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There’s no better city in the world to introduce your kids to the magic of music, and luckily, there are thousands of things to do in Nashville with kids.

Music is the beating heart of Nashville. It runs through its streets like blood through veins, keeping it alive for generation after generation to witness all it has to offer. There’s no better city in the world in which to introduce your kids to the magic of music, and luckily, there are thousands of things to do in Nashville with kids. Going to Nashville for a family vacation is one of those that will stick with them forever. In years to come, they’ll tell their own children about the first time they were introduced to Johnny Cash or Elvis.
<h2>1. Go Backstage at The Grand Ole Opry</h2>
Visiting the Grand Ole Opry isn’t just something you should do if you should go to Nashville. It’s something you should go to Nashville at least once in your life exclusively for. The iconic Nashville venue started as a barn dance in 1925 and grew to become one of the USA's most beloved stages. Its immortal stage has seen the likes of hundreds of artists over the years including Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton. Booking a post-show backstage tour is recommended for any visit. There you'll be able to get photographs taken of you with the stars or simply with the microphones. And who knows, maybe in a couple of decades, the kids will be up there themselves.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1030533" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_1320611861-1-1024x878.jpg" alt="time exposure of full moon over the roof of the Ryman auditorium, former home of the Grand Ole Opry" width="1024" height="878" />


<h2>2. Record Some Demos at the Music City Hall of Fame</h2>
Look, you're going on a vacation in Nashville. To not have some musical souvenir to take home would dang near be criminal! Visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame should be on your Nashville itinerary, whether you're flying solo or with the kids in tow. Even if you're not the biggest fan of country music, there's so much you, and the kids can learn here. There are exhibits, educational programs, and even instrument demonstrations that might inspire mom, dad, or the kids to start to play. After you've spent a couple of hours there, you can then buckle down to record your very own demo. In other words, you'll have no problem finding a gift for grandma and grandpa this Christmas.

[caption id="attachment_1030535" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1030535" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/matthew-lejune-754624-unsplash-1-1024x684.jpg" alt="Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville, United States" width="1024" height="684" /> Photo by Matthew LeJune on Unsplash[/caption]


<h2>3. Create Create Create at the Frist Center For the Visual Arts</h2>
Crazily, the building that's now the Frist Art Museum was originally Nashville's main post office. Its Art Deco-Classic architecture alone is a historical piece of art, but what lies inside is even better. One of the only art museums around that has no permanent exhibition, the rotating exhibitions that arrive here ensure that you'll never see the same thing twice at the Frist. On top of all of this, there are loads of things to occupy the kids. They can get hands-on, creating some art themselves, getting messy somewhere that you don't have to be the one to clean up. The best part of it all is that under 18s can visit for free.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1030536" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_747282937.jpg" alt="Facade of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts" width="1000" height="649" />


<h2>4. Get to Tinkering at the Adventure Science Center</h2>
Sure, music is Nashville's greatest export, but it's also a hub for creativity, knowledge, beauty, and science. The Nashville Adventure Science Center is a small-ish site that is jam-packed with interactive and exhilarating things for the kids to do. One of its highlights and a must for any science lover is the Tinker Lab. Inside the Tinker Lab, kids can let their imaginations run wild with all the tools there for their disposal. Furthermore, anything they wind up making, they can take home. The center also has a yummy Subway on site. Everyone wins!

[caption id="attachment_1030548" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1030548" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_1041603010.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" /> science center[/caption]


<h2>5. See What's Going On at the Musician's Corner</h2>
In Nashville, the streets are alive with the sound of music year-round. However, if you're visiting during the spring or summer, there's hardly a street corner in sight without a guitar and cowboy hat. Wandering around all of the concerts and festivals that are going on can be thrilling. There are food trucks, places to park your butts, and ample photograph opportunities for the family album. Not everything in life has to come at a cost, and free music in Nashville is one of those things that effortlessly proves it.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1030552" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_518799151.jpg" alt="Neon signs on Lower Broadway Area" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>6. Snap Instaworthy Photos at the Murals All Over Town</h2>
On the topic of fun and free things to do in Nashville, how about getting some more snaps for the album you wouldn't be able to get anywhere else? Nashville has a buzzing street art scene that only seems to grow and expand by the year. There are massive, full-wall murals all over town that aren't just colorful and beautiful but provide incredible backdrops for photographs. Whether you want your kids to look like the angels they are (sometimes) or take a selfie next to a monochromatic Beethoven; you can do it all in Nashville.

[caption id="attachment_1030562" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1030562" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/katy-anne-342066-unsplash-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Nashville, TN Mural" width="1024" height="683" /> Photo by Katy Anne on Unsplash[/caption]


<h2>7. Let the Kids Go Climbing in Cumberland Park</h2>
A family vacation isn't a family vacation without at least one trip to the park. That being said, there's nowhere else but Nashville in which you can do that and also see a replica of the Greek Parthenon. There are ample opportunities for the kids to entertain themselves, from sandboxes to rock climbing walls and a splash park as well as stunning views of Music City for mum and dad to enjoy too. If you time it right, you might even see a jazz concert too.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1030563" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_1159006423.jpg" alt="Cumberland Park and cityscape of downtown Nashville" width="1000" height="657" />


<h2>8. Make All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes at Pfunky Griddle</h2>
Restaurants are all well and good, and everybody's gotta eat, but Nashville has a unique café that your kids will love. Each table at the Pfunky Griddle has its own griddle-in-the-middle, so you can cook and watch your breakfast being made right in front of you and add as many toppings as you like. For not even $10 per head, you can eat as many pancakes as you like with any or all toppings. Sure, you could do this at home, but why do that when you can eat pancakes and not have to clean up after? The Pfunky Griddle is the BEST.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1030564" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_246242506.jpg" alt="Delicious fresh homemade blueberry waffles with fresh blueberries and maple syrup" width="1000" height="638" />


<h2>9. Meet the Critters at Nashville Zoo</h2>
With more than 2,750 animals and over 365 species to its name, the Nashville Zoo is always worth the visit. As well as being able to see the animals looked after and taken care of on the land of the historic Grassmere Estate, the zoo has dozens of hands-on activities for kids and adults alike. Animal lovers have the chance to cuddle with goats, feed giant tortoises, pet kangaroos, or hold birds. If the kids still aren't tired out, the zoo also has a jungle gym which is also the biggest community-built playground in the whole country.

[caption id="attachment_1030565" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1030565" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/jacob-brogdon-542485-unsplash-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, Nashville, United States" width="1024" height="683" /> Photo by jacob brogdon on Unsplash[/caption]


<h2>10. Take Your Fur Babies to the Centennial Dog Park</h2>
Our fur babies are just as important as our human ones, without a doubt. Therefore, we're happy to say that Nashville is a hugely dog-friendly city. There are many outdoor spaces and parks across the city that you and your pup can explore. In fact, tons of parks were made just for Fido. Centennial Dog Park is the biggest of the bunch, but there's also Shelby Bottoms, Two Rivers Dog Park, and tons more. Nashville also has dog-friendly stores and breweries where you can take your dog whether they drink Pawsecco or Puppaccinos.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1030567" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_678833413.jpg" alt="Nashville Parthenon" width="1000" height="667" />

The Best Things to do in Nashville With Kids

Memphis is a mecca for rock, soul, and country musicians from around the world. However, this vibrant city offers much more than just world&#x2d;class music.

