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Apr 13, 2023

4 Tennessee Destinations to Visit This Season

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If you're in the midst of planning your summer travels, consider adding Tennessee to your list. Here are some of the best places to visit in the Volunteer State!

June 5, 2023

From exploring the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains to award-winning eateries and seasonal events, Tennessee is home to several highly sought-after travel destinations. Whether you’re planning your summer vacation or a getaway for later in the year, here are four places throughout Tennessee to add to your travel bucket list!

For an authentic Tennessee experience, head to Maury County. Made up of seven unique communities — Columbia, Mount Pleasant, Spring Hill, Culleoka, Hampshire, Santa Fe, and Williamsport — there is so much to do and see in this charming pocket of the Volunteer State.

We recommend spending a night or two in Maury County to embrace all it offers. Two Lanes Guesthouse is a loft located in the heart of Columbia. Owned and operated by TV personality Mike Wolfe of American Pickers, guests receive a firsthand look at unique artifacts and decor from the show — from framed motorcycle gear to a wooden windmill blade. The loft accommodates up to four people and includes a bedroom and full bathroom.

Downtown Columbia is located in the heart of Maury County and offers plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities.

Soirée on the Square is another great rental option if you have a larger group or family. The 3,700-square-foot loft overlooks downtown Columbia and seamlessly blends glam and comfort. The space includes four bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms.

Before venturing out for your first full day in Maury County, stop by one of the local coffee shops for your caffeine fix. Muletown Roasted Coffee has been a Columbia staple since 2013, offering everything from classic coffee to flavored lattes and various teas. Other popular coffee shops include Wolf & Scout Coffee Bar and Nashville Tea Co.

For coffee and breakfast, Buckhead Coffeehouse offers both coffee selections and food. Popular breakfast options include the classic Buckhead Sandwich, an oatmeal bowl, and avocado toast.

Once you’re fueled up, it's time to start exploring! For those who love to shop, there are plenty of local boutiques to peruse. For on-trend clothing and accessories, we recommend Aubree P. Boutique. Standout home decor shops include Amy Montgomery Home, The Linen Duck, Smith & York Co., and The Faded Farmhouse.

Whether you’re looking for clothing, accessories, or home goods, Maury County is home to a handful of charming boutiques.

To truly make a day of your shopping endeavors, visit The Factory at Columbia, which includes stores like Mountain Ash Home + Design, Columbia Antique Marketplace, Dwell Boutique, Southern Polished, and Vintique.

Maury County is also home to a collection of talented musicians. If you want to hear live music, head to The Mulehouse, Puckett's, or Homestead Hall at Hardison Mill.

History buffs will have fun exploring Maury County's historic sites, including Rattle and Snap Plantation, the home of President James K. Polk, and Historic Elm Springs. You also can't go wrong exploring scenic outdoor attractions like The Duck River or Stillhouse Hollow Falls.

Tour the home and artifacts of James K. Polk, the 11th president of the United States.

After a day of exploring, you’ll likely have a hearty appetite. For authentic Southern cuisine, visit Marcy Jo's Mealhouse and Bakery. If you want a more elevated dining experience, head to River Terrace, Buck + Board, or Southern Tré Steakhouse. More casual dining options include Square Market, McCreary's Irish Pub, and Mama Mila's.

From over 800 miles of hiking trails to sweeping views of the Great Smoky Mountains and unique lodging opportunities, Gatlinburg, TN, is an outdoor enthusiast's dream.

As the most-visited national park in the U.S., the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-see. Spanning over 500,000 acres, the park offers 150 hiking trails. Standout options include Grotto Falls, Laurel Falls, Abrams Falls, Mt. LeConte, and Ramsey Cascades.

The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook offers sweeping views of the Smokies and downtown Gatlinburg.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, the Smokies are also home to some fantastic fishing spots. To make the most of your experience, enlist help from Smoky Mountain Angler, a full-service fly fishing outfitter that provides everything from waders to nets, fly rods, and more.

