Tennessee Trip Guide – Summer Travel Inspiration

See the stars like never before this summer in Tennessee. Visit Obed Wild & Scenic River, one of the best places to go in the summer, in Wartburg, designated an International Dark Sky Park.

• Accessibility: Obed Wild & Scenic River National Park does have some accessible trails.
   
• Parking: Obed provides designated parking at various access points.

Fall Creek Falls State Park located an hour south of Cookeville is another ideal spot to view the night sky. Check the park's calendar for the astronomy weekends and star parties hosted throughout the year. The immersive weekends include observing distant planets and galaxies, exploding stars through telescopes and talking about the night sky with astronomers. Extend your outdoor stay by renting a cabin or one of the Lodge suites, a few places to stay in Tennessee with kids.

• Accessibility: Fall Creek Falls features wheelchair friendly trails and overlooks, accessible campsites and cabins, and free all-terrain wheelchair rentals. 
  
  Parking: Fall Creek Falls has ample parking throughout its facilities.

Blue Bank Resort in Hornbeak in one of the unique places to stay in Tennesse. The resort sits upon picturesque Reelfoot Lake with lakeside lodging and firepits you can sit around and marvel at constellations.

• Accessibility: Blue Bank Resort offers accessible accommodations.
   
• Parking: Blue Bank Resort has ample free parking for guests.

Float over to Tennessee for a relaxing day on the water. 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. Additionally, there are many great places to stay in Tennessee that are close to the lake.

• Accessibility: Douglas Lake generally offers accessible features including some accessible campsites, restrooms, and boat ramps.
   
• Parking: Abundant parking is available at numerous public access areas and marinas. 

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.

• Accessibility: Accessible features include some accessible restrooms, boat ramps and campsites located around the lake. Check with individual businesses and lodging for specific ADA information.
   
• Parking: Ample parking is available at public access areas and marinas.

Percy Priest Lake, a short 15-minute drive from downtown Nashville has fishing, boating and watersports and even a waterpark.

• Accessibility: Accessibility features include some accessible boat ramps, restrooms and campsites. Contact individual businesses located around the lake to learn about their specific ADA features.
   
• Parking: Abundant parking is available at numerous public access areas and marinas around the lake.

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. 

• Parking: All parks offer ample parking for visitors.

Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville features over 14 miles of hiking trails. Cast a line on the 35-acre Byrd Lake. Take some time to soak in nature and go birding to spot herons, ducks, belted kingfishers and more. Rent one of the duplex cabins, one of the unique places to stay in Tennessee that gets you close to nature.

• Accessibility: Cumberland Mountain State Park provides all-terrain wheelchairs that can navigate a variety of terrains.The chairs are free to the public and available for both children and adults. Accessible hiking trails include Byrd Lake Trail, a 0.50 paved trail that leads to a foot bridge at the boat dock. ADA parking is near the trailhead in the Visitor Center parking lot. Wheelchair-friendly restrooms are also located in the Visitor Center. The Restaurant at Cumberland Mountain has comfortable seating and an outdoor patio with beautiful views of Byrd Lake. Sidewalks provide access to both the restaurant and the Historic CCC Museum.
   
• Parking: Ample parking is available at the Visitor Center.

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.

• Accessibility: The museum/visitor center is accessible; most natural-surface trails and waterfall overlooks are not fully accessible due to terrain.
   
• Parking: Free parking is available at the visitor center and at designated trailheads within the park.

Roan Mountain State Park delivers with wildflower and wildlife populations, which are in peak-bloom during the late spring and summer months.

• Accessibility: All-terrain wheelchairs are available for free to rent for children and adults. Adult-sized changing tables are located at Picnic Shelter 1. Accessible overlooks are near the trailhead at the Chesnut Ridge Overlook. The Visitor Center and Interpretive Museum is ADA accessible. Accessible picnic shelters include Shelter 1, 2 and 3.
   
• Parking: Ample parking is located at the Visitor Center and at some trailheads throughout the park.

Summer in 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 experiences require mobility and strength, 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. 

Splash into fun at Tennessee’s water attractions. Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Adventure Park, one of the best family vacation spots, 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. 

• 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.  
   
• Parking: Parking is $25 for all standard vehicles. Complimentary transportation is provided to the front gate via parking lot trams from designated tram stops.

