20 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee, According to Locals

Here’s a snapshot of Tennessee’s best.

Nashville

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Theres no doubt that Music City should top the list.

First-timers have to go honky-tonking on Broadway."

Dawn in the Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA.

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says Dabney, who recommendsRoberts Western Worldfor cold beers, fried bologna sandwiches, and country music.

Between food stops, get your steps in at the 132-acre Centennial Park and theTennessee State Museum.

Keep your eyes peeled for bluegrass performances, and dont forget to bring your hiking boots.

A person on the scooter going down a street past historic buildings in Nashville, Tennessee

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If you stick around, there are trails, climbing crags, and waterfalls to explore, too.

Its also the location ofDollywoods HeartSong Lodge & Resort, a 302-room lodge that opened in 2023.

Chattanooga

Of all the river cities in the South, Chattanooga is one of the best.

Concert in a cave at The Caverns

Kat Brown

The city’s creative side can be found in many areas, but she recommends starting atThe Memphian Hotel.

To me, The Memphian embodies so many aspects of Memphis in the most inspired, welcoming way … Dabney recommends parking and walking around Market Square and the Old City.

“Theres a great farmers market on Saturdays in the warmer months thats a must-visit, she says.

Pigeon forging mill in a small waterfall, The Pigeon Forge Mill, commonly called the Old Mill

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Like many places in the state, it has a relationship with music.

Ocoee River

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The Ocoee River is King’s favorite area in Tennessee.

you could whitewater raft, kayak, hike, camp, [and] bike, she says.

Swimming pool with view of mountains at Blackberry Mountain

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Flowing northwestward through the Appalachian Mountains, the river is easily accessed from Chattanooga.

Covering about 30,000 acres, its one of the largest state parks in Tennessee.

Nothing beats walking down this picture-perfect Main Street on a beautiful day.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA at night on the river.

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Cummins Falls State Park

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Willson saysCummins Fallsis the ideal short summer hike.

Book a room atRT Lodge, a charming lodge tucked away behind Maryville College.

My favorite hike in the Smokies is Indian Flat Falls, says Dabney.

Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee

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Gatlinburg

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Gatlinburg maintains the title of gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

There are three park entrances right in town, so it’s likely your hiking trip will start here.

Bristol

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Bristol, Tennessee, is the twin city of Bristol, Virginia.

An Elvis fan views Presley memorabilia in the racquetball building at Graceland

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There are more than 280 species of birds to look out for.

and once used as a ceremonial gathering place by Native Americans.

Photo of colorful restaurants, bars and businesses on Market Square in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.

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Leipers Fork Historic District, Hillsboro United Methodist Church.

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Greeter Falls in South Cumberland State Park falls over a 60 foot high ledge in southern Tennessee

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Group of rafters on Ocoee River in Tennessee

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Cane creek falls & rockhouse falls at Fall creek falls state park Tennessee during early spring

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Franklin is a city in, and the county seat of, Williamson County, Tennessee, United States.

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Cummins Falls State Park is an idyllic, day-use park located nine miles north of Cookeville on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River on the Eastern Highland Rim.