For adrenaline seekers, Gatlinburg also offers some of the best whitewater rafting in Tennessee. Plus, local outfitters Nantahala Outdoor Center, Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting, and Rafting in the Smokies make choosing your own rafting adventure easy.

Whitewater rafting in Gatlinburg is a must!

Anakeesta is another must-see attraction. The award-winning mountaintop theme park offers zip lining, the AnaVista Tower, the Treetop Skywalk, and the first single-rail mountain coaster of its kind in the U.S. If you find yourself visiting Anakeesta at night, don't miss Astra Lumina. This beautiful enchanted night walk incorporates unique lights and sounds.

Another exciting Gatlinburg amusement park is Ober Mountain, which offers breathtaking views from the aerial tramway in addition to ice bumper cars, ice skating, summer tubing, mountain biking, and more.

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is another popular attraction. This is where you’ll find the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, North America's longest pedestrian cable bridge. After walking across it, hike along the SkyTrail or relax on the SkyDeck.

When you’re done exploring the Smokies, spend some time strolling along the Gatlinburg Parkway. The walkable street is home to plenty of shops, including The Shoppes at The Village, Jonathan's, and Smoky Mountain Soaps.

Also along the Parkway is Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Rated "Best U.S. Aquarium" by USA Today, you can enjoy close-up views of sea creatures as well as hourly dive and feeding shows.

Roll down the windows and enjoy the views as you drive through Gatlinburg.

If you’re looking for a unique lodging experience, Camp LeConte is a luxury outdoor camping resort that offers stays in treehouses, safari tents, and restored vintage campers. Treehouse Grove at Norton Creek Resort is another popular option, offering eight treehouses thoughtfully designed by Animal Planet's "Treehouse Master" Pete Nelson.

We also recommend planning your travels around some of Gatlinburg's premier summer events. The city's 2023 July 4th celebration is set to be the first in the U.S., taking place at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4. The Harlem Globetrotters lead the parade, which includes festive floats, marching bands, and more.

The Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair is another popular event that hosts artisans and crafters from across the U.S. The annual event includes 200 booths that offer everything from pottery to molded leather, copper art, and candy.

Just a short drive from Nashville sits the charming town of Goodlettsville, combining the sounds of Music City with the beautiful scenery of rural Tennessee.

If you’re looking to stay for a few days or a long weekend, Goodlettsville is home to about 1,500 hotel rooms. Popular hotels include Courtyard by Marriott Nashville-Goodlettsville, TownePlace Suites Nashville-Goodlettsville, or Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville-Goodlettsville. If camping is more your speed, consider a stay at Grand Ole RV Resort and Market or Nashville North RV Park.

Outdoor enthusiasts are in luck, as Goodlettsville is home to serene parks and green spaces. A standout option is Moss-Wright Park, which includes 147 acres of playgrounds, walking trails, and more. The park is also home to Historic Mansker's Station, which consists of a reproduction 1779 log station, and the Bowen Plantation House, said to be the longest-standing brick structure in Middle Tennessee.

Other popular parks include Brooks Park, Gateway Park, Peay Park, and Pleasant Green Park, offering pickleball courts, tennis courts, splash pads, walking trails, playgrounds, and an outdoor swimming pool.

Spend some time walking the trails at Moss-Wright Park.

Goodlettsville is also known for its charming boutiques and shops, offering everything from antiques to clothing and jewelry. Popular antiquing spots include the Goodlettsville Antique Mall, Rare Bird Antiques, Treasure Hunters Thrift Store, and Cast + Found Vintiques. For apparel and accessories, stop by Chic Artique, Cottonwood Boutique, Enchanted Threads, and Rust & Ruffles Boutique.

Get lost in any of Goodlettsville's unique antique shops!

After a full day of exploring, stop by one of Goodlettsville's award-winning eateries to satisfy your appetite. Chef's Market is a popular option for lunch or dinner, offering delicious Southern comfort food in addition to soups, salads, appetizers, and sandwiches. Other popular dining destinations include Buck's Barbeque, Lagniappe Bayou Kitchen, and Sand Trap at 12 Stones.