Outdoor Gravity Park in Pigeon Forge is one of the best places to travel in August when the heat gets to be unbearable. Outdoor Gravity Park 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, perfect for cooling off on a southern vacation.

• Parking: Ample free parking is available onsite.

SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland, one of the best places to stay in Tennessee, 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.

• Accessibility: SoundWaves offers accessible facilities (wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms) but note that the water slides are not accessible. Water slides are exempt from ADA requirements.
   
• Parking: Self-parking is $37 plus tax; valet parking is $55 plus tax

Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, one of the best places to travel in May, 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: The Greenline at Shelby Farms Park is paved and an accessible trail for road bike, adaptive bikes, and handcycles. Many other paved trails are also accessible.
   
• Parking: Numerous free parking lots are available throughout the park

Tennessee has lots of outdoor dining for summer family vacation spots while in Nashville. The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden in East Nashville serves delicious burgers, wursts, and eclectic beer selection with a dog-friendly patio.

• Accessibility: Pharmacy Burger is wheelchair accessible
   
• Parking: There is a free lot located behind the restaurant. Additional street parking is available on McFerrin Ave., Chicamauga Ave. and other surrounding residential streets.

Café 7, located within Rock City Gardens, serves up delicious southern cuisine with a modern twist and spectacular views. Dine on seasonal dishes while enjoying the Tennessee valley that stretches for miles. You can also see 7 states from Rock City after lunch.

• Accessibility: Cafe 7 at Rock City Gardens is ADA accessible.
   
• Parking: Ample parking is available onsite at Rock City Gardens.

Located atop 1 Hotel Nashville, Harriet’s Rooftop offers guests exclusive views of Nashville’s skyline in an elevated 21+ nightlife setting complimented with unique libations and light bites.

• Accessibility: Harriett's Rooftop is ADA accessible.
   
• Parking: Valet parking is available. Harriett's offers validated parking. Paid lots and nearby street parking are available around 1 Hotel as well.

CliffTop Restaurant at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, one of the best southern cities to visit, has views of the Great Smoky Mountains and Downtown Gatlinburg. Modern American cuisine from steaks to burgers and house-made desserts are served with a side of sweeping views of Mt. LeConte and the Smokies. Sit outside on the outdoor deck for a unique dining experience in the mountains. It's one of the ideal Tennessee family vacation spots.

• Accessibility: The Chondola and most pathways are wheelchair accessible. Some attractions, like the Treetop Skywalk, are also accessible. Guests are advised to check Anakeesta's website for detailed accessibility information for all attractions.
   
• Parking: A paid parking lot is near the entrance (Traffic Light #5), costing around $20-25.

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: Tiger and Peacock is ADA accessible. Here is more information about the accessibility features onsite.
   
• Parking: Parking is available at the Overton Square Garage.

Stroll the rolling hills and savor the exquisite wines of Tennessee’s wineries and vineyards this summer. White Squirrel Winery & Vineyard in Kenton, one of the fun things to do in Tennessee in July, has apple, blackberry, blueberry and more fruit wines. Peruse the property and relax among the vines, hills and a pond of the property.

• Accessibility: Call ahead at White Squirrel Winery & Vineyard to ensure wheelchair accessible accommodations are available.
   
• Parking: White Squirrel Winery has free parking onsite.

Tsali Notch Vineyard in Madisonville offers popular Muscadine wines and juices, as well as property tours with views of the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest.

• Accessibility: Tsali Notch Vineyard's grounds and tasting room are wheelchair accessible.
   
• Parking: Ample parking is available onsite.

Apple Barn Winery in Sevierville, one of the best places to travel in May, serves unique apple-based wines. The world-class, locally produced wines are available for daily wine tastings. In true Apple Barn fashion, locally grown apples are used to handcraft the wine on-site, rather than grapes. Enjoy the unique winery located on the banks of the Little Pigeon River.

• Accessibility: The Apple Barn Winery is fully wheelchair accessible with entrances and parking. There is easy access to shopping and tasting areas.
   
• Parking: Ample parking is available onsite.

Visit Crown Winery in Humboldt with a Tuscan-style, Instagram-worthy property where you can try their wide range of fine wines. Spend a day taking a tour of the property, learn the wine making process and then have a private tasting in the tasting room. Grab a bottle of wine and head to the patio or a picnic table on property to enjoy the views, sunshine and peace the natural surroundings bring.

