Rising high above the Gatlinburg skyline, the Space Needle offers 360-degree views of the city and surrounding Great Smoky Mountains. Soak in the scenery as you ride a glass elevator to the 407-foot (124-metre) high observation deck to take panoramic photos and explore educational exhibits about Gatlinburg history.
The Foothills Parkway stretches for 72 miles (115 kilometers) through Tennessee, but less than a third of it is actually open to the public—only 22.5 miles (36 kilometers) are driveable, and the rest has been under construction since 1944. As expected, the three finished segments have far fewer visitors than other roadways, making the Foothills Parkway a quieter, more relaxed route through Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
If you like shopping, Knoxville’s Market Square is the place to be. This pedestrian-friendly area was developed over several decades in the second half of the 19th century, and is full of boutiques ranging from women’s clothing stores to gift shops. There are also plenty of restaurants, many with outdoor seating for warm summer days, plus a fair few bars and pubs and a kid-friendly wading fountain for summertime play.
One of the most popular historic attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Elkmont Ghost Town gives you a taste of what life was like in the Appalachian Mountains more than a century ago. See how the area transformed from a logging camp to a resort town for Knoxville’s elite, plus visit the fully restored clubhouse and eclectic 20th-century cabins that are still standing today.
The coaster at Goats on the Roof takes riders through the Tennessee forest at 30 mph (50 kmph). But since you’re the one who gets to pull the brake—the carts only fit one or two people—you get to decide your speed. At just a foot or so off the ground, the coaster traces the hillsides, offering fast-paced, up-close views of Smoky Mountain nature you can’t get anywhere else.
Located in the quaint village of Lynnville (population 287) one hour south of Nashville by car, this small-batch distillery (formerly known as Tenn South Distillery) gives visitors behind-the-scenes looks at aged whiskey production. Discover quirky specialties like Peach Pie Moonshine and browse the on-site gift shop featuring spirits and local treats. Expect a warm welcome and complimentary tastings.
Nestled in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains is the Chimney Tops Trail—a hiking trail many visitors like to take on for its panoramic views of the Chimney Tops and Mt. Le Conte. Not suited for beginners, this strenuous trek is well worth the effort it takes to get to the top. You’ll follow uphill stretches, stone steps, and bridges to arrive at a viewing area you won’t soon forget.
One of Chattanooga’s most striking landmarks, the Walnut Street Bridge stretches across the Tennessee River. Easily accessible by foot, this pedestrian bridge connects downtown Chattanooga with the North Shore. Offering sweeping views of the riverfront, Walnut Street Bridge is a favorite city destination for locals and visitors looking for a place to go jogging, ride a bike, or take photographs.
Carving its way through the Great Smoky Mountains, the Newfound Gap might as well be the bold, black line marking the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina. This low mountain pass has a 31-mile (50-kilometer) roadway, making it the highest driveable route through the Smokies. You’ll see the colors of the evergreen spruce trees as you drive through the center of the national park.
Stretching for over 16 miles (25 kilometers) along the Tennessee River, the Chattanooga Riverwalk is the city’s premiere outdoor green space. This paved path offers access to river views, shady benches for picnics, and space for a long run or cycle (bike rental stations are available, too). The Riverwalk also makes it easy to reach Chattanooga attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium and Hunter Museum of American Art on foot.
When the rain or snow hits Gatlinburg, there’s one place to head: Wild Bear Falls Water Park. A heated indoor attraction—though the roof is retractable for warm, sunny days—this splashy locale is fun for the whole family, with mountain-themed thrills, spills, and falls taking over 60,000 square feet (5,600 square meters). Think waterslides, a lazy river, hot tubs, and more.
Once home to large-scale manufacturing plants, the Factory at Franklin is now a popular destination for shopping, art, and dining just outside of Nashville. Stop by for a look at the renovated space, which pays homage to the building’s industrial roots, or make a day of it by grabbing a bite to eat and catching a show at the on-site theater.
A green space on the waterfront in Chattanooga, Coolidge Park is part of the local riverwalk, a 13-mile (21-kilometer) public greenway that winds along the banks of the Tennessee River. In addition to river views, the park offers an interactive water fountain, an antique carousel, and the opportunity to go rock climbing. A popular venue for local concerts and festivals, Coolidge Park is also beloved by locals as a destination for a picnic under the shade of a tree.
An easy trail for any visitor to Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this half-mile (0.8-kilometer) loop takes trekkers along a paved, flat forest walkway with views of towering trees, roaring streams, and historic stone chimneys. This route is ideal for those who want to see the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains up close without tackling the park’s more challenging trails.
