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Posted in Tennessee March 26, 2015 by Meghan Kraft

19 Unique Day Trips In Tennessee That Are An Absolute Must-Do

It’s getting to be summertime, and with the kids off of school and all those vacation days you’ll be ready and raring to make some fantastic, sunny memories. We’ve found some amazing day trips to keep your wallet happy and your family laughing, plus a couple zingers that will make you want to move! 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 reast in the sun-drenched reading room.

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 Pottsville.

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 is used consistently in the filming of hit television show, "Nashville."

11) With Tennessee rivaling Oregon with it's hipster population, there's no surprise that specialty coffee shops are on the rise. Head over to the nationally acclaimed Barista Parlor or Crema

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.

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.

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.

5) Walk down Beale Street for the true feel of Memphis and hum that classic Marc Cohn tune as you go.

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!

3) Dollywood is the perfect day trip if you're looking for an amusement park that packs screams and southern hospitality into the same visit.

2) Downtown Franklin is a darling little town that proffers a fun string of boutique shops and restaurants perfect for a Sunday afternoon.

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 makes the distillery a fun destination for adult day trippers.

From a distillery to the heart of Nashville, Tennessee is a vibrant state that keeps you buzzing for more. Which day trip do YOU want to take? Tell us in the comments below!

Meghan Kraft

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.