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Insider Guide: Top 5 Places to Visit in Tennessee

For a truly, one-of-a-kind traveling experience, you must visit Tennessee. The state offers many activities and attractions for families, couples, and groups. You can hike the Appalachian Trail or visit Elvis Presley’s estate. Take a tour of legendary recording studios or visit a museum for a bit of culture. History is lurking at every corner. Visit landmark sites like the Grand Ole Opry or treat yourself to the most authentic southern cuisine.

If you’re interested in what this amazing state has to offer, we’ve outlined the top five cities you must visit.

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1. Nashville

Why You’ll Like It

Nashville is known as Music City for a reason. And, we aren’t just talking about country music. Artists from all over the nation travel here to record and perform at legendary venues and work with world-renowned artists. Probably the biggest small town you’ll ever visit, Nashville will give you a blend of culture and history with an emphasis on Southern hospitality. You can do almost anything here like shopping, touring historical buildings or taking in some nature. Just be careful. You might bump into a celebrity or two.

You Must Visit

Historic RCA Studio B Tour

Music and history buffs alike will find a tour through Studio B enlightening. It was the place where Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton and other famous names recorded some of their music. It’s an iconic place to visit. Not just because of the talent that came through, but its contribution to the Nashville Sound, a “sophisticated style characterized by background vocals and strings.”

Don’t Forget to Try

Arnold’s Country Kitchen

If you’re interested in eating like a local, you can’t miss a stop at Arnold’s Country Kitchen. Locals love to come here for some of the best tasting Southern food. They are a true “mom and pop” family-business, and their sole focus is delivering the best cuisine! We highly recommend their fried chicken and green beans. If you are fortunate enough to visit in the peach season, you must try their peach pie!

You Can’t Miss

A show at the Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman was built in 1885 for use as a tabernacle. It quickly became THE spot in Nashville for live shows. Harry Houdini once performed at the Ryman, and Charlie Chaplin even made an appearance. Maybe what it’s most famous for is The Grand Ole Opry. The Opry settled at the Ryman for over 30 years. If you’re coming to Nashville, you’ll want to check out their schedule and take in a show.

Visiting Nashville

You can have the ultimate experience visiting Nashville with Sweet Magnolia Tours. We’ve got your Nashville Attraction Passes to some of the venues mentioned here plus more! Be sure to also check out our Nashville Vacation Package. You can prepay for some of your visits and save money in the process.

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2. Chattanooga

Why You’ll Like It

Situated between two mountains and alongside a river, you couldn’t find a more beautiful place to visit than Chattanooga! The activities are diverse. Both the outdoor enthusiast and the culture maven will find something to wow them! If being outdoors is your style there are plenty of trails, caves, and watersports to enjoy. The mountains have quick access lookout points for those who don’t want a full hiking experience but want to enjoy the beauty. You can take in some art, culture, and history while you’re at it.

You Must Visit

The Tennessee Aquarium

A trip to Chattanooga isn’t complete without visiting the Tennessee Aquarium. First-time visitors should plan for about two hours. There is so much to see and do — the time will go by quickly. Pet some stingrays, watch the penguins, or gawk at the beautiful coral reef. Admission gives you access to both the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings and is good for the whole day.

Don’t Forget to Try

Puckett’s Grocery

Puckett’s Grocery got its start in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, just a few miles south of Franklin. It was one of the best places to grab meat ‘n’ three in the area and quickly became popular. Expansion has taken place all over Middle Tennessee with a location in Chattanooga. Let’s first hook you in by telling you that you will have the best Southern-style food and friendly service. Then, seal the deal by telling you they offer live music.

You Can’t Miss

Ruby Falls

As the nation’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public, you will regret not stopping by if you are in Chattanooga. We recommend Ruby Falls for two reasons. First, the spectacular beauty of the waterfall and caves. Second, the view from Lookout Mountain. You can stop by the “Cavern Castle” lookout before or after your cave tour for a gorgeous view of Chattanooga from on top of a mountain.

Visiting Chattanooga

There is no better way to Discover Chattanooga than with the help of Sweet Magnolia Tours. We offer a comprehensive package complete with accommodations and entrance into some of the attractions listed here.

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3. Memphis

Why You’ll Like It

Memphis is celebrating its bicentennial in 2019 and Memphians believe so highly in their city, they’ve listed off 200 reasons why you should visit. Another city in Tennessee influencing music culture, Memphis is commonly known as the “home of the Blues.” Legends like BB King and Otis Redding have recorded music here. Elvis Presley called it home. The city also celebrates diversity with a lot of memorials and museums dedicated to the civil rights movement. You can find just about anything to see or do here, and we’ve made some recommendations.

You Must Visit

Blues Hall of Fame

Since we spoke so highly of the music culture and history, let’s start with the Blues Hall of Fame. Serious music buffs and the casual listener will be swept up in the story the museum tells. Visitors are treated to dynamic exhibits that tell the history of the blues. See unique artwork, rare album covers, costumes, and musical instruments owned by some famous artists.