• Accessibility: Crown Winery is wheelchair accessible.
   
• Parking: Crown Winery has ample, free parking onsite.

Arrington Vineyards is 25 miles south of Nashville and one of the ideal places to go in the summer. The vineyards feature five tasting rooms, live music, and 16 acres of vineyards.

• Accessibility: Arrington Vineyards is ADA accessible. Handicap parking spaces are available, just let the parking attendants know. ADA tasting options are available. Call 615-395-0102 in advance. ADA certified service animals on a leash and properly restrained are allowed on property.
   
• Parking: Free, ample parking is available onsite. Parking attendants guide you to parking spaces on gravel and green lawn spaces. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service dogs under the ADA and are not permitted at Arrington Vineyards.

There’s nothing quite like a delicious frozen treat on a hot summer day. Clumpies Ice Cream Co. in Chattanooga, one of the best southern vacations to plan, has a variety of fun and creative flavors like Firecracker, French Silk, and Pralines and Cream. 

• Accessibility: Clumpies Ice Cream Co. is 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. 

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. It's one of the best things to do in Tennessee in July and in August to cool off.

• Accessibility: The Scoop Ice Cream Parlor has a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating.
   
• Parking: The Scoop Ice Cream Parlor has parking available in front of the shop

Nash Family Creamery in Chapel Hill has over 20 ice cream flavors made in small batches with high quality ingredients. Try the Bushhog Special - two flavors of ice cream of your choice, topped with a topping of your choice and whipped cream. The Cow Trough is a photo-worthy sundae featuring seven scoops of your favorite flavor ice cream, four house baked cookies, topped with hot fudge, marshmallow topping and whipped cream.

• Parking: Ample parking is available onsite.

The Levee Coffee & Creamery is a must-visit, local shop when in Germantown, near Memphis, with unique flavors like fruit loop, vanilla cotton cream, and caramel cashew.

• Accessibility: ADA parking is available. Levee Coffee & Creamery is wheelchair accessible with a paved ramp that leads to the entrance.
   
• Parking: Ample parking is available in front of Levee Coffee & Creamery.

Tennessee is nationally renowned for its barbecue. Visit Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous in Memphis for world-famous ribs. Order up a full slab of charbroiled pork ribs and sides like potato salad, baked beans or mustard vinegar-based slaw.

• Accessibility: Rendezvous is accessible by elevator; when you arrive, let their staff know and they will assist. 
   
• Parking: Rendezvous has a valet service available for $12. 

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.

• Accessibility: Edley's Bar-B-Que is wheelchair accessible with wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, restrooms and parking.
   
• Parking: Each location has its own parking details. Check out the location you're wanting to visit for specific information.

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: Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint is ADA accessible with accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.
   
• Parking: Ample parking is available at the Nolensville location.

Tennessee is the place to visit this summer to make music memories. When in Memphis, be sure to check out the Overton Park Shell, an outdoor amphitheater which hosts over 50 free concerts throughout the year. It's one of the fun places to go in the summer.

• Accessibility: Overton Park Shell is 100% wheelchair accessible. 
   
• Parking: Overton Park Shell offers free parking throughout Overton Park. 

Experience the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest running broadcast. It’s the show that made country music famous. Grab a ticket to see today’s country music stars, superstars and rising stars all on one stage every week.

• Accessibility: The Grand Ole Opry offers accessible access and seating, assistive listening, interpretation, braille, and many other accommodations.
   
• 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.

Visit the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to experience unparalleled history and talent.

• Accessibility: Accessible seating is available on the Main Floor and Balcony. Be sure to select the "Accessibility" option when purchasing tickets online, or call the box office at 615-889-3060 to ensure arrangements are made for wheelchair seating or other mobility needs. 
   
• Parking: The Ryman Auditorium does not have its own lot. The easiest self-parking option is the Fifth + Broadway Garage (179 Rep. John Lewis Way N), located directly across the street. It is highly recommended to reserve parking in advance, as event nights are very busy.

The Caverns in Pelham is one of Tennessee’s most unique music venues with its main stage underground.

• Accessibility: 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.
   
• Parking: The Caverns has ample parking onsite.

