6 Unique Experiences in Tennessee That Belong on Your Bucket List

We are truly blessed to have so many unique things to do in Tennessee. If you love nature, there are plenty of places to escape into the wilderness and explore. More of a city slicker? Head to one of our marvelous "little big cities" for all sorts of fun cultural experiences. My point is, whatever your interests are, we have plenty of great fun to be had in the Volunteer State. For the most extraordinary experiences across the state, here are a few tours to add to your Tennessee bucket list.

1. Scenic Helicopter Tour in Sevierville

We love the Smoky Mountains and the surrounding area, but have always seen it from the ground. However, we decided to go big and create fantastic memories by taking a scenic helicopter tour, choosing the Ridge Runner Smoky Mountain Helicopter Tour. Take a 15-minute ride high in the sky to enjoy fantastic views of the Smokies. The tour starts in Sevierville, where you'll lift off and get a bird's-eye view of downtown Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and the Tennessee Valley, along with the forests and mountains of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I couldn’t have been happier with the experience and would highly recommend it to anyone with a sense of adventure looking for bucket-list views in Tennessee.

2. The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge

Have you ever driven down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and seen a half-scale model of the Titanic? Well, this place is more than just a roadside attraction. It is actually a full-fledged Titanic Museum. The clever design is only matched by the interior as you walk through exhibits housing actual items pulled from the ocean floor of this historic capsizing. The replica of the Grand Staircase is a phenomenal sight in itself, but one of my favorite parts is the mock deck that captures the stillness in the air on that tragic night.

3. Nashville Double Decker Bus Tour

If you are new to the city or don’t know where to start, this double-decker bus tour with Gray Line Tours is perfect for you. This fun tour gives guests a great feel for some of Nashville's most iconic stops. This is a great way to start your trip and get to know the city, as you map out what you might want to explore further. You can expect to pass by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Tennessee State Capitol, Nissan Stadium, Centennial Park, the Parthenon, Ryman Auditorium, and more on this hour-long tour through Music City. Of all the Tennessee tours and activities, this one is best for first-time visitors who want a brief overview of the city, as well as for those traveling with children.

4. Nashville to Memphis Music Tour

If you're staying in our capital city but also want to see our second-biggest town, this trip is for you! Nashville is well known for its musical past, but Memphis has made countless contributions to the music scene. Memphis historically housed some of the biggest names in the music industry; one of the most notable is, of course, Elvis. This Nashville-to-Memphis tour will take you right to Graceland, and this manse is just as interesting as his stage performances. Included in this particular tour is a Graceland VIP Tour and Sun Studio Admission. You'll see the iconic spot where icons like The King, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King recorded their music. This is a fantastic tour to take the whole family on during a spring break or summer vacation in Tennessee.

5. Make Your Own GooGoo Cluster in Nashville

Indulge your sweet tooth with a trip to the original GooGoo Shop. This famous chocolate shop made the first original combination candy bar, and we are proud of this Nashville classic. Take a GooGoo Cluster tour behind closed doors to see the magic of making a GooGoo Cluster come to life and then try your hand at making your own premium creation. It's truly one of the most joyful and fun things to do in Tennessee!

6. Ghost Tour in Chattanooga

Chattanooga has gained quite a reputation for some rather spooky paranormal activity, so naturally, it's a great place to have a Family-Friendly Ghost Tour. This 90-minute walking tour takes place at night and is led by a charismatic guide who spins spectacular tales of high drama and ghosts. You'll meet the guide at Ross's Landing Park, located at West Aquarium Way & Broad Street, and be led on a spooky adventure to sites such as the Tennessee Riverpark, Hunter Museum of American Art, Cherry Street, and more, with paranormal history and stories told along the way. This is one of the most memorable Tennessee experiences you can have!

From history to making chocolate, there are plenty of fun things to do in Tennessee. The next time you're looking to explore the big city or try something different, save these ideas for your bucket list and turn them into adventures filled with fun, excitement, and memories. You should also check out more fun things to do in Tennessee for attractions you may not have considered visiting.