Let me tell you, Knoxville will surprise and delight you. It’s a mountain town not far from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is full of incredible attractions (and a few hidden gems).

It’s an artsy place with a laid back vibe. On any visit to Knoxville, you’ll be blessed with outdoor adventure, good food, civil war history and warm hospitality.

We had a fun filled three days exploring the Knoxville area and felt we got to know the city really well. In this guide, we share the best Knoxville attractions to add to your itinerary, plus include some suggestions for where to eat and drink and places to stay in Knoxville with kids.

Is Knoxville Worth Visiting?

If you’re wondering whether Knoxville is worth visiting, the short answer is; yes!

For us, the inspiration to visit Knoxville started way back in 2006 whilst sitting in a bar in San Diego. We were chatting with two guys who had attended the University of Tennessee and they were doing an excellent job of entertaining us with stories of all the cool things to do in Knoxville.

To be honest, they didn’t have to convince us much and had us sold at tailgating and College Football – and being on the doorstep to The Smoky Mountains – if you know us well enough, that’s an easy sell.

One interesting fact we learned is that Knoxville is within a day’s driving distance from two-thirds of the population of the United States east of the Mississippi River, and Interstates I-40, I-75, and I-275 run through the city!

This means that it’s not only a great place to explore, but it’s a great place to base yourself to take day trips and cool getaways.

Eleven years and two kids later we finally made it to Knoxville, and they were right, it’s a fun and outdoorsy place to visit, and the locals certainly know how to embrace that and take advantage of where they live.

Be sure to include it in your Southern and East Coast road trip. It makes for a wonderful jumping-off spot.

Getting Around Knoxville

We arrived in Knoxville towards the end of our Tennessee road trip. We’d just spent a few days exploring all the fun things to do in Nashville with kids and attractions in Memphis, and were en route to the Smokies.

Since it has three major interstates running through the city, it’s not hard to miss, really. And if you don’t want to drive, The Mcghee Tyson Airport (Knoxville’s Airport) offers nonstop flights to 20 locations around the US. Search for flights here.

Getting around the city is pretty simple. In downtown Knoxville, you can walk to pretty much anywhere. It’s a small and compact district, and everything is within 15 minutes on foot, and is right next to the Old City which is really only a couple of streets.

There is also a free Knoxville Trolley that runs through downtown and to the University of Tennessee campus on Monday – Saturday if you don’t feel like walking. It has four color-coded routes and passes by hotels and Knoxville’s top attractions.

To get to the suburbs, there are buses and also bike rentals in the city. You’ll find plenty of bikes and they are relatively cheap to rent at $1 for every 15 minutes.

To get to the surrounding areas and the Smokies, you’ll need to hire a car. Bus routes don’t tend to reach these gorgeous nature spots, so you’re best option is to take a tour or drive yourself. You can find cars to rent using RentalCars.com, a car rental comparison site.

Things to Do in Knoxville

Now you know a bit about Knoxville and how to get around, it’s time to look at the top attractions. With or without kids, there is plenty of things to do in Knoxville!

1. Explore the Historic Market Square

A visit to Historic Market Square is one of the best Knoxville things to do.

It’s essentially the heart, or the hub of downtown with a great vibe and is the place to be for cafes, restaurants and live music on select nights.

There’s the odd busker in the square too – little Savannah was lucky enough to get a lesson on the violin and what can we say about the locals, they’re friendly folks around here. She loves her music so she enjoyed this moment.

Market Square is a cool destination at any time of day but really comes alive in the evening.

We witnessed some live music one night which provided for a family friendly atmosphere and was fun. People were kicked back in their camp chairs enjoying the tunes, and the nearby outdoor diners could join in too!

Looking for somewhere to eat in Market Square, Knoxville?

There’s no shortage of dining options around the square from casual to a bit fancier.

Our top two picks would have to be The Tomato Head and The Stock & Barrel (read our full list of places to eat and drink down below in our section under where to eat in Knoxville).

Every morning we’d hit up the Juice Bar for a healthy smoothie or acai bowl. Yeah, it’s a chain with locations around the country but they have an excellent selection of smoothies and juices.

And if you can’t find something to satisfy your needs in Market Square, there’s plenty of other options located around the corner and on nearby Gay St (main street Knoxville).

2. Eat and Shop at Knoxville Market Square Farmers’ Market

Almost everyone we talked to before visiting Knoxville suggested we had to visit the Knoxville Farmers Market, which came with high expectations.

