Tennessee Travelers Share Must-Visits

We recently asked for travelers like you to share your #madeintn memories (you can still share them here). Out of those submissions, here are some of the popular places to explore in Tennessee. Add these spots to your travel itinerary the next time you’re in the state. Keep reading for travelers’ favorite stops.

Popular Places in West Tennessee

Children’s Museum of Memphis – Memphis

A popular place to take children ages infant and older to the award-winning Children’s Museum of Memphis where each exhibit is tailor-made for child-friendly exploring and learning. If your child is 4 years old and under, they’ll love the 4 & Under toddler fun zone with activities like Little Light Bright, Castle, Tree House, School Bus and more. They’ll explore shapes, colors, motor skills coordination and dexterity. Older children can learn about the power of air, practice their basketball shots (and geometry), dig for fossils and learn about earthquakes at the Earthquake Table among other family-friendly activities. 

The Peabody Hotel – Memphis

A favorite hotel among Tennessee travelers is the historic Peabody Hotel located in downtown Memphis. Known as the “South’s Grand Hotel,” the Peabody extends gracious hospitality to all guests. You’ll find luxury accommodations, Feathers Spa, world-class dining and, of course, the twice daily marches of the famous Peabody Ducks. Be sure to grab a seat in the lobby every day 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to see their march to the fountain. In the warmer months, head up to the rooftop for incredible bands, drinks and beautiful skyline views during the Rooftop Party Series, happening now through Aug. 4, 2022.

Crown Winery – Humboldt

Want a little Tuscany in Tennessee? You’ll want to visit the beloved Crown Winery in Humboldt. The vineyard, winery and brewery offers Sunday brunch, tours and tastings, private picnics and even yoga on Thursday nights. Take a tour to see the winemaking area, vineyard and bottling room along with a tasting of eight different wines. Each ticket comes with a commemorative wine glass and t-shirt. Reservations are required. More of a beer connoisseur than a wine sampler? Order a flight of small batch beers from Crown including brown ale, Vienna lager, chocolate ale and an IPA.

Popular Places in Middle Tennessee

Poindexter Coffee - Nashville

Located inside the Graduate Nashville, start your day with coffee, all-day breakfast and lunch in the opulent Poindexter Coffee featuring plush seating, chandeliers near the coffee bar and gold accents. The Instagrammable coffee shop is open daily 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy espresso drinks like a cortado, flat white, cappuccino, americano or latte. Matcha lattes, chai lattes, teas and even to-go cocktails are available. Made-to-order biscuits and sandwiches can be ordered and, if you’re on-the-go, grab a grain bowl, coconut yogurt bowl, spinach salad or turkey and kale club sandwich. 

Bee Rock Overlook – Monterey

Enjoy beautiful views of Tennessee from a favorite spot among Tennessee hikers – Bee Rock in Monterey. You’ll find nature’s ruggedness preserved, full of mountain laurel, rhododendron and pine trees. Enjoy views of the Upper Cumberland while having a picnic with friends or family. It’s a short hike to the overlook and a great way to see some of Tennessee’s scenic beauty.

Fall Creek Falls State Park – Spencer

Search for ‘Tennessee waterfalls’ on Instagram and the waterfalls in Fall Creek Falls State Park will be some of the first ones you’ll see. That’s because the thundering falls are a sight to behold any time you’re in Tennessee. The state park has more than 56 miles of trails, some leading to waterfalls and others taking you to stunning overlooks. If you’re waterfall chasing, you’ll want to check out Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Fall Creek Falls (take the 0.4-mile trail to the base of the falls for an incredible experience). Fall Creek Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States, clocking in at 256 feet. The state park also has a new 85-room Lodge, 30 cabins, 222 campsites and backcountry camping.

The Parthenon – Nashville

Want an iconic photo while in Nashville? After you visit the murals around the city, check out the Parthenon in Centennial Park. The structure is the most accurate replica of the Parthenon in Greece. As Nashville is considered the “Athens of the South,” due primarily to the city’s focus on higher education, it was only fitting that a Parthenon would be erected as part of Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition. Inside, there’s even a 42-foot Athena statue just as it was in ancient Greece. Additionally, the Parthenon’s permanent art collection can be observed, with 63 paintings by 19th and 20th century American artists. 

Popular Places in East Tennessee

Appalachian Trail – Tennessee

The famous Appalachian Trail runs through Tennessee for 94 miles with an additional 160 miles along the Tennessee/North Carolina border at an elevation range of 1326-6625 feet. About 70 miles can be found along the spine of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Top spots include Kuwohi, Roan High Knob, Fontana Dam, Spence Field and Mount Guyot, the Smokies’ second highest location. 

Greeter Falls – Altamont

South Cumberland State Park has some of the best hiking and backcountry camping in the region, stretching more than 30,000 acres. You’ll find a number of waterfalls, panoramic overlooks, rocky gorges and cascading streams along the more than 90 miles of hiking trails. One of those trails leads to Greeter Falls. You can take the Greeter Falls Loop Trail, considered intermediate, that is considered one of the best short waterfall hikes on the plateau. The loop leads to three waterfalls, an historic site and bluffs. The 1-mile easy Greeter Trail connects the Alum Gap Campground with the Greeter Falls Area and includes the Big Bluff Overlook and a suspension bridge across Boardtree Creek.

Phoenix Pharmacy – Knoxville 

If you’re in downtown Knoxville and craving something sweet, Phoenix Pharmacy is a favorite place to stop for a milkshake or sundae. The independently-owned-and-operated store has an authentic soda fountain where you can order specialty sundaes like the classic banana split or Great Smoky Mountain sundae – a large fudge-soaked brownie and Italian sponge cake under vanilla bean ice cream, caramel, whipped cream, Nashville-based Olive & Sinclair’s smoked nib brittle and a cherry peak. Ice cream sandwiches, ice cream floats, phosphate sodas, Italian cream sodas and more. The soda fountain is open 2-10 p.m. Tuesdays – Fridays, noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 1-9 p.m. Sundays.

To see where other explorers are visiting in Tennessee, follow along on @tnvacation and #madeintn on social media.