4 Star Places To Visit in Tennessee, United States (50)
4.5Graceland(19.9k reviews) - We were somewhat disappointed with the professionalism of the staff Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Graceland mansion, Elvis Presley’s home, offers a glimpse into the life of the one and only King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Take a peek at Elvis’ collection of custom jets and don’t miss the Elvis Presley’s Memphis—an exhibit complex which includes an automobile museum and the world’s largest and most comprehensive Elvis museum. You can pick up an interactive audio and video guide for a self-guided tour of Graceland at your own pace. Don’t forget to visit the variety of themed diners and bars in the area to complete your Graceland experience. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Dollywood(18.4k reviews) - Smoky Mountain Christmas Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks
Dollywood, recognized as one of the world’s best theme parks, is known for its award-winning shows, rides and special events. Each season is celebrated with an outstanding festival, and in 2019, Dollywood opens Wildwood Grove, an impressive new area which features 11 thrilling attractions for families to enjoy. Entertainers and artists from around the world visit Dollywood each spring during Festival of Nations. Barbeque & Bluegrass carries the park toward summer with mouth-watering meals and free celebrity concerts throughout the park. Dollywood’s Summer Celebration means extended park hours and nightly fireworks. Fall brings glowing pumpkins, the sweet sounds of gospel music and amazing crafts during Dollywood’s Harvest Festival. Smoky Mountain Christmas during November and December is a must-see with more than five million sparkling lights, and delightful holiday shows, including Christmas in the Smokies, transform the park into a winter wonderland. Visit Dollywood.comSee more..
4.5Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum(15.1k reviews)from $27.95 - Eat Before You Go! Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is the home of this popular American art form, safeguarding over 2.5 million artifacts, with two expansive floors of gallery space featuring permanent- and limited- engagement exhibits. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is also home to Historic RCA Studio B and Hatch Show Print. It offers three dining and four retail options, all open to the public. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.See more..
4.5Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies(15.0k reviews) - Very Informative & Interesting Saturday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Aquariums
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, TN, is literally teeming with life - over 10,000 exotic sea creatures in 350 individual species. There are more fish in this aquarium than there are people living in the entire town of Gatlinburg!See more..
4.5Ole Smoky(13.9k reviews) - Rise and Shine! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Distilleries
Ole Smoky is the first federally licensed moonshine distillery in the state of Tennessee. A visit to Ole Smoky is the true moonshine experience. As you approach the entrance, you can detect the distinct smell of our grains cooking and fermenting. You'll see authentic working moonshine stills and experience the process from beginning to end. Our distillers will take the time to visit with you and answer any questions about the history and lore of moonshining in East Tennessee.After you see, smell and hear about the process, we offer tastings of our Award winning shine! Samples of our Original Unaged Corn Whiskey, White Lightnin' and Moonshine Cherries as well as Apple Pie and Blackberry flavors - plus we offer seasonal and special flavors that aren't available in package stores. And of course, you'll be able to buy plenty of moonshine and Ole Smoky merchandise to take home with you.See more..
4.5Ryman Auditorium(13.7k reviews)from $35.52 - Great Historic Performance Venue Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Theaters
When you walk through the doors of historic Ryman Auditorium, one thing becomes clear right away: this isn’t just another nightly music venue, and it’s so much more than a daytime tourist stop. This place is hallowed ground. This is the exact spot where bluegrass was born—where Johnny Cash met June Carter, where souls were saved and a slice of history was nearly lost. It was right here that country music found an audience beyond its own back porch, and countless careers took off as deals were signed on napkins and paper scraps backstage. Open daily for tours and shows, right in the heart of Music City.See more..
