How to Make the Most of a Long Weekend in Tennessee

Are you planning a weekend trip to Tennessee? Or is it somewhere you’ve always wanted to explore? Well, thanks to its vibrant music scene, rich history, exhilarating city life and utterly breathtaking scenery, Tennessee brings the best of both worlds and allows visitors to experience each one however they see fit.

But with so much to see and do in this unique state, knowing how to spend your time and make the most of your visit can feel a little overwhelming. Firstly, it’s important to find the best price for your flights, as budgeting well can dictate how much of the state you can experience. Once you have that sorted, you can get ready to immerse yourself in the state’s unforgettable attractions and start choosing how you’ll make some memories. 

Whether you want to experience an outdoor adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains, you want to sample culinary delights and experience genuine Southern Hospitality, or you want to head into Nashville, where the influence of the country music scene is felt everywhere, here we’ll highlight how to make the most of a long weekend in Tennessee.   

For the nature lovers

For those looking for a nature-focused weekend getaway, then heading to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must. This breathtaking park boasts over 800 miles of hiking trails, suitable for a variety of ages and abilities. If you’re looking for a family-friendly option then The Laurel Falls Trail is incredibly popular, or if you’re looking for the perfect hike with some Insta-worthy pictures at the end, then check out the Akum Cave Trail for stunning views that certainly make all the effort worth it! 

Maybe you’d prefer to stay in the car? If so, there are plenty of scenic drives that will take your breath away. The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile scenic trip that highlights the natural beauty of the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. With plenty of picnic spots and opportunities to snap panoramic views of mountains and forests, you can plan your road trip with ease. 

If you want to make the most of your trip to Tennessee by embracing the great outdoors with some adrenaline-fuelled fun, then you’ve come to the right state. A zip-lining tour of the Smokies or near Chattanooga Park is an incredible way to explore the area and take in the scenery. Riding through the canopy of the forests is certainly breathtaking and a unique experience you won’t forget. If you prefer something on the water, then how about canoeing along the Tennessee River or Pigeon River? You’ll find a whole host of guided tours offering safety equipment and guidance for those with little or no experience of being out on the water. 

For those who want to see a little wildlife – you’re in luck. Not only is the area home to a diverse range of ecosystems, you’ll find wildlife in abundance. The Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge is home to deer, foxes, coyotes, eagles and 306 species of birds – so make sure you bring your binoculars! 

For the foodies

Tennessee is a vibrant melting pot of culinary styles and delights. With a wide range of diverse cultural influences, Tennessee is the home of bold flavours, blended with Southern comfort and hospitality that makes the state a haven for food lovers! 

If you want to make the most of your visit to this state then tasting all the different kinds of cuisine (or as many as you can)  is one way to do it! Start with Tennessee’s iconic dishes, like in Nashville where hot, spicy chicken is a staple, or head to Memphis and enjoy barbecue flavours that are smokey and sweet, tangy and spicy! 

If you’re looking for something a little more casual then the food truck scene in Tennessee is vibrant and creative. You’ll find an eclectic mix of fusion-inspired dishes, chicken and waffle trucks, lobster mobile kitchens, and even mac and cheese food trucks offering comfort food like you’ve never experienced before. And don’t forget to sample Tennessee’s craft beers and beverages! You’ll find a huge range of breweries, distilleries and wineries offering locally produced drinks you won’t find anywhere else – you’ll have to try locally brewed whiskey  – a beverage the state is renowned for! 

For the music lovers

If you’re someone who wants to immerse yourself in country music for a weekend then there’s no better place than the iconic home of American country music, Nashville. Bursting with live music venues like the Grand Ole Opry – where both rising and well-established stars perform – venues like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and The Stage on Broadway where you can kick back with a drink and enjoy impressive lineups of local talent listening to Honky-Tonks. 

Or head to Memphis, known as the birthplace of the Blues, where iconic venues like B.B. King’s Blues Club and Rum Boogie Cafe host a wide range of incredible acts. And no visit to Tennessee and Memphis would be complete without a trip to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. 

Travel tips for visiting Tennessee

Making the most of your time spent in this incredible state means knowing the best times to visit, and how to customise your trip effectively. If you’re looking for mild weather and want to experience the wonders of nature in full bloom, then visiting in Spring (April-June) is recommended. Fall (September to November) is ideal for those who want to witness the beauty of the changing seasons or many explore a harvest celebration in the more populated areas. Wintertime is less busy and much colder, but if you want to avoid the crowds then visiting Tennessee between December and February is key. Summer is the best time of year if you’re hoping to spend most of your time outdoors. But be prepared for plenty of crowds and bring plenty of sunscreen with you!