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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Family boating scene on a white speedboat with a canopy; four people stand and fish along a calm shoreline. Sponsored

Explore the Lakeside of the Smokies

Explore the Lakeside of the Smokies
Spread wings overhead, rushing river below, Pathways and trails through the cedar and oak, The breeze and birds sing you along, In the Tennessee air with a Tennessee song. Lace up your hiking boots and a nice warm coat, Grab a couple of friends and see where they go. Written about Cumberland Gap, Tennessee.

6 Best Hikes in Tennessee You Have to Experience to Believe

6 Best Hikes in Tennessee You Have to Experience to Believe
A girl smiles at the camera while completing the indoor ropes course at WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge TN

Indoor Winter Activities

Indoor Winter Activities
Three penguins stand on a rock ledge by a pool, with a glass enclosure and people in the background. Sponsored

Ripley's Attractions in Tennessee

Ripley's Attractions in Tennessee
Fragrant mountain laurels fill the springtime air, Delicious food, live music, And laughter everywhere, Open up a lawn chair, throw a blanket down, Meet ya out in Wartburg for that Mountain Laurel sound. Written about the Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival in Wartburg, Tennessee.

Local Spring Events

Local Spring Events
The river is rumbling, tumbling down over the rock, Causing a cool mist to rise,  The steady, thundering roar never stops,  Under the Rock Island sky. Written about the Rock Island State Park in Rock Island, Tennessee.

TN Waterfalls That Are Worth The Hike

TN Waterfalls That Are Worth The Hike
Small town sidewalks, hardware stores, Ice cream, diners open doors, Make circle around the square, Feels like you’re home everywhere. Written about Downtown Lynchburg, Tennessee.

9 Best Small Town Day Trips in Tennessee

9 Best Small Town Day Trips in Tennessee
A man grilling meat on a large barbecue grill, skewering pieces as they cook over open flames. Sponsored

BLUES, BBQ & BROWNSVILLE

BLUES, BBQ & BROWNSVILLE
Echoes of the empty are the only sound, Voices from the past whisper through the trees, Rustling up the dead leaves drying on the ground, Only oak and hickory growing where a small town used to be. Written about Tennessee’s Ghost Towns.

Ghost Towns Tennessee

Ghost Towns Tennessee