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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A woman sits at a wooden table outside a brick building, smiling at a large golden retriever perched on the bench with its paws on the table.

Ultimate Dog-Friendly Guide

Ultimate Dog-Friendly Guide
Painted white and standing tall, A place where folks can find it all, Root beer floats and pocket knives, A meat-and-three and bluegrass nights, They don’t make ‘em anymore, Like the T.B. Sutton Store. Written about the T.B. Sutton General Store in Granville, Tennessee.

Promised Land Trail

Promised Land Trail
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

Middle Tennessee Spring Destinations
A who's who of music has lit up the stages, From hip hop to folk to country and blues, Bonnaroo is a place of all places, No worries, no problem, no shirt and no shoes. Written about the Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tennessee.

Music Festivals and Concerts 2026

Music Festivals and Concerts 2026
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
Family posing for a picture at Dickens of a Christmas in Franklin, TN

Places to Take Family Photos

Places to Take Family Photos
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Explore Hiking Trails in Tennessee

Explore Hiking Trails 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
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