Reconnect with nature. Set out on a culinary tour. See your favorite artists perform at a summer festival or live show. As temperatures heat up, here are some of the top things to do in Tennessee.
Outdoors Start by taking in the stars in a whole new way at a night-sky viewing experience at Fall Creek Falls State Park. Located an hour south of Cookeville, the park hosts astronomy weekends where you can observe distant planets and galaxies with fellow astronomers. If you need to catch up on a little R&R, escape to Blue Bank Resort on the picturesque Reelfoot Lake. As you set out over this shallow lake, you can see hundreds of bald cypress tree trunks rising out of the water, creating a one-of-a-kind view.
Experience some of the state’s most beautiful scenery at Rock Island Park, just north of McMinnville. While you’re hiking down the trails, don’t miss the stunning views of the 30-foot cascading Great Falls and the breathtaking Twin Falls. For more epic hiking – and fishing, birding, and swimming – visit Cumberland Mountain State Park. If you’re looking for a water escape, the Pigeon River, Ocoee, and Nolichucky Rivers are widely recognized as some of the best places to raft Class III to IV rapids.
They feature a wide range of rafting levels, tubing trips, fishing excursions, and more. To make a splash, visit Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Adventure Park in Pigeon Forge. Its 35 acres are packed full of things to do, including a 1,500-foot lazy river and Tennessee’s tallest twin speed slides.
Food Tennessee has tons of outdoor dining near ideal summer vacation spots. In East Nashville, The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden serves tasty burgers and wursts with a dog-friendly patio. Make sure to also check out Bastion, a local favorite with multi-course dinners that recently earned a Michelin Star in 2025. If you’re in the mountains in Chattanooga, Café 7, located within Rock City Gardens, serves up delicious Southern cuisine with a modern twist and spectacular views.
Later, stop by Clumpies Ice Cream Co. for frozen treats with unique flavors like Firecracker and French Silk. CliffTop Restaurant at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg features modern American cuisine from steaks and burgers to house-made desserts that are all served with a side of sweeping views of Mt. LeConte and the Smokies. To taste some of the South’s best barbeque, Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous is a must-visit for anyone in Memphis.
If you’re in the Nashville area, stop by Edley’s Bar-B-Que and Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint for two different approaches to slow-smoking greatness.
Callout box – this should be near the food stuff While most places pair wine with food, here we pair it with music. Elevate the flavors of your next Tennessee meal by getting a custom music pairing at: tennesseemusicpairings.com.
Music From iconic music venues to summer festivals like the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, there’s always a show going on in Tennessee. For country music buffs, there’s nothing quite like walking through the legendary Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. There are countless other venues for live music throughout the city, but be sure to walk down Honky Tonk Highway on Lower Broadway for an unforgettable evening.
If you’re wanting an off-the-beaten-path concert experience, check out The Caverns in Pelham – it’s a concert venue that’s inside of the caves with an underground stage. Graceland and Stax Museums are absolute must-visits for anyone in the Memphis area. And when you’re done there, be sure to catch one of 50+ free live shows at Overton Park Shell’s outdoor amphitheater. com.