A collage of various Tennessee attractions and experiences, overlaid with a purple and red gradient.

trip inspiration

When it comes to writing a song, or planning a trip, some of the best ideas seem to appear out of thin air. Or, from articles and itineraries we’ve already built for you.

Compass drawing with purple outline on grid background; shows cardinal directions and needle pointing northeast.

Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started. Here are a few trip ideas to help get you going. For better results, sort them by area or category of interest.

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A Weekend in Bristol, Tennessee

Have Fun Bristol Weekend

Have Fun Bristol Weekend
Jackson, TN Sponsored

Explore Jackson

Explore Jackson
Big Bear mountain Coaster roars ahead, the hiss and the whistle - all aboard the Dollywood Express, people as sweet as the cinnamon bread, leave it to Dolly to do it the best. Written about the Dollywood Big Bear Mountain Coaster in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Amusement and Theme Parks

Amusement and Theme Parks
Deep inside a cool damp cave, A boat drift ancient lake, Glassy water underground, Silence is the only sound. Written about The Lost Sea in Sweetwater, Tennessee.

Roadside Attractions in Tennessee

Roadside Attractions in Tennessee
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, a great indoor activity with kids in Gatlinburg. In Shark Lagoon, the moving glidepath brings you face-to-face with sharks, sawfish and sea turtles as they swim overhead.

Rainy Day Activities

Rainy Day Activities
Tern Club serves tropical inspired mocktails in Knoxville, TN. Expect pineapple and aloe leaves as garnishes in the fanciful mocktails and cocktails served.

Mocktails in Knoxville

Mocktails in Knoxville
Tennessee shopping

Local Shopping Stops

Local Shopping Stops
Three musicians perform on a small stage; a woman center sings with microphone, two men play guitar, audience seated watching.

Travel like DEK of Hearts

Travel like DEK of Hearts
A rendering of Anakeesta's Firefly Experience, a new immersive component of the park coming in 2026 which will replicate the magical glow of the iconic Smokies' synchronous fireflies in Gatlinburg

New Experiences in 2026

New Experiences in 2026