Here in Tennessee, there's really nothing like a fantastic meal to end a long day at work, especially if that meal is full of meat and veggies and perhaps even a thick slab of cornbread, what do you say? We put together a fantastic road trip that will take you to the best bbq restaurants in East Tennessee, each of them better than the last. If you're looking to enjoy a meal off-the-beaten path, then we can't recommend this trek through pretty Tennessee more. Feeling hungry? Let's go!
Our road trip will take you mainly through the eastern side of the state to keep the experience succinct, but keep an eye out for our western Tennessee focus! There are too many incredible eateries to count here in the Volunteer State.
You'll find Ridgewood BBQ tucked away in Bluff City, Tennessee, quite literally off the beaten path in Bullocks Hollow. It has been open, serving locals and tourists in kind, since 1948. The pork and beef on the menu are smoked for 8 to 10 hours, and the flavor is so incredible that Ridgewood has taken home a number of awards. The eatery is open every day of the week except for Sundays. Get an overview of Ridgewood and its scrumptious food:
Dead End BBQ is the most established eatery on our list, and it may seem a little mainstream until you realize that the eatery was born from a few neighbors who used to get together to barbecue on their dead-end street. Humble beginnings beget a phenomenal eatery where folks gather to enjoy platters of meat and sandwiches with a side of draft beer. Dead End BBQ is open every day of the week beginning at 11 a.m. Take a closer look at some of the best BBQ in Tennessee:
Sons of Smoke is a BBQ restaurant that's open in Loudon, Tennessee, and serves a full menu of barbecue favorites both in-house and from its food truck that's available for special events. Enjoy starters of fried pickles and pork rinds, and sandwiches of chopped brisket and shredded chicken really hit the spot.
Lefty's Barbecue in Crossville is situated in a charmingly rustic space that boasts American flags and seasonal décor. Expect to be greeted with a smile and a wave and treated like a local while you enjoy a platter of chicken, pork, or maybe even brisket! The eatery is open beginning at 11 AM during the workweek and closed on the weekends.
Oneida, Tennessee really lucked out when County's BBQ opened its doors. Over the last decade, the eatery has only grown in popularity for offerings like a pulled pork burrito and smoked bologna sandwiches. Expect a bit of a twist on your classic barbecue restaurant when you visit County's, open beginning at 11 a.m. every day of the week.
How many of these hole-in-the-wall BBQ eateries have you been to? What are your personal picks for the best BBQ in Tennessee? Let us know in the comments! Here's another gem with some of the best Tennessee BBQ.
A last-minute, spontaneous Chattanooga road trip? Sign me up! There is a time and a place for detailed itineraries and planning ahead, but for one weekend let's throw all of that out and allow me to be your guide for a river city adventure the whole family will enjoy. Head on into Chattanooga for some scenery on the water, indoor attractions, natural wonders, amazing overlooks, a unique stay, and a lovely waterfront restaurant, all in one jam-packed weekend.
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For a successful, spur-of-the-moment adventure it's helpful to have a spot filled with fun things to do that are all close by. That way you can make the most of the time you have without traveling long distances. That is exactly what you will find in Chattanooga, Tennessee, so I created this interactive map for you to use so you can customize it however you would like. So with your map in hand let's start this road trip, shall we?
Chattanooga Ducks is a unique way to start off your day in this river city. Hop aboard an authentic WWII amphibious duck boat for a tour that starts on land and ends in the water, showcasing the landmarks around town *and* sights from the Tennessee River. The guides are funny and offer a local perspective on all the fun things to do during your time in the city. This will give you some ideas for some spontaneity on this road trip, or head on over to our next must-see stop.
After riding around, it is time to stretch your legs a bit. Down the road is one of the best urban parks in the city: Coolidge Park. Go for a walk along the scenic river or find some shade for a lovely picnic in the park. If you have little kids with you, make sure you take advantage of the fountain that doubles as a splash pad -- and the carousel! This is also just a great spot to rest and relax before continuing your day of fun.