If you’ve been following our travels over the years you’d know that we’ve been to our fair share of Farmer’s Markets and I have no hesitation in saying that the Knoxville Farmers Market is one of the best we’ve been to!

We love open-air markets with an emphasis on local produce and community, and at this market, everything is grown or made by the vendor in the East Tennessee region.

We always do our best to shop local when traveling and if we lived in Knoxville we’d definitely be here every Saturday!

There was such a great range of products on offer from delicious local food and coffee (grab a coffee from Wild Love), to artisan crafts and much more.

With a vibrant community atmosphere, it’s a nice way to kick off your weekend and a fabulous kid friendly Knoxville attraction!

• Hours: May – November, Wednesdays 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Saturdays 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

3. Go Boutique Bowling at Maple Hall Bowling

Being from Australia we’re not used to bowling alleys being all fancy and fun and so popular.

Back home bowling is a thing you’d do maybe once a year at most on a rainy day when you’ve run out of other ideas. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I went bowling.

So when we heard about Maple Hall it sounded like fun and the kids were especially excited.

On the few times we have been bowling they loved it and we were all intrigued with the location.

Maple Hall is located in the heart of Knoxville in the historic J.C. Penney building and is this super cool boutique bowling alley. It’s underground with a full-service bar, cozy lounge areas and even has a VIP room.

It’s more than just a bowling alley, it’s an experience and we had a great time as a family.

Kalyra was in fine bowling form, knocking down pins like she’s a regular, as was Mummy. And little Savannah had fun progressing from using the kiddy assist guidance thing (I don’t know what they’re called lol) to bowl all by herself.

Maple Hall is popular and lanes get filled on a first come first serve basis, so if you come here in peak hour expect a bit of a wait – you can always hang at the bar – or they’ll text or call you as soon as one opens up!

Definitely one of the best things to do in Knoxville with kids.

4. Free Live Music at Knoxville Visitors Center

Whenever we visit a new destination, we make an effort to drop into the visitors center to chat with the locals in the know and to pick up any free maps.

The folks working here always offer great insider tips into their hometowns and are passionate about sharing their advice.

The Knoxville Visitor Center is no different and well worth a visit.

And we also got to experience something special, the Knoxville Visitor’s Center has live music playing at midday from Monday to Saturday.

It’s called the Blue Plate Special. They were doing a live radio cross featuring an acoustic duo from Asheville who were entertaining the crowd – so cool!

Oh, and on the exterior wall to the center is a cool mural about Knoxville and of course taking a pic is compulsory.

Definitely something you want to do when you visit Knoxville.

5. Watch a Vols Game at Neyland Stadium

As you may have guessed, I’m a big College sports fan, and every local we spoke to in Knoxville raved about the University of Tennessee Football games that are played at famed Neyland Stadium.

They certainly LOVE their football around here, which is another reason this is my kind of town!

“You have to come back in the fall to a Vols game”, they said. “The whole town shuts down and the tailgating and atmosphere is off the charts”. 

I have now penciled in a Vols game and would love to see a big rivalry game against either Florida or Georgia – off to check the schedule now!

For those who care, Peyton Manning played college here. As did Reggie White, two greats of the #NFL.

And in case you don’t know, Neyland Stadium is the 5th largest stadium in the US with a capacity of 102,000 and me being me I just had to find a way inside.

I’m not going to give away too much info on how we managed to make it inside, and we didn’t do anything illegal, but where there’s a will there’s a way and we were able to sneak in for a quick pic thanks to someone in the know!

If you want to do an organized tour of Neyland Stadium, check out more info here.

6. Get Knoxville Views at The Sunsphere

You can’t miss the Sunsphere in Knoxville. It’s the big orange sphere sticking out above the skyline and visiting is one of the free things to do in Knoxville TN.

The Sunsphere was constructed for the 1982 World’s Fair and served as the symbol to the Fair. And it was also home to a full-service restaurant and the Observation Deck, which used to cost $2.00 for the elevator ride up to visit.

After the Fair finished, the Sunsphere closed to the public and remained vacant for most of its life.

The Observation Deck on the 4th level re-opened in 2014 and offers a 360-degree view of World’s Fair Park, downtown, the Tennessee River, the University of Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains.

Visiting the Observation Deck is FREE.

The World’s Fair Park is also a lovely place to picnic, stroll, and includes other Knoxville attractions like the Knoxville Museum of Art.

