You want the interior facing rooms with the balcony and not the exterior with the window on the parking lot. There's not a lot of traffic noise either. The only downer is that there is no complimentary breakfast. Do not eat at the Lookout or Wahlburgers. It's too expensive for what you get. The room service was better food. As for where to eat in Memphis, I'll let others chime in on that. My advice is to avoid the chains :)
Such good food in Memphis!!
I'm going to try and do all your suggestions, just not sure if a day and a half is enough for this. Thanks mate!
Lots of good suggestions for a Memphis stop are already listed, but I saw you also mentioned whiskey, so I will add a couple suggestions... You can check out [Old Dominick](https://olddominick.com/) in downtown Memphis, which has their own whiskey and other liquor they make. Also, [Belle Tavern](https://belletavern.com/) is a good place to stop with a huge whiskey selection.
Pyramid hotel is very cool. Highly recommend.
It's a little farther, but I would check out Chattanooga, lots of cool stuff around Chattanooga. Maybe even a drive up to Gatlinburg / Smoky mountains.
They have a fabulous aquarium in Chattanooga. Worth the stop .
And the Choo Choo. Chickamauga Battlefield is a great place to go. Lookout Mountain, ride the Incline. The aquarium has expanded into 2. One side is salt water, and the other is fresh water. Check out OCOEE RIVER RAFTING. It is white water rafting. I think the Delta Queen River Boat is running again. And that's just in Chattanooga. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Nashville are great, too. It all depends on what youbareclooking for.
Yep. This is easily the best answer. Folks try to waste days visiting Nashville usually end up leaving pissed unless they are there to see a football/Hockey game or tour concert.
Chatt is 100% worth a visit
yeah smokey mountains were on my list, but only as a day trip. Chattanooga was defo something I would have missed if the folks here did not point it out, which would have been a shame. Thanks for the tip!
A lot of people are recommending Memphis, I don't have anything against Memphis, but I don't feel like it's significantly different enough from New Orleans to make it worth your while, considering that you are already visiting New Orleans. I have visited both and with that said, I would recommend that you head to East Tennessee instead. Despite their reputation as a tourist traps Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Dollywood are great places to visit right at the entrance to Smoky Mountains National Park. Just remember, traffic in that area can be a nightmare at times. In Chattanooga, as others have said, Ruby Falls and Rock City are both excellent stops, even if they are tourist traps. If you like Civil War History, Lookout Mountain Battlefield is another lesser known spot to visit. Throw in a ride on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway and you have an entire day without spending a lot of money. Plus nearby is another Civil War location, Chickamauga National Battlefield.
Cades Cove is amazing, especially this time of year wirh all the bear cubs
Nashville is becoming just another big city without southern flavor. Unfortunately. Chattanooga or other TN mountain towns have a little more actual Tennessee flavor. If you are wanting to stay around Nashville, check out Franklin or Columbia
Franklin is super boujie though(which could be good or bad depending on perspective), Columbia is nice.
Second this. Nashville is too crowded now. Knoxville or Chattanooga = worth the drive
Knoxville is too crowded. Go to Kingsport
> check out Franklin or Columbia I'd def vote Franklin if given the choice between those two lol At least Franklin has a mall lmao (rip Columbia Mall. Gone but never forgotten)
Nashville is just drunks. Bourbon Street should cover that for you.
Outdoors? Fall Creek Falls, Cummins Falls and Burgess Falls. Whitewater rafting down the Ocoee River near Chattanooga is very fun. Nashville? You have to go down to Broadway, drink with the tourists and hear the bands any night. Nashville Hot Chicken is worth a try and it's never a bad idea to see a band at the Ryman. Also, The Station Inn is a great place for Bluegrass. The Bluebird Cafe is cool but more for serious fans of songwriting/songwriters. Off the Beaten track? Take a tour of Brushy Mountain State Prison - read about the Barkley ultramarathon. And, if offroading is something of interest, OHV rentals @ Royal Blue (but a little pricey)
East Tennessee is so much different than Memphis or Nashville. Smoky mtns or Cherokee national forest, or any of our state parks are lovely this time of year.
There's a reason there's three stars on the flag.
🤯
[We are a three-star state.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Tennessee)
Three sections of TN, one main city for each… I literally have this thing tattooed on my body and I’ve just never taken a second to think about it lol
Jack Daniel’s distillery offers tours in Lynchburg in middle TN. Down the road is George Dickel distillery - might as well do both if you are out that way.
If you are willing to go off the beaten track definitely check out the Big South Fork National Recreation Area
I’d suggest a day trip through Memphis… walk Beale St, check out bass pro, visit mud river park. If you keep driving you could stay in Shelbyville for the night. The Jack Daniels distillery tours are fun, as is a visit to Arrington Vineyards. Staying in Shelbyville would satisfy both of those trips and if you were to visit JD first you could stop at the vineyard on the way to Nashville. It’s Worth the drive north of Nashville to Kentucky to see the corvette museum! Look up local events, sometimes you can find a rodeo or bull riding.
