Welcome to our Tennessee Vacation Guide! I’m Amanda, owner, and founder of VeraVise Outdoor Living, and I am very proud of my Tennessee roots.
This page is where you will find the best places to vacation in Tennessee and all of our great content to help you plan the perfect Tennessee Vacation.
Over the years, VeraVise has become a great resource for outdoor travel, especially in the Smokies and surrounding Appalachian region and this includes a great deal of travel in Tennessee.
I created this resource page to help you quickly and easily navigate all the Tennessee Vacation content you can find here on the site.
Tennessee Vacation Guide: Your Style
The first thing to consider is the type of vacation you’re looking for.
Are you interested in a quiet, relaxing getaway or a more active, adventure-filled trip? There are plenty of great options for both types of vacations in Tennessee.
With beautiful mountains and lakes, diverse wildlife, and plenty of history and culture to explore, there’s something for everyone in the Volunteer State.
Things To Do In Tennessee
From incredible natural wonders to exciting city attractions and more, prepare to discover these best things to do in Tennessee!
- Tennessee Vacation Ideas For Families
- Best Things to do in Tennessee
- Best Kid-Friendly Vacations in Tennessee
- Cheap Family Vacations in Tennessee
- Tennessee Vacation Spots for Couples
- Action-packed ATV Riding In Tennessee
- Christmas in Tennessee Vacation is one to remember!
- Enjoy the outdoors and go camping at the best RV Campgrounds in Tennessee
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- Visit the no. 1 attraction in Tennessee, Dollywood!
- Explore the Cades Cove Loop
- Visit the best Tennessee Vacation Attractions
- Snow Tubing In Tennessee
- What To Do In Tennessee In October
- Visit The No.1 Attraction in Tennessee
- Check out the Best Cities To Visit In Tennessee
- Plan a getaway with your special someone and experience the most Romantic Things To Do In Tennessee
- Cheap Weekend Getaways In Tennessee
- Best Things To Do In Mountain City, Tennessee
Exploring the Tennessee Mountains
With stunning landscapes and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, Tennessee’s beautiful mountains are a paradise for hikers, climbers, and adventure seekers.
- Smoky Mountains Vacation: Where fun adventures await!
- Seasonal Hiking In the Smoky Mountains
- Fall Colors Smoky Mountains
- Scratch Everest and find out Where Is The Highest Point In Tennessee!
- Enjoy camping with a whole lot of bling! Go Glamping In The Tennessee Mountains
- You can also find plenty of opportunities for Glamping in Pigeon Forge, TN!
- Hit these thrilling ATV trails in Tennessee, and don’t forget to check the Tennessee Laws on ATV Riding to avoid injuries or getting into trouble with the law.😉
- Are The Appalachian Mountains The Same As The Smoky Mountains? Find out the answer and learn some interesting facts about these Tennessee Mountains.
- Best Things to do at Roan Mountain State Park
- Have you ever wondered What Is Clingmans Dome In Tennessee? Find out the answer!
- Hiking the Laurel Falls Trail in Tennessee
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park.
–National Park Service
Best Tennessee Vacations
The state of Tennessee has three sections known as the Grand Divisions: East, Middle, and West Tennessee. The Grand Divisions are legally recognized in the state constitution and represented on the Flag of Tennessee by three stars. The three regions are geographically and culturally distinct, each one offering unique experiences to visitors.
East Tennessee
The region is home to Knoxville and Chattanooga – Tennessee’s third and fourth most populous cities – and the Tri-Cities (Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City), the state’s sixth-largest population center.
- East Tennessee Vacation
- 10 Fun Things To Do in Knoxville, TN
- ATV Riding Near Knoxville, TN
- Best Places To Go Snow Tubing Near Knoxville, TN
- Best Places To Stay In Knoxville, TN
- RV Campgrounds In Chattanooga
- State Parks Near Chattanooga, TN
- Rogersville, TN– Visit A Main Street Where History Is Alive And Moving Forward
- Sevier County
- Waterfalls Near Townsend, TN
- Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival at Townsend
- Best Things To Do At Roan Mountain State Park
Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee includes the state capital of Nashville, as well as Clarksville – the fifth largest city. It is both the most extensive and populous out of the three grand divisions in Tennessee.
- You’ve heard about Nashville Hot Chicken, but do you know where to get it?
- RV Campgrounds Near Nashville that really rock!
- State Parks Near Nashville, TN With RV Camping
- Best ATV Trails Near Nashville, TN
West Tennessee
West Tennessee is the most clearly defined region geographically and also the lowest-lying. In terms of population size and land area, it is both the smallest Grand Division. The largest city in West Tennessee is Memphis, which is also the second most populous city in the state.
