Tennessee Trip Guide – Summer Travel Inspiration

See the stars like never before this summer in Tennessee. Visit Obed Wild & Scenic River National Park in Wartburg, designated an International Dark Sky Park. Fall Creek Falls State Park located an hour south of Cookeville is another ideal spot to view the night sky. Blue Bank Resort in Hornbeak sits upon picturesque Reelfoot Lake with lakeside lodging and firepits you can sit around and marvel at constellations.

• Accessibility: Obed Wild & Scenic River National Park does have some accessible trails.  Fall Creek Falls features wheelchair friendly trails and overlooks, accessible campsites and cabins, and free all-terrain wheelchair rentals. Blue Bank Resort offers accessible accommodations.

• Parking: Obed provides designated parking at various access points. Fall Creek Falls has ample parking throughout its facilities.  Blue Bank Resort has ample free parking for guests. 

Fishing & Day on the Lake 

Float over to Tennessee for a relaxing day on the water. Dale Hollow Lake in Byrdstown is a water sport enthusiast’s and fisherman’s dream with five marinas, over 620 miles of undeveloped shoreline and spring-fed, ultra-clear waters. A Bill Dance Signature Lake, Dale Hollow is also known as one of the nation’s premier bass fisheries. Douglas Lake, set in foothills of Dandridge, offers breathtaking mountain scenery, various water recreational activities and is a top spot for bass and crappie fishing. Percy Priest Lake, a short 15-minute drive from downtown Nashville has fishing, boating and watersports and even a waterpark. 

• Accessibility: All three lakes generally offer accessible features including some accessible campsites, restrooms, and boat ramps.

• Parking: Abundant parking is available at numerous public access areas and marinas. 

Hiking in a State Park

Hike along some of Tennessee’s most beautiful trails on your summer vacation. Rock Island State Park, just north of McMinnville, has stunning waterfalls, including the 30-foot cascading Great Falls and the breathtaking Twin Falls, as well as Blue Hole which is a popular spot for swimming. Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville features over 14 miles of hiking trails. Visit Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park in Manchester for an incredible look at the centuries old Native American site which is home to hiking trails and a number of waterfalls. For mountain views, Roan Mountain State Park delivers with wildflower and wildlife populations, which are in peak-bloom during the late spring and summer months.  

• Accessibility: Rock Island State Park offers accessible features like the popular overlook to Twin Falls and some accessible restrooms. Cumberland Mountain State Park provides a mix of historic charm and modern accessibility, including accessible cabins, restrooms, and a generally flat terrain around the lake for easier navigation. Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park features relatively flat and accessible trails around the fort, alongside accessible restroom. Roan Mountain State Park offers some accessible cabins and facilities within its main developed areas, though many trails may be rugged and less accessible due to the mountainous terrain.

• Parking: All parks offer ample parking for visitors.

Whitewater Rafting

Tennessee offers a variety of thrilling whitewater rafting experiences through our many rivers. The Ocoee River is widely recognized as one of the best places to raft Class III – IV rapids. Featuring a wide range of rafting levels, tubing trips along the Lower Ocoee, fishing excursions on the Toccoa River, hiking and biking in the Cherokee National Forest, camping, and more are offered along the river. The Pigeon River in Hartford also offers Class III and IV rapids perfect for an exhilarating summer day-trip, located only 45 minutes from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Knoxville. 

• Accessibility: while the whitewater rafting itself may not be fully accessible, both the Ocoee and Pigeon Rivers feature accessible amenities like restrooms, trails, stores, and more. 

• Parking: parking is available at both rivers, often with shuttle services available. 

Waterparks in Tennessee

Splash into fun at Tennessee’s water attractions. Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Adventure Park located in Pigeon Forge is 35-acres and full of things to do, including a 1,500-foot lazy river, Tennessee’s tallest twin speed slides and the first and only watercoaster in Tennessee, RiverRush. Outdoor Gravity Park in Pigeon Forge features an unforgettable wet and wild “zorbing” experience where you roll down a hill in a giant 11-foot inflatable ball with up to 3 people. SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville is an upscale indoor and outdoor water attraction where you can make a splash on three levels of thrill rides or just relax but the pool all year-round. Shelby Farms Park in Memphis is an expansive outdoor park with 20 lakes where you can fish, canoe, paddleboard, or kayak and the Water Play Sprayground for kids 12 and younger with a water tunnel, interactive spray jets, water pumps and geyser boulders. 

• Accessibility: Dollywood is dedicated to providing an accessible experience for all visitors, and they offer special water transfer wheelchairs, sensory accommodations, accessible dining, restrooms, and more.  At Outdoor Gravity Park, while zorbing itself may not be suitable for all visitors, the park provides accessible facilities. SoundWaves offers accessible facilities (wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms) but note that the water slides are not accessible. Shelby Farms Park is ADA-compliant throughout the park, offering activities for all levels of ability. 