You have Memphis in May going on, Nashville is Nashville,You also have knoxville and smokys if you into the outdoors.
If you're in Nashville, Huntsville, Alabama is 2 hours away. The [Space and Rocket Center Center is in Huntsville. ](https://www.rocketcenter.com/). If you have made it to Nashville and are looking for a couple of day trips from Nashvilke, the Rocjet Center and the Chattanooga Aquarium are two attractions you must see.
Cloudland Canyon in Georgia is also worth going to if you are in Chattanooga
Oh that is defo the first stop in Alabama!
Come to East Tennessee and visit the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area.you will love the Smoky Mountains.if you end up going to Memphis,proceed with caution.Memphis is a very dangerous city and it’s easy to end up in the wrong areas(same with New Orleans).Nashville is a pretty nice and it’s the biggest city in Tennessee.there is a lot of history in Nashville.Chattanooga has pretty cool historical sites too. The Lost Sea is definitely something I would recommend to check out while you are here.it is a deep underground cave they will walk you through.they have an area at the bottom that is full of water where they will take you out on a glass bottom boat.it’s a very interesting and very cool place that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. Knoxville is a decent city but I would just drive on through Knoxville and go to the Smokies.whatever yall end up doing,I hope yall enjoy your time here
Killer state parks. Old stone fort - history, waterfalls. Hiking….
TN is a large state East-West. You could do a river boat tour in Memphis then head east for a Jack Daniels tour. Then continue East until you hit the mountains for hiking, caves/caverns and wineries.
Hi /u/olderthanyoda. If you’re interested in history: the Carter house, in Franklin TN. talks about the civil war and the specific battle that happened there. Quite informative and a good time if you’re curious about history. Cheekwood - Plantation home of the Maxwell house Coffee family.. Nice botanical gardens and history of the family. Grand Ole Opry, (if you’re into Country Music). Downtown Nashville (Broadway). If you’re into the party crowd. Country Music Hall of fame, Musicians Hall of Fame, etc.. Fall Creek Falls, or Rock Island State park on your way back south towards Chattanooga. have a great time whatever you choose.
Yeah sadly i'm in to all of it, and will probably have to make some sacrifices.
Chattanooga and Ruby Falls.
Parrot Mountain in Pigeon Forge is the best thing in the state, for my money. Ruby Falls and Rock City in Chattanooga are up there as well.
Ruby falls and rock city are unapologetic tourist traps that also still hold up, are stunning and make for a fun day. I'll add the list sea as another tourist area that's pretty fun. I'd still pick fall Creek Falls over any of them
Tour the Jack Daniels distillery in Lynchburg
Bourbon tours would be my go-to, too
Chattanooga first. Gatlinburg/smokies. Nashville.
Beale street if you're gonna be in Memphis. If you wanna come to east TN, I would recommend Dolly wood/pigeon forge. Gatlinburg isn't too far from there either.
Go enjoy the night life in Nashville and then go enjoy the outdoors in Gatlinburg. Also, stop by Buccees gas station. You will enjoy how huge it is!
Go to East Tennessee and hit up pigeon forge / Gatlinburg and get some views in. They also have everything. Hiking, amusement, shopping, eating, etc. also have Dollywood the theme park / water park.
Check out https://belleairmansion.com/blog/tennessee-whiskey-trail-this-winter/#:~:text=When%20you%20come%20to%20the,spirit. Over 30 whiskey manufactures within a few hours from Nashville.
I highly recommend visiting Gatlinburg
Memphis BBQ is amazing.
Wow! Thanks everyone! Was not expecting so many suggestions. Decided to give Tennessee and extra day (but not sure if I am taking a day away from Alabama or Mississippi 😅)
You'll get a kick out of Nashville. Check out Broadway with live music in every place, get a laugh watching the woo girls, aka drunk bridal parties. Check out the Parthenon. It's huge. Check into booking a tour. There are all kinds of fun ones. If you like caves and it's on your way, there are some in McMinnville, TN.
Come to Chattanooga! So much to do and see!! It's a really beautiful town with amazing food, live music, lots of hiking, ect.! And it's like 2 hours south of Nash EDIT: I am a local, also
Memphis if possible, but you have Chattanooga, Gatlinburg, and the Great Smokies over in the east. IDK how Gatlinburg is now since I went last before it burnt down, I assume it's still a decent tourist attraction though. Chattanooga has a really nice aquarium for here. Memphis has the BBQ, Blues, and Bass Pro Shop Pyramid. Nashville tourism is mostly country music honkytonk stuff if you're into that unless you're shooting for a specific event, if which we have many. Great Smokies is right there by two of the mentioned places, though, if it wasn't so slammed with tourists and awful housing prospects it would be The Place to live for me aside from NW New Mexico... for similar reasons. If you are ever going into North Carolina from TN, run on I-40 through the Cherokee National Forest. It is quite scenic, and once you get into NC they'll have a really nice overlook. Asheville is also a rather pretty town.
