Tennessee Travel Guide

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Tennessee

Tennessee is one of a kind. Experience the allure of our music, beauty, family adventure and history.

Find it by losing yourself in the breath-taking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, where the fog’s so thick you can’t tell where the world ends and heaven begins. A place, where you can conquer the Appalachian Trails in the morning, then plummet back down to earth in the afternoon with ride after ride at Dollywood.

Discover the grandeur of the mighty Mississippi River rolling through the land of the blues, rock and soul in Memphis. Or, experience the relaxation of driving through the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee with the top down, stopping to soak in our storied history.

Our music is America’s soundtrack. It’s the foot-tapping, head-bobbing, soul-saving kind. You’ll hear it in the lyrics and melodies found in the home and birthplace of country, blues, rock ‘n’ roll, soul and everything in between. From the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to Beale Street in Memphis to bluegrass jams on the porches of Bristol. Tennessee is where it all began and never stopped.

It’s that magic you can only taste in every sip of oak-barrel-aged Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, and each bite of “I’ve-died-and-gone-to-heaven” Southern cooking. It’s that creative spirit America was built on, crafted by artists, visionaries and pioneers.

Close your eyes and feel it – it’s uniquely Tennessee. Come visit. Let it touch you. It’s a holiday that can only be Made in Tennessee.

Memphis
Home of the Blues, Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll

Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee.

Immerse yourself in the world of Memphis; the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll and Home of the Blues, the magic of Memphis provides an array of attractions, back-alley barbecue joints, neon nightlife and world-famous music. Filled with attractions, galleries, museums and events throughout the year alongside a memorable food culture, Memphis is the place to sample Southern living at its best. 

Visit the Blues Music Hall of Fame or take a tour of one of the Recording Studios such as Sun Studio where icons such as Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash recorded their music.  

Experience the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and discover first-hand and discover how Elvis Presley became the most celebrated entertainer in the world.  Enjoy an audio-guided tour of Graceland Mansion. 

A date for Memphis is 8th January so mark your calendar and celebrate the 80th birthday of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, Elvis Presley; one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, Memphis will celebrate in style.

Memphis is also a place to enjoy a healthier lifestyle with bicycle lanes, trails and walks, visit quaint neighbourhoods and walk across the Harahan Bridge which spans the Mississippi River.

Elvis Presley's Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.

Nashville

There are few cities in the world where the mere mention of the name conjures up vivid images. Nashville is one of those places.

Music is the heart of Nashville. Long recognised as the world’s capital of country music, Music City also boasts sounds of pop, rock, gospel, bluegrass, jazz, classical, contemporary Christian, blues and soul. With more than 150 live music venues, there is something for everyone.

Music is the heart of Nashville. Whether you listen to rock, country, bluegrass, jazz, hip-hop, folk or classical – Music City has it all, every day and every night. With more than 150 live music venues in Nashville, you’re sure to find a sound that suits you.

Founded in 1925, the Grand Old Opry is home to some of country music’s most popular stars. The Opry continues to attract hundreds of thousands of fans each year to shows every year. 

Downtown Nashville is also home to honky tonks and two museums that examine the lives and careers of two of country music’s icons, the Johnny Cash Museum and the George Jones Museum.

Downtown Nashville skyline at night.
Garth Brooks performing at Garth's 7 Diamonds Celebration at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, Tennessee.
Nashville
Sunset at The Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Great Smoky Mountains

Tennessee’s beauty is highlighted by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, with over 850-miles of hiking trails, this is America’s MOST VISITED national park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker’s paradise with maintained trails ranging from short leg-stretchers to a strenuous trek where you can camp too. But hiking is not the only reason to visit the Smokies. Camping, fishing, picnicking and wildlife viewing are all popular activities. You can also take a scenic drive to some great photo spots or if you’re a biker there are motorbike hire facilities in the Smokies too.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is home to Tennessee’s most visited ticketed attraction, the Dollywood theme park, where you get a big dose of the music, food and crafts of the Appalachian Mountains – plus some totally thrilling rides.

Gatlinburg is one of America’s great mountain destinations, with accommodations of every kind, dozens of local restaurants and attractions galore – all settled in the foothills and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Smokies. Gatlinburg prides itself on its walkability amidst mountain heritage and the arts, crafts and shops that reflect that tradition.

Dollywood Palace Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.