4.5Grand Ole Opry(13.6k reviews)from $57.70 - Must-do in Nashville Spent 1-2 hours Theaters
The Grand Ole Opry is an iconic live performance show that made country music famous. As Nashville's number one attraction, it is a must-see for anyone who truly wants to experience Music City. Starting off as a radio broadcast in 1925, each daily show today is a unique mix of legendary music superstars and rising talents performing music or staging comedic shows and skits. Take a daytime tour of the theatre to walk in the footsteps of these stars and see what goes on behind the scenes. You can also upgrade your tickets to include guided post-show backstage passes and artist visits. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5The Island in Pigeon Forge(12.1k reviews) - Grab a rocking chair and watch the show! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a 23-acre entertainment destination offering families affordable fun, both night and day. As one of the newest, most unique shopping, dining and entertainment complexes in Pigeon Forge, The Island offers fun for all ages and occasions, whether you're on a family vacation, a day trip with friends or your honeymoon. The Island is home to Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville restaurant, the Margaritaville Island Hotel, Paula Deen's Family Kitchen, and many more must-see attractions in Pigeon Forge. Showcased by The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot-high observation wheel, and a multi-million dollar show fountain programed to perform to light and sound, The Island in Pigeon Forge is a must-stop on your next trip to East Tennessee!See more..
4.5Sun Studio(12.0k reviews) - Standing in the Footsteps of Legends Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:15 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
Sun Studio - The place where an 18 year old Elvis Presley recorded his first song. It’s well-known in the music industry as "The Birthplace of Rock 'N' Roll" and the most famous recording studio in the world. Opened by rock pioneer Sam Phillips in 1950, this national Historic Landmark is where superstar musicians like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and countless others started their recording careers. Today, Sun Studio still serves as a recording studio in the evenings while hosting public tours during the daytime hours.See more..
4.5Titanic Museum Attraction(10.8k reviews)from $39.11 - Worth the visit Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
Nestled inside a giant ship-shaped building, the Titanic Museum tells the story of the RMS Titanic’s fatal maiden voyage in 1912. Upon arrival, receive a boarding pass—of an actual crew member or passenger who was onboard the ship—from a costumed staff member; and discover his or her fate at the end of your visit. Here, you can take a photo on the Grand Staircase, explore the galleries, sit in a lifeboat, touch an iceberg, and view over 400 actual historic artifacts recovered from the ship. Don’t leave without seeing the world’s largest LEGO Titanic replica, which is built to scale using 56,000 bricks. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Downtown Nashville(10.1k reviews)from $19.50 - Metroplis Parking Lots should be illegal Saturday: Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods
As the home of country music, Downtown Nashville is a place of significant musical history. Here, you can visit one of the city’s famous honky tonks and dance late into the night, or eat at its wide selection of restaurants and street food joints. There are a bunch of cool boutique hotels, so don't worry about those late-night journeys back from the bar. Learn more about the area's history at museums like the Tennessee State Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame, or join a bus or walking tour to see the city's main sights through the steps of famous stars. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.0Beale Street(8.750 reviews)from $8.00 - Best Visit Yet Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Also known as the "Home of the Blues," Beale Street is a must-visit spot for anyone who loves live music and great food. Start your evening at sunset, for awesome views over the Mississippi River, then take a walk down Beale Street to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, colorful neon lights, and historic buildings. Join a guided tour to learn about the history of blues and explore the best bars and music clubs in the area. For a unique experience, visit on Bike Night, when the street comes alive with hundreds of motorcycles rumbling down the street—check the schedule for timings before you go. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.0Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area(8.280 reviews) - Come away from the crowds and enjoy! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Trams • Amusement & Theme Parks • Ski & Snowboard Areas
From downtown Gatlinburg, hop on to the 120 passenger aerial tramway for a ride to this ski area with a 600-foot vertical drop, nine beautiful trails and an amusement park complete with indoor ice skating, wildlife encounter, Alpine Slide, water rides and more.See more..
History and hospitality...two words that have been at the foundation of Belle Meade for over 200 years. In the 1800s, Belle Meade was one of the largest and wealthiest private estates in Nashville, raising the nation's finest thoroughbred race horses. Having hosted celebrities, presidents, generals, and a wealth of revered turfmen, Belle Meade became Nashville's first attraction. Located just seven miles west of downtown Nashville, today this sanctuary of Southern hospitality offers Guided Tours, Food and Wine Pairings, Bourbon Tastings, Segway Tours, outstanding Gift Shops, Nashville's first Winery, an on-site Restaurant, an Outdoor Game Court, and some of the most beautiful Grounds in Nashville.See more..