Memphis, Tennessee, is a mecca for rock, soul and country musicians from around the world. Fantastically, its culture and attractions reflect this rich musical heritage. However, this vibrant city offers much more than just world-class music. From historical sites to natural wonders, vibrant nightclubs to quiet walking tours, this wonderfully diverse city has a little something for everyone. If you're planning a trip to Memphis, be sure to check out these must-see attractions in Memphis.
<h2>1. Tour Graceland</h2>
Memphis was home to the King of Rock 'n' Roll, and no visit would be complete without a visit to his famous home. Booking a tour of Graceland lets you follow in the footsteps of Elvis Presley himself - literally.  Learn about his life and music while seeing the place he called home. The attached exhibition center hosts an ever-changing array of exhibits on pop culture and related subjects.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1029819" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_734340292-2-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Pool room in Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion." width="1024" height="768" />


<h2>2. Sing at Sun Studio</h2>
While you're seeing how Elvis lived, check out Sun Studio. This unassuming brick building is often called the birthplace of rock 'n' roll. Many famous artists got their start there, including the King himself. Today, local artists offer regular tours to educate visitors about the history of the studio as well as recording techniques and other trivia. Best of all, you can even take your turn behind the mike.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1029820" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_746230480-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Sun Studio is the world-famous recording studio located in Memphis" width="1024" height="768" />


<h2>3. Stroll across the Mississippi</h2>
The mighty Mississippi River runs through Nashville, and it is a sight to see. One of the best ways to get a feel for the size of this mighty river is to stroll across the Big River Crossing, a mixed-use biking and walking bridge that connects Memphis to Arkansas. If you prefer to explore the river itself, book a riverboat tour from one of the operators in the area. These lively tours include dining, music, and information about the past and present of this lively city.

[caption id="attachment_1029822" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1029822" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/aidan-formigoni-547537-unsplash-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Sunset over the Mississippi River and Harahan Bridge in Memphis, TN." width="1024" height="683" /> Photo by Aidan Formigoni on Unsplash[/caption]


<h2>4. Explore a man-made cavern</h2>
If you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a more meditative experience, head to the Crystal Shrine Grotto. It may seem a bit morbid at first as this man-made cave in the midst of Memorial Park Cemetery, but no one is buried here. An artist named Dionicio Rodríguez created it and designed it to create a beautiful and peaceful place for visitors to enjoy. Crystal outcroppings, a vivid blue pool, and lifelike cement trees come together to create a surprisingly realistic yet surreal experience.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1029824" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_1288964329-1-1024x738.jpg" alt="Memorial Park Grotto and tomb" width="1024" height="738" />


<h2>5. Visit the Memphis Zoo</h2>
The Memphis Zoo, which sits on 76 acres of land in Overton Park, is home to more than 3,500 animals from over 500 different species. The zoo's 19 exhibits are housed over three zones and include Northwest Passage, Teton Trek, and China, home to the city's two giant pandas. The zoo hosts regular children's activities and special events, including educational activities, tours, and virtual zoo programs.

[caption id="attachment_43772" align="alignnone" width="3500"]<img class="size-full wp-image-43772" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/joshua-j-cotten-HgIu6cX-Yhw-unsplash.jpg" alt="A caracal takes a nap in its cage at the Memphis Zoo." width="3500" height="2333" /> Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash[/caption]


<h2>5. See the skyline from the Memphis Pyramid</h2>
The Memphis Pyramid, also sometimes known as the Great American Pyramid, is a massive glass structure that towers above the surrounding landscape. It was originally built as a sports arena and concert venue, but today its a massive Bass Pro Shop and outdoor-themed hotel. In addition to shopping and dining, you can explore aviaries and aquariums full of live waterfowl and fish, take a turn at the indoor archery and shooting ranges and ride the 28-story elevator to the top for a stunning view of the Memphis skyline.

[caption id="attachment_1029825" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1029825" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/joshua-j-cotten-1642324-unsplash-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="The Bass Pro Pyramid in downtown Memphis, TN." width="1024" height="683" /> Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash[/caption]


<h2>6. See a show on Beale Street</h2>
Memphis thrives thanks to its live music scene, and the best place to go to see a show is the famous Beale Street. This vibrant corridor is home to numerous venues that have a diverse range of music every night. As you stroll along the sidewalk, you may hear everything from exotic world music beats to old-fashioned blues or rocking bluegrass. Even if you don't feel like catching a show, the vintage neon signs and fantastic street performers make this a must-see attraction.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1029826" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_128086493-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Neon signs of famous blues clubs on historical Beale street" width="1024" height="683" />


<h2>7. Celebrate civil rights at the Lorraine Motel</h2>
The Civil Rights Era was a volatile time, filled with both triumph and tragedy. The life of Martin Luther King, Jr., exemplified this. King was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, and the hotel was subsequently turned into a museum about his life and the struggle for equality. The National Civil Rights Museum features an array of exhibits about slavery, sit-ins, and African-American resistance movements during that era and beyond, as well as special events.

[caption id="attachment_43770" align="alignnone" width="2997"]<img class="wp-image-43770 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/third-serving-Fv4Q2k8CFJc-unsplash.jpg" alt="Exterior sign outside the Lorraine Motel" width="2997" height="2394" /> Photo by Third Serving on Unsplash[/caption]


<h2>8. Watch the Peabody duck parade</h2>
One of the quirkiest traditions in Memphis may be the daily Peabody duck parade, held at the luxurious Peabody Hotel. The famous ducks spend their evenings in a luxurious penthouse aviary designed especially for them. Every morning at about 11 AM, they stroll down to the hotel's ornate outdoor fountain. This parade is done with plenty of fanfare, making it a fun event for all ages. Afterward, enjoy a bite to eat at the top-notch French restaurant on the grounds, but don't order duck. It isn't on the menu out of respect to the hotel's most famous residents.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIZHR-MjYcq/" caption="peabodymemphis" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/peabodymemphis/"]


<h2>9. Check out the Pink Palace Family of museums</h2>
The Pink Palace Family of Museums is a group of museums located in and around Memphis, including the Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium in Memphis, Lichterman Nature Center, Mallory-Neely House, Magevney House, and Coon Creek Science Center. The Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium is especially recommended for families and adults alike and features a museum of cultural and natural history, a 3D giant theater, and a planetarium.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFzfRlwg1FT/" caption="memphismuseums" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/memphismuseums/"]


<h2>9. Get your groove on at a musical history museum</h2>
Memphis is home to two fantastic music museums, the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Both are must-see attractions for music lovers visiting the city. The Rock 'n' Soul Museum is a Smithsonian affiliate and features permanent exhibits tracing the history of blues, rock, and soul music from its roots in African-American folk songs to its modern popularity. Conversely, the Stax Museum has detailed exhibits about recording equipment and individual artists who were represented by Stax Records.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1029833" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_1257564070.jpg" alt="Stax Museum of American Soul" width="1000" height="668" />


<h2>10. Visit the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art</h2>
A hidden gem in Memphis, the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art houses over 1,400 objects, including furniture, tapestries, jade carvings, and other works of historical and artistic significance. In particular, the museum features one of the finest collections of pieces from the Qing dynasty. Its extensive collection of jade sculptures has earned it the unofficial nickname The Jade Museum. The Belz Museum has five permanent exhibit galleries, including three Asian galleries, one Judaic gallery, and the Holocaust Memorial Gallery. The museum also hosts semi-annual special exhibits.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBYKkaGRzU3/" caption="ilovememphisblog" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/ilovememphisblog/"]


<h2>10. Visit a Stop on the Underground Railroad</h2>
Memphis wasn't always all about music. It got its start as a cotton city, where slaves grew the crop. The Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum offers a window into those times. Take a tour through the antebellum mansion, which is furnished as it would have been in those times. Learn how the antislavery movement worked towards their freedom in the years leading up to the Civil War.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1029835" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_658299985.jpg" alt="Protesters as part of exhibit at the National Civil Rights Museum" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>15. Haunted Memphis walking ghost tour</h2>
See Memphis in a different light with a Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour. Led by a local guide and professional storyteller, this activity will take you on a walking tour of the city with an eerie twist. Highlights include local landmarks, stately mansions, and some of the city's oldest buildings. The tour provides insight into locations reported to be haunted and some grisly tales of famous murders, making it a unique event not for the faint-hearted.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CE2glFwAPIV/" caption="hallowqueennn" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/hallowqueennn/"]

The Best Things To Do in Memphis, Tennessee

For being two small mountain cities sat next to one another in Tennessee, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are fairly different. The best part about going to the Smokies is that you can take in both cities on the same trip.