Just about 30 minutes away from the Great Smoky Mountains in Sevierville, Tennessee, several hundred feet underground lay the Forbidden Caverns. Although the sparkling rock formations, multiple grottos, and underground stream are enough to impress on their own, there are special lighting effects used to enhance each viewing area, making this spooky underground cave fun for all ages to explore.
The Quiet Walkways in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park get their name for being unusually quiet and less crowded. The 14 hidden-gem trails, marked throughout the park with small brown signs with white lettering, are great for families because of their ease. Most trails lead to a creek or stream with plenty of room to appreciate nature.
Consistently ranked among the top zoos in the United States, the Memphis Zoo is a favorite due to the diversity of its animals, its numerous attractions, and its cherished giant pandas. Home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 different species, the Memphis Zoo is a great place to spend a family-friendly day.
Built as a cinema hall in 1928, the Tennessee Theatre is now a live performance venue. Thanks to excellent staging and lighting technology, it’s among Knoxville’s most popular spots to see a show. It’s also the Official State Theatre of Tennessee and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Just a 15-minute drive from Tennessee’s attraction-packed city of Pigeon Forge, Rainforest Adventures is a fun way to get away from the crowds while staying in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. With more than 130 species of tropical animals across more than two acres (0.8 hectares), this zoo features exhibits, animal encounters, and a gift shop you won’t want to miss.
Located inside the Johnny Cash Museum in downtown Nashville, the Johnny Cash Museum Store features memorabilia and souvenirs dedicated to the legendary musician and his career. The store sells a vast array of guaranteed-authentic collectibles and merchandise officially licensed by Johnny Cash’s estate.
Mingus Mill is a historic grist mill in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was the largest mill in the area when it was built in 1886, serving hundreds of pioneer families. The original family that owned the structure sold it to the national park in the 1930s, though it’s still operational today for demonstration purposes. Nearby, there’s also a small cemetery for the enslaved people who labored under the Mingus family.
In a city filled with large concert venues, it’s the unassuming Bluebird Cafe that best captures Nashville’s true spirit. For more than 40 years, it has showcased some of Music City’s biggest names—including Garth Brooks, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban, and Taylor Swift—alongside the songwriters who made them famous. Visit to see intimate performances, watch country music legends, and discover stars of the future.
The Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre is known for Broadway-style shows, slapstick improv, and artistic talent you might not expect in the remote Smoky Mountains. Set in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and proclaimed a National Historic Treasure, the vaudeville theater combines one-of-a-kind jokes and 19th-century style to keep you laughing all evening.
The former home of Country Music Hall of Famer Barbara Mandrell, Fontanel mansion is a luxe log home in Nashville, Tennessee. The home, nestled in the woods and fronting a vast lawn, comprises 33,000 square feet (10,058 square meters) of living space including more than 20 rooms, 13 baths, five fireplaces, and an indoor shooting range.
A short drive from downtown Knoxville will take you to Ijams Nature Center, a park and education center preserving over 300 acres (121 hectares) of wetlands and woods. Features include a nature center, educational programming, a crag for climbing, a lake for paddling, and over 14 miles (22 kilometers) of trails.
Covering a diverse array of themes, from the natural habitats of the mid-South to chemistry to the modern-day healthcare industry of Memphis, the Museum of Science & History (formerly the Pink Palace Museum) is one of the largest science and history institutions in the region. Even visitors who aren’t big museum buffs go to check out the building itself, a 1920s-era mansion made of pink Georgia marble.
In the wooded hills of Tennessee, near the Great Smoky Mountains, sits the Foxfire Adventure Park with zip lines, rope courses, and a suspension bridge. Participate in adrenaline-fueled activities made for thrill-seeking travelers, including a climbing wall. For young kids, there’s an on-site playground and gem-mining treasure hunt area.
Located in Sevierville, NASCAR SpeedPark Smoky Mountains is an official NASCAR-themed amusement park. Spanning 25 acres (2 hectares), the park offers more than 25 attractions, including rides, go-kart tracks, bumper boats, mini golf, a climbing wall, arcade, and virtual reality games.
Beyond the Lens may be one of Pigeon Forge’s lesser-known attractions, but it certainly is one of the most exciting ones there. With more than 140 interactive, tech-fueled exhibits, including a hunt for Bigfoot, a pop-culture walkthrough, conspiracy theory setups, virtual reality opportunities, and Jurassic Park photo ops, you’re sure to have a fun time with your visit.
The Oaklands Mansion is a plantation home and museum in Murfreesboro, outside of Nashville. Learn about the Maney family, who lived here before and during the Civil War; see the rooms, decorated as they would have been over a century ago; and enjoy the arboretum, lush trails, and heritage gardens.
