Things to Do in Tennessee
One of the most charming and diverse states to visit in the U.S., Tennessee is packed with soulful music, hearty Southern food, rolling mountain scenery, and warm hospitality. From the neon-lit streets of Nashville to the smoky peaks of the Appalachians, it’s a place that blends tradition with a vibrant new energy. It’s also accessible and affordable, making it perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer road trip. From my own travels, here are some of my favorite spots and experiences in Tennessee that I’d love to share with you.
1. Stepping Into the Legend at Graceland
Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, is hands down one of my favorite hidden-in-plain-sight gems in American travel.
Graceland wasn’t just Elvis Presley’s home. It was his sanctuary, and walking through it felt like entering the heart of a myth.
The mansion itself was smaller than I expected, but the personality was huge. From the peacock stained glass to the jungle room with shag carpet on the ceiling, every detail felt like a page from a very personal song. I took the iPad tour and moved slowly, pausing in the meditation garden, where Elvis and his family are buried. It was quiet there, eerily peaceful.
After exploring the Elvis Presley’s Memphis complex across the street—with its cars, jumpsuits, and archives, I headed to Arcade Restaurant, one of Elvis’s favorite diners. I ordered the fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, of course, and paired it with a chocolate milkshake. Over-the-top? Maybe. But it felt like the right kind of tribute.
Where I Stayed: I checked in to The Guest House at Graceland, just steps from the mansion. Southern-style hospitality with Elvis flair, it kept the experience going right through to bedtime. That night, listening to a playlist of his hits and looking out at the softly lit mansion, I thought, "Some voices never really leave."
2. Letting Nature Lead at Ijams Nature Center
Just minutes from downtown Knoxville, Ijams Nature Center felt like a deep breath. From the moment I set foot on the trails, I knew this place was special.
Trails laced through thick woods, birds chirped overhead, and the scent of pine and damp stone grounded me. I stepped onto a boardwalk that wound across a glimmering pond and thought, "How does this even exist inside a city?"
The 300-acre nature preserve offered so many ways to explore, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, even a canopy adventure course.
I followed a quiet trail along the Tennessee River, pausing to watch turtles sunbathe and dragonflies zip past.
What makes Ijams such a gem is how it balances relaxation with adventure.
One moment you can be picnicking by the river, the next you can be paddling through quiet waters or exploring caves. Every visit feels different, which is why it’s one of my favorite outdoor spots.
Afterward, I headed to Wild Love Bakehouse for lunch and ordered a roasted vegetable tart with a side salad and an iced matcha latte. Cozy, locally sourced, and full of flavor—it was the kind of meal that lets you keep your peaceful pace even after you’ve left the trail.
Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, is one of my favorite hidden gems and, honestly, one of the most underrated outdoor destinations in the state.
Local Tip: Bring water and good shoes—some trails are steep and unpaved.
3. Chasing the Blues Down Beale Street
Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of my favorite places in the South and, to me, one of the best yet still underrated cultural gems in America.
Everyone knows it as the “Home of the Blues,” but what I love most is that it’s not just about music. Beale Street is also about atmosphere, history, and pure energy that you can feel the moment you step onto the street.
At night, Beale Street comes alive. Neon lights glow, live music pours out from every doorway, and the air is filled with the sounds of blues, jazz, rock, and soul.
I wandered past clubs, blues bars, and barbecue joints, each spilling rhythm into the air. I ducked into B.B. King’s Blues Club for a set that made the walls shake, then into Rum Boogie Café, where guitars hung from the ceiling and the band played like they meant it.
Even just walking was electric, every step a beat, every stranger a fellow traveler in the groove.
Eventually I grabbed dinner at Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken. Crispy, spicy, and perfect alongside a cold beer and a side of slaw—it felt like Memphis on a plate.
4. Finding Myth and Majesty at The Parthenon Nashville
What makes the Parthenon such a gem is how unexpected it feels. One moment you’re in the heart of Music City, and the next you’re standing before an ancient Greek temple, talk about unexpected!
For me, the Parthenon is one of Nashville’s best surprises, a favorite spot where history, art, and architecture meet. It’s a cultural gem that adds the best new dimension to a Nashville trip.
Inside, the Parthenon is even more incredible. My favorite part was seeing the 42-foot statue of Athena, covered in gold leaf, standing tall in the main hall.
It’s awe-inspiring and easily one of the most impressive works of art I’ve seen in the U.S.
The museum inside also houses an impressive collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art, which I thought was a hidden treasure many visitors overlook.
The Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee, is one of my favorite hidden gems in the city.
After my visit, I strolled through Centennial Park’s shaded walking trails, then made my way to Fido in nearby Hillsboro Village for a casual lunch. I ordered a roasted veggie bowl with tahini dressing and a chai latte, grateful for the calm space to reflect on the unexpected grandeur I’d just experienced.
5. Immersed in Underwater Wonder at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg was like stepping into another world, one where sharks glide above your head and jellyfish pulse with color.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is one of my favorite attractions in the Smokies and, in my opinion, one of the most underrated aquariums in the country.
While Gatlinburg is known for its mountain charm and outdoor adventures, this aquarium is a true hidden gem that delivers some of the best family-friendly fun in the region.
The aquarium was full of surprises. including interactive exhibits, playful penguins, and stingray touch pools.
I watched divers feed sea turtles and smiled at kids pressing their faces against glowing tanks. It was pure wonder, start to finish.
I loved the Penguin Playhouse, easily one of the best exhibits. You can crawl through clear tunnels and pop up right in the middle of the penguins’ habitat, which made me feel like I was interacting with them up close. It was playful, fun, and totally unique.
This aquarium is truly one of the best treasures in the Smokies.
6. Where Rock Was Born at Sun Studio
Stepping into Sun Studio in Memphis felt like crossing a line between “then” and “now.” The tiles on the floor, the mic in the corner—it was all original.
Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of my absolute favorite hidden gems, and honestly, I think it’s still underrated considering how important it is to music history.
The tour was short but electric. Our guide told stories with rhythm and reverence, leading us from the front café to the studio where Elvis recorded his first song.
The memorabilia scattered throughout the studio adds to the charm, including vintage recording equipment, old photographs, and personal stories that make the place come alive. It’s not flashy or overproduced, it’s raw and real, which is why it’s such a gem.
Conclusion
Tennessee offered more than just sights, it gave me sound. It hummed through museums and guitar strings, whispered through pine trees, and thundered through stories carved in stone. From Elvis’s jumpsuits to Appalachian trails, each stop left a note that stayed with me long after I’d moved on.
Whether you’re here for the music, the mountains, or the memories, Tennessee will hand you a soundtrack, and all you have to do is press play.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
