Take a Music Journey Through Tennessee

The Tennessee Music Pathways connect you to the people, places and events that made Tennessee the international music mecca it has become.

Throughout the 95 counties of the state, you can see legendary artists' hometowns, famous music venues, museums dedicated to sharing this rich music history in interactive ways and much more.

Celebrate the life and legacy of the “Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll” in her childhood schoolhouse. 

• Located near her hometown of Nutbush, the Tina Turner Museum showcases her stage costumes, awards and early-life memorabilia.
• Learn the story behind her first self-written hit, “Nutbush City Limits,” which reflects her upbringing.
• Explore what school was like for African American children in rural Tennessee during the mid-20th century. It’s a powerful tribute to one of the most iconic artists from Tennessee.
• Ticket Info
• Parking: free on-site parking is available
• Hours of Operation: open 9am - 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 1- 5pm on Sundays

Step into the “Big Bang” of country music at this Smithsonian-affiliated museum. 

• Discover the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, where artists like the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers were first recorded.
• Enjoy immersive exhibits, including listening stations, archival footage and re-created recording sessions.
• Learn how these recordings shaped the roots of modern country music Tennessee is known for.
• Ticket Info
• Parking: Free street parking is available along Moore Street and Birthplace of Country Music Way. There are also several public parking lots within walking distance.
• Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (Closed Mondays).
• Seasonal Info: If visiting in September, be aware of road closures for the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival.

Explore the life of the Coal Miner’s Daughter on her very own ranch. 

• Loretta Lynn's Ranch houses a museum filled with Lynn’s awards, costumes and personal mementos.
• Explore rustic cabins, a grist mill, and additional collections like the Native American Artifacts and Fan Museums.
• A must-see destination that embodies the spirit of what Tennessee is known for.
• Ticket Info
• Parking: plenty of onsite parking is available
• Hours: the museum is open 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays); the country store is open from 7am to 5pm

Discover how one hymnal helped shape the sound of Southern gospel. 

• The Museum Center at 5ive Points hosts the Red Back Hymnal exhibit with original printing equipment and gospel recordings.
• Try shape-note singing or explore additional exhibits on the history and heritage of the Ocoee Region to understand what is tn known for when it comes to gospel traditions.
• Ticket Info
• Parking: ample free parking is available
• Hours of Operation: 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 3pm on Saturday, and closed Sunday & Monday

A Saturday night at the general store brings music, food and history together. 

• At the T. B. Sutton General Store, guests enjoy a family-style meat-and-three dinner followed by a live radio bluegrass show.
• Located on the banks of Cordell Hull Lake, the store is one of the oldest remaining in the South and full of turn-of-the-century charm, highlighting the down-home atmosphere Tennessee country is known for.
• Ticket Info
• Parking: Free street parking and designated public lots throughout the historic town of Granville.
• Hours: Wednesday–Friday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Sutton Old Time Music Hour dinner starts at 5 p.m. and requires reservations).
• Seasonal Info: The town hosts major festivals like the Quilt Festival, Fall Festival, Heritage Day in May and Granville Country Christmas through November and December.

Pay homage to one of bluegrass’ greatest icons. 

• Visit Lester Flatt’s Memorial and gravesite in downtown Sparta.
• Learn about his legacy with Flatt & Scruggs and attend the annual Liberty Square Celebration in his honor—an essential stop for fans of traditional Tennessee musicians.
• A stop that’s central to what is Tennessee known for across the bluegrass world.
• Parking: plenty of public spots are available around downtown Sparta 

Reflect on one of the most tragic losses in country music. 

• The Patsy Cline Memorial marks the 1963 crash that took the lives of Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins.
• A quiet, wooded setting offers a space for reflection and remembrance. It’s one of the most moving places to experience what is Tennessee most known for—its heartfelt music legacy.
• Parking: a small parking area is at the top of the hill on Mt. Carmel Road
• Hours: open during sunlight hours, year-round

Walk through the careers of some of Tennessee’s most impactful performers.