4.0Ruby Falls(7.160 reviews) - Great long hike. Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Caverns & Caves • Waterfalls
ADVENTURE AWAITS! Ruby Falls is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. Take a guided Classic Waterfall Tour, Lantern Tour or Extended Cavern Experience Tour along the scenic cavern trail to the breathtaking waterfall. See ancient geological formations, millions of years in the making, and learn about the cave's storied history. Enjoy extensive views of the Tennessee Valley, Cumberland Plateau and the Tennessee River from scenic overlooks and Lookout Mountain Tower. There is always something new to discover at this national treasure! Tours fill quickly, purchase tickets in advance online for best availability.See more..
4.5The Johnny Cash Museum(7.036 reviews) - Perfect Place for Music Fans Saturday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
Ranked as the number one music museum in the world by Forbes and National Geographic Traveler, the Johnny Cash Museum holds one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in the world. Located in the heart of downtown Nashville at 119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, the museum allows you to look back to the legendary life of the Man in Black. Here you will find performance costumes, handwritten lyrics, a wall filled with Cash’s gold and platinum records, and so much more. Officially endorsed by the Cash estate, the museum is one of only six attractions in Nashville to receive the coveted AAA Gem rating.See more..
This aquarium has two buildings: River Journey, which showcases freshwater habitats from around the globe, and Ocean Journey, where travelers can view magnificent sea creatures. We recommend spending at least three hours at the aquarium as there are over 10,000 animals here. The little ones will especially love the cute macaroni penguins and mesmerizing sea jellies. Weekends are the busiest, so consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter and more intimate experience. There’s timed entry to the aquarium, so plan ahead when booking your tickets. And don’t forget to make use of the city’s free shuttle to get there. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Gatlinburg SkyLift Park(6.995 reviews) - Wonderful time Saturday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Lookouts • Observation Decks & Towers
Home of North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge: Gatlinburg SkyBridge. At the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, guests will experience the best views of the beautiful Smoky Mountains and the town of Gatlinburg. Come relax and enjoy the views!See more..
4.0The Peabody Ducks(6.326 reviews) - Best tour in Memphis Saturday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Located in Downtown Memphis, the historic luxury hotel, The Peabody Memphis, is probably best known for the Peabody Ducks. The custom first started in the 1930s as a joke by the Peabody’s General Manager, but the mallard ducks grew so popular that they became a permanent fixture, and have even been featured on television and magazines. Each morning, visitors can watch as the ducks march across a red carpet to the hotel fountain before heading back to their rooftop “Royal Duck Palace." For a truly immersive experience, you can reserve the family package for additional perks and exclusive memorabilia. – TripadvisorSee more..
Nashville's Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center has earned an international reputation for its service and amenities but is equally well known for its nine acres of lavish indoor gardens. Boasting 50,000 tropical plants, rare international blooms and romantic Southern species, the horticultural displays at Gaylord Opryland are among the most exquisite in the world. Meticulously selected and lovingly maintained by a staff of 20 full-time interior horticulturists, the landscaping is a colorful, year-round paradise tucked inside this amazing resort. Each of the gardens is housed under one of the hotel's soaring atriums, creating a series of breathtaking horticultural wonderlands. An elaborate climate-control system keeps the temperature at 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Relative humidity stays around 55 percent most of the time. There is also an air exchange system to ensure air in the atriums does not become stale. The system exchanges air four times in a 24-hour period. The Garden Conservatory features a collection of 10,000 tropical plants, representing more than 215 species. Towering palms and banana trees rise 60 feet above the atrium floor. In all, there are 37 different families of trees represented, including ficus, banana trees, palms and a sampling of miniature orange trees. In August 1982, months before opening, a staff of 10 began landscaping the Garden Conservatory, which was at that time one of the largest facilities of its kind in a single, glass-topped room in the world. Many of the taller plants were put in place before construction was completed, in advance of installing the thousands of flowers that add color and texture to the majestic space. It took staff 3 months to install the gardens of the Garden Conservatory Atrium. A precise drip-irrigation system was developed that allows many plants to be watered slowly over the course of several hours. The soil is a special mixture of pine, peat and cypress bark solelite developed specifi...See more..
