Tennessee is nicknamed the “Volunteer State” as it often sends a large number of soldiers for multiple wars and battles. It gets its name from the Cherokee town of Tanasi in Monroe County. The state is especially famous for its capital, Nashville, which is also known as Music City and the home to country music. It is also home to a number of breathtaking, scenic sights like the Smoky Mountains, Cherokee National Park, and the Appalachian mountains. It is considered by many as one of the most underrated tourist destinations in the country. Keep reading to find out about the top-rated weekend getaways in Tennessee, USA.
1. Memphis - The Peabody Memphis (from USD 229)
Reasonable room price, on-site parking, complimentary coffee in the morning
Historic property, beautifully decorated rooms, generous in-room facilities, duck parade
Convenient central location, within walking distance to attractions, close to Beale Street
Delicious dining options, lobby cocktail lounge, lovely room service, great ambiance
Memphis is known famously as the place where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It is a city with an extremely rich history. It owes its growth to its economic involvement in lumber, cotton, agricultural goods, and the slave trade. The Peabody Memphis is an elegant hotel located near Beale Street that has an indoor pool, gym, and spa. It is located about 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from the international airport. Some of the interesting places to visit within walking distance include Memphis Music Hall of Fame, AutoZone Park, Cotton Exchange Building, and Gibson Guitar Factory. Make sure you check out National Civil Rights Museum, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum.
Peabody Memphis
Address: 149 Union Avenue
1.05 km (0.7 mi) from National Civil Rights Museum
2. Chattanooga
Chattanooga owes its growth as a city to the multiple railway lines across town as it served as an important facet in the American Civil War. The city is considered to be filled with scenic beauty with a riverfront walk, numerous restaurants of varying cuisines, and a bustling art scene. The Read House is a luxury hotel with breathtaking design, located a five-minute drive from The University of Tennessee. When you’re in town, make sure you check out Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City Gardens, and Ruby Falls.
3. Pigeon Forge - Titanic Museum
Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge takes you back in time to see what life was like on the Titanic. It is a self-guided walking tour of a replica of the ship and has more than 400 original artifacts. When you enter, your ticket will be a replica of the boarding pass of one of the visitors or the crew so that you can dive into history. The museum follows CDC COVID-19 guidelines. Riverstone Resort and Spa is located eight minutes away from the museum. It has a lazy river, a spa, and offers plenty of activities. The resort is 40 kilometres (25 miles) from McGhee Tyson Airport and 100 kilometres (62 miles) from Asheville Regional Airport.
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4. Gatlinburg - Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Gatlinburg SkyLift has been operating since 1954. It recently opened the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America in 2019. Interestingly, the original ski lift was brought from the Sugar Bowl ski area in California and then remade in Gatlinburg. Taking a picture on the skylift has become a part of many family traditions. It is only a two-minute drive from Hilton Garden Inn. The hostel is part of the Hilton group and thus its rooms are up to the Hilton standard.
5. Cookeville - Cummins Falls State Park
Cummins Falls State Park is a daytime park that runs from 8am to 6pm every day. It is located 9 miles (14.5 kilometres) north of Cookeville and has been a popular site for swimming and picnics for more than a century. There is some light hiking required to reach the gorge and waterfall so it is advised not to bring children under the age of five. Super 8 Hotel is located an approximately 20-minute drive from the park. It is a five-star hotel with beautiful rooms and is close to a number of activities like Cummins Falls State Park, Dogwood Park, and Cookeville Depot Museum.
6. Knoxville
Knoxville was the first capital of the state before it was replaced by Nashville. The people of Knoxville struggled for years as it was difficult to access, but became successful after the railroads were set up. Today, it is home to The University of Tennessee. Some interesting places to check out in the area include Knoxville Museum of Art, Peter Kern Library speakeasy, and Market Square. Hyatt Place Knoxville is an extremely popular hotel with world-class facilities and furnishings. It is located 18 kilometres (11.2 miles) from McGhee Tyson Airport.
7. Nashville
Nashville was named after Francis Nash, one of the key generals in the continental army that fought during the war. Its location was the key to the city’s success. Presently, it is also referred to as “Music City” as it is a popular place for country music. Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown is located 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) from the Nashville International Airport. Make sure you check out Patsy Cline Museum, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum when you’re in town.
8. Sevierville
Sevierville is a city located in eastern Tennessee, nestled within the Smoky Mountains. It is the hometown of the most famous country music star, Dolly Parton. The unique landscape and the sights inspired many of her hit songs and have attracted many opportunists. There is even a Dollywood theme park in town. Bella Villa Tennessee Bed and Breakfast is an idyllic lodge in Sevierville. It is located 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) from Dollywood. Do check out Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park and Forbidden Caverns when you are in the area.
9. Cherokee National Forest
Cherokee National Forest was set up exactly a century ago and is maintained by the US Forest Service. It is a large recreational forest that encompasses the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. It is extremely popular for having plenty of recreational activities like fishing, hiking, camping, and biking. The national forest is located 75 miles (121 kilometres) away from the Airbnb, about an hour-and-a-half drive away.
10. Franklin - Leiper's Fork Distillery
Franklin gets its name from Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the country. It is part of the Nashville Metropolitan area and is divided by the Harpeth River. Franklin has had an eventful history as it was the site for many race-based wars. Presently, it is famous for Leipers Fork Distillery, which was opened in 2016, and aims to promote small-batch whiskey production in the area. Drury Plaza Hotel is a popular hotel with state-of-the-art facilities and comfortable lodging. It is 26 kilometres (16.2 miles) away from Nashville International Airport. Make sure you check out Lotz House Museum and Winstead Hillpark when you are in town.
Have fun exploring Tennessee
I think we can all agree that there is plenty to do and see in Tennessee. With its rich cultural background and stunning sights, you definitely won’t run out of things to do. Explore the destinations on this list of top-rated weekend getaways in Tennessee, USA, and enjoy a short yet well-deserved vacation.
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