When it comes to having a fantastic summer in the south, you want to make sure you’re using your time wisely. Why? Because there are only so many vacation days the man is willing to give you, and you want to make sure that you squeeze a fantastic time out of every single minute. That’s why we’ve put together a neat travelogue regarding ALL the best tourist spots in the state, precisely where you want to go if you’re looking for history and fun. Take a look!

12) Carnton Plantation - Franklin
Jim Bowen / Flickr
Get your dose of Civil War history at this Franklin based plantation, one that boasts the largest Confederate cemetery in the nation and a couple ghost stories to boot.
11) Discovery Park of America - Union City
alumnus.tennessee.edu
Help your kids LEARN something this summer, why don't ya. We bet you'll take home something new as well after you visit this interactive museum.
10) Dollywood - Pigeon Forge
Mike Burton / Flickr
Splash Country at Dollywood is hard to beat in the summer. It'll sure keep you cool!
9) Graceland - Memphis
Jennifer / Flickr
The King once lived here. Need we say more?
8) Sounds Stadium - Nashville
Meghan Kraft/ Instagram
The new Sounds stadium is located right downtown, and with cheap ticket prices plus that awesome new feel, you'll come back again and again.
7) Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Gatlinburg
Tom Bricker / Flickr
All you hikers and outdoorsy nature lovers, you won't want to miss the most visited national park in the United States. It's great. (Get it? Groannnn)
6) Sun Studio - Memphis
Jonathan Pearson / Flickr
Known as the birthplace of rock 'n roll, Elvis recorded here, as well as Johnny Cash and scads of other legends. Take the tour and learn something new!
5) Tennessee Aquarium - Chattanooga
faungg's photos / Flickr
The largest freshwater aquarium in the world has more than ONE THOUSAND animals in residence. Score.
4) Gatlinburg Space Needle - Gatlinburg
Davin Ford / Flickr
Who needs Seattle? Tennessee has its own space needle.
3) Tuckaleechee Caverns - Townsend
Gary / Flickr
The underground streams and waterfall will make for a magical experience underneath ol' Rocky Top.
2) Nissan Stadium - Nashville
Meghan Kraft / Instagram
It used to be LP Field, but the new Nissan Stadium is perfect for any kind of sports event you're looking for.
1) Burgess Falls State Park - Sparta
Rick / Flickr
Just look at that picture. We have nothing else to say - and you have a trip to plan.

Alright, folks – do you have a vacation lined up yet? Let us know in the comments below!

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