• The Legends of Tennessee Music Museum displays memorabilia from Carl Perkins, Denise LaSalle and Sonny Boy Williamson.
• Located in the Carnegie Center, just a short walk from Jackson’s vibrant downtown—a fitting way to discover what is Tennessee known for in the world of rockabilly, soul and blues.
• Ticket Info
• Parking: street parking and nearby public lots are available
• Hours: open 10am to 4pm on Wednesday to Saturday (closed Sunday through Tuesday)

Explore the life and career of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. 

• Graceland includes the famous Jungle Room, trophy hall and Elvis’s car collection.
• Don’t miss the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and his family are laid to rest—offering insight into what is the state of Tennessee known for.
• Ticket Info
• Parking: Paid parking is available in the official visitor parking lot located at Elvis Presley’s Memphis (approx. $10–$15).
• Hours: Daily: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Times may extend during peak summer months).
• Seasonal Info: January 8-11 marks the Elvis Birthday Celebration, which is a peak attendance time. The Christmas display (mid-November through mid-January) is also a major draw.

A tribute to the musicians who changed the sound of the world. 

• Visit the Memphis Music Hall of Fame to explore memorabilia and interactive exhibits from legends like B.B. King, Isaac Hayes and more. A must-visit if you're curious about what is Tennessee known for in American music history.
• Ticket Info
• Parking: since the museum is located in downtown Memphis, popular nearby options for parking include 2nd Street Garage and Peabody Place Tower Garage
• Hours: open 10am to 5pm daily 

Experience one of the world’s largest repositories of country music history. 

• The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum houses more than 2 million artifacts, including instruments, stage costumes, and archival film and audio.
• Explore exhibits on artists from the 1920s to today, including Hank Williams, Reba McEntire, and Taylor Swift.
• Enjoy hands-on galleries and the famous CMA Theater, all dedicated to what Tennessee country music has inspired across generations.
• Ticket Info
• Parking: all Museum visitors have the opportunity to park at the Walk of Fame Parking Garage (161 4th Ave. S.) or the SoBro Tower Garage (210 3rd Ave. S.) for a flat rate of $15 (up to 3 hours) or $25 (up to 6 hours). Offered daily between the hours of 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM with validation from the Museum.
• Hours: open daily from 9am to 5pm, with peak visitation from 10am to 2pm

Celebrate the artists and genres that shaped American culture. 

• The National Museum of African American Music is the first of its kind, honoring Black musicians and the creation of genres like gospel, jazz, R&B, and hip hop.
• Explore interactive exhibits, listen to historic recordings, and learn how African American artists laid the foundation for much of what is what is Tennessee most known for musically.
• Ticket Info
• Parking: $22 flat-rate parking for up to 12 hours at the Fifth + Broadway garage right across the street from the museum
• Hours: 10am to 5pm on Tuesday to Saturday and 12-5pm on Sunday and Monday

Step inside one of the most legendary music venues in the world. 

• The Ryman Auditorium is known as the “Mother Church of Country Music” and was the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.
• Tour exhibits about Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton, or catch a live show from today’s biggest stars.
• One of the top answers to what is Tennessee most known for, the Ryman brings fans and performers together like no other place.
• Ticket Info
• Parking: No dedicated on-site parking; Visitors use paid downtown garages with the Commerce Street Garage (across the street) being the most convenient.
• Hours: Daily for tours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Evening concert times vary by artist.

Stroll through Knoxville’s music-rich past on this self-guided adventure. 

• The Cradle of Country Music Walking Tour includes 15 markers honoring Dolly Parton, Roy Acuff, and other Tennessee legends. L
• earn how Knoxville influenced early jazz, blues, country, and rock ’n’ roll—showcasing what is Tennessee known for at its roots.
• Great for self-paced exploration; no admission ticket required.
• Parking: plenty of garages are in downtown Knoxville
• Time to Complete: the self-guided tour usually takes around 1 hour

Step into the heart of Music City with this historic route. 

