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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Two black swans glide on a calm lake near a rocky, tree-lined shore with distant green hills and a cloudy sky.

Must-Visit Johnson City Attractions

A brick colonial-style building with a gabled roof sits on a grassy lawn under a blue sky with clouds. Sponsored

VISIT GOODLETTSVILLE

Outdoor concert at Historic Rock Castle in Hendersonville TN

Outdoor Music Venues

The Rocky Top Wine Trail – Great Smoky Mountains

Discover The Rocky Top Wine 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

Sprockets and gears and wheels on the wall, They click and hum when they turn, Doesn’t matter how much you go, There’s always much more to learn. Written about the Machinery Exhibit at the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Middle Tennessee Spring Destinations

Nashville's Dragon Park - Fannie Mae Dees Park

Whimsical Vacation Spots

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

Dine above the clouds at Cafe 7 at Rock City Gardens. Cafe 7's patio gives you expansive views of Chattanooga and the mountains beyond. Dine on Southern classics while enjoying the sunshine.

Outdoor Dining: Patios and Rooftops

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