Words by Ashley Locke
If you’ve ever felt the pull of the open road and the promise of a playlist-fueled escape, there’s no better place to aim your tires than Tennessee. Known as the birthplace of country music and the home of blues and rock ‘n’ roll, the Volunteer State has long been a mecca for artists, storytellers, and wanderers. But beyond the iconic sounds and smoky barbecue lies a Tennessee that’s equally rich in outdoor adventures, quirky small towns, and soulful Southern culture.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, craving vintage treasures, or seeking quiet moments in unexpected places, this road trip will take you through ten Tennessee towns worth every mile.
Knoxville
Why You Should Stop:
Knoxville has mastered the balance between city energy and nature’s calm. This vibrant college town offers rich arts, thriving food culture, and quick access to serene outdoor escapes. It’s also home to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame—so if you’re feeling the Caitlin Clark effect, this is a must-see.
What You Can’t Miss:
Float your cares away at Mead’s Quarry. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and drift through still waters surrounded by limestone cliffs and wildflowers. It’s one of those spots that instantly slows your pulse.
Columbia
Why You Should Stop:
Columbia is a vintage-lover’s dream. Known for its revitalized downtown and as the hometown of President James K. Polk, the city has transformed into a hub for creatives, makers, and antique treasure hunters.
What You Can’t Miss:
Head to Columbia Motor Alley where you can uncover everything from retro signage to classic vinyl. It’s a maze of curated nostalgia you didn’t know you needed.
Chattanooga
Why You Should Stop:
Outdoor lovers, rejoice—Chattanooga might be the most adventure-packed city in Tennessee. Surrounded by mountains and intersected by the Tennessee River, it’s a place where you can go from brewery to bike trail in the same afternoon.
What You Can’t Miss:
Rent an electric bike and cruise the 13-mile Riverwalk, where art installations, waterfront views, and local eats make for the perfect afternoon loop.
Clarksville
Why You Should Stop:
Just north of Nashville, Clarksville is quietly becoming one of the South’s most family-friendly and flavorful towns. With military roots and a blossoming arts scene, it’s a feel-good mix of tradition and growth.
What You Can’t Miss:
Slow down and soak up the season at H&S Farms, where you can pick tulips, strawberries, and more. It’s wholesome, photogenic, and a beautiful way to connect with the land.
Memphis
Why You Should Stop:
Memphis lives and breathes music, from the notes floating down Beale Street to the walls of Graceland. But it’s also a soulful city full of grit, beauty, and mystery.
What You Can’t Miss:
Step into the Crystal Shrine Grotto at Memorial Park. This otherworldly hand-built cave, lined with quartz and filled with biblical dioramas, is both spiritual and surreal—just like Memphis itself.
Bristol
Why You Should Stop:
This border-straddling town (half in Virginia, half in Tennessee) is the official birthplace of country music. Bristol hums with history and charm, making it a must-visit for music buffs and burger lovers alike.
What You Can’t Miss:
Grab a stool at Burger Bar, the last place Hank Williams ate before he died. It’s got greasy-spoon charm and a side of musical folklore.
Sevierville
Why You Should Stop:
Just a stone’s throw from the Great Smoky Mountains, Sevierville is pure adventure. It’s the gateway to epic hikes, mountain coasters, and white water thrills—and yes, it’s Dolly Parton’s hometown.
What You Can’t Miss:
White water raft down the Pigeon River. Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or just want to scream with joy, this experience will make your summer.
Murfreesboro
Why You Should Stop:
Murfreesboro is steeped in history and full of local flavor, from Civil War battlefields to locally owned coffee shops. It’s also a hub for traditional Appalachian arts.
What You Can’t Miss:
Catch a performance by the Cripple Creek Cloggers, Tennessee’s only authentic Appalachian clogging group. It’s high energy, deeply cultural, and guaranteed to make you smile.
Pelham
Why You Should Stop:
If you’re looking for a venue that feels more like a secret society, Pelham is your place. This tiny town is home to one of the most unique concert experiences in the country.
What You Can’t Miss:
See a show in The Caverns, an underground music venue carved into Tennessee’s limestone. The acoustics are magical, and the setting feels like something out of a dream.
Cookeville
Why You Should Stop:
Cookeville is the kind of laid-back town that surprises you with its creativity and quiet beauty. It’s a great place to unwind and recharge between adventures.
What You Can’t Miss:
Stay in a treehouse retreat tucked into the woods. It’s peaceful, cozy, and the perfect way to end your Tennessee road trip under a canopy of stars.
Tennessee is more than just bars on Broadway and meat ‘n’ threes—though those are worth the detour.
It’s a place where you can scream through rapids, float through quarries, dance to fiddles, and stumble across stories in unexpected places. So grab your favorite road trip snacks, make that playlist, and let Tennessee take the wheel.