4.5Andrew Jackson's Hermitage(5.785 reviews) - A must see destination Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson, is one of the largest and most visited presidential homes in the United States, and recently named the #1 historic house in Tennessee. Today, The Hermitage is a 1,120-acre National Historic Landmark with over 30 historic buildings, that welcomes some 200,000 annual visitors, including 30,000 schoolchildren, from all 50 states and many foreign countries. Visit Andrew Jackson's Hermitage to witness "The Duel: The Art of the Southern Gentleman." This 30-minute visitor experience will answer questions about dueling followed by an ACTUAL demonstration by our historic re-enactors. “The Duel” takes place every Thursday through Sunday throughout the day, free with paid admission.See more..
4.5Cades Cove(5.510 reviews) - Peaceful Nature & Wildlife Areas
A scenic valley filled with remnants of the old American pioneers.See more..
4.5Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster(5.321 reviews) - Kids Favorite Attraction Saturday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent < 1 hour Amusement & Theme Parks
Come Ride the Hill and Feel the Thrill! The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is the LONGEST DOWNHILL TRACK IN THE UNITED STATES, with over 1 mile of track and the ORIGINAL ALPINE COASTER in the Smokies! So if you are looking for an unforgettable experience on your vacation here in the Great Smoky Mountains, this is a must do! The carts are designed to carry one or two visitors in comfort but can be handled easily by one alone. The riders are in control of the velocity (up to 27 mph) and this gives them a unique hands-on experience! Rain, we have rain shields, snow or sunshine, no problem, as the excellent braking effect is unchanged so you can ride year-round! Age restrictions, weight restrictions may apply, parents may need to ride with small children. Our track has colored LED lights so you can experience our awesome Night Rides! The great "Uber Ride" is HERE!See more..
4.5Nashville Parthenon(4.854 reviews) - This is a WOW, the best thing to do in Nashville.. visit here, it is amazing! Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Art Museums
Standing as the centerpiece in Nashville's Centennial Park, the Parthenon is a full scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. Come inside to see the 42-foot gilded sculpture of Athena, the permanent display of American paintings from the Cowan Collection, the history of the Nashville Parthenon dating back to the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, and a variety of temporary shows and exhibitions! The entrance is located on the ground level of the East side of the building.See more..
4.5Lookout Mountain(4.329 reviews) - Breathtaking ride to Rock City Mountains • Lookouts
This mountain ridge is home to three scenic attractions: Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Incline Railway. Ruby Falls is the country’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall at 260 feet, while Rock City is where you can supposedly see seven states at the iconic Lover’s Leap. Then, brace yourself as you hop on the Incline Railway—the steepest passenger railway in the world. We recommend you spend at least 4 hours at Lookout Mountain to experience the highlights. Each attraction is priced separately and tickets sell out fast, so book early to secure your spot. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5RCA Studio B(3.696 reviews)from $49.95 - Excellent Tour Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
Historic RCA Studio B--once the recording home of popular music titans such as Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Eddy Arnold, and The Everly Brothers--is both a classroom for Nashville area students and a popular cultural attraction. First made available to Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum visitors in 1977, RCA Studio B was donated to the Museum in 1992. Studio B tours are available as part of the Museum's platinum ticket package, which also includes Museum admission and audio tour, and depart from the Museum hourly between 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. daily. Transportation provided.See more..
4.5Memphis Zoo(3.617 reviews) - I love Memphis Zoo Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zoos
YaYa, a female Giant Panda that calls the Memphis Zoo home, enjoys a sunny day.See more..
