It’s officially summer which means it’s time for a summer vacation. If you and your family are looking for a great getaway that is fun for everyone, look no further than the great state of Tennessee.
We have put together a list of activities and stops throughout the state that will make any summer vacation a good one.
West Tennessee
Elvis Presley’s Graceland
Travel to Memphis and explore Elvis’ home, Graceland Mansion, to learn all there is to know about this legendary artist. Explore the personal life of Elvis Presley and find out how his revolutionary style and unique sound changed the face of popular music and culture forever. At Graceland, enjoy an interactive iPad tour of the property, where you can experience the Jungle Room, Pool Room and TV Room for yourself.
Reelfoot Lake State Park
Reelfoot Lake State Park is located in the northwest corner of Tennessee and is noted for its fishing, boating and wildlife viewing. Reelfoot Lake is a flooded forest, with Cypress trees rising above the water. The park has several hiking trails that are popular for bird watching and wildlife viewing. There are two campgrounds at Reelfoot Lake State Park that are perfect for an overnight stay.
Discovery Park of America
Discovery Park of America is a world-class educational and entertainment experience in Union City. Discovery Center, the flagship of Discovery Park, has over 70,000 square feet of exhibit space featuring 10 unique galleries. Discovery Park also has a large collection of dinosaurs and a glass-floored observation tower. Outside you’ll find a working gristmill, full-sized antique train and tractor displays, historical exhibits and lush gardens.
Visit Discovery Park of America
Middle Tennessee
The Loveless Café
Looking for a great place to grab a bite of delicious Southern cuisine? Look no further than the Loveless Café, a true Nashville landmark. Founded in 1951, the Loveless Café serves more than half a million guests each year. You can’t miss the café’s famous biscuits and homemade southern cooking, drawing food enthusiasts, locals, out-of-town guests and celebrities alike.
Storytellers Hideaway Farm & Museum
Located within a short drive from Nashville, the Storytellers Hideaway Farm and Museum was the location where Johnny Cash used to escape from public life. Now the farm and museum in Bon Aqua is a must-stop for anyone interested in knowing more about Johnny Cash, the man behind some of country’s most historic music, as well as the region’s history.
Burgess Falls State Park
Burgess Falls State Park is one of Tennessee’s most famous state parks. Located on Tennessee’s Eastern Highland rim, the state park features bluffs, waterfalls and beautiful forest. The park is home to over 300 species of trees and plants and an abundance of wildlife with a native butterfly garden located at the state park.
East Tennessee
Douglas Lake
Douglas Lake, located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Jefferson County, offers breathtaking scenery, family-friendly water recreational activities, and beautiful lakeside lodging. It was named a BASSMASTER Top 100 Lake and is known around the state for being a perfect location for bass fishing. Enjoy renting jet skis, pontoon boats or a nice picnic with the family on the shores of this beautiful lake.
Rock City’s Summer Music Weekend
Rock City, located on top of Lookout Mountain, is home to many fun adventures for the whole family. During the summer months, Rock City hosts the annual Summer Music Weekends. Enjoy some of the best old-time bluegrass with daily performances by up-and-coming bluegrass, country and folk music artists.
Navitat
Navitat is a tree-based adventure park located in Knoxville. The park consists of six different elevated “adventure trails” that are entirely tree-based, and all starting from a main central platform in the forest. Each trail consists of 10 to 12 different adventure elements, from ziplines and bridges to swings, nets, elevated tunnels, and more.