If the Ryman Auditorium is like going to church, then Knoxville’s Tennessee Theatre is a trip to heaven. Originally built as a “movie palace” in the 1920s, the main room is absolutely breathtaking, with a gorgeous Spanish-Moorish interior topped by the Faberge egg-like domed ceiling and the sound is exquisite.

• Accessibility: Tennessee Theatre offers elevator access to the auditorium and restrooms, accessible seating, active listening devices, and more; all restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
   
• Parking: 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.

When you're planning family summer vacations, remember that 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. It's one of the best summer family vacation ideas in order to learn something new with your kids.

• Accessibility: At Graceland, Elvis Presley's Memphis is fully accessible; however, 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.  
   
• Parking: Graceland offers a secured parking lot for a fee. 

Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills includes Loretta Lynn’s antebellum mansion, several museums and numerous trails on the property.

• Accessibility: Loretta Lynn's Ranch has wheelchair accessible parking and entrances and platform lifts for certain areas; however, not everywhere on the property is accessible.
   
• Parking: Loretta Lynn's has plenty of parking, and includes RV specific areas.

The Country Music Hall of Fame contains 350,000 square feet exhibition space of country music history, located in downtown Nashville. From Hank Williams to Taylor Swift, it's a treasure trove of memorabilia and exhibits showcasing the genre's rich heritage. In fact, the Museum was awarded the prestigious National Medal of Arts by former President Joe Biden in 2024. The medal is the highest award given to artists and arts institutions by the United States government. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just dipping your toes into country music, you'll leave with a newfound appreciation for its impact on American culture.

• Accessibility: 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.
   
• Parking: 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.

The National Museum of African American Music in provides a captivating journey through the incredible impact of Black music on American culture. From gospel to hip-hop, it celebrates the diverse genres and influential artists who shaped our musical landscape. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how African American music has enriched our lives and inspired generations. It's a must-visit destination for music enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

• Accessibility: Fully ADA accessible with elevators and ramps where necessary.
   
• Parking: Parking is located beneath the museum for $22 at the validation kiosk in the museum lobby.

Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis is a truly immersive experience in the creation of soul music. You can experience the roots of soul, see replicas of Stax’s first studio and marvel at the legendary Wall of Sound, which features every album and single released by Stax and its affiliates from 1957 to 1975.

• Accessibility: Stax Museum of American Soul Music has a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot and restroom. The museum is fully ADA accessible.
   
• Parking: Stax Museum has a large, free parking lot behind the museum.

Visit the place where country music was born at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol. The museum explores the history of country music timeline through interactive exhibits and multimedia storytelling. Learn the cultural significance of the 1927 Bristol Sessions through interactive exhibits, multimedia storytelling and more. Year-round events, including the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, keep Americana music alive. Catch a concert or special talk throughout the year.

• Accessibility: All exhibit spaces and theaters at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum are wheelchair accessible.
   
• Parking: Birthplace of Country Music Museum has a large lot across the street and free two-hour street parking on surrounding streets.

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 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. 

• Accessibility: Bonnaroo has accessible accommodations and options available that are updated each year. For questions about ADA and accessibility accommodations, email access@bonnaroo.com. Some accommodations include ADA wristbands for the Accessible seated viewing platforms, ASL viewing areas, accessible restrooms inside the main entrance of Centeroo and accessible portable toilets in the Accessible Camping area, golf cart shuttle services, guided tours for patrons who are blind or have low vision, official services animals and more. Visit Bonnaroo's website for all the details for this year's festival. 
   
• Parking: You can camp or utilize a day parking pass at Bonnaroo; the day parking lot opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 6 a.m. the following morning. 

Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion in Bristol is an award-winning, three-day, Appalachian music festival. Grab tickets to experience more than 130 bands on 20 stages throughout downtown Bristol, Tennessee. Rhythm & Roots celebrates and showcases the best in Appalachian roots music.

• Accessibility: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has accessible parking, wheelchair access, accessible camping, and more.
   
• Parking: 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.

Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival in Franklin brings today's hit artists together; past performances include Chris Stapleton and Willie Nelson.

Accessibility: Pilgrimage Festival also offers wheelchair accessibility, accessible parking, entry, and an accessible wrist band available at the accessibility services hub.

Parking: Parking passes are available for a fee. Parking is directed to the North or South lots. The rideshare drop off and pick up area is on 1st Ave S. at Ligon Field.