4.5Goats on the Roof(3.026 reviews) - What a hoot Saturday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Shopping Malls
Goats On The Roof Of The Smokies is a unique Pigeon Forge attraction for the whole family.Feed our goats, buy the T-shirt or mine for precious stones.See more..
4.5Market Square(2.968 reviews) - Very pleasant area! Points of Interest & Landmarks
This great area, in downtown Knoxville, offers great shopping and many places to dine. The grounds are lovely, well kept, and pedestrian only. It is a great place to just stroll. We were lucky enough to visit the weekend of the Chalk Walk. Many artists came out to create their masterpieces for all to enjoy. That was a very pleasant surprise! This square is quite popular for festivals but just as pleasant to stroll around on a lazy afternoon.See more..
One of the finest examples of the Phoenix wrought-iron truss bridges that were build between 1884 and 1923.See more..
4.5Country Tonite Theatre(2.481 reviews)from $43.75 - Amazing Talent from Cast! Faith Family and Freedom! Spent 2-3 hours Theaters
Repeatedly voted the “#1 Show in the Smokies Year after year”! No matter your age, Country Tonite is THE SHOW you’re going to love! Experience this two-hour powerhouse production that features the best singers, dancers and musicians in the business. There is a variety of performances, not just country! You'll enjoy sidesplitting comedy acts, youth performers, bluegrass and moving gospel and patriotic songs that pay tribute to the veterans serving our great country every single day. More songs, more talent, more energy, and more fun. More memories for you and your family. With all this and Country Tonite being the most award winning show in the Smokies, it’s not hard to see why you just can’t miss this Pigeon Forge show! The 1,500 seat multi-million dollar theatre is located on the parkway in Pigeon Forge and is a equipped with state-of the art sound and lighting. Plus there are two giant video screens! .See more..
4.5Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum(2.363 reviews)from $11.00 - Small but a lot of great sound bites Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
Chronicling the artists and the music that shaped the legacy of "Memphis Sound," this museum features the Smithsonian's "Rock 'n' Roll: Social Crossroads" exhibition.See more..
4.5Mountain Valley Winery(2.271 reviews) - Great experience.. very good wine Saturday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards
Mountain Valley Winery started producing wine in 1991 and has since come out with many popular award-winning varieties. With a focus on making French and German style wines along with a great selection of sweet- fruit wines we strive to continually provide excellent choices for our visitors! Located just past the Titanic Museum attraction in Pigeon Forge, Mountain Valley is in the heart of the Smoky Mountain vacation area. Visit us today and see us bottle wine or crush grapes during the months of September – October. Samples are free along with tours of the wine making area! Open: January 1st - March 31stSunday - Thursday 9:00am - 7:00pmFriday - Saturday 9:00am - 8:00pmApril 1st - December 31st7 Days a Week 9:00am - 8:00pmChristmas Eve: Close at 6:00pmThanksgiving Day: Close at 5:00pmSee more..
4.5Centennial Park(2.169 reviews) - Well maintained city park Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Jogging Paths & Tracks
This downtown park has jogging paths, grassy spots for picnics and a small lake for paddle boating.See more..
4.5Stax Museum of American Soul Music(2.139 reviews) - A quick add to any Memphis Trip Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Educational sites
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, is a 17,000 square-foot museum offering interactive exhibits, videos, vintage musical instruments used to create the Stax sound, stage costumes, photographs, records, and approximately 3,000 other items of memorabilia that tell the unique story, from beginning to present, of American soul music, particularly that of Stax Records and the Memphis Sound.Artists highlighted include Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, the Staple Singers, the Bar-Kays, Booker T. & the MGs, Johnnie Taylor, Little Milton, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Ike & Tina Turner, James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and hundreds of others. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have special safety precautions in place, such as mandatory mask-wearing for all employees and guests, social distancing, no large groups, and, for now, cashless transactions only.See more..