Calabria Pizzeria is new to the Goodlettsville dining scene and specializes in wood-fired pizzas using scratch-made pizza dough. The menu includes traditional pizza options like Hawaiian and pepperoni, as well as delicious calzones.

We recommend planning your Goodlettsville trip around the city's annual Independence Day Celebration, which takes place on Monday, July 3. Held at Moss-Wright Park, the event begins at 4 p.m. and includes a Kids’ Zone with inflatables and games, food vendors, and a fireworks display that starts at 9 p.m.

You should also plan to stop by the city's farmers’ market to shop everything from local produce to baked goods, candles, pies, soaps, and more. The seasonal market occurs in Moss-Wright Park every Thursday from May 4 through October 5. Market hours are 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

If you find yourself in Goodlettsville from June through August, you can also attend any of the Music on Main summer concerts in Main Street Park. Other popular events throughout the year include GOODFest & Fall Market in October, Yulefest in December, and Heritage Days in April.

Goodlettsville has several seasonal events throughout the year — from the annual Independence Day Celebration to GOODFest & Fall Market (pictured here).

Home to the Cumberland Gap (where Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky intersect), as well as outdoor adventures, seasonal events, and more, there's never a dull moment in Claiborne County.

Claiborne County offers two standout options if you’re looking for water-related fun. Norris Lake is home to marinas, restaurants, watersports, houseboat and boat rentals, and fishing guides.

Norris Lake in Claiborne County offers plenty of water-related fun for the whole family.

Powell River is considered the second cleanest river in the nation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. This is the perfect place for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or floating down the river. This is also where the annual Powell River Kayak & Canoe Regatta takes place, a 12-mile race benefiting the Powell River Blueway Trail Project.

No trip to Claiborne County is complete without a visit to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Considered "the first great gateway to the West," this is where nearly 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle in America. Today, the park is home to Gap Cave, hiking trails, and the Hensley Settlement.

Another popular attraction is the Little Congress Bicycle Museum, which houses bikes collected over the past 41 years by museum founder R.E. McClanahan II.

Other attractions include the Historic Speedwell Academy, a hospital and headquarters for both sides during the Civil War. The Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum is another popular spot for history buffs, housing the world's most extensive collection of Lincoln- and Civil War-related materials.

Head to Pinnacle Gap for sweeping views of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.

You can also spend a night or two in the Olde Mill Inn Bed & Breakfast. Built in two parts — the first in the 1700s and the other in the 1800s — you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time during your stay here. However, every room includes modern amenities like fine linens, WiFi, and luxury bath products.

Racing fans will enjoy a visit to Tazewell Speedway, which is the world's fastest ⅓-mile dirt track. To see if there's a race taking place while you’re visiting, visit tazewellspeedway.net.

If you want to take a piece of Claiborne County home, stop by local shops like Papa Chum's Music & Rarities, Whistle Stop Antique Center, Gertie's Commissary Cumberland Gap, or Hillfolk for a souvenir or two.

For a hearty meal after a day of adventure and fun, Nineteen19 Grill & Bar is a popular restaurant known for its street tacos, chicken and waffles, and Teriyaki stir fry. For a fine dining option, Woodlake Golf & Country Club offers a steakhouse and grill in addition to a luxury hotel.

Vacation also calls for self-care, and Well Being Retreat Center is the perfect place to find it. Sitting on 160 acres in Tazewell, TN, you’re invited to the center's mindfulness retreats, wellness workshops, and yoga retreats.

Be sure to plan your trip to Claiborne County around its beloved annual events, including the Tri-State Outdoors Fest, Folk Fest, the White Lightning Trail Festival, or "A Claiborne County Christmas" Festival & Lighted Tractor Parade.

Enjoy your travels!

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This article is sponsored by Experience Maury County Tennessee, the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Goodlettsville, and Visit Claiborne County.

All photography provided.

Brianna is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading all things true crime.

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