7. Hiking at the Ijams Nature Center

Getting outdoors in nature is what we love most, and located a mere three miles from downtown Knoxville Tn is the Ijams Nature Center!

Ijams features 10-miles of trails, rock formations, lakes and stunning overlooks and is a much-loved sanctuary away from the city by the locals and visitors.

We did a lovely short walk along the Tennessee River and next time we are back in town for a longer stay we’ll be up for exploring more hikes plus bike rides and paddles on the river.

There is loads of family fun to be had at the Ijams Nature Center. Keep reading to discover more family activities you can do here.

Pop into the Ijams Visitor Center for a trail map and to learn about all the activities on offer, including Navitat and Meads Quarry (see below).

8. Fly High with the Navitat High Ropes Course

The Navitat Canopy Experience was Kalyra’s favorite activity in Knoxville and if it was up to her we would have stayed there all day AND night.

I must admit, it was hard to leave and I loved it too!

We’ve done a few of these high ropes challenges amongst the tree canopy around the world and this one was definitely fun, and challenging. We only had time to complete 4 out of the 6 courses so there’s a good reason to come back for more!

Navitat is part of the Ijams Nature Center and each course consists of 10 to 12 challenges, and each course is designed with varying degree of difficulty from beginner to advanced.

If you get freaked out about heights like me, don’t worry, I felt incredibly safe and secure in their harnessing system which is the most intuitive and easy to use one I’ve experienced.

And if you are like Kalyra and want to stay all day AND night, during spring and summer Navitat at Night is offered every Friday and Saturday night!

Definitely one of the most fun things to do in Knoxville with kids especially!

9. Go Swimming and Kayaking at Mead’s Quarry Lake

If you’re planning a trip to Knoxville with kids, Meads Quarry is also not to be missed.

Of all the Knoxville TN attractions, Meads Quarry was my favorite.

Just down the road from Ijams Visitor Center is Mead’s Quarry where you can go canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

Unfortunately, board hire was closed on our day of visiting Mead’s Quarry, but Caz and the kids still jumped in for a swim, and regardless the scenery was beautiful.

And apparently, in the summer you can catch a glimpse of freshwater jellyfish in the lake!

10. Stroll The Knoxville Riverfront

The best time to walk, or if you’re up for it a run, along the Knoxville riverfront is at sunrise. Check out these images of the bridges reflecting on the Tennessee River Caz took during her morning sunrise run.

Otherwise, do as we did as a family and take a peaceful afternoon walk along the riverfront and end up at Calhoun’s for a drink and early dinner.

Along the way, you’ll get views of Neyland Stadium at the University and any watercraft enjoying the river – apparently on a Vols football game day they even tailgate along here and on the water.

It’s a simple, serene and free Knoxville TN things to do.

11. Visit the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame

We’ve all heard of men’s NBL players such as Coby Bryant and Michael Jordan, but there are some incredible female players who have been underrepresented in the sport.

You can find out all about the biggest names in women’s basketball from the Basketball Hall of Fame.

It opened in June 1999 and is the only museum dedicated to all levels of women’s basketball.

The Hall of Fame was added to the museum in 2019 and has so far honored 171 players.

The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the game as well as representing the female players who dominate the sport.

12. Visit the Mcclung Museum of Natural History and Culture

Located on the campus of the University of Tennessee, the Mcclung Museum of National History is a museum that showcases exhibits on natural history, local history, archaeology, anthropology, and the decorative arts.

It was built in 1963 and has always been a place that fosters education, research, and ideas. The goal was to help visitors gain an understanding and appreciation of the earth and its people.

It also offers programmes for K–12 students and families interested in learning more about our natural history.

13. Catch the A Performance at one of Knoxville’s Theaters

One of the more unique things to do in Knoxville is to attend the theater. There are several places where you can get cultured in the evenings, including attending a Knoxville Opera, which runs for several nights in a year at their theater on Depot Ave.

You can also catch the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra a few nights a week at their theater on Gay Street.

And you will find Broadway productions, and performing arts at The Tennessee Theater, which is just as stunning as its performances. It was built in the early 19th century and the hall has been lovingly restored.

The theater has a little something for everyone; you can watch classic movies, watch musicals or drama productions.

14. Picnic at Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum

Another great place to spend time with the family is at the Botanical Garden and Arboretum. It’s a free park to explore and covers 47 acres. The space is made up of manicured gardens, trees & lawns, as well as some old walls and stone buildings.