• Follow the Music Row Walking Tour past RCA Studios A & B, BMI, SESAC and more.
• A mile-long, self-guided stroll past industry landmarks and stories behind Nashville’s rise to fame—capturing things Tennessee is known for like no other street.
• No ticket required, but guided options are available.
• Parking: plenty of nearby parking garages are available
• Time to Complete: this self-guided tour typically takes 1 hour to complete

Catch concerts and cultural events in this landmark theater. 

• The Paramount Bristol  has hosted music legends and touring acts since 1931.
• The beautiful Art Deco interior enhances the live show experience.
• Parking: On-street parking is available on State Street but is often limited. Visitors are encouraged to use the public lots on Shelby Street or the State Street Parking Lot.
• Hours: The box office is open Tuesday through Friday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

A historic space for music, theater, and unforgettable performances. 

• The Bijou Theatre has welcomed acts like The Ramones and Richard Thompson in one of the South’s best acoustical venues.
• Its legacy stretches back to 1909 and continues with a full seasonal lineup.
• Ticket Info
• Parking: The State Street, Market Square, and Locust Street garages offer free parking after 6:00 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends.
• Seasonal Info: The Bijou serves as a recurring venue for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Knoxville Opera throughout their performance seasons.
• Hours: hours vary by show 

Live music at lunchtime in downtown Knoxville. 

• At the WDVX Blue Plate Special, enjoy free weekday concerts at the Knoxville Visitor Center.
• Bring your lunch and enjoy bluegrass, folk, and Americana from rising and established acts. It’s a local tradition that reveals what is tn known for—community, culture, and song.
• Free to attend; no ticket necessary.
• Parking: Visitors typically use downtown garages like the Market Square Garage or the Crowne Plaza lot nearby.
• Hours: the show occurs at noon on Monday - Thursday and Saturdays 

A favorite venue among locals and touring artists. 

• The 3rd & Lindsley stage has welcomed artists like Norah Jones, Zac Brown Band and Jason Isbell.
• Known for its sound system, casual food menu and up-close experience.
• Ticket Info
• Parking: Free parking is available around the venue, though it can fill up quickly during big shows; be careful to avoid marked towing zones in adjacent private lots.
• Hours: Open nightly, with lunch service starting at 11am on Fridays and Saturdays.

A vinyl lover’s dream with vintage flair. 

• For the Record offers new and used records, collectibles and posters. Staff curate selections from rock, soul, jazz, country and more.
• A charming destination tied to the legacy of musicians from Tennessee.
• Parking: Ample parking is available in the mall lot, including dedicated wheelchair-accessible spaces.
• Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11am – 7pm; Sunday, 12pm – 6pm.

Step into a boutique record store full of analog treasures. 

• AndVinyl Records stocks vinyl, cassettes and turntables from top brands.
• Trade, sell, or browse through a welcoming collection curated for music lovers.
• Parking: Downtown street parking is metered during the day, with several public garages available within a short walking distance.
• Hours: Monday through Thursday, 12pm – 6pm; Friday and Saturday, 12pm – 7pm; Sunday, 12pm – 4pm.

A music label, store and annual rock ’n’ roll fest all in one. 

• Goner Records is co-owned by Eric Friedl of The Oblivians and curates punk, garage and indie rock.
• Hosts the annual Goner Fest, celebrating underground artists from around the world—a staple for discovering new artists from Tennessee.
• Find vinyl, merch, posters, zines and more.
• Parking: Street parking is the primary option in the vibrant Cooper-Young neighborhood where the shop is located.
• Hours: Monday through Saturday, 12pm – 7pm; Sunday, 12pm – 5pm.

Tennessee is home to many music sites that introduce you to the sounds made within these borders that helped change the world. Plan your own music journey through Tennessee.