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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Group of people standing on modified off-road vehicles beneath a wooden Brimstone sign, posing outdoors on a hilltop.

Extreme Outdoor Adventures

Extreme Outdoor Adventures
City street with modern building center, curved white facade, surrounding glass skyscrapers, cars, and pedestrians. Sponsored

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
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
Blueberry pancakes with a blueberry syrup being drizzled over warm pancakes at Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg, TN

Pancake Houses in the Smokies

Pancake Houses in the Smokies
Tall trees, warm colored lights, Worn rocks old as time, Try fat man’s squeeze, Or the sweet fudge, Rock City gets better every time. Written about Rock City in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Chattanooga Christmas Kids All Ages

Chattanooga Christmas Kids All Ages
A sunny street scene in front of a large historic beige building with a cupola; three women walk together near the corner while a fourth woman walks past in the foreground. Sponsored

Discover Springfield

Discover Springfield
Red convertible driving on scenic mountain road with wooden fence, green pastures, forest, and blue mountains under cloudy sky.

Rocky Top Trail

Rocky Top Trail
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
Mountain top, Anakeesta, Rides and shops and ice cold brews, Fresh air feelings theme park thrills, From your head down to your shoes. Written about Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

12 Whimsical Places

12 Whimsical Places