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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Scenic mountain road winding through autumn forest with colorful trees and distant blue ridges.

How to Spend Autumn in Tennessee

How to Spend Autumn in Tennessee
Two soccer players in yellow jerseys contest the ball on a sunny field; crowd in stands behind.

Only in Tennessee Sports Events

Only in Tennessee Sports Events
Two people in a blue raft race down a white-water river with others in the background; paddling through green, forested canyon.

Rapids to Railroads: Adventure Through the Tanasi Trail

Rapids to Railroads: Adventure Through the Tanasi Trail
Path through a manicured garden with steps leading to a white, two-story building framed by ivy archway.

Small Town Music Sites

Small Town Music Sites
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
Multiple thin waterfalls streaming down a wide layered rock face, surrounded by lush green summer forest canopy.

Secret Waterfalls

Secret Waterfalls
Woman stands on a blue tufted couch in a colorful stacked wall of books, wearing a white jacket and ripped jeans.

James Beard Chefs

James Beard Chefs
Woman stands with arms raised in front of a brick arts center with large glass doors; sign reads “Center for the Arts.”

Performing Arts Theaters

Performing Arts Theaters
A pair of cyclists bike through the Upper Sequatchie Valley. As they pedal, the mountains of the Sequatchie Valley rise up in the distance. The road is quiet, peaceful. A slight breeze rustles the leaves of a nearby tree, its branches that overhang above the road, providing brief shade.

Cycling Trip in East Tennessee

Cycling Trip in East Tennessee