Tennessee Holidays

You’ll never be short of things to see during your trip to Tennessee. The state capital, Nashville, is often referred to as ‘Music City’, and it’s not hard to see why. This place is the country music capital of the world – so put on your cowboy boots and embrace it. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and the famous Grand Ole Opry House, as well as the popular Bluebird Café, which was put on the map by the TV show, Nashville.

Alternatively, make tracks for Memphis – the home of rock ‘n’ roll and the blues. Head down to Beale Street and immerse yourself in the city’s music scene – you can enjoy live performances in a bar, or simply stroll through the streets and take it all in. Make sure you visit the home of Elvis Presley during your trip. Or take a history lesson at the National Rights Museum. Significantly, the museum is housed in the hotel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-visit during your Tennessee trip. This protected area spans a whopping 800 square miles, spilling over into the neighbouring state of North Carolina. The park is filled with rushing waterfalls, all sorts of wildlife – including deer, elk, raccoons and black bears – and about 150 hiking trails. And the forest-covered ridges always seem to be cloaked in a ‘smoky’ mist, which creates a somewhat other-worldly feel. So perhaps it’s not surprising that this is the USA’s most-visit national park, beating famous sites like Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon.

If you want to spend some time exploring the many trails, you should use the charming town of Gatlinburg as your base. You could hike part of the original Appalachian Trail, or follow the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to ‘the Grotto’ – a waterfall which you can go behind. Alternatively, if you visit Tennessee in spring, the Trillium Trail should be on your list. At this time of year, the trail is surrounded by colourful wildflowers, including orchids and violets.

Your holiday to Tennessee must include trips to the music cities of Nashville and Memphis – but what about a few other beautiful towns and cities? Franklin lies just over 20 miles outside of Nashville. It was founded in 1799 and named after one of the USA’s Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin. Best known for the Battle of Franklin in 1864, the city is also home to the historical ex-plantations of Carter House and Carnton House. Take a guided tour to learn more about the houses, their residents, and the Civil War battles that raged nearby.

Make sure you also visit scenic Chattanooga during your trip to Tennessee. Nestled between the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau, this beautiful place is ideal for nature lovers. Gatlinburg is also a must-do. Bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this scenic town serves up lots of outdoor adventures. If you’re a keen hiker, why not tackle the four-mile Gatlinburg Trail, while you’re there?

No trip to Tennessee would be complete without indulging in the famous tradition of barbecue. You’ll easily be able to get your fix of Southern comfort food in Tennessee, as the state is famed for its pulled pork sandwiches, slow-cooked brisket, and nachos with shredded beef. Classic sides often include baked beans, mac ‘n’ cheese, and good old Southern slaw. And let’s not forget about that slathering of barbecue sauce – an essential addition to that true Tennessee flavour.

But barbecue isn’t Tennessee’s only famous export. Whiskey is widely popular across the state, which is home to nearly 30 distilleries. Arguably the most popular and well know is the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg. But something might surprise you – the distillery is actually located on a dry county, which means it’s legal to distil the world-famous whiskey, but not to sell it. Luckily, there is an exception which allows you to buy one commemorative product at the distillery’s bottle shop, such as Gentleman Jack, Old No. 7 or Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel. You might not be able to drink it on site, but you can certainly enjoy it back in the comfort of your hotel.

Like the rest of the Deep South, Tennessee has hot and humid summers. Temperatures average 32°C at the peak of summer, and even night time temperatures hover around 21°C . The end of the summer sees a drop in temperatures and humidity, so the best time to visit Tennessee is during autumn. Between mid-September and mid-November, temperatures drop to the mid-twenties – much more comfortable for sight-seeing. Spring sees similar temperatures, too.

December can be cold, so if you plan your Tennessee trip for winter, make sure to bring some warm jumpers and a thick coat. Temperatures can drop below freezing but, if you’re brave enough to visit at this time of year, you’ll be rewarded with a festive feast for the eyes, as the state will be lit up for the Christmas season.