Lots of rivers and plenty of rock n’ roll. Our team compared the most charming cities in Tennessee to find the best of the best. Read our top suggestions below:
1. Nashville
To take in the full range of local history sign up for one of many walking tours – choose from Walk Eat Nashville, Music City Pub Crawls or even Nashville Ghost Tours. Must-see sights include the Grand Ole Opry, which made this city the country capital of the world back in the 1920s, the life-size Parthenon replica and The Johnny Cash Museum. Choose from the wide variety of beans on offer at Barista Parlor, or grab a beer and burger at Tennessee Brew Works, then head down to Musicians Corner to catch regular free, family-friendly concert series featuring up-and-coming artists.
2. Elizabethton
The Watauga River offers great fun for children of all ages, with 16 miles of water known for its trophy rainbow and brown trout fishing: take the family on a whitewater rafting and kayaking trip on calm lakes or down challenging rivers, or get away from it all with a camping and fishing experience at Misty Waters Bait and Camping – tell the teens not to worry, there are plenty of shops just a few miles away. Then take part in a local tradition by finding your way out of the 4-acre maze at Beck Mountain, which is haunted all during October.
3. White House
It’s all happening in this hidden gem of a town deep in Tennessee: live music, craft beer and generous slices are all waiting at White House Pizza and Pub, while kids will love the funky decor at De La Paz Mexican Restaurant. Take a more holistic approach at Nature’s Market, where you’ll find locally sourced essential oils, courses in healthier eating, a range of organic produce and even pottery lessons.
4. Memphis
Start the day in the best possible way by watching the red-carpet duck procession from the rooftop of the Peabody Hotel, then burn some energy canoeing, kayaking and horseback riding at Shelby Farms Park. The Memphis Zoo, once named TripAdvisor’s top zoo in the country, houses over 3,000 animals, including lions, bears, elephants, penguins and even pandas. Visit Graceland, the home of Elvis, and Sun Studio, where he started out – then retire to Levitt Shell, the amphitheater that hosted his first public performance.