• Parking: Each of these attractions has dedicated parking available onsite. 

Tennessee has lots of outdoor dining for summer. The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden in East Nashville serves delicious burgers, wursts, and eclectic beer selection with a dog-friendly patio. Café 7, located within Rock City Gardens, serves up delicious southern cuisine with a modern twist and spectacular views. Located atop 1 Hotel Nashville, Harriet’s Rooftop offers guests exclusive views of Nashville’s skyline in an elevated 21+ nightlife setting complimented with bespoke libations and light bites. Cliff Top Grill and Bar at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg has views of the Great Smoky Mountains and Downtown Gatlinburg. A rooftop hotspot at The Memphian Hotel in Memphis, Tiger and Peacock is the perfect place for signature cocktails and a variety of small plate snack options.  

• Accessibility: Pharmacy Burger is wheelchair accessible, as is Cafe 7 at Rock City Gardens (while the cafe is accessible, most of the trails at Rock City itself are not wheelchair accessible due to steps and steep inclines). Harriet's Rooftop, Cliff Top Grill and Bar at Anakeesta, and Tiger & Peacock are all wheelchair accessible.

• Parking: Free parking is located behind Pharmacy Burger, with additional street parking available. Rock City has a dedicated parking lot for visitors. Harriet's Rooftop is a part of 1 Hotel Nashville, so valet parking is available, as well as paid lots and street parking nearby. Cliff Top Grill and Bar requires paid admission to Anakeesta (chairlift to the top) to access the restaurant and parking is available via a paid lot at the bottom of the hill. Tiger & Peacock has parking available at the Overton Square garage, where it's a $3 flat fee. 

Barbecue in Tennessee

Tennessee is nationally renowned for its barbecue. Visit Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous in Memphis for world-famous ribs. Edley’s Bar-B-Que in Nashville is known for their low and slow smoked meats, with the local favorites being the brisket, mac & cheese, banana pudding, and famous boozy milkshake. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Nolensville is a stop beloved by barbecue purists for their 22-hour, slow-cooked pulled pork, ribs, and brisket. 

• Accessibility: Rendezvous is accessible by elevator; when you arrive, let their staff know and they will assist. Edley's Bar-B-Que is wheelchair accessible, along with Martin's Bar-B-Que. 

• Parking: Rendezvous has a valet service available to make parking a breeze; the cost is $12.  Edley's and Martin's both offer dedicated lots for their patrons. 

Wineries in Tennessee

Stroll the rolling hills and savor the exquisite wines of Tennessee’s wineries and vineyards this summer. Arrington Vineyards is 25 miles south of Nashville and features five tasting rooms, live music, and 16 acres of vineyards. Visit Crown Winery in Humboldt with a Tuscany-styled, Instagram-worthy property where you can try their wide range of fine wines. Apple Barn Winery in Sevierville serves unique apple-based wines. Tsali Notch Vineyard in Madisonville offers popular Muscadine wines and juices, as well as property tours with views of the Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest. White Squirrel Winery & Vineyard in Kenton has apple, blackberry, blueberry and more fruit wines.

• Accessibility: Arrington Vineyards is handicapped accessible and offers handicap parking spaces. Crown Winery is wheelchair accessible, as are the grounds at Tsali Notch Vineyard.  Call ahead at White Squirrel Winery & Vineyard to ensure wheelchair accessible accommodations are available. 

• Parking: Arrington Vineyards has free parking available during business hours. Crown Winery offers free parking, as does Tsali Notch Vineyard and White Squirrel Winery. 

Ice Cream Parlors in Tennessee

There’s nothing quite like a delicious frozen treat on a hot summer day. Clumpies Ice Cream Co. in Chattanooga has a variety of fun and creative flavors like Firecracker, French Silk, and Pralines and Cream. Located in the northeast region of Tennessee, make a stop at The Scoop Ice Cream Parlor, a family-owned full-service ice cream shop which serves tasty ice cream, milkshakes, banana slips, and sundaes, as well as dairy-free, sugar-free, and vegan-friendly options. Enjoy the old-fashioned pharmacy soda fountain at Tinsley-Bible Drug Store in Dandridge. Nash Family Creamery in Chapel Hill has over 20 ice cream flavors made in small batches with high quality ingredients. The Levee Coffee & Creamery is a must-visit, local shop when in Collierville with unique flavors like fruit loop, vanilla cotton cream, and caramel cashew. 

• Accessibility: Clumpies Ice Cream Co. is wheelchair accessible. The Scoop Ice Cream Parlor has a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating. Call ahead to make sure the Tinsley-Bible Drug Store is accessible; open since 1911, it is an active pharmacy in addition to offering food and shakes. Nash Family Creamery and Levee Coffee & Creamery are both wheelchair accessible.