It’s a great place to sit and have a picnic or eat some local produce bought from the Farmer’s Market you visited earlier.

15. Cruise on the Star of Knoxville Riverboat

The Star of Knoxville is an authentic paddlewheeler boat that was used by the United States Coast Guard. There are two decks, inside and outside, and the inside deck is fully enclosed and air conditioned in the summer, and heated in the winter. This makes it a fun activity all year round.

It also has two bars, a dance floor, and a band stage, and can be hired out for events. Though you can join regular evening cruises, party cruises, or our favorite, Blues Cruises, where you can enjoy music from blues musicians as you sight see from the deck.

16. Museum of East Tennessee History Center

Another important museum in Knoxville is the Museum of East Tennessee History Center, which is dedicated to preserving the past of Tennessee. You can learn about its important people, places and events that shaped the state.

The Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee exhibit is a particular favorite. It’s an interactive display that allows visitors to hear first-person accounts of life in the past Knoxville.

17. William Blount Mansion

William Blount was the former Governor of the Southwest Territory, and he owned this lavish home. It was built in 1792, the year Knoxville was made a capitol.

The mansion’s nickname is actually “the house with many eyes” because it gives visitors an inside glimpse into his life, in the most visual and in-depth way.

It’s in some ways a museum and in other ways a lovingly preserved home, but it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re interested in learning about the former politics of the city.

Things to Do in Knoxville with Kids

Now lets look at some specific fun Knoxville attractions for kids!

18. Feed the Animals at Zoo Knoxville

Many of you suggested we check out the Knoxville Zoo whilst in town to see the wildlife, and our kids will never say no to feeding the giraffes.

It was great timing as well, as the Zoo was proudly showing off their cute baby gorillas!!! They are so funny and human-like,  we could sit and watch them interact for hours.

And this Mumma was very protective of her little bubba.

We also got up close with a tiger and elephants, and there are also some fun play areas for the kids to enjoy too making it one of the most family-friendly attractions in Knoxville.

Tickets cost:

• Adults  $19.95
• Children ages 4-12  $16.95
• Seniors ages 65+  $16.95
• Children under 4  FREE

Hours: Open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

19. Experiment and Learn at The Muse Knoxville

Got younger kids? The Muse is located in the historic Chilhowee Park (close to the Zoo) and Savannah enjoyed herself at this center.

It offers hands on activities for the kids to play, learn, and discover with activities for kids of varying ages.

One cool thing at Muse is the planetarium, which has a variety of shows playing throughout the day on their dome projection system.

Tickets cost:

• Under 2: Free
• 2 to 64: $7
• 65 and up; Military ID and Teachers (with ID): Free
• 65 and up: Free

If you like your kid’s to have engaged learning experiences, then the Muse is one of the best things to do in Knoxville with kids.

Watch our Things to do in Knoxville with kids video

For other Knoxville attractions you may want to consider:

• Blount Mansion –  first frame house built west of the Appalachians, Blount Mansion is one of the oldest houses in the Southern interior
• James White’s Fort – one of the most visited historical sites in Knoxville. It is a museum home highlighted by the original 1786 residence of James White the founder of Knoxville.
• Volunteer Landing – visit this waterfront park with fountains and a splash pad, which hosts regular events. Catch a festival or concert in the evening.

Where to Eat in Knoxville

There’s a lively culinary scene here with a diverse selection of restaurants in Knoxville, plus cafes, bars and brew pubs and you’d certainly need longer than the three days we had to eat your way around town.

Below are our recommended places to eat in Knoxville.

20. The Tomato Head

Located in Market Square, the Tomato Head has yummy and fresh pizzas with lots of toppings available (gluten free bases on offer), a nice range of sandwiches, salads, and sweets.

There’s a designated kids menu and overall good value for money with a nice casual atmosphere.

21. The Stock & Barrel

Several of you suggested we go eat at The Stock & Barrel for great burgers. Thank you for that, we ate lunch here and it was a great suggestion!

It offers amazing burgers and I thoroughly enjoyed my turkey burger and the duck confit fries were delish! If you go for dinner, might be a good idea to book ahead as this place isn’t huge and is popular!

22. Calhoun’s

Calhoun’s has several locations in Tennessee but we only experienced the one on the Tennessee River.

As mentioned we stopped in here for a drink and bite to eat after a walk along the riverfront and this place is all about location, location.

