Tennessee Travel Guide For Adventure Lovers

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Looking for the perfect spot to plan your next adventure-packed vacation? Consider a trip to Tennessee. This southeastern state is packed with plenty of options for adventure lovers of all kinds, but outdoor lovers are especially in luck. And the best part? You can enjoy some of the best adventures the state has to offer from some of the state’s most well-loved and easy-to-reach cities.

Tennessee has something to offer for families, couples and the ultimate girls trip. The most frequently visited U.S. national park, Great Smoky Mountains, will take your breath away.  The cities, Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Gatlinburg, are home to a wealth of outdoor activities along with plenty of great restaurants.

Ready to plan your Tennessee adventure? Here are some ways to take advantage of opportunities for an adventure near some of Tennessee’s most popular destinations and here are some of my best things to do in Tennessee.

Amazing Tennessee Outdoor Adventures:

Things To Do In Chattanooga

Chattanooga is an outdoor lover’s dream. Visitors will find more than 75 parks, three nearby rivers, multiple mountains within easy access, and plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking. Staying in Chattanooga will give you a solid variety of hotels to choose from, as well as easy access to dining and nightlife when you’re done exploring for the day.

Outdoor Adventure In Chattanooga

Explore the top Chattanooga Summertime adventures. ... Get out on the Tennessee River and relax on a lunch, dinner or sightseeing cruise. Chattanooga's outdoor opportunities will amaze you.

Ruby Falls

Where To Stay In Chattanooga, Tennessee

Click here to discover the best hotels available in the Chattanooga area. ... historic landmarks, you're sure to find somewhere to stay that will pique your interest!

Where To Stay In Chattanooga

The Westin In Chattanooga
801 Pine Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
(423) 531-4653

BOOK NOW!!

The Embassy Suites
2321 Lifestyle Way
Chattanooga, TN 37421
(423) 602-5100

BOOK NOW!!

Outlook Mountain in Chattanooga

Things To Do In Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is the perfect vacation destination for adventurers looking to hike and explore the Great Smoky Mountains, National Park. There are plenty of things to see and do here regardless of the season you choose to visit, and you can always take advantage of the city’s unique shops and eateries. Book a room at Margaritaville Gatlinburg Resort, or opt for a more intimate experience at a local bed and breakfast.

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When it comes to fun and family-friendly things to do, there is no beating a trip to the Smoky Mountains. From hiking trails to amusement parks to daring adventures, there is something for everyone found in these hills.

It’s no secret the Smoky Mountain black bears are the most popular animal living in the national park. In fact, the National Park Service dubbed it the park’s official mascot thanks in part to the popularity of the animal. 

Now, it is important to remember it is very unlikely you will see a bear near your vacation rental but my daughter and I ran into a momma bear along with her cubs while exploring the Smoky Mountains.  The most popular area to spot Smoky Mountain black bears is Cades Cove at sunrise.

Please remember, you do need to exercise extreme caution if and when you do encounter a Smoky Mountain black bear. These are wild animals after all so please do not forget that!

Top Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennessee

It doesn’t cost much money to have fun when you visit Gatlinburg, TN! Previously I discussed things to do in Chattanooga and now it's time to follow up with a guide to some of the best family attractions in Gatlinburg. Although they might not be free, these activities are definitely light on the wallet. Here are four of the most popular cheap things to do in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.

Smoky Mountain National Park

Gatlinburg's Best Accommodations

From secluded chalets tucked into the mountainside to kid-friendly hotels complete with lazy rivers, there’s something for everyone. So whether you’re seeking an intimate respite from city life or a full-on immersion into touristy fun, we’ve got you covered.

Where To Stay In Gatlinburg

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort
2525 DreamMore Way
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(800) 365-5996

BOOK NOW!!

Margaritaville Gatlinburg Resort
539 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(888) 447-0222

BOOK NOW!!

Margaritaville Resort in Gatlinburg

Things To Do In Memphis

Want to experience great BBQ and excellent access to outdoor adventure? Memphis is your place! As one of the most affordable cities in Tennessee, it’s a great spot for anyone looking for a good deal, as well as anyone looking for an authentic taste of southern hospitality.

Outdoor Adventure In Memphis

Get outdoors in Memphis and experience activities you don't typically find in a city in the South. Ride bikes around the city, taking advantage of the Shelby Farms Greenline and traveling through neighborhoods like the Broad Avenue Arts District. Visit Mud Island River Park, a replica of the nearby mighty Mississippi, or take a riverboat ride.

Outdoor enthusiasts won't want to miss Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, a mega-store selling fishing, boating and hunting gear that brings the outdoors in.

More of a sports fan? Watch the Memphis Grizzles grit and grind on the court, take in a Redbirds baseball game at AutoZone Park, or check out a University of Memphis football game.

what to do in Memphis

Memphis Best Accommodations

Find your perfect place to stay in Memphis. Here you will find budget accommodations to luxury hotels in Downtown Memphis.

Where To Stay In Memphis

Big Cypress Lodge
1 Bass Pro Drive
Memphis, TN 38105
(901) 620-4600

BOOK NOW!!

Hotel Napoleon
179 Madison Ave
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 526-0002

BOOK NOW!!

Hotel Napoleon in Memphis

Things To Do In Nashville

Known for its rich musical history, Nashville doesn’t always come to mind as a great spot for adventure travel, but you might be surprised to see how many options you can find in the area. Add in the fact you’ll be able to visit some American institutions, like the Country Music Hall of Fame, and you’ll find plenty of reasons to plan a trip ASAP!

 

Outdoor Adventure In Nashville

Within minutes of downtown Nashville, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether your outdoor sport of choice is biking, hiking or horseback riding, the rolling hills, long trails and majestic lakes of the Nashville area will not disappoint. Fish in a calm, beautiful lake, canoe on a lazy river, or get your thrills in a state-of-the-art wave action pool. Check out our picks for the Nashville area’s top outdoor attractions.

What to do in Nashville

Nashville's Best Accommodations

Whether you are exploring this music-centric city for a family vacation or business trip, or an outdoor adventure in Nashville. Here are my top places to stay in Nashville.

Where To Stay In Nashville

The Noelle Hotel
200 4th Ave N
Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 649-5000

BOOK NOW!!

The Bobby Hotel
230 4th Ave N
Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 782-7100

BOOK NOW!!

What to do in Nashville

With so many museums, outdoor activities, restaurants to choose from and festivals to attend your family will be planning your return trip to Tennessee before you leave.

Tennessee is as diverse a landscape as it gets. From the Appalachian Mountains to the low lying river plains of the west to the Mississippi Delta there isn’t much you can’t do when venturing out in Tennessee. A culture of awesome food and music pair with waterfalls and green mountains to make for an amazing overall experience, and one that includes a plate of southern barbecue at the end of a long adventure.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation in Pigeon Forge or a girls weekend in Nashville I want you to explore Tennessee with your friends and family.

Additional Articles For Traveling

5 Things To Do at Margaritaville Island Hotel In Pigeon Forge

11 Incredible Destinations To Visit In 2019

The Best BBQ Restaurants In Memphis

Ready to plan your trip, grab my FREE  Vacation Planner to help you plan your trip in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show!

Travel Guide

Take advantage of some of the greatest adventures Tennessee has to offer with these prime vacation spots! If your favorite Tennessee adventure destination didn’t make my list, leave a comment and let me know what I missed!

 

Adventure in Tennessee

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