For being two small mountain cities sat next to one another in Tennessee, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are fairly different. The two towns are linked by a five-mile stretch of road but have incredibly unique atmospheres. The best part about going to "the Smokies" is that you can take in both cities on the same trip. You'll also find tons of other things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forgeon top of that. Whether you're planning to go skiing or camping in a spot with a wistful view of the Great Smoky Mountains, you're in for a darn treat.
<h2>1. Rent a Cabin in the Smokies</h2>
Whichever way you prefer to sleep, there's an option for you in the Smokies. You might be a glamper, a camper, or a resort kind of person. Or, you could stay in one of the hundreds of cabins littered throughout the area. There's a cabin for your every whim, from luxe, decked out cabins for the whole family to the kind of remote cabin in the middle of the mountains some of us dream of. Most of the cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge come with stunning views of the Smokies. Close your eyes and picture waking up to the sun coming up over the mountains. Can you imagine it? Here, it's a fully-realized dream.

[caption id="attachment_1029338" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/157383124-1024x730.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/157383124-1024x730.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/157383124-300x214.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/157383124-768x548.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/157383124.jpg 1200w" alt="cabin great smoky mountain view" width="1024" height="730" /> wbritten / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Saddle Up to Miss Parton at Dollywood</h2>
Ask yourself whether the one and only Dolly Parton would ever put a theme park in a spot she wasn't in love with. Then, take on board the fact that Pigeon Forge is the location of the infamous, Appalachian-themed metroplex, Dollywood. Not simply for fans of Miss Parton - though those who are will find it extra special - Dollywood is nestled in the foothills of the Smokies. It features exciting rides for all ages, homemade crafts, award-winning festivals, and seasonal spectacles that are never replicated. You can ride the Dollywood Express through the park, past the Grist Mill and weeping willows, explore the mystery mine, and grab some cinnamon bread that'll have you singing "I Will Always Love You" the whole day through.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1029366" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_1363563293.jpg" alt="Christmas time at The Island at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge " width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>3. Drink Some Good Ole Fashioned Moonshine</h2>
Although this one ain't entirely for the kids, couples and groups of friends over 21 should certainly taste some good ole fashioned moonshine while in the Smokies. It'd be crazy not to! There are tons of distilleries where you can try the Smoky Mountain traditional beverage. The Island at Pigeon Forge is probably the best place to go if you're wanting to sample the drink while also with your family. As well as distilleries and museums, it has shopping opportunities, delicious traditional Southern food options - yum! - and all kinds of entertainment from bluegrass buskers to a good ole knees-up.

[caption id="attachment_1029340" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/1026807200-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/1026807200-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/1026807200-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/1026807200-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/1026807200.jpg 1200w" alt="bottle of moonshine" width="1024" height="683" /> SergeyChayko / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Take in the Hatfields and McCoys Dinner Show</h2>
The tale of the Hatfields and the McCoys is one prevalent enough to have even been turned into a TV series. But have you ever wondered what it was like to live in the Confederate South? At the Hatfield &amp; McCoy Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge, you can kind of find out. Granted, the reenactment of the infamous family feud isn't exactly historically correct, but you can't go wrong with classic country food and a darn feastin' good time. Whichever family you pick to be part of, you're in for a jaw-dropping, hilarious night of family-friendly entertainment you'll want to see again and again.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1029367" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_172860353.jpg" alt="The unique facade of the Hatfield &amp; McCoy Dinner Show Theater" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>5. Fixin’ to do Some Relaxin’?</h2>
The day after the dinner show, why not give yourself a day of relaxation? Or, while Pop takes the kids to do some fishin', you can slide in a few hours of pampering before they get back. The Canyon Spa at Lonesome Valley is small but delightful; the luxury treatments and amenities available will make you feel like you're the Queen of the Prairie. There, you can indulge in everything from a deep-tissue massage to facials, manicures, and more. The staff at Canyon Spa are there to make you feel good with their Southern Charm, and the spa itself offers its own natural gems in the shape of the landscape mountain views from every window.

[caption id="attachment_1029342" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/840619702-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/840619702-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/840619702-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/840619702-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/840619702.jpg 1200w" alt="milky way over the smokies" width="1024" height="683" /> Orchidpoet / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. See All of Tennessee’s Craziest Stuff</h2>
As a state, Tennessee has its fair share of weird and unusual things to do. Between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, however, there might be the biggest concentration this side of Nashville. Believe it or not, Ripley's has eight different attractions spread out across the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area. In fact, the Odditorium has called the Smokies home since 1918. Enter the Odditorium to find shrunken heads; a dragon made entirely out of scrap pieces of metal, and oddities from all corners of the world. As well as these, it's home to the Vampire woman, a maze of mirrors, sharks, and jellyfish that roam the waters of the aquarium, and dozens of year-round events to keep kids and adults on their toes.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1029369" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_401989246.jpg" alt="Ripley's Believe It Or Not Odditorium in Tennessee" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>7. Hit the Road, Jack</h2>
Gear up for the Smokies and take a drive around the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. The trail consists of six miles of incomparable scenery with a road only big enough to allow cars and bikes. Along the route, you can pull up, lock up your car, and explore all of the secrets the Sapphire Valley has to offer. Hikes such as the one to Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot waterfall join the historical buildings of the Noah Ogle farmstead. The best thing to do on this trail is to take the family, take a picnic, and marvel in the Appalachian hills it’s hard to believe are real.

[caption id="attachment_1029344" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/135448599-1024x686.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/135448599-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/135448599-300x201.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/135448599-768x515.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/135448599.jpg 1200w" alt="country road through smoky mountains" width="1024" height="686" /> KenWiedemann / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Wind Up at Great Smoky Mountains National Park</h2>
The Roaring Fork Motor Trail is inside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Possibly one of the most stunning sights in the country, meadows of wildflowers and sprawling, lush, green forests coat the mountains like a blanket. Hiding away are more waterfalls, babbling brooks, crystal clear streams and part of the Appalachian Trail. For those who want to see everything, there's even an observation tower on top of the highest peak in the Smokies, Clingman's Dome. Offering vast, seemingly endless views of the misty, dusk-covered mountains, visiting it will make you feel like you're on top of the world.

[caption id="attachment_1029345" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/163642367-1024x616.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/163642367-1024x616.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/163642367-300x181.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/163642367-768x462.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/163642367.jpg 1200w" alt="smoky mountain sunrise" width="1024" height="616" /> WerksMedia / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Catch the Dance of the Fireflies</h2>
Every June, something special happens in the Great Smoky Mountains. For two weeks, you can witness the natural synchronized light show put on by thousands of fireflies. First documented in 1917, the dance of the fireflies has been capturing imaginations and hearts for generations. If you're in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg in mid-June, you'd be remiss to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not even photographs or videos can truly encapsulate what it feels like to see this for yourself. Simply jump on a trolley from the Sugarlands Visitor Center and it'll take you right where you need to be.

[caption id="attachment_1029346" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/983489762-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/983489762-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/983489762-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/983489762-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/983489762.jpg 1200w" alt="fireflies in the woods" width="1024" height="683" /> iStock / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Visit Dr. Seuss and Friends</h2>
Dollywood isn't Pigeon Forge's only amusement park. Just down the road from the Hatfield &amp; McCoy Dinner Show is the WonderWorks indoor amusement park. With hundreds of interactive exhibits and activities for kids and parents alike, it's worth taking a few hours out of your Gatlinburg vacation to visit. In the complex, you'll be able to experience what an earthquake feels like that measures six on the Richter Scale, lie on a bed of nails, and put yourself in the driving seat of dozens of simulations from fighter jets to roller coasters. While you're there, don't forget to check out the magic show from master illusionist Terry Evanswood. Between him and the Smokies at large, you'll see how real magic actually is.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1029372" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/06/shutterstock_1095088247.jpg" alt="WonderWorks" width="1000" height="667" />

Cool Things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge This Summer

You don’t need to love country music to love Tennessee. In fact, it is home to several other genres of music. You don’t need to like those either, though. No, you don’t need to love music to love Tennessee. You just need to love having fun!