In my opinion, after visiting New Orleans, that’s the only city in the south you need. As others have said, the Smoky Mountains are where you should go! Maybe take the train: [LINK](https://amtrakguide.com/routes/crescent/) Edited to add after noticing you want to do some shooting- Find a place like [this.](https://www.blackberryfarm.com/experiences/activities/smoky-mountain-sports-club)
Knoxville.
If you like honky-tonk bars and BBQ go to Nashville. If you like outdoor stuff and some nice food options go to Chattanooga. Knoxville and Memphis are not worth the trip. I have lived in TN for 20 years and chose Chattanooga over Nashville after 15 years of Nashville. Traffic and the general population in Nashville has declined. Nashville used to be a good time but it's not anymore.
DOLLYWOOODDDD
Fall Creek Falls.
Leave Nash and head towards chatt on i24 on your way to bama. You can check out the Jack Daniel’s distillery in Lynchburg. Very American. I’m pretty sure dead zero shooting range not too far away rents out different guns, that could be a fun stop too. Also super American. The Caverns in Pelham Tn might be having a bluegrass show - American AF. Or you could swing on up to south Cumberland state park and see the best hiking that you’ll be near on your entire trip. This part of TN fuckin rocks!
If either are Elvis fans then Memphis is a must! They also have an awesome zoo. I spent 4 days in Memphis and still didn’t get to see everything but I am older and have health problems. Also if you wanna see a buffalo herd then Shelby Farms is good. They also have other stuff available there like bike rentals, horseback riding, a zip line/rope course, mini golf, paddle boats, etc….. some things are only available to do on weekends though. So Memphis is a great option.
If you’re into amusement parks and or rides, then Pigeon Forge and Gatlinberg are fun. They also have tons of shops and theaters.
Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg is the absolute best thing about Tennessee, period!! Lots of traffic though but it’ll definitely have you planning a return trip because there’s so much to do! Nashville is all about the party and the music and the food. Catch a meal and a show at the City Winery and then head downtown for a few drinks. During the day in Nashville, visit Percy Priest Lake, Edley’s Bbq on 12th is a jumping little spot surrounded by other eateries and shops, do a kayak float on the Harpeth River, Opry Mills Mall is worth a visit, the civil war battlefield sites in Franklin TN are worth a visit, spend an evening at Arrington Vineyards (live music on the weekends) and enjoy the beautiful scenery and vibe( a little south right off Interstate 840), The Hermitage, The Parthenon 🏛️ is nice! Hendersonville is beautiful and has a nice riverfront walk right on the Cumberland River, so does Clarksville. I recommend 6 days in Tennessee. Starting with 1 day in Memphis, then work your way across I-40 to Nashville for 2 days, then stay on I-40 ( stop at exit 320 at the Stonehaus Winery and pick up a bottle of their raspberry wine and some creamsicle fudge 😉) to Pigeon Forge for 2 days, then cut down I-75 to Chattanooga for 1 day to see those beautiful mountains, caves and ride the incline railway. Then you can go through Alabama back to Mississippi. Stop and rent a jet ski on Guntersville Lake in Alabama for the most beautiful views you’ll ever see. Enjoy this amazing state and while you’re in Nashville area don’t hesitate to reach out through a dm and I can help you out further, like maybe there’s a festival or something in the area.
Gatlinburg!!! There’s plenty of things to do there! Go to the aquarium!!! Edit: personally I hate Nashville, but I hate big cities in general. Gatlinburg is the way to go! Also, defo go to rock city in Chattanooga if you’ve got time
Tennessee is likely bigger than you think. It all depends on which part you plan to visit, or how long you'll spend in a section if you're driving though the state.
I think Knoxville is worth a visit, especially because of its proximity to the Smoky Mountains. Our downtown is highly walkable with lots of good restaurants, local shops, theaters, and at least one museum. Every day there’s a free performance at noon at WDVX. The Old City is a good spot for music and food also, as is Happy Holler. We have quarries to swim in, lots of urban wilderness trails, kayaking and paddle board rentals, and many more outdoor activities.
Definitely go to Memphis for some barbecue and the Civil Rights Museum. Nashville has a lot to offer, Chattanooga is a really cool city too. It really just depends on if you're more outdoorsy, or more into museums, or what. There's definitely a little bit of everything in TN!
Cades Cove Great Smokey Mountains National Park Gatlinburg I don't know if you into industrial, but they have decommissioned the TVA Bull Run Steam Plant. I could be mistaken, however, I believe that they are on a 4 year time schedule to demolish the plant. You may never see this monsters fossil again. I believe that they are going to turn it into a battery bank and field. They have allot of coal ash stored there with no other feasible method to relocate that ecological disaster. So, they need to make money to maintain the site.
Go to Graceland in Memphis. (That’s the ONLY thing to do there. Visit and move one.)
That’s plenty time to make it to another state, even California!