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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People walk along a curved covered porch of a red-brick building with white columns, trees, and greenery in a campus-like scene. Sponsored

Visit the Towns in Rutherford County

Visit the Towns in Rutherford County
Red barn with white roof among trees and a dirt path in a grassy park-like setting; American flag visible on barn. Sponsored

Explore Goodlettsville

Explore Goodlettsville
Dense green forest arch over a winding road; a natural rock arch forms a tunnel; yellow warning sign on right.

Drive Along the Sunny Side Trail

Drive Along the Sunny Side Trail
Bakery in Knoxville - Magpies Bakery

Knoxville's Sweet and Savory Eats

Knoxville's Sweet and Savory Eats
Kids playing at Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville

Sevierville Family Vacation

Sevierville Family Vacation
Two gray draft horses harnessed to a red wagon labeled Mule Day, standing side by side with ornate tack and decorative harnesses. Sponsored

Explore Tennessee's Mule Capital

Explore Tennessee's Mule Capital
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
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
Old Country Store & Restaurant: weathered wooden facade with large red sign reading “OLD COUNTRY STORE & RESTAURANT.” Sponsored

Step Back in Time

Step Back in Time