You don’t need to love country music to love Tennessee. In fact, it is home to several other genres of music. You don’t need to like those either, though. Tennessee is more than just the home of country, soul, blues, Southern gospel, bluegrass and rockabilly music. The landscape in Tennessee is absolutely incredible. The state’s history is fascinating. The different ways to find adventure and excitement are limitless. No, you don’t need to love music to love Tennessee. You just need to love having fun!
<h2>1. Great Smokey Mountains</h2>
Some of the United States’ most incredible scenery is in Tennessee. It is home to the Great Smokey Mountains. The park there is the most visited park in the country. In it, you will find over 1,500 different plant varieties. Black bears, deer, and other wild animals are everywhere. Also, there are many historic remains that reflect life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Included in these are churches, log houses, barns, and even a working grist mill. Hike, bike, camp and explore the Great Smokey Mountains on your Tennessee trip.

[caption id="attachment_1023159" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/155076012-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/155076012-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/155076012-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/155076012-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/155076012.jpg 1200w" alt="Do in Tennessee, Smokey Mountains" width="1024" height="683" /> KenCanning / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Cherokee National Forest</h2>
In addition to visiting the mountains, put visiting a forest on your itinerary of things to do in Tennessee. Cherokee National Forest is located in the Appalachian Mountains. It is separated into northern and southern sections by the Great Smokey Mountains. The forest is home to over 20,000 species of plants and animals. Furthermore, its rivers are home to the 1996 summer Olympic whitewater rafting competitions. Whether on land or in water, your visit to the Cherokee National Forest promises to be incredible.

[caption id="attachment_1023171" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1023171" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/GettyImages-908154360-1-1024x679.jpg" alt="Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee" width="1024" height="679" /> Joshua Moore / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Hit the Trails</h2>
Put traveling one of Tennessee’s trails on your list of things to do. There are over 1,100 miles of them throughout the state. Laurel Falls, Screaming Eagle, Chimney Tops and Abrams Falls Trails are just a few you can find among the Great Smokey Mountains and Cherokee National Forest. They wind through mountains and around waterfalls, through amazing landscape and scenery. Additionally, there are ten stops in Tennessee on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Take a trail to view the natural beauty all around you or learn some historic facts. Whatever the reason, the trails are beckoning you to travel them.

[caption id="attachment_1023160" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/476633988-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/476633988-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/476633988-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/476633988-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/476633988.jpg 1200w" alt="Do in Tennessee, Trails" width="1024" height="683" /> JMichael-Photography / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Go Chasing Waterfalls</h2>
Visiting one or more beautiful waterfalls is among our list of awesome things to do. They are scattered throughout the mountains, so take your pick. Fall Creek Falls in Spencer is 256 feet tall, one of the highest in the country. Or, to see a 145-foot high waterfall inside a mountain, take a trip to Ruby Falls, inside Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga. Wherever they are, the waterfalls are sights to behold.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1023172" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/shutterstock_740054548.jpg" alt="Cummins Falls At Cummins Falls State Park In Tennessee" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>5. Historic Sites</h2>
Its geographic location put Tennessee in the middle of the Civil War, both figuratively and literally. Many battles were fought for control of the waterways there. As a result, there are locations throughout the state that have amazing artifacts from that period. The Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson’s historic home, is certainly one of those places. Additionally, many hard-fought battles in the civil rights movement were fought in Tennessee. Many historic places related to that period of American history are also all around. A visit to such places as Belle Meade Plantation or Beale Street Historic District are treats the history buff in you will really appreciate.

[caption id="attachment_1023162" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/522374264-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/522374264-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/522374264-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/522374264-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/522374264.jpg 1200w" alt="Do in Tennessee, Beale Street" width="1024" height="683" /> benedek / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Museums for Everyone</h2>
Tennessee’s rich history is preserved in its many museums. The National Civil Rights Museum is certainly one to see. Shiloh National Military Park and Museum is also on the must-see list. Art museums, such as Cheekwood and Frist, are also worth a visit. Quirky museums related to its musical history are also peppered throughout the volunteer state. These include the guitar, soul music, and Southern gospel museums, to name a few.

[caption id="attachment_1023163" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/182732642-1024x689.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/182732642-1024x689.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/182732642-300x202.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/182732642-768x516.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/182732642.jpg 1200w" alt="Do in Tennessee, Museums" width="1024" height="689" /> DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Graceland</h2>
Your visit to Tennessee would not be complete without a visit to Graceland. It is the second most-visited house in the country. Only more visitors tour the White House. Here is the home of legendary entertainer Elvis Presley. No one person had more influence on the music industry than Elvis. Because of that, he has fans all over the world. Princes, heads of state and presidents alike have come to pay homage to this amazing man and his legacy. 17,52 square feet of rooms, great halls, and a phenomenal music room are among the highlights. With so much to see here, a visit to Graceland promises to be a highlight of your trip.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1023173" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/shutterstock_734340292-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Pool room in Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion" width="1024" height="768" />


<h2>8. Get Your Drink On</h2>
Of things to do in Tennessee, visiting one of its distilleries is both a historical and tasty experience. There are dozens of distilleries throughout the state. Most make moonshine and whiskey. Jack Daniel and George Dickel Distilleries are among the most famous whiskey brands represented. Doc Collier and Bootleggers are among those who make moonshine. While currently legal, what fun you’ll have drinking these delicious spirits with such a colorful history. Even if you don’t partake, a visit to one of Tennessee’s distilleries will satisfy the hidden outlaw in you.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1023175" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/shutterstock_1188970846.jpg" alt="Pool room in Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>9. Hit the Adventure and Theme Parks</h2>
Tennessee is home to some of the most fun theme and adventure parks in the country. Take Dollywood, for instance. This park combines wild rides with musical attractions and concerts. It also features exhibits of crafts and wares that represent the Smoky Mountain area. In addition to Dollywood, other parks are scattered throughout the state. These include Ober Gatlinburg, Mud Island, Sky Lift Park and Sound Waves, the country’s first indoor and outdoor water park.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1023179" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/shutterstock_1249102861.jpg" alt="Dollywood wooden roller coaster ride" width="1000" height="616" />


<h2>10. Enjoy the Grand Ole Opry</h2>
Your agenda of things to do in Tennessee must include a trip to the Grand Ole Opry. Performing at the Grand Ole Opry has been the gold standard of country music since 1925. The world’s most famous performers have graced its stage. These include Roy Acuff, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, and Charlie Daniels Band, to name just a few. In addition to live concerts, you can also see the Country Music Hall of Fame there. Stepping through the doors of this venue will give you an historical and entertaining look at one of Tennessee’s main industries.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1023180" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/shutterstock_1043166331.jpg" alt="The Grand Ole Opry is one of the most famous music venues since being created in 1925" width="1000" height="667" />

Your Guide for Awesome Things to Do in Tennessee

Home to Vanderbilt University and great live music, Nashville, Tennessee, is a diverse metropolis that retains the Southern charm of a small town.

Music City. The Country Music Capital. Home to prestigious Vanderbilt University and the Predators NHL team, Nashville, Tennessee, is a diverse metropolis that retains the Southern charm of a small town. From spicy chicken to playoff hockey, it's more than just the birthplace of Country Music. It's a thriving city, full of family-friendly fun and hidden surprises. So come on, y'all. Book your tickets or gas up the car. Your best vacation is waiting for you.
<h2>1. Grand Ole Opry</h2>
The Grand Ole Opry is famous even for those who aren't country music fans. It's an iconic venue that has a long tradition of hosting some of the most famous country music performers. The acoustics are unique, allowing every seat to have an immersive, unforgettable experience. Performers are invited into the Opry - it's a huge honor for musicians to be a part of the membership. Shows don't happen every night, but it's definitely worth the trip, even if it's just to take a self-guided tour.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/972267736-1024x673.jpg" alt="Performers on stage at a music &amp; arts festival " width="1024" height="673" /><span class="image-caption">Tim Mosenfelder / Getty Images</span>
<h2>2. Cumberland River Steamboat Cruise</h2>
Discover the scenic Cumberland River as you take a cruise on a historic paddlewheel boat. Your three-hour tour takes you on one of the largest paddle-wheel boats in the US, with views from both the expansive outdoor deck and luxuriously appointed seats inside. It's not just scenery - there is also a show with live comedy and music in the boat’s Victorian theater. You'll enjoy delicious homestyle cooking with a 3-course Southern-style lunch or dinner.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/591359463-1024x683.jpg" alt=" Old Paddle steamer, Isle of Capri, moored as a hotel and casino on Mississippi River by Natchez Bridge, USA" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Tim Graham / Getty Images</span>
<h2>3. Belle Meade Plantation</h2>
Experience Southern hospitality and discover a history dating back to 1807 at Belle Meade. Interpretive tours are offered of the Greek Revival mansion and grounds providing insight into the lives of the powerful and the powerless who lived and worked on the plantation from enslavement through emancipation. Oh, and there's a winery on-site. Tours end with a complimentary tasting.

