Tennessee

Tennessee offers a temperate year-round climate and a wealth of outdoor recreation, particularly in the area surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the state’s southeast corner. Music takes center stage in Nashville, with its wealth of downtown spots for live music, Country Music Hall of Fame and the legendary Ryman Auditorium. Head to Memphis’ Beale Street for more great live music. The city along the Mississippi River is also home to Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley and Sun Studios, where Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis got their start.

Neon signs lining street along Broadway Nashville, Tennessee (photo by iStock)

No visit to Tennessee’s capital city is complete without an evening exploring its famous street filled packed with live music, great food and more. 

Third-floor gallery at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee (photo by Diana Carniato Photography; Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

Learn about the legends of the genre at this Nashville, Tennessee, attraction where names like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks are honored.

Person walking over illuminated suspension bridge at sunset at Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park (photo courtesy of Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park)

This attraction in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, sits on 70 acres and boasts opportunities for dining and shopping, a mountain coaster and a treetop walk.

Three eagles on branches at Reelfoot Lake in Tiptonville, Tennessee (photo by David Haggard)

Known as “Quake Lake,” this unassuming, 15,000-surface-acre lake has in Tiptonville Tennessee, offers great opportunities for eagle watching. 

Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee (photo courtesy of Jack Daniel's)

Explore the birthplace of one of the world’s most well-known whiskey brands in Lynchburg, Tennessee, and learn how the famous spirit is made. 

Visitors at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee (photo by David Meany)

Walk in the footsteps of Elvis and many other greats at this Memphis, Tennessee, recording studio where music is still made today. 

Families at the duck parade at The Peabody hotel in Memphis, Tennessee (photo courtesy of Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau)

This legendary hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, rolls out the red carpet each morning for a marching parade of ducks. 

The Elephant Discovery Center in Hohenwald Tennessee (courtesy of The Elephant Sanctuary)

This destination in Hohenwald, Tennessee, provides an engaging, hands-on learning experience for kids and grownups.

Holiday decorations at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge Tennessee (photo by Curtis Hilbun/Dollywood)

Country music singer and actress Dolly Parton’s theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, shines during the holidays with over 5 million lights. 

Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tennessee (photo courtesy of destination)

This attraction in Union City, Tennessee, is part science center, part natural history museum and part regional culture and art showplace