• Parking: At Clumpies, paid parking along W 14th St and a paid lot near Market Street is available, as well as metered parking on Market Street. The Scoop Ice Cream Parlor has parking available in front of the shop. Tinsley-Bible Drug Store has street parking available. Both Nash Family Creamery and Levee Coffee & Creamery offer plenty of off-street parking. 

Tennessee is the place to visit this summer to make music memories. Visit the legendary Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to experience unparalleled history and talent. The Caverns in Pelham is one of Tennessee’s most unique music venues with its main stage underground. When in Memphis, be sure to check out the Overton Park Shell, an outdoor amphitheater which hosts over 50 free concerts throughout the year. The Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville as well as the Tivoli Theatre in Chattanooga are both former 1920’s movie palaces turned into famed music and performing arts venues. The historic theatres host a variety of shows, from their resident symphony orchestras to Broadway musicals. 

• Accessibility: The Grand Ole Opry offers accessible access and seating, assistive listening, interpretation, braille, and many other accommodations.  Ryman Auditorium offers wheelchair accessible seating for every public event as well as complimentary wheelchair escorts. The Caverns is a venue within a cave and does have a somewhat steep concrete incline leading down to the cave; with someone manning the wheelchair from behind, it is a manageable experience. The Caverns does reserve a limited number of accessible seating.  Overton Park Shell is 100% wheelchair accessible. Tennessee Theatre offers elevator access to the auditorium and restrooms, accessible seating, active listening devices, and more; all restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Tivoli Theatre offers wheelchair accessible seating. 

• Parking: The Grand Ole Opry offers both free and paid parking options, with the most convenient being the paid parking located within the Opry House area. Free parking is available all around the mall and the Opry House is a short walk away.  Ryman Auditorium is located in Downtown Nashville and does not have a public parking lot; however, there are a number of paid garages nearby only a short walk away. Overton Park Shell offers free parking throughout Overton Park. Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville is near many garages and surface lots in downtown that offer free parking after 6pm on weekdays and all days on weekends. Tivoli Theatre in Chattanooga offers several parking options, including nearby public lots and garages. 

Tennessee Music History

Tennessee is teaming with rich music history just waiting to be discovered. Explore Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis which includes his mansion, classic cars and gold records. Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills includes Loretta Lynn’s antebellum mansion, several museums and numerous trails on the property. Encounter boundless history at one of Tennessee’s music museums, from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and National Museum of African American Music in Nashville to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis and Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol.  

• Accessibility: At Graceland, Elvis Presley's Memphis is fully accessible; the mansion has two rooms that are only accessible by stairs.  Wheelchairs for the mansion tour are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Loretta Lynn's Ranch has wheelchair accessible parking and entrances and platform lifts for certain areas; however, not everywhere on the property is accessible. Courtesy wheelchairs are available at the Country Music Hall of Fame on a first-come, first-served basis and an access entry ramp is available a Studio B.  The National Museum of African American Music offers various accessibility features, including wheelchair accessible entrances, restrooms, elevators and ramps throughout the facility, and more. Stax Museum of American Soul Music has a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom. All exhibit spaces and theaters at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum are wheelchair accessible. 

• Parking: Graceland offers a secured parking lot for a fee. Loretta Lynn's has plenty of parking, and includes RV specific areas. Country Music Hall of Fame is located in Downtown Nashville, so there are several paid lots located around the museum, as well as the Music City Center paid garage nearby.  For the National Museum of African American Music, park in the Fifth + Broadway garage and validate your pass at the museum to receive a flat-rate of $22.  Stax Museum has a large, fenced-in lot behind the museum. Birthplace of Country Music Museum has a large lot across the street and free two-hour street parking on surrounding streets. 

Music Festivals in Tennessee

Every summer, Tennessee hosts a number of can’t miss music festivals which bring in artists from a multitude of genres and backgrounds. Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester is one of the biggest summer festivals in Tennessee, featuring 4 days of adventure with over 150 performances on 10+ stages of music on a huge 700-acre farm. Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion in Bristol is an award-winning, three-day, Appalachian music festival. And, Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival in Franklin brings today's hit artists together; past performances include Chris Stapleton and Willie Nelson.

• Accessibility: Bonnaroo has countless accessible accommodations and options available; visit their website for more information. Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has accessible parking, wheelchair access, accessible camping, and more. Pilgrimage Festival also offers wheelchair accessibility, accessible parking, entry, and an accessible wrist band available at the accessibility services hub. 

• Parking: You can camp or utilize a day parking pass at Bonnaroo; the day parking lot opens at 11am and closes at 6am the following morning. Bristol Rhythm and Roots offers limited free parking around State Street and the festival grounds; paid parking is available throughout Bristol and shuttle-pick up parking is available at several area hotels. At Pilgrimage, free and paid parking is available in downtown Franklin.