[caption id="attachment_40283" align="alignnone" width="2125"]<img class="wp-image-40283 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/GettyImages-128398103.jpg" alt="1830 slave cabin, Belle Meade Plantation" width="2125" height="1411" /> Barry Winiker / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Adventure Science Theatre</h2>
Tennessee's first planetarium and Nashville's first Children's Museum opened its doors in 1945. Since then, it's expanded beyond just making immersive science fun for kids - it's also an educational experience for adults. The Adventure Tower is a one-of-a-kind, 75-foot tower that demonstrates the most progressive example of hands-on instruction for the Museum, filled with exhibits that range from astronomy to geology and chemistry. Visitors especially enjoy the BodyQuest gallery- it's 9000 square feet devoted to every system of the body, complete with interactive displays.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/1006175798-1024x684.jpg" alt="Reporters gathering together on the street" width="1024" height="684" /><span class="image-caption">Billy H.C. Kwok / Getty Images</span>
<h2>4. Country Music Hall of Fame</h2>
The Country Music Hall of Fame houses over two million pieces of memorabilia, including both permanent exhibits and rotating exhibits. It sprawls over two large floors and is home to the iconic RCA Studio B as well as Hatch Show Print. There are several dining and shopping options, for a taste of country and souvenirs to take home.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/1013493092-1024x762.jpg" alt="Three music awards" width="1024" height="762" /><span class="image-caption">Rick Diamond / Getty Images</span>
<h2>5. Johnny Cash Museum</h2>
Located downtown in historic 3rd Broadway, this must-see destination houses the most extensive collection of Johnny Cash memorabilia. If you enjoyed <i>Walk the Line</i>, then you'll thrill at seeing a lifetime's tribute to the Man in Black. Family-friendly, the museum features a collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia. Follow the journey of a legend through decades of instruments, stage costumes, letters to and from the artist, as well as family photographs and interactive displays.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/51268927-1024x712.jpg" alt="Inside the Johnny Cash museum" width="1024" height="712" /><span class="image-caption">Stephen Chernin / Getty Images</span>
<h2>6. Broadway</h2>
For the 21 and over, there's plenty of fun along Broadway. Visit one of the many bars that line Broadway, downtown Nashville's main thoroughfare. The Honky Tonk Highway features many bars that host live acts regularly. You'll be able to walk from club to bar to venue, enjoying line dancing, live music, and a great time with friends. Each bar is unique - many visitors spend several evenings here, getting to know the flavor of each establishment.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/952272476-1024x696.jpg" alt="People dancing in a nightclub" width="1024" height="696" /><span class="image-caption">Frazer Harrison / Getty Images</span>


<h2>7. Shelby Bottoms Nature Center &amp; Greenway</h2>
Minutes from downtown, Shelby Bottoms is named after the bottomland hardwood forest it's a part of on the Cumberland River banks. The nearly 1,000-acre site offers 10 miles of trails, half of which are paved for biking, skating, and ADA accessible, the rest primitive trails for walkers and joggers only. Adjacent Shelby Park contains a large fenced-in, off-leash dog area where your favorite fuzzy companion can romp and make new friends before or after a leashed greenway excursion.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGcyph4BeZd/" caption="janaceknash" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/janaceknash/"]


<h2>7. The Hermitage</h2>
The Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson, is one of the largest and most visited presidential homes in the United States. Today, this 1,120-acre National Historic Landmark with over 30 outbuildings has been refurbished to give a taste of 18th-century life. The Hermitage welcomes 200,000 visitors annually, both from across the US and abroad. A new exhibit, called "The Duel: The Art of the Southern Gentleman," is a 30-minute interactive experience that answers viewer questions about the practice of dueling, followed by a live demonstration. This show is free with paid admission to The Hermitage.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-5752 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/shutterstock_1726936.jpg" alt="The Hermitage building in Nashville" width="1000" height="667" />
<h2>8. Radnor Lake State Park</h2>
Head into the wilderness without leaving Nashville city limits. This 1,368-acre natural area south of downtown is lined with 7.75 miles of hiking trails with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Trails around the lake are easy to navigate with overlooks for birding and scenic water views. Other more-difficult trails ascend some of the highest hills in the Music City region.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-40284" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/shutterstock_1568407270.jpg" alt="Radnor Lake from the Trail at Sunrise" width="1000" height="563" />

<h2>8. Nelson's Green Briar Distillery</h2>
Tennessee whiskey is famous - or infamous - around the world. The tour takes you through the past, present, and future of this historic distillery. Begin by exploring the history of the distillery, followed by a tour of the production floor, including explanations of the selection of grains and the process of making the hand-crafted whiskey. The tour ends in the Tasting Room, with complimentary samples as well as products for purchase. Tours are $11, but limited to those 21 and over.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-5756 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/shutterstock_725945491.jpg" alt="Wooden bucket used for whiskey fermentation in Nashville, Tennessee" width="1000" height="671" />

<h2>9. Frist Center For the Visual Arts</h2>
The Frist Center for the Visual Arts is an art-deco building that is a former US Post Office. It now houses works of art from around the world - both permanent fixtures and rotating exhibits that typically last six to eight weeks. The Martin ArtQuest gallery inside the museum promotes learning through creation - with 30 different interactive stations, as well as experimental art spaces, Visitors are welcomed to create their own unique expressions. There's plenty of kid-friendly experiences, including the free wifi and a guided, online tour with audio narrative.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-5763 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/shutterstock_747282937.jpg" alt="Facade of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville, Tennessee, USA" width="1000" height="649" />
<h2>9. The Parthenon</h2>
A full-size replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon stands as the jaw-dropping centerpiece of 132-acre Centennial Park. Unlike the original Parthenon, this one isn't in ruins. Like the original, it houses a giant statue of the goddess Athena. There's also an art museum featuring the Cowan Collection of American Art.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHqJ4pIBDyL/" caption="conservancynash" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/conservancynash/"]


<h2>10. Ryman Auditorium</h2>
One of the most famous venues in the music world is the historic Ryman Auditorium. Exhibits are created by some of country music's biggest stars - many of whom got their start right here in the stage. Performances are limited, but the self-guided tour is open daily. It begins with a unique host - the Soul of Nashville, a state-of-the-art hologram and special effects experience to provide an immersive trip through the roots of country music and Ryman Auditorium's 125-year history.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/1021546188-1024x683.jpg" alt="The ACM Honors show in Nashville" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Jason Davis / Getty Images</span>


<h2>15. John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge</h2>
Connecting downtown to East Nashville across the Cumberland River, the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges. Built during the first decade of the 20th century, it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a traffic-free stroll across the bridge to get an Instagram-worthy view of the downtown skyline and the river.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHW9BEdhhYI/" caption="photos.by.rohit" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/photos.by.rohit/"]

The Best Ways to Enjoy Nashville

Chattanooga is primarily known to the rest of the country from Glenn Miller's song, and that's about it. But there is considerably more to see.

Chattanooga is primarily known to the rest of the country from Glenn Miller's "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and then...., that's about it. But there is considerably more to Chattanooga, TN. In addition to its place as a railroad hub to the south that saw the city become famous for its choo choo, Chattanooga played a large role in the Civil War decades prior. The flooding of Chattanooga was largely responsible for Franklin D. Roosevelt's Tennessee Valley Authority that ultimately became a cornerstone of the New Deal which shaped the nation.