- Go Camping in the best RV Parks Near Memphis, TN
- You’ll Love These State Parks Near Memphis, TN
- ATV Riding In Memphis, TN
When Is The Best Time To Visit Tennessee
Winter
The fun doesn’t stop in Tennessee during winter! With more mild weather than in the northern states, there are plenty of activities to enjoy both outdoors and indoors. And if you’re looking for a festive getaway, you’ll be spoiled for choice with all the different Christmas in Tennessee vacations available from region to region.
- Best Things To Do in Tennessee in November
- Best Things To Do In Tennessee In December
- Best Things To Do In Tennessee In February
- Christmas Lights In Tennessee
- Christmas Tree Farms In Tennessee
- Best Christmas Parades In Tennessee
- Smoky Mountains Christmas lights
- Christmas Villages in Tennessee
- Christmas in Memphis, TN
- Christmas In Chattanooga, TN
- Christmas In Nashville, TN
- Gatlinburg, Tennessee At Christmas Time
- Pigeon Forge Christmas Lights
- Things To Do In the Smoky Mountains In Winter
- Best Ski Resorts In and Near Tennessee
- Snow Tubing In Tennessee
- Best Places To Go Snow Tubing Near Knoxville, TN
- Best Places For Snow Tubing Near Memphis, TN
- Don’t Miss These Top 9 Places for Chattanooga Snow Tubing
- Best Places To Go Winter Camping In Tennessee
Spring
From scenic mountain views filled with blooming flowers to unique festivals and events, Tennessee has so much to offer in Springtime.
- Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg In Spring
- Things to do in Pigeon Forge in Spring
- Things To do in the Smoky Mountains in Spring
- Best Things To Do In Tennessee In May
Summer
Summer in Tennessee is a time for fun adventures. While the can be the weather is hot and humid, ways to beat the heat are endless, from whitewater rafting around Gatlinburg to relaxing and splashing in one of the best Great Smoky Mountains Family Resorts.
- Things To Do In The Smoky Mountains In The Summer, don’t forget this Summer packing Checklist for the Smokies before you hit the road
- Best Things To Do in Gatlinburg in Summer
- Best Places For Pigeon Forge Snow Tubing
- 125+ Amazing Things To Do in the Smoky Mountains!
- Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival at Townsend, TN
Fall
Tennessee is a stunning state year-round, fall in Tennessee is incomparable! As fall arrives and the temperature begins to drop, the leaves on the trees put on a brilliant display of red and gold. This dazzling natural phenomenon can be seen throughout the entire state.
- Fall Colors Smoky Mountains
- Best Things to do in Gatlinburg in Fall
- Experience Dollywood In October
- Pigeon Forge in Fall
- What To Do In Tennessee In October
Where Are The Best Places To Eat In Tennessee?
With so many fantastic restaurants in Tennessee, it would be impossible to try them all–but that doesn’t mean we’re not going to try! Here’s a list of some of the best places to eat in the state, so you can start crossing off items on your food bucket list.
- Skip The Pancake House: Go To Tennessee Jed’s For a Mom and Pop’s Breakfast in Gatlinburg
- The Best Pancake Places In Gatlinburg
- Best Restaurants in Smoky Mountains
- Best Breakfast in Pigeon Forge
- Best Steakhouses in Gatlinburg
- Where to get the best Nashville Hot Chicken
- Best Nashville Sandwich Shops
- Best Restaurants in Dollywood
- Romantic Restaurants In Sevierville, TN
Where To Stay In Tennessee?
Well, it depends. But if you happen to be visiting the Smoky Mountains, GSM Family Vacations offers a beautiful 5BR/5BA cabin with over 2600 square feet of finished living space for you and your family to spread out and enjoy.
Here are other great places to stay in Tennessee;
- Top 10 Family Resorts In Tennessee
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Resorts
- Best Smoky Mountains Campgrounds The Whole Family Will Love!
- Best Family Resorts in Gatlinburg
- Best Pigeon Forge Family Resorts
- Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, Pigeon Forge
- The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville
- The Inn at Christmas Place
- Cabins In the Smoky Mountains
- Best Luxury RV Resorts In Tennessee
- Cabins Near Percy Priest Lake, Tennessee
- Nashville Shores RV Campground In Hermitage Tennessee
Can’t Afford a Family Vacation? Think Again!
- Would You Like An Easy Way to keep track of your travel expenses?
- Do you ever feel like you have no idea what you spend on your vacation?
- Wouldn’t it be nice to keep your travel plans and confirmation numbers AND track your spending all on your phone and in ONE place?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, then The Travel Expense Tracker™️ can help you.
Gain control of your travel budget so you can travel more NOW and in the future!
Accessible from your tablet, laptop, or smartphone.
Recommended Related Resources
You might also find some of our vacation guides helpful when planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains and other places in the US.
- Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- Best Places to Travel in the US
Don’t Miss All Our Tennessee Web Stories