4.5Rockin' Raceway Arcade(2.054 reviews) - Chris has amazing customer service skills! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM Amusement & Theme Parks
From kart racing on the fastest slick track in The Smokies to bouncing through more than 150 games of every type, there’s plenty of excitement at Rockin’ Raceway! Check us out online to take advantage of our great deals on our Go-Karts and play cards! We have a deal for everyone!See more..
This new arena is home to sporting events including Nashville Predators hockey and concerts.See more..
4.5Raccoon Mountain Caverns(1.906 reviews) - Great tour for the whole family! Saturday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Caverns & Caves
Raccoon Mountain Caverns is located just 1.3 miles off of I-24 at the Lookout Valley exit (#174), and is less than ten minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Visitors are presented with a cave in its natural state and our 45-minute ( /-) Crystal Palace Walking Tour allows them to view thousands of diverse formations - stalagtites, stalagmites, delicate soda straws, flowstone, rimstone pools, draperies, columns, natural bridges, and a rare shield formation. We also offer a variety of wild cave "spelunking" expeditions for those who want to view beyond the lighted pathways and explore deeper into the mountain. Our Waterfall Dome expedition permits visitors to view the areas tallest underground, natural (unassisted) flowing waterfall.See more..
Nice driving tour of a small portion of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Not far from Gatlinburg. Pick up an information brochure for $1 at the start. A dozen stops along the route including scenic views and historical pioneer sites. Best to go early in the morning after sunrise or in the hour or 2 before sunset to avoid crowds and for wildlife spotting. Good opportunity to see black bears along here. A saw 3 different bears from my car including briefly a mother bear and her cub. Could spend an hour doing the drive but a hike to Grotto Falls from the trailhead on the tour is well worth the time and effort but will add to the time you will need. See more..
4.5Carnton(1.719 reviews) - Best tour Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Battlefields
Carnton was built around 1826 by Randal McGavock, an early settler in Middle Tennessee. By the time of the Civil War, Carnton was home to John and Carrie McGavock and it was a large working farm. Over forty enslaved people lived and worked at Carnton in the years leading up to the Civil War. On November 30, 1864, the site was witness to the Battle of Franklin. Carnton became the largest field hospital in the area following the terrible battle, and in 1866 the McGavock Confederate Cemetery was established nearby. Today the cemetery holds the remains of nearly 1,500 Southern soldiers. The family and enslaved cemeteries are also on site. Sixty minutes Classic house tours are offered as well as Extended, Slavery, Battlefield, and Behind the Scenes tours.See more..
4.5Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum(1.617 reviews) - Terrific Halloween Activity Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Children's Museums • History Museums
As you embark on this nostalgic train ride, you'll discover beautifully restored vintage locomotives and passenger cars that showcase the craftsmanship of a bygone era. The journey takes you through the picturesque Tennessee countryside, offering breathtaking views and a chance to reflect on simpler times. Within the museum's exhibit building, you'll find an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that bring the history of railroading to life. The knowledgeable staff, dressed in period attire, are eager to share their passion for railroad history, answering questions and providing fascinating insights into the stories behind the exhibits. They'll help transport you to a time when steam engines ruled the rails and connected people from all walks of life. Whether you're a history buff, a train enthusiast, or simply seeking a memorable outing with family or friends, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers an unforgettable journey through time.See more..
4.0Nashville Zoo(1.605 reviews) - Kids playground AWESOME! Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos
Best outdoor adventure in the city! Ride the Soaring Eagle zip line, learn about the Zoo’s history at the Historic Home, and explore immersive animal habitats like you’ve never seen before. Experience the beautiful new Andean bear or Sumatran tiger exhibits. Get up close at Kangaroo Kickabout and Lorikeet Landing. See animals from around the world including spider monkeys, white rhinoceros, Masai giraffe, clouded leopards and much more! Check out the daily schedule of activities to ensure you do not miss out on amazing events. Witness a River Tank Feeding and attend Keeper Talks on several topics, including the Red River Hog, Cougars, and the Africa Field. Watch animal shows and go on tours to keep the adventure going.See more..
