Tennessee is a beautiful state with so much to do and see. The combination of Southern charm, spectacular scenery, and a thriving music industry make it one of my favorite places to visit.
Nashville is a fun city with an attractive laid-back, country atmosphere. There is always something going on in Nashville. Downtown Nashville is home to numerous bars, nightclubs, shopping, restaurants, and ongoing events.
If country music is your thing, you will be very satisfied with the diverse options; head over to Broadway Street for more honky tonks that you can imagine. The Stage is one particularly good bar.
The Ocoee River is most well-known for hosting the 1996 Whitewater Olympics. Today, it is one of the most popular rafting rivers in the US.
At Wildwater Ocoee, highly trained guides will take you on an exhilarating ride through Class III and IV rapids. The ride is challenging and exciting at the same time.
Get ready for a fun and scenic ride as you simultaneously learn to maneuver the raft, while also taking in the gorgeous views of the Appalachians. A must do while visiting Southeastern Tennessee!
Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited US national park. After visiting, you will see why this park is so popular. The beauty of the mountains and forests combined with the abundance of wildlife make this park a perfect choice for photographers and hikers.
Over 800 miles of hiking trails are available within the park, with many trails passing by beautiful waterfalls. Don't worry if hiking is not your cup of tea. There are numerous scenic auto routes to choose amongst. These exciting drives will give you gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Tennessee is the place to visit if you want to recharge with a relaxing nature experience. And there are plenty of secluded mountains cabins to do so.
Timber Tops rents out hundreds of cabins in Smoky Mountains National Park. Many of these cabins offer spectacular views of the mountains, with secluded options to give you that rustic cabin in the woods type atmosphere.
All are beautifully designed with exquisite detail, modern amenities, and special woodsy touches. Luxurious amenities such as outdoor hot tubs with views of the forests and mountains, indoor swimming pools, and beautiful stone fireplaces are just some of the amenities you will find at various cabins.
December is a particularly fantastic time to visit as a handful of cabins are decorated for the holidays.
A trip to the Smoky Mountains would not be complete without taking a ride abroad Ober Gatlinburg's Aerial Tram ride. The 2 mile journey up to the resort provides some of the best views of the Smokies.
Aside from the scenic ride, you will also be able to participate in a wide range of activities including ice skating, skiing, and a wildlife encounter adventure.
In Pigeon Forge, you will find one of the largest and most beautifully decorated Christmas stores in the country, known as The Incredible Christmas Place.
This beautiful 35,000 acre holiday wonderland is conveniently open year-round. Here you will find every holiday decoration you could ever imagine from snow-globes to outdoor decor to the thousands of ornaments that hang from the 50+ display trees scattered throughout the store.
Whether just browsing or looking to add new treasures to your holiday collection, a visit to The Incredible Christmas Place is a must on any visit to the Smoky Mountains region. You may just walk out with a few new favorite holiday treasures!
Ober Gatlinburg, the only ski resort in Tennessee, offers 8 ski trails ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced. A scenic aerial tram ride will take you up to the resort. Be aware that ski lessons are mandatory for first time skiers and snowboarders.
What better way to kick off the holiday season than running 13 miles with thousands of runners dressed in Santa suits? The Santa Hustle Half Marathon in Seiverville is part of an annual series of holiday themed half marathons held throughout December each year.
Each participant receives a Santa dri fit shirt, beard, and hat as they race down the streets of Seiverville and Pigeon Forge.
The course is a bit hilly, however, the festive Santa stations along the route (featuring holiday music and treats) will keep you motivated to cross that finish line. Wilderness at the Smokies, a fantastic resort featuring an indoor water park, offers reduced rates to marathon runners.
Tennessee is the perfect place for a relaxing mountain drive especially during the spring months when thunderstorms are in full swing. The hilly landscape and beautiful trees make any drive a memorable experience.
Franklin, a charming town located just 20 miles south of Nashville, features some of the most beautiful Southern countryside you will ever come across. After your ride, check out the quaint downtown, loaded with local shops and restaurants.
Tennessee's largest indoor water park is a blast all year round. Take a break from the cold and visit Wild Water Dome, located inside Wilderness at the Smokies. Admission to the park is included each night of your hotel stay.
The 65,000 acre park features 4 water slides, a wave pool, a surfing area, a kid's play area, a pool side bar, and snack shops.
Guests visiting Wilderness during the summer months will enjoy 2 outdoor water parks, in addition to the indoor park. Other Wilderness amenities include an arcade, 2 on-site restaurants, a fitness center, golf, pottery classes, and free 2 for 1 admission to local tourist attractions.