Chattanooga saw wild swings of fortune during the 20th Century, but presently is firmly on the rise with Volkswagen opening its first North American plant in decades and a thriving art community has risen along with this economic uptick. Chattanooga offers a fantastic indoor/outdoor experience for those that visit this southeastern Tennessee city and are often surprised to find all that the city has to offer.
<h2>1. The Chattanooga Choo Choo</h2>
It's not just a song, but a functioning hotel and piece of Americana. There is a no small amount of irony present in the story of the railroad and Chattanooga. Before becoming the Chattanooga train station, the building was a hotel. The train station closed in 1970 and thanks to a group of local businessmen the building was spared when they returned it to its original function as a hotel. The hotel still has tracks from the railroad running through the property as well as the original Chattanooga Choo Choo Train. While you can explore the hotel to your heart's content the audio guided trolley will cost you a few bucks to learn the history of this hotel/station/hotel which has repurposed train cars as sleeping options for its guests.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/684645172-1024x682.jpg" alt="Close-up of a railway" width="1024" height="682" /><span class="image-caption">David McGill / Getty Images</span>
<h2>2. Bike Chattanooga</h2>
Thanks to the Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System you have the option of checking out this lovely city by bicycle. There are over 300 bikes available, located at 41 stations throughout the city. A single day pass costs $8, and a three-day pass runs $15. Once you pay this at any of the stations, you can grab a bike as you please and return it to any station. The pass allows for unlimited trips under 60 minutes. Grab one and return it to any of the 40 other stations and grab another when you need it. It's a great way to leisurely explore the city at your own pace rather than having an Uber pass something possibly interesting at 30 MPH.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/493639413-1024x683.jpg" alt="Sunset over Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Livingforthethrill / Getty Images</span>


<h2>3. Whiskey Tasting at Jack Daniels</h2>
Roughly 90 miles from Chattanooga, you can relive the history of Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey and explore what makes it so intriguing. The distinctive mellow and sweet flavor is a sensory overload that you'll love. As the oldest registered distillery in the US, it makes, ages, and bottles the whiskey in Lynchburg. You can reach the distillery by driving yourself or hire a minibus for a guided tour to the historic Barrelhouse 1-14 to sip a flight of five flavors.

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<h2>4. Bluff View Art District</h2>
The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, The River Gallery and the Hunter Museum of American Art all call this scenic bluff with Tennessee River, and downtown views home. The River Gallery has a brilliant sculpture garden that can only be called a great job of yard work, while the Hunter Museum displays work in tune with the architecture of the three buildings with one of the buildings hosting the work of Andy Warhol. There are also a number of quaint coffee shops and restaurants to be found in this neighborhood.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2637 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/shutterstock_560395750.jpg" alt="Hunter Museum of American Art, in Chattanooga, Tennessee" width="1000" height="667" />

<h2>5. The Tennessee Aquarium</h2>
The Tennessee Aquarium is two buildings; one freshwater and the other saltwater. The aquarium tries to follow the journey of a raindrop on land to the ocean, and it does it with spectacular effect. The freshwater journey will give you the birds, river otters, turtles, and alligators that populate the rivers in Tennessee and elsewhere. This trip continues to the other building and its saltwater denizens like penguins, sharks, reef fish, and a fantastic mirrored jellyfish habitat that seems to stretch forever.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/176595153-1024x451.jpg" alt="The two buildings of The Tennessee Aquarium" width="1024" height="451" /><span class="image-caption">SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images</span>


<h2>6. The Chattanooga Zoo</h2>
Imagine a zoo where you can view animal behaviors up close in an immersive environment. That's Chattanooga Zoo that exhibits more than 500 animals from 200 species, including some rare and endangered ones. With an entry fee of $10.95 for adults and $7.95 for kids, the zoo offers various activities, various events, and tours to the exquisite wildlife enclosures. Just take a ride to the zoo located a little over a mile away from downtown and immerse in the wild experience of a lifetime.

[caption id="attachment_40241" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="wp-image-40241 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/GettyImages-530003350.jpg" alt="Resting leopard" width="2000" height="1500" /> AlexBran / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Rock City Gardens</h2>
Chattanooga's proximity to the Georgia border makes this a lot closer than it reads. This 4,100-foot walking trail on the far side of Lookout Mountain offers bouldering for the adventurous or a simple, lazy hike through this border state splendor. It provides the kids something while also providing space for your romantic side if you and your partner stop to admire the 90-foot waterfall at Lover's Leap.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/636098096-1024x683.jpg" alt="Rock City Gardens" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">gnagel / Getty Images</span>
<h2>8. Raccoon Mountain Caverns</h2>
The Raccoon Mountain Caverns measure over five miles on its well-lighted walking trail. Opened in 1931, the caves have remained a popular tourist destination for those traveling through the south given their proximity to the highway. Despite all the foot traffic, there remains an active and very much alive ecosystem comprised of spiders, bats, and salamanders. There is an excellent campground available outside the entrance if you wish to make a weekend out of your visit.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/118366347-1024x680.jpg" alt="Inside Raccoon Mountain Caverns" width="1024" height="680" /><span class="image-caption">wizreist / Getty Images</span>
<h2>9. Chickamauga &amp; Chattanooga National Military Park</h2>
Chattanooga hosted Confederate and Union victories and defeats during the Civil War. The park itself is located in Chickamauga, Georgia less than 10 miles from downtown Chattanooga. However, even if you were to stay on the Tennessee side, you will still have an opportunity to visit Chattanooga National Cemetery, Signal Point, Lookout Mountain and parts of Missionary Ridge. In the summer take a guided tour with a park ranger free of charge to have the battles put in perspective by someone who has done their homework.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/182493440-1024x681.jpg" alt="Civil War Cannon at Chickamauga &amp; Chattanooga National Military Park" width="1024" height="681" /><span class="image-caption">BCWH / Getty Images</span>
<h2>10. Check Out The Walnut Street Bridge</h2>
What do you do with a bridge scheduled for demolition? Use one of the many others spanning the Tennessee River? No, you turn it into the world's longest pedestrian bridge and host concerts and an annual wine tasting to complement the grand river views. The Walnut Street Bridge connects the north and south sides of Chattanooga which was quite significant when it was turned into a pedestrian bridge given the racially segregating nature of the river running through town.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/823551864-1024x683.jpg" alt="Walnut Street Bridge over Tennessee River" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Jens_Lambert_Photography / Getty Images</span>
<h2>11. Ruby Falls</h2>
This accidental discovery along the Tennesse River Gorge is one of Chattanooga's most visited tourist attractions. The Lookout Mountain Cave was closed in 1905, for railroad construction. A local cave explorer, Leo Lambert, led a team to build an elevator from the surface so the cave could be reopened to the public. As it happens, a newly found 18-inch crack in the rocks turned out to be the entrance to Ruby Falls. It's the United States' largest underground waterfall now and includes zip lines and various other activities on top of the majesty of this discovery.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/186744951-1024x636.jpg" alt="Waterfall inside Ruby Falls" width="1024" height="636" /><span class="image-caption">buburuzaproductions / Getty Images</span>


<h2>12. Audubon Acres</h2>
If hiking in natural environments fascinates you, don't miss a tour to Audubon Acres in East Brainerd. It offers five acres of hiking trails on either side of Chickamauga Creek in a sanctuary spread over 132 acres. You can tour the small visitor's center, explore the forested portions, or visit the Spring Frog Cabin built in the 1700s and Little Owl Village dating back to the 1400s.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDkQto5Ak52/" caption="joy.blaser" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/joy.blaser/"]


<h2>13. Take the Kids to the Creative Discovery Museum</h2>
Rainy day in Chattanooga with the kids? Look no farther than the Creative Discovery Museum, one of the nation's most exceptional children's museums. This interactive museum appeals to kids of all ages while their parent's remark on the intelligence put into this museum by its curators. This hands-on-family experience is open 10 AM-6 PM daily.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/08/973292338-1024x683.jpg" alt="Two kids looking at a science exhibit" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images</span>


<h2>14. Chattanooga National Cemetery</h2>
Embark on a historical journey marked by courage, sacrifice, and valor at Chattanooga National Cemetery. The area sprawled over 120 acres is the largest national cemetery in the state and one of the oldest military cemeteries in the country, established in 1863. More than 44000 veterans are interred at this site that offers spectacular views of the three Civil War battle sites.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCblC3epKyr/" caption="sportpuppy" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/sportpuppy/"]


<h2>15. Chattanooga Market</h2>
Plan a shopping excursion and buy fresh farm produce and local handicrafts at the Chattanooga Market. This producer-only market features farm-fresh goods, arts, and crafts from over 50 farms and 130 artisans coming here every week. If you want some entertainment on the side, the market offers live music from regional musicians for two free shows every Sunday and Wednesday. Food trucks serving local delicacies are another attraction, especially when you get starving after shopping.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFpEy2mJWo7/" caption="chattamarket" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/chattamarket/"]

What To Do in Chattanooga

Whenever you find yourself in Knoxville, you’ll have to treat yourself to a drink and live music at one of the great local bars.