You will want to dedicate a good chunk of your time to visit the Tennessee Aquarium. This is simply one of those most-see stops in Chattanooga where you can see dozens of aquatic creatures and so much more. The theme of the aquarium is to follow the path of a raindrop from the mountains to the sea. Along the journey, you will have up-close encounters with many exotic sea creatures and rare aquatic critters.
Leave the busy city behind and head straight for Lookout Mountain for a unique stay that offers a beautiful wooded retreat with a few luxurious tricks up its sleeve. The Treetop Hideaway at Ruby Falls offers three stunning treehouses tucked away deep within the mountain. You will feel miles away from the city below and be surrounded by the glorious mountain forest we know and love here in Tennessee. These treehouses are a “spare no expensive” kind of stay with hidden passageways and history woven into the decor that tells a story of the area. If you want to sleep soundly in the trees before another fun-filled day in Chattanooga, this is the stop for you.
After a good night's sleep, the treehouse isn't the only place containing hidden passageways. The very mountain has a cave system right under your feet that hides one of the best natural wonders in Tennessee! Ruby Falls is the tallest underground waterfall available to the public in the country and is awe-inspiring to see. Head on over to the castle on Lookout Mountain and take the elevator underground to bear witness to this incredible sight. Along the way, you will also get the chance to explore an active and interesting cave where the waterfall is the grand finale.
One of the best views on the mountain is found at Sunset Rock. The parking lot is limited to only a few cars so it can be difficult to find a spot. We were able to secure a space the second time we went and were blown away by the scenery. After a short walk down a couple stairs, you will be treated to unobstructed views right on the cliff top. Being high up you can see for miles and as the name suggests, this is a great spot for sunset.
All of this exploration will really work up an appetite, so to feed your hunger head back into the city to find Scottie's On The River. As the name suggests, you will be dining right along the water with both open-air options and indoor seating. The seafood is fresh and delicious and an excellent way to end a road trip in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The beauty of a Chattanooga road trip is found in the city itself. There is so much to see and do that you can easily spend a weekend having loads of spontaneous fun. This trip only scratches the service so let us know what are some of your favorite spots in Chattanooga. Make sure you have everything you need with our master packing list for road trips.
Who's ready for an adventure in the beautiful state of Tennessee? If hopping in the car and hitting the open road to discover some of the best sights the state has to offer sounds like fun, then check out a few of the best road trips in Tennessee!
Route: The Warner Parks > Belle Meade Mansion > Love Circle Park > Riverfront Park > Cumberland Park > Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Distance: 21 miles
Trip Time: 49 minutes
Our first Tennessee road trip itinerary shows off the beauty of Nashville! Discover several gorgeous parks and even stop at a winery for a tasting. This trip will make you fall in love with Music City, U.S.A. all over again. Who says quick road trips in Tennessee can't be super fun?
Route: David Crockett State Park > Horton State Park > Fall Creek Falls State Park
Distance: 167 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
How does a three-day road trip to three state parks sound to you? You'll get one day at each park on this state park road trip through Tennessee. If you have a long weekend, this is one of the best weekend road trips in Tennessee. You'll first stop at David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg where you can go hiking, chase waterfalls, and learn about the life of Davy Crockett. Day two brings your journey to Horton State Park in Chapel Hill where you can camp if you so choose. This park includes the grounds of former TN Governor Henry Horton's home. Day three will take you to Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer where you can swim below a waterfall.
Route: LeConte Lodge > Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail > Hidden Passage Trail > Window Cliffs Trail > Port Royal State Historic Park > Meriwether Lewis National Monument
Distance: 460 miles
Trip Time: 9 hours 22 minutes
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Finding hidden gems can certainly show off a different side of the state. On this road trip through Tennessee, you'll encounter seven hidden gems that are worth exploring. This route starts in Gatlinburg at LeConte Lodge then heads to Jamestown and eventually Hohenwald and is a great trip to experience over the course of a few days.
