19 Unique Day Trips In Tennessee That Are An Absolute Must-Do
Whenever you are looking for a vacation we are here for you. It could be summer break when the kids are out of school or you just need some time away. Why go far when we have so many amazing and unique day trips in Tennessee? We’ve found some fun-filled day trips that include everything from history to shopping to dining! Tennessee just can’t help being cool.
19) You'll never go wrong with a visit to the state capitol. Nashville is located in the middle of the state and you can tour the building and meander the Legislative Plaza.
Photo Courtesy of Meghan Kraft
Tennessee State Capitol, 600 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Nashville, TN 37243, USA
18) You'll find Tennessee nightlife going wild on Broadway, a stretch of road in Nashville that's lined with honkytonks and dive bars. As you walk down the street you'll hear a different musician in each venue, singing for their chance at stardom.
Photo Courtesy of Meghan Kraft
Broadway, Nashville, TN, USA
17) The Country Music Hall of Fame is always a winner for those out of town guests or country music fans. Come take a look at Elvis's gold cadillac and Taylor Swift's first computer - yep. They have it.
Photo Courtesy of Meghan Kraft
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
16) Leiper's Fork is a historical town just outside of Franklin, home to Puckett's Grocery and a slew of native Tennesseans. If you're looking for the sweetened twang of a small town, then jump in the car and head over! Just make sure to mind your please and thank you's.
Photo Courtesy of Meghan Kraft
Leipers Fork, TN 37064, USA
15) Take a spin on the Harpeth River in a canoe, or rent a kayak! Tennessee is full of rivers and lakes to keep you occupied through the spring and summer.
Photo Courtesy of Meghan Kraft
Harpeth River, Tennessee, USA
14) The downtown Nashville library is a stunning piece of architectural artistry and maze of stories. Check out a list of events on their website or simply wander in for an afternoon of rest in the sun-drenched reading room.
Photo Courtesy of Meghan Kraft
Nashville Public Library, 615 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
13) Find a diner. The south is nothing if not known for its food, and if you're not feeling the Loveless Cafe? Then take a meandering drive to Marcy Jo's in Columbia.
Photo Courtesy of Meghan Kraft
Marcy Jo's Mealhouse and Bakery, 4205 US-431, Columbia, TN 38401, USA
12) The Hermitage is the once-home to President Andrew Jackson, where you can get a glimpse at the grandeur of yesteryear and solid history lesson. Interesting fact? The exterior was used consistently in the filming of hit television show, "Nashville."
Photo Courtesy of Meghan Kraft
The Hermitage Hotel, 231 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
11) You'll need some caffeine to fuel your Tennessee days trips and luckily specialty coffee shops are on the rise. Head over to the nationally acclaimed Barista Parlor or Crema.
Photo Courtesy of Meghan Kraft
Barista Parlor Germantown, 1230 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
Crema Coffee Roasters, 15 Hermitage Ave, Nashville, TN 37210, USA
10) Break up the humdrum of an unplanned day with a trip to a used bookstore. McKay's is a popular destination off of Highway 40, or you can pop into Rhino Books or Book Man, Book Woman for something new to read.
Editors Note: Book Man, Book Woman closed the door of their business for good at the end of 2016.
Photo Courtesy of Meghan Kraft
Rhino Booksellers, 4918 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209, USA
7734 Lee Hwy Chattanooga, TN 37421
636 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209, USA
9) Take a back road for the most beautiful views of Tennessee at its heart. Doesn't have a street sign? Drive it. Looks windy and twists back up into the hills? Do it. Grab a cup of a coffee and some loved ones for a fun and spontaneous day trip with no plans.
Photo Courtesy of Meghan Kraft
8) Market Square in Knoxville is a neat collection of small shops centered around a breezy courtyard. Grab an ice cream cone and wander or find yourself a fantastic meal to eat on one of the many benches.
7) Pick up some fresh produce at the local farmers market - the year-round Nashville Market is always a winner, or you can head down to Franklin to get a breath of fresh air.
6) Tennessee is home to the Battle of Franklin, one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War. The state is steeped in history and you just may stumble upon a reenactment - if you're lucky.
4) Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art is a 55-acre property that's rife with lush foliage and serves as the site for multiple events over the course of the year. Take a look at their event calendar and plan a trip during the spring to catch the flowering gardens!
1) Jack Daniel's Distillery may be located in a dry county (sorry, no free samples!) but the tour of the property and gift shop make the distillery a fun destination for adult day trippers.
Jack Daniel's Distillery Visitor Center, 133 Lynchburg Hwy, Lynchburg, TN 37352, USA
From a distillery to the heart of Nashville, Tennessee is a vibrant state that keeps you buzzing for more. Which day trip in Tennessee do YOU want to take? Tell us in the comments below!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
day trips in tennessee
August 04, 2022
Chris Dodge
What are some more cool day trips to take in Tennessee?
We got you started on some pretty great ideas for a day trip in Tennessee but we wanted to break it down further for you and give you a few more ideas for each section of our state.
On the far left side of our state, you have the Kentucky Lake or the cool town of Jackson to explore. Then why don’t you try some real southern BBQ in Memphis or explore more to do in the city?
Address: Broadway, Nashville, TN, USA
Address: Leipers Fork, TN 37064, USA
Address: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Address: Harpeth River, Tennessee, USA
Address: The Hermitage Hotel, 231 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
Address: Rhino Booksellers, 4918 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209, USA
Address: 7734 Lee Hwy Chattanooga, TN 37421
Address: 636 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209, USA
Address: Nashville Public Library, 615 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
Address: Tennessee State Capitol, 600 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Nashville, TN 37243, USA
Address: Battle Of Franklin - Civil War Museum, 1140 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
Address: Beale Street, Beale St, Memphis, TN, USA
Address: Cheekwood, 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205, USA
Address: Dollywood, 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Address: Jack Daniel's Distillery Visitor Center, 133 Lynchburg Hwy, Lynchburg, TN 37352, USA
Address: Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA
Address: Marcy Jo's Mealhouse and Bakery, 4205 US-431, Columbia, TN 38401, USA
Address: Barista Parlor Germantown, 1230 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