I mean the food was fine and all, nothing that memorable but you’re right on the water and we chose to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Kids menu and gluten free menu available.

23. Pete’s Coffee Shop & Restaurant

If you love a classic American style diner serving up eggs, pancakes and omelettes consider Pete’s.

This place is a bit of an institution for breakfast in Knoxville and we love that it’s a family owned.

We even got to chat with Pete who was super friendly and took a particular interest in us as Aussies – turns out he watches a bit of Aussie TV and documentaries.

24. Balter Beerworks

Did you know there’s an Ale Trail in Knoxville? So if the craft beer scene is your thing, there are currently 10 breweries operating with more on the way.

Whilst our visit wasn’t focused on breweries, we do love a couple of beers and a bite to eat at a brew pub so again we have another reason to come back to Knox – hello Fall Football game!

We did get to one brewpub though, the Balter Beerworks which has a nice outdoor seating area and friendly staff – our waitress had just returned from living in Australia so we had lots to chat about.

The menu was quite extensive, we had the salmon and an open burger, and washed it all down nicely with a brew.

25. Cruze Farm Ice Cream

One for the kids, and big kids y’all going to love this Knoxville attraction.

The recently opened Cruze Farm on South Gay Street is a cool story and visually appealing shop that leverages off a family dairy farm in Knoxville – you’ll find their milk all around East Tennessee.

They milk Jersey cows and bottle their own whole pasteurized Jersey milk, as well as real churned buttermilk, light milk, and chocolate milk.

You may have seen their farm girls around town delivering milk to a market or possibly even milking cows. They’re hard to miss in their striking red and white dresses, inspired by their grandmother who wore a dress while she milked cows.

26. K Brew Cafe

How cool is this cafe in Knoxville!

Fancy a coffee whilst lazing in a hammock?

Even if you’re not a big coffee drinker, K Brew is a hit with the kids. You might have to remind them that they’re not on the swings at a playground, and if you come without kids why not kick back with a good book and your latte and imagine you’re on vacation!

Well played K Brew!

Where to Stay in Knoxville, TN

We stayed at the recently opened Tennessean Hotel, a personal luxury hotel with a prime central location downtown across the street from the Sunsphere and an easy 5-10 minute stroll to Market Square.

Just like with travel, it’s not always about the destination but the people you meet and the same goes for hotels, it’s not always about the facilities but the staff who work there.

From the valet guys who greeted us upon arrival, and every day of our stay, to the friendly and attentive front desk staff, our stay was made very pleasant, comfortable, and personable.

And, we were minutes’ drive from the best Knoxville has to offer.

Things to Do near Knoxville TN

Are you planning a full Tennessee trip? Then check out these other guides on things to do near Knoxville:

• 15 Awesome Things to Do in Nashville with Kids (adults love these too!)
• 11 Insanely Cool Things to Do in Memphis with Kids (or without)
• 6 Captivating Things to do in Franklin TN (Day Trip From Nashville)
• 8 Things to do in Lake Lure – the place for serenity
• A Cades Cove bike ride in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – we saw bears!
• Visiting Asheville (waterfalls, breweries + cost of travel)
• Top places to go in the North Carolina Mountains
• A Visit to the Biltmore Estate – America’s largest home
• 17 Fun things to do in Chattanooga with kids

Before You Go

So there you have it! Those are 26 fun things to do in Knoxville Tennessee with family. As you can see, there’s a lot of fun to be had in this awesome city.

We hope that you found this guide useful and that you have a great time exploring Knoxville.

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We enjoyed a four-week road trip exploring this state and feel we have a pretty good grasp on what there is to see and do there.

In this guide, we’ll share our top places to visit in Tennessee, as well as share tips on where to eat and where to stay in each place.

We traveled around the USA on a road trip to discover the REAL America.

To not only to see the main tourist sites but to unplug the hidden secrets and ask you guys, our readers, to share your local tips and help shape our journey.

Our road trip allowed us to experience all 27 of the top places to visit in Tennessee, and a lot of the cool experiences we had were thanks to you!

A partner for our road trips was Allianz Travel Insurance and their tagline is ‘How can we help?’. Keeping in line with this motto, we wanted to help you by sharing all the great places to visit in Tennessee and what you can do in each place so you can replicate our trip!

Getting Around Tennesse: Why Take A Family Road Trip?