Knoxville isn’t just barbecue and country music. The roots of jazz, rock, and blues run deep in this lively Tennessee city. Whenever you find yourself in Knoxville, you’ll have to treat yourself to a drink and live music at one of the great local bars. If you enjoy hiking and outdoor recreation, you’ll find yourself in heaven when you visit the forests that ring the outside of the city. When you explore the Knoxville downtown area, you’ll be astonished by the way the city embraces learning and the arts.
<h2>1. Dine and dive at Knoxville’s architectural icon</h2>
The most enduring legacy of the 1982 World Fair is Knoxville’s most impressive architectural work, the Sunsphere. The towering structure was defunct for several decades until it reopened in 2014. The restaurants here include a spectacular pizza place and an amazing Southern BBQ joint, and you can even skydive from the Sunsphere! Just be sure you skydive first and eat later.

[caption id="attachment_35284" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/1167470630.jpg" alt="The Sunsphere in Knoxville " width="1200" height="800" /> EJ_Rodriquez / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Drink great cocktails and enjoy breathtaking views</h2>
Atop the Sunsphere, the Icon Ultra Lounge serves up excellent drinks and amazing views in equal measure. It’s worth visiting for the expertly-made cocktails and selection of drinks, but you should stick around a bit to enjoy the view. From a table by the window, you can take an unbeatable panoramic view of Knoxville and beyond. If you’re a fan of photography, this is where you need to go to take the best photos.

[caption id="attachment_35285" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/1190675053.jpg" alt="An aerial view of Nashville" width="1200" height="674" /> Kruck20 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Visit a life-changing nature preserve</h2>
Ijams Nature Center is a nonprofit urban wildlife center that’s dedicated to teaching the importance of conservation. It fulfills this mission by showing rather than telling. Anyone who goes hiking along the pristine forest trails or kayaking along the clean rivers of Ijams will immediately appreciate the need for vibrant urban forests.

[caption id="attachment_35286" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/1184706059.jpg" alt="A beautiful lakeside forest " width="1200" height="899" /> Remus Kotsell / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Learn of Tennessee's Secret City, the Heart of WWII Atomic Bomb Development</h2>
Oak Ridge is a town just outside Knoxville that history knows as "The Secret City." Two things earned it a place in history: the top-secret research programs that developed atomic weapons technology, and the prophet who foresaw this great development forty years prior. Torn by personal tragedy and turmoil, John Hendrix slept in the woods for forty days and emerged with dramatic, shockingly accurate visions of the future. You can learn about the development of the first atomic bombs and the story of the Oak Ridge Prophet at the American Museum of Science and Energy.

[caption id="attachment_35497" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-35497" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/GettyImages-470839297.jpg" alt="" width="2121" height="1413" /> epantha / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Bounce around the trampoline capital of Tennessee</h2>
The Jump Jam Trampoline Park is great fun for the whole family. The sprawling destination includes over 60 trampolines, occupying around ten thousand square feet! There’s more to it than typical bouncy fun, though. Trampoline Park includes all sorts of unique fitness challenges, sports, and even obstacle courses. If you have young children with a lot of energy or if you want to let your inner child out to play, this is a great place to start your day.

[caption id="attachment_35288" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/152596736.jpg" alt="Kids having fun on a trampoline " width="1200" height="800" /> Karl Weatherly / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Discover Knoxville’s rich musical history</h2>
Knoxville has an underrated place in the history of jazz, blues, rock, and most of all, country music. You’ll learn all about it on the popular Cradle of Country Music Walking Tour. The tour is self-guided but generally takes about an hour. On the way, you’ll visit almost twenty spots of great significance to the history of country music and learn about the ties Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, and other big names in American music.

[caption id="attachment_35289" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/968838154.jpg" alt="A man playing an acoustic guitar " width="1200" height="800" /> puhimec / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Check out a museum dedicated to America’s toughest admiral</h2>
“Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” With this order, Admiral David Farragut’s ships went on to capture the greatest city of the Confederacy. Knoxville has honored one of her most famous sons with a museum nestled in the town hall. Not only is it filled with historical exhibits and information about what life was like in 19th century Tennessee, but just outside the town hall, you can hike a Civil War trail commemorating a local battle.

[caption id="attachment_35294" align="alignnone" width="2122"]<img class="size-full wp-image-35294" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/GettyImages-182155526.jpg" alt="" width="2122" height="1413" /> <br />drnadig / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Tour Knoxville’s gorgeous collection of public art</h2>
Knoxville should be more famous for its enthusiastic embrace of the visual arts. Every year, the Art in Public Places venue puts on a rotating display of artworks that are available for everyone to enjoy. The city government commissioned many public murals around the city over the years, too. The Knoxville Downtown Murals Walking Tour will take you to over thirty of these beautiful public murals.

[caption id="attachment_35295" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-35295" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/GettyImages-485415170.jpg" alt="Knoxville Tennessee Downtown Restaurants and Bars on Market Square" width="2121" height="1414" /> benedek / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Visit the Girl Scout Museum</h2>
Knoxville is home to a museum dedicated to the Girl Scouts. If you were ever a scout or have a child who's a scout, this destination is sure to delight. The permanent exhibits include retro uniforms, stamps, an assortment of badges and medallions, and all sorts of Girl Scout memorabilia. One of the best pieces is a historic Girl Scout doll, donated courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute.

[caption id="attachment_35296" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-35296" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/GettyImages-1173582372.jpg" alt="Group of young scouts joining hands together, showing their unity." width="2121" height="1414" /> <br />filmstudio / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. See a perpetual motion machine</h2>
A short drive outside Knoxville will deliver you to Clinton TN, where you'll find the Museum of Appalachia. It’s dedicated to one of the most underappreciated, unique, and generally quirky parts of America. One of the best exhibits is a complex contraption of wooden gears, pulleys, and mechanisms: the result of reclusive inventor Asa Jackson’s lifelong struggle to refute the Laws of Thermodynamics. Now, he ultimately failed and the machine did not run forever, which goes without saying. Nonetheless, the invention is an interesting sight and the story is fascinating.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-35297" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/shutterstock_1320495215.jpg" alt=" Museum of the Appalachia" width="1000" height="779" />


<h2>11. Zoo Knoxville</h2>
Zoo Knoxville, which used to be called the Knoxville Zoo, is one of the best places to take in the wonders of the natural world. Fun for grownups and kids alike, you can find all sorts of 'wildly fun' experiences here, including a Tiger Forest, Red Panda Village, an Amphibian and Reptile Campus, and more! Many people consider it one of the most animal-friendly zoos in America and you'll notice that the staff has a great rapport with carnivores and herbivores alike!