Don’t Forget to Try

The Pancake Shop

If you want to eat like a local you must try The Pancake Shop. You can dive into a stack of the fluffiest, most delicious pancakes in the south. It’s popular not just for its food but the atmosphere. You can expect a wait for a table on a Saturday or Sunday morning. However, they provide coffee and snacks in their Savory Pantry for those who are willing to wait.

You Can’t Miss

Elvis Presley’s Graceland

It would be a fool’s errand to come to Memphis and not visit Graceland. The property is best known for being the private home of Elvis Presley. After his death, the family sold some of the estate and opened it up to the public. Today, visitors can walk through his home touring the legendary Jungle Room, his father’s office, the Meditation Garden and more. Graceland has preserved much of the home but offers a lot of new attractions for visitors. Click here for more information.

Visiting Memphis

Interested in visiting Memphis? You’ll want to contact Sweet Magnolia Tours first. We have discounts and special pricing for some of the most popular attractions like the Blues Hall of Fame and the Civil Rights Museum. If you’re coming in from Nashville check out our Nashville to Memphis Day Trip.

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4. Pigeon Forge

Why You’ll Like It

Pigeon Forge, TN is unlike any other place you can visit. It is situated in the Great Smoky Mountains giving visitors a view of the masterful mountains at almost every turn. As far as cities go, Pigeon Forge is perfect for both families and couples alike. You have plenty of attractions to choose from such as theme parks and music performances. But couples can seek a romantic getaway by renting a cottage tucked into the mountainside. Whichever way you choose to enjoy it, you’ll be in awe of its beauty.

You Must Visit

Dollywood and Dolly Parton’s Home

It’s hard to meet someone who isn’t familiar with Dolly Parton, but what some people might not know is that she is from the area. Guests can visit her childhood home, and we guarantee you’ll be pretty surprised to find out she grew up without electricity or running water. The house is in front of her theme park, Dollywood. You can stop in for a tour before heading to the park for rides, food, and entertainment.

Don’t Forget to Try

Ole Smoky Moonshine

Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery makes both whiskey and moonshine. It’s one of the first distilleries to pick up a license in East Tennessee. Some of their more popular beverages are the Original Unaged Corn Whiskey and “Apple Pie” moonshine. They have four distilleries that you can visit and sample some of their drinks. We recommend The Holler for an authentic moonshine experience.

You Can’t Miss

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Maybe one of the most popular national parks in the Country, you absolutely must stop by and visit when you come to Pigeon Forge. It gets more visitors than the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite combined. Visit, and you can see elk in their natural habitat, rushing rivers and beautiful waterfalls. Oh, did we mention the mountain tops? There is so much history and beauty in this area you’ll wonder where to start.

Visiting Pigeon Forge, TN

If the Smokies is on your bucket list, look no further than Sweet Magnolia Tours. Our Smoky Mountains Vacation Package and Attraction Pass got you covered.

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5. Knoxville

Why You’ll Like It

Knoxville a multicultural city that offers a lot to tourists. The downtown area is full of shops that are both national chains and locally owned. Anyone who likes an outdoor adventure will have some options as it’s located near the Cumberland Gap and Great Smoky Mountains. UT Knoxville draws in a lot of sports enthusiasts who are fans of college football. You can buy tickets to the game and support the Volunteers.

You Must Visit

Mast General Store

Mast General Store has been a part of downtown Knoxville since 1898. It was once a grocery store before being bought and turned into one of their largest department stores. It transferred around a couple more times until Mast General opened in 2006. You can visit today and shop a collection of women’s, children’s, and men’s clothing, home goods, books, and more.

Don’t Forget to Try

Stock & Barrel

The Stock & Barrel offers farm-to-table burgers and food. The restaurant was created as a quality burger location crafted with fresh, local ingredients. We like this place because it’s the right balance of casual and high-end. You know you’re getting a delicious burger in one of the most stylish venues in town.

You Can’t Miss

Obed Wild and Scenic River Trail

Run by the National Park Service, this trail is a gem! The view is absolutely breathtaking. But what makes it even more special is the absence of crowds. Some visitors might head straight for the Smokey’s, but we say you can’t miss a stop at Obed. Several trail options are available to accommodate different skill levels.

Visiting Tennessee

Tennessee offers so much to see and do, it’s hard to know where to start. Working with Sweet Magnolia Tours, you get insider information and expert guidance to make your trip easier. We’ve been helping people create memories for over twenty years. How do we do it? We personify hospitality. Some of our vacation and tour packages are customizable allowing you to build your own experience. If you want someone to do the planning — we’ve got you! Visit our website to explore all our Tennessee package options.

View Our Tennessee Vacation Packages