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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Smiling woman in a black shirt holds a plate with fried chicken, greens, bread, and side dishes inside a room with frames and plants.

Black-Owned Restaurants in Tennessee

Black-Owned Restaurants in Tennessee
Rock in the rocks, Down in the caverns, The kick drum, the bass, the screaming guitars, The Caveman showed up and put on a show, Under the ground not under the stars. Written about a band playing at the Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee.

A Tennessee Music Roadmap

A Tennessee Music Roadmap
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
A close-up of a stack of pancakes with a pat of butter on top, being served on a plate in a diner.

Where to Sleep and Eat Smokies

Where to Sleep and Eat Smokies
Sprinkled, glazed and frosted donuts in colors of pink, red and orange behind a bakery case at Blackbird Bakery Donuts in Bristol, TN. A girl bends down to see the expansive selection. Tarts, slices of pie and chocolate desserts are lined up in another bakery case to her right.

Must-Visit Donut Shops in Tennessee

Must-Visit Donut Shops in Tennessee
Person stand-up paddleboarding on a calm lake surrounded by green forested hills under a blue sky. Sponsored

14 Outdoor Adventures in Elizabethton

14 Outdoor Adventures in Elizabethton
Exterior shot of Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary with mountains in the background

POV Real Experiences Local Haunted Places Tennessee

POV Real Experiences Local Haunted Places Tennessee
Exterior view of a distillery building at dusk with a bright neon “Dominick Distillery” sign featuring a rooster logo on top. Sponsored

Visit Old Dominick Distillery

Visit Old Dominick Distillery
Shop in local boutiques in downtown Cookeville, TN

6 Tennessee Boutiques

6 Tennessee Boutiques