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COnRkH2rH_g/" caption="zooknoxville" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/zooknoxville/"]


<h2>12. Old City</h2>
Historic Old City is the place to go if you want a taste of something different downtown. It's a quirky, urban neighborhood with a number of unique restaurants, shops, and attractions. You'll feel like you've stepped back into the mid-1800s -- and if you visit on the 2nd or 4th Sunday of the month, you can purchase some tasty local treats and fun souvenirs at the Old City Market. It's one of the few places in Nashville that retains the small-town charm the city once had before it became the uber-trendy hipster paradise it is today!
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMCeqzYMFz8/" caption="itsandrewspencer" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/itsandrewspencer/"]


<h2>13. Women's Basketball Hall of Fame</h2>
The Knoxville Women's Basketball Hall of Fame is a favorite of sports fans around the world! It's also the only complex dedicated solely to women's basketball. Come check the stats on your favorite players and get your picture taken next to life-size statues of the female greats! You can easily spend half a day here, touring the galleries and taking part in the interactive exhibits. They have activities for kids to enjoy and plenty of fun trivia and memorabilia for adults to peruse.
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<h2>14. James White Fort</h2>
James White, a pioneer and great American soldier, founded Knoxville, TN back in 1793. He also served in the county militia as a captain during the American Revolutionary War. The Fort is his original homestead, an 18th-century settlement where you can stand in the very place that White decided to start building a town called Knoxville. There are plenty of forts in the Knoxville area, and history buffs will have a great time checking them all out -- but keep his one at the top of your list.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSm9HXmAyXW/" caption="tedstryk" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/tedstryk/"]


<h2>15. Strong Alley (Graffiti Alley)</h2>
Strong Alley is one of the coolest areas in all of Knoxville. Also called Graffiti Alley, it is a stretch of alleyway covered in beautiful, spray-painted murals. The area is located next to Market Square, between Gay and Market Street, and is a collaboration between city businesses and artists. Artists were allocated their own wall space to design and tag as they pleased and the results are sensational! It's a popular spot to visit both day and night, but the colors really pop on a sunny day.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4fQ6xKBTpd/" caption="chasendawgs" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/chasendawgs/"]


<h2>16. Star of Knoxville Riverboat</h2>
If you’re a fan of riverboat cruises, or just live entertainment, check out the lovely Star of Knoxville Riverboat! You can take in the scenic Tennessee River on an old-fashioned riverboat while you enjoy lunch, dinner, or a themed party. Keep an eye out for a cruise that appeals to you - they even have a Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise that’s fun for the whole family!

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BJQpQw0DFqi/" caption="tennesseeriverboat" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/tennesseeriverboat/"]

Knoxville, a Dynamic Center for Nature and the Arts

Nashville is Americana at its best. The city's down&#x2d;home country flare and vibrant music scene warrant its reputation as "Music City."

Nashville is Americana at its best. The city's down-home country flare and vibrant music scenes that encompass many genres of musical taste warrant its reputation as "Music City." When one thinks of Nashville, they automatically think of country music, the Grand Ole' Opry, Hee Haw, and a whole host of national favorites that have captivated tourists and television viewers for decades. Downtown Nashville has also grown through the years and has become known by many as the "Southern Boomtown."
<h2>1.  The Grand Ole Opry</h2>
The Grand Ole Opry House is one of the most notable tourist attractions in downtown Nashville. It's the city's premier country music stage and concert hall. The Opry House plays host to weekly performances by top country musicians from the country. A visit to Nashville, Tennessee is certainly not complete without a stop at this iconic Opry House that has had its roots in the city since 1925.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-33804" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/shutterstock_288068522.jpg" alt="The Grand Ole Opry is a landmark in Nashville, Tennessee" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>2. Tennessee State Museum</h2>
The Tennessee State Museum is located in the Capitol Mall State Park and houses exhibitions, artifacts, and other mementos chronicling the state's development and history. Permanent exhibits such as "The First Tennesseans" highlight the lives of the indigenous peoples who lived in the area 12,000 years ago; other exhibits include the Civil War and Reconstruction and one focused on Andrew Jackson. When in downtown Nashville, this museum is a must-see.

[caption id="attachment_33794" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/184063087.jpg" alt="Part Harmony Preview at the Tennessee State Museum" width="1200" height="797" /> Rick Diamond / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. What A Capitol Idea</h2>
For an incredible architectural experience, the Tennessee State Capitol is a must-see when visiting downtown Nashville. Besides the stupendous architectural features of the capitol building, there are numerous statues honoring notable persons from the past, such as Sam Davis, Sgt. Alvin York, Andrew Jackson, and Andrew Johnson. On the capitol grounds lies the burial site of President James Polk and his wife.

[caption id="attachment_33805" align="alignnone" width="2116"]<img class="size-full wp-image-33805" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-171117451.jpg" alt="War Memorial Auditorium and Plaza in Nashville" width="2116" height="1416" /> <br />Davel5957 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Johnny Cash Museum</h2>
When visiting Nashville, if you're a Johnny Cash fan, then a visit to the Johnny Cash Museum needs to be on top of your itinerary. The museum houses a lot of Cash memorabilia, including instruments, stage costumes worn by Cash, handwritten songs, letters, and lots of photographs of the "Man in Black."

[caption id="attachment_33796" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/169647389.jpg" alt="The Johnny Cash Museum" width="1200" height="831" /> Rick Diamond / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5.  Nashville Farmer's Market</h2>
The Nashville Farmer's Market is a must-stop destination for fresh produce, with an abundance of producers, artisans, and handcrafted goods. The market is open year-round. At the market, you'll find Farm Sheds local products and vendors selling their specialty products, such as Josie's Teas, oil and soap products from Jasmine Fashion, and many other wonderfully unique products.

[caption id="attachment_33797" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/53293711.jpg" alt="Vegetable deliciousness at the Nashville Farmer's Market. I could not find an image specific to the Nashville Market." width="1024" height="731" /> Andreas Rentz / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. The Second Fiddle</h2>
When you're visiting downtown Nashville and you're in the mood for honky-tonk music, then The Second Fiddle is the place to go. The Second Fiddle has been known for its live county music, which attracts country stars such as Tim McGraw, Larry the Cable Guy, and Trick Pony. Rock it out to country tunes at the Fiddle!

[caption id="attachment_33798" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/181196070.jpg" alt="Jammin' at The Second Fiddle" width="1200" height="960" /> Erika Goldring / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7.  Bluebird Cafe</h2>
The Bluebird Cafe is an intimate and very cozy music venue that can seat up to 90 people. It is one of Nashville's favorite places to go to listen to live music by local Nashville musicians. The Cafe is known for its "in the round" style, where musicians and songwriters are seated in the middle of the cafe. All in all, it will be an enjoyable experience not soon to be forgotten.

[caption id="attachment_33799" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/543373328.jpg" alt="The Bluebird Cafe is a Nashville favorite" width="1024" height="631" /> Terry Wyatt / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8.  Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum</h2>
If country music is your pleasure, then a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum should be on your list of must-visit places. The Hall of Fame and Museum houses unique artifacts, cars of the stars, and also contains a permanent exhibition highlighting the roots of country music to the present day.

[caption id="attachment_33800" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/2494729.jpg" alt="The Country Music Hall of Fame is the ultimate destination for country music fans." width="1200" height="798" /> Rusty Russell / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Nashville Ghost Tours</h2>
If you are into spooks, then a Nashville Ghost Tour is a ghoulishly necessary experience! Tour-goers will meet up with a costumed tour guide, who will walk ghost seekers around downtown to the Ryman Auditorium, which is said to be inhabited with spirits of former employees and Hank Williams Sr. The tour also includes a walkthrough of Printer's Alley, where the ghost of a neighborhood notable and his dog have been seen walking around.

[caption id="attachment_33801" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/459071140.jpg" alt="For a ghoulishly and delightfully scary experience" width="1024" height="683" /> Matej Divizna / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Tennessee Performing Arts Center</h2>
The Tennessee Performing Arts Center is Nashville's premier cultural arts complex containing three theaters named after ex-Presidents—the James K. Polk Theater, Andrew Jackson Hall, and the Andrew Johnson Theater. All sorts of performances are held at the center, including ballet, live theater, and concerts. For an exhilarating cultural experience, make sure the Tennessee Performing Arts Center is on your list to visit.

[caption id="attachment_33802" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/89893424.jpg" alt="Tennessee's premier cultural arts center." width="1200" height="821" /> nashvilledino2 / Getty Images[/caption]