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.

Choose Category

Area
Category
Clear Filters
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
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
Smoky Mountain National Park Sponsored

Explore These Smokies Towns

Explore These Smokies Towns
Fans in the Titans Stadium during a football game, the Nashville skyline is the backdrop and its a beautiful blue sky.

Nashville Sports Attractions

Nashville Sports Attractions
The Rocky Top Wine Trail – Great Smoky Mountains

Discover The Rocky Top Wine Trail

Discover The Rocky Top Wine Trail
Dollywood Harvest Celebration, Pigeon Forge

Tennessee Fall Festivals

Tennessee Fall Festivals
Kids taking photos in front of murals in the Back Alley Gallery in Cleveland TN

Take A Mural Road Trip in Tennessee

Take A Mural Road Trip in Tennessee
Shop in local boutiques in downtown Cookeville, TN

6 Tennessee Boutiques

6 Tennessee Boutiques
The Crash Pad, LEED certified hostel, in Chattanooga TN

Glamping Near Chattanooga

Glamping Near Chattanooga