As we keep saying, road trips are the best way for us to travel as a family, and from our base in Raleigh, North Carolina, driving from A to B certainly made life easier.

Hiring a car and driving yourself is the most convenient way to see the best attractions in Tennessee, but if you don’t drive, here are some other ways to get around.

You can, of course, fly into each of these Tennessee vacation spots, but with all the stress around flying these days, it’s sometimes more time and hassle than it’s worth; let alone expensive.

You still need to factor in driving to and from the airport, plus getting through security, possible delays, picking up baggage etc – it could take more time and expense than driving.

In the cities, it’s really easy to get around using public transport. These are the only places where a car isn’t needed. Nashville for instance has a free bus service in downtown from Monday – Saturday, so you can always park your car outside and give the battery a break.

You can also get long-distance buses from city to city and the main bus company is Greyhound. Buses are a lot slower since they stop at multiple places.

And honestly, the price for a bus is sometimes more expensive than hiring a car.

Since a lot of the best places to visit in Tennessee are in rural areas, they can’t be reached by the main bus routes. Therefore, driving and taking a Tennessee road trip is the best way to go.

The Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

Not sure about what to do in Tennessee? We’re here to help.

First of all, you don’t have to spend a month-long vacation in Tennessee like us (though you should) to see all the best places to visit in the state.

The below suggested itinerary totals 9 days, but I would add on two extra days of travel and another day for some flexibility, so a good 12 days, and you’re all set for your Tennessee road trip!

1. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina and is the most visited National Park in the US and one of the top Tennessee vacation spots.

It’s located in Gatlinburg and near Pigeon Forge (Home of Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Theme park and lots of moonshine distilleries!!)

One reason is because of its raw beauty. The other is because it’s within an easy drive for over half of America’s population.

Looking for things to do in Tennessee that involve nature and wildlife? You can’t go past the Smokies.

This is what we got up to over two days.

Clingmans Dome Hike in the Smokies

If it’s your first time to the Smoky Mountains, I suggest taking in all the waterfalls and hikes first.

Those who don’t want to hike can take the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway to the Space Needle and see some incredible views, but it’s not as fun as hiking!

When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, why not start off by hiking up to Clingmans Dome? It’s the highest point in the Smokies at 6,643 feet.

From the car park, it’s a relatively steep half-mile walk to the observation tower on the summit, but our kids handled it no problem and on a clear day you get spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond – a great spot for sunrise and sunset.

But, as you can see from our experience, they don’t call it “Smoky” for nothing as our view was a whiteout, but hey, you’re 6,600 feet up.

To get here from Gatlinburg it’s a 21-mile drive.

There are endless options of places to eat in Gatlinburg, not a lot of healthy options mind you and for us as gluten-free diners, we struggled.

Our fall back option is usually Mexican, so we ate at No Way Jose’s Mexican Cantina which was pretty good!

Grotto Falls Hike in the Great Smokies

A nice easy afternoon hike is the Grotto Falls hike. Excitingly on this hike, we had our first bear sighting, at a safe distance off the trail and there was a ranger nearby.

The hike is a 1.3 mile round trip and our kids handled it easily. And the cool thing about this waterfall is you can walk right behind the falls.

To get to Grotto Falls take the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail 5 mile loop drive out of Gatlinburg.

A nice evening activity is to take a stroll around Gatlinburg, there are plenty of quirkiness and amusement-type activities going on if that’s your thing.

A popular place for dinner is the Smoky Mountain Brewery, but I thought the food was average.

Bike the Cades Cove Loop Road

You’ll experience so much more when you bike through the Smoky Mountains. If you have two days in the Smokys, do this on the second day.

Probably our favorite activity in the Smoky Mountains was cycling the Cades Cove Loop Road.

You can drive the 11-mile circuit, but we love our bike rides and so Caz and Kalyra cycled whilst daddy and Savannah followed in our vehicle.

Around the loop, you’ll see numerous historic buildings – cabins, churches, and workplaces of Cades Cove residents during the 19th and early 20th centuries – and several walking trails as well in case you want to stretch your legs.

And great wildlife spotting opportunities, we saw BEARS again, a momma bear and two cubs! Again they were at a safe distance and we had a range close by.

Cades Cove is an about an hour and a half drive from Gatlinburg. It’s a must-do in the Smokies and one of the top places to visit in Tennessee!

Laurel Falls

Another top place to visit in the Smokies is Laurel Falls, which is another kid-friendly hike and one of the most popular places to go hiking in the Smoky Mountains.