4.5Laurel Falls(1.571 reviews) - A family friendly hike Spent 2-3 hours Waterfalls
This was an easy hike for a family. The whole trail is paved. We went on a Wednesday before 10 which made it less people filled. When we drove past it on Friday, there were a ton of cars. You can go beyond the falls, which is pretty but we didn’t see much else.See more..
4.5Downtown Franklin(1.456 reviews) - Be sure to get out of Nashville for a day and checkout Franklin! Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas
Located just a straight shot south from downtown Nashville, quaint downtown Franklin is the perfect sleepy Southern town. Visitors can easily spend a day browsing antique shops and boutiques and dining at one of its many ecelctic restaurants. Downtown Franklin offers an eclectic mix of antique shops, gift and book stores, art galleries and clothing boutiques. Franklin hosts several festivals each year.See more..
4.5Cheekwood(1.422 reviews) - Cheekwood Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Gardens • Art Museums
Experience Cheekwood, the 55-acre estate built by the Maxwell House Coffee fortune in Nashville, Tennessee, and one of the finest examples of an American Country Place Era Estate in the United States. The Botanical Garden is a spectacular showcase of color and horticultural diversity with eleven specialty display gardens and stunning natural landscape. The Museum of Art has collections of Painting, Sculpture and Decorative Arts. Visitors can enjoy year-round family-friendly activities with four distinct festivals held during the year. From Cheekwood in Bloom with more than 100,000 tulips in the Spring, to a children’s wonderland of Christmas trees, Trains, Santa, live reindeer, and more during Holiday LIGHTS, Cheekwood celebrates the seasons in style with something for everyone!See more..
4.5Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing(1.409 reviews) - Big Group Experience Temporarily closed - Closed until May 20, 2023 Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
OPEN: May - Labor Day Smoky Mountain River Rat has offered Tubing adventures on the Little River since 1995! River Rat is the closest and highest-rated Tubing Outpost to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Knoxville in the Peaceful Side of The Smokies. Tube once or all day long down two tubing routes. Riverside Cabana Rentals also available. Ages include 3 years old. Open 7 days (May-Labor Day). **Reservations Required Before Arrival** Want more PADDLE, SPLASH & PLAY? Our River Rat Whitewater Rafting Outpost offers unforgettable guided expeditions for the whole family - from Extreme to Serene. Our adventures are on the Pigeon River in Hartford, TN - near Gatlinburg and conveniently located off I-40 at the TN/NC border. We are the closest rafting outpost to Gatlinburg, Knoxville and Pigeon Forge. The most fun you will ever have on the water awaits you on the Pigeon River. All experience levels welcome!See more..
Welcome to the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo & Deer Farm Riding Stables. You’re going to love our unique barnyard environment, nestled on 143 acres of a beautiful mountain property. Bring the family to meet, pet and feed our friendly animals, including goats, deer, camels, elk, reindeer, emu, zebra, exotic cattle, watusi, zonkeys, and so much more! You can even walk amongst our tame fallow deer. After the zoo, the little ones can enjoy a ride on one of our gentle ponies, led by Mom or Dad. Or, the whole family can take a relaxing horseback ride through our wooded Smoky Mountain home, led by our courteous and experienced guides. We hope to see you soon!See more..
4.5Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook(1.376 reviews) - For The Best Views Of Gatlinburg Spent < 1 hour Lookouts • Scenic Drives
The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook offers breathtaking views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. The Gatlinburg Overlook is located on the Gatlinburg Bypass which runs between the Gatlinburg Spur and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Gatlinburg Spur runs between Pigeon Forge TN and Gatlinburg. The Bypass is accessible from the Spur or from the National Park. There are four parking areas on the Bypass. You can exit your vehicle and take in the views. We recommend the 2nd and 3rd parking areas. From the overlooks, you will see the entire town of Gatlinburg with its majestic mountain backdrop.See more..
4.0Zoo Knoxville(1.371 reviews) - We love Zoo Knoxville Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos
Fun on the outside and serious about animals on the inside, Zoo Knoxville is committed to giving our guests an unforgettable experience.See more..