Route: Ridgewood BBQ > Dead End BBQ > Sons of Smoke > Lefty's Barbecue > County's BBQ
Distance: 266 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours 44 minutes
Here's the most delicious road trip you can take -- to visit some of the best BBQ joints in TN! Eat your way through the state on one of the best Tennessee road trips for foodies. If you enjoy Memphis-style barbecue, this trip is certainly for you.
Route: Cummins Falls > Burgess Falls > Ozone Falls > Fall Creek Falls > Twin Falls
Distance: 158 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours 26 minutes
We can't think of a better way to spend a springtime day than chasing waterfalls, and The Volunteer State sure has some pretty ones. Follow this Tennessee waterfall road trip to five stunning falls in the central part of the state. This trip won't disappoint!
Route: Beale Street > Discovery Park of America > Nashville Shores > Cummins Falls > Tennessee Aquarium > Ijams Nature Center > Dollywood
Distance: 634 miles
Trip Time: 10 hours 49 minutes
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This Tennessee summer road trip is a super fun one for those warm lazy days when the sun is out and you feel antsy to explore. Not only will you stop at a waterfall, stroll down Beale Street in Memphis, and a massive park in Union City, but you'll also check out two of the best places for family fun -- Dollywood in Pigeon Forge and Nashville Shores in Nashville.
Route: Cherohala Skyway > Cades Cove > Clingmans Dome > Chimney Tops Trail > Roaring Fork Trail > Newfound Gap
Distance: 530 miles
Trip Time: 9 hours 16 minutes
Fall in the South is one of our most beautiful times in Tennessee. From the Cherohala Skyway to Cades Cove, Tennessee, our reds, golds, and oranges are the prettiest shades in the country. Enjoy this scenic drive on this fall colors Tennessee road trip.
Route: Christmas at Graceland > Memphis Zoo > Lights on Old Charlotte > Holiday Lights at Cheekwood > Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center > Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights > West Hills Christmas Lights Show
Distance: 484 miles
Trip Time: 9 hours
There's nothing quite like the holiday lights displays throughout Tennessee. This Tennessee holiday lights road trip takes you from Graceland in Memphis to lights in a Knoxville neighborhood and several twinkling light displays in between. If this doesn't put you in the holiday spirit nothing else will!
Route: The Pfunky Griddle > Nashville Children's Theater > Tennessee State Museum > Elliston Place Soda > Double Dogs > Adventure Science Center
Distance: 11 miles
Trip Time: 42 minutes
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Do you have kids? If so, this family-friendly road trip through Nashville is for you! Invoke a sense of wonder in your kids by taking them to the science center and the Tennessee State Museum and treating them to some hot dogs at Double Dogs. What a fun trip to take!
Road Trip to Tennessee Landmarks & Natural Wonders
Route: Cherohala Skyway > Tennessee River Gorge > Lookout Mountain > Rock Island State Park > Burgess Falls > Twin Arches
Distance: 297 miles
Trip Time: 6 hours 23 minutes
Did you know that a handful of Tennessee natural wonders are enough to drop that jaw on the floor? Because it's true. Six spots with stunning views like the Cherohala Skyway and veritably unknown Twin Arches make for the best kind of road trip. Invest six hours on one of the best road trips to take in Tennessee for scenic views.
Route: Franklin > Columbia > Kingston Springs > Pulaski > Lynchburg > Linden > Waverly
Distance: 364 miles
Trip Time: 7 hours
Small towns are our forte out here in Tennessee, and we're completely in love with tiny spots like Kingston Springs and Columbia. This is the perfect road trip if you're located near Nashville and need a bit of time to yourself -- the most therapeutic kind of road trip is found on a Tennessee backroad, y'all.
There you have it, some of the best road trips in Tennessee from Fall Creek Falls to charming towns like Kingston Springs. Which one will you go on first?
After spending some time on the road you might want to slow your roll and set up camp in a cozy cabin. Here are some of our favorite cabin rentals in Tennessee.
