The Volunteer State is known as a place of adventure and fun – a neat place for locals to continuously explore, and a consistent notch on the bucket list for tourists. Since there are so many folks looking to enjoy our pretty state, I decided it was probably necessary to pull together a solid Tennessee bucket list. You ready for a Volunteer State adventure? Good. Because I have a great one planned for you!

16. Visit the world-famous Lost Sea
Lost Sea Road, Lost Sea Rd, Tennessee 37874, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
As one of the most extensive underground bodies of water in the world, the Lost Sea is definitely a visit you don't want to escape you.
15. Enjoy a moment on the Chattanooga Riverwalk
Riverwalk Parkway, Chattanooga, TN 37408, USA
RiverHarbor - Flickr
One of the most peaceful spots in this stunning southern Tennessee city, the Chattanooga Riverwalk is prime for a romantic walk.
14. Walk historic Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin, TN, USA
Kevin Oliver - Flickr
Franklin has a darling downtown with scads of shops and sweet people, and its tree-lined main thoroughfare is the Tennessee street you've been dreaming of.
13. Take a tour at the Jack Daniel's Distillery
Jack Daniel's Distillery Visitor Center, 133 Lynchburg Hwy, Lynchburg, TN 37352, USA
James Arnott - Flickr
Tours of the Jack Daniel's Distillery are free, but the whiskey costs money. Just a heads up.
12. Drive Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road, Newfound Gap Rd, Memphis, TN 38125, USA
Frank Kehren - Flickr
A southern scenic route is always a good decision, but in the fall? Newfound Gap Road is positively killer. Head on over while you still can!
11. Take a short drive to Clingman's Dome
Clingmans Dome, Bryson City, TN 28713, USA
Judy Frederick Photography - Flickr
Clingman's Dome,, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, is a place most deserving of your attention.
10. Visit the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Cheekwood, 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
The Cheekwood Estate & Gardens play host to multiple art exhibits throughout the year. Make sure to check their seasonal offerings!
9. Find yourself in awe with a visit to Cades Cove.
Cades Cove, Tennessee, USA
turcottes58 - Flickr
Cades Cove, known to many as one of the most beautiful places in East Tennessee, is wildly popular amongst the outdoorsy types.

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8. Search for a fun local festival.
Josh Evnin/Flickr
There are quite a few going on across the state, and they are always a solid experience.
7. Find a local farmers market.
Denise Mattox - Flickr
Buy local and meet Tennessee-based farmers. This is one of our favorite ways to connect with locals, and it's neat to really get to know our great folk.
6. Take a peaceful moment at Roan Mountain.
Roan Mountain, TN 37687, USA
Jim Liestman - Flickr
HELLO, gorgeous rhododendrons! Roan Mountain is not to be missed!
5. Calm down at the Memphis Riverfront
Memphis, TN, USA
wcm111 - Flickr
You may want to visit Memphis for Beale Street, but it's down on the Memphis Riverfront that you'll truly enjoy the muddy river.
4. Drive the Natchez Trace
Natchez Trace Parkway, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
Scott Lipsey - Flickr
With over 400 miles stretching from Tennessee to Mississippi, the Natchez Trace is the perfect drive paired with a cup of coffee.
3. Wait in line for a show at The Bluebird Café
The Bluebird Cafe, 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215, USA
The Bluebird Café Facebook page
Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift made their start here at the The Bluebird Café, and there are many more, lesser known songwriters who penned your favorite radio hits, all waiting in the wings to display their talent.
2. Go antiquing in Nolensville
Nolensville, TN 37135, USA
flickr/Joel Kramer
YES. Get a fried Amish pie and get yourself a solid piece of antique furniture in Nolensville - it's worth it.
1. Take a drive down "The Dragon."
Frank Kehren - Flickr
Known around the world as one of the most twisted roads for thrillseekers, "The Dragon." features hundreds of curves in hardly 11 miles. That's insane!

For more information about visiting Tennessee, check out the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development website, as well as the Tennessee Vacation Facebook page.

Have you ever been to any of these exciting spots? If so, which ones were your favorites? Would you agree that these are among the best things to do in Tennessee? Can you think of any other things to add to my Tennessee bucket list? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

Still looking for neat things to do? These 7 Surprising Things You Never Thought About Doing in Nashville will keep you busy!

For those who love hiking, you can find some great trails in and around all of these entities by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more Tennessee adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

More Volunteer State Adventures

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | December 02, 2023

Can we find the best pizza in Tennessee?

  • Big Ed’s Pizza in Oak Ridge is known for their hugepizza pies.
  • Papa Ron's Pizza & Italian Steakhouse in Monteagle is a more upscale restaurant offering great wines to pair with your meals.
  • DeSano Pizza Bakery in Nashville cooks their pizza in a wood burning oven that is open for the public to watch.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other places to find the best pizza in Tennessee

Where can we go to watch the sunrise in Tennessee?

  • Roan Mountain is a fantastic place to go early and hike up near the top for an incredible sunrise overlooking the Appalachian Trail.
  • Wooded Cades Cove in the Great Smokies offers spectacular sunrises as they come up and over the trees.
  • Long Hunter State Park is another place where the beautiful Tennessee sunrise colors bounce off the water.

Learn more about some of the other great places where you can watch the sunrise in Tennessee.

Where can we find other lakes in Tennessee?

  • The Tims Ford Reservoir at Tims Ford State Park is considered one of the best bass fishing spots in the entire Southeast.
  • Watts Bar Lake is known as a great spot to catch largemouth bass, spotted bass, and black crappie.
  • Herb Parsons Lake is the spot for great fishing as well as for its hiking and cycling trails.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful lakes in Tennessee.

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