And to be honest, I think we liked this waterfall better than Grotto Falls, there are several cascading levels, but both hikes are nice and easy enough for families.

Besides Clingmans Dome, a lovely spot to take in a Smoky Mountains sunset is from Mortons Overlook, about a 20-minute drive up from Gatlinburg.

You get a gorgeous view across the valley as the sun dips below the peaks in the distance.

Where to stay in the Smoky Mountains

We stayed at the Old Creek Lodge in Gatlinburg which had a great, quiet location just off the main road but within easy walking distance to all the restaurants, shops and activities in the town.

Videos: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Click play below to see all of our videos on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

2. Knoxville

Knoxville is more than a College Football town, although they say game day here is like no other place in the nation and I plan to come back in the fall for a Vols game.

But what surprised us about Knoxville is the outdoor attractions, the food and drink, it’s family-friendly, the music scene, the friendly locals and the relaxed vibe.

Knox would top the most underrated list of places to visit in Tennessee. Here are some top places to visit in Knoxville in two days.

Knoxville Markets

No trip to Knoxville is complete without spending time experiencing the markets and the hiking trails around Knoxville.

If you visit Knoxville between May – November and can time your trip for a Wednesday or Saturday, start your visit at the Knoxville Farmers Market in historic Market Square.

We love a good local farmers’ market, and many of our readers suggested this as one of the best, and they weren’t wrong!

This market has an emphasis on local produce and community and everything is grown or made by the vendor in the East Tennessee region with an excellent range of products from delicious local food and coffee to artisan crafts.

We always do our best to shop local and if we lived in Knoxville we’d be regulars here! The market is open Wednesdays 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, Saturdays 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Whilst in Market Square, grab a burger at The Stock & Barrel. Again this place came highly recommended by our readers and my turkey burger and duck confit fries were delish!

Ijams Nature Center

We love getting outdoors, and in Knoxville, there’s no better place than the Ijams Nature Center. 

With 10-miles of trails, rock formations, lakes, and stunning overlooks it is a much-loved sanctuary by the locals and only a 10-minute drive from downtown.

There’s a lovely relaxing short walk along the Tennessee River, then we upped the adventurous side and took on the Navitat Canopy Experience – a high ropes challenge consisting of 6 different courses and each course is designed with varying degree of difficulty from beginner to advanced.

Mead’s Quarry

And just down the road from Ijams is Mead’s Quarry, a beautiful place to go canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Take a stroll along the riverfront of the Tennessee River followed by drinks and dinner at Calhoun’s which has a prime riverfront location.

We visited here twice to sit outside on the deck and enjoy the fresh air and watch life on the river go by (kids and gluten-free menu available).

Knoxville Zoo

Another top place to visit in Tennessee is Knoxville Zoo. Take your time and really enjoy visiting animals at the zoo. Then, go and experience the beauty of the market square.

The Zoo was another suggestion by our readers, which proved popular with our kids, they loved feeding the giraffes, watching the gorillas play (they had a baby when we visited), and getting up close to a tiger and elephants.

The zoo is one of the most family-friendly attractions in Knoxville and you can easily spend a few hours here.

Ale Trail in Knoxville

Another cool thing about Knoxville is their Ale Trail with 10 breweries currently in operation and more on the way, so if craft beer is your thing you’re in luck!

One brewpub we stopped in for a beer and a bite to eat at was Balter Beerworks which has a nice outdoor seating area.

Back home in Australia, we would only ever go bowling when it rained and had nothing else to do! In the US, bowling alleys are so fancy and popular.

Maple Hall Bowling Alley

Maple Hall bowling alley is located underground in the historic J.C. Penney building and is this super cool boutique bowling with a full-service bar, cozy lounge areas, and even a VIP room.

And almost next door on Gay Street is Cruze Farm Ice Cream, a cool family story and of course their ice cream was a hit with our kids.

They milk their own Jersey cows and bottle whole pasteurized Jersey milk, as well as real churned buttermilk, light milk, and chocolate milk.

You might have seen their farm girls around town delivering milk in their striking red and white dresses!

If you don’t get a chance to experience the morning farmers market, visiting Historic Market Square is still one of the must-do things in Knoxville.

It’s the heart and hub of downtown Knoxville and whilst it’s a cool destination at any time of day, it really comes alive in the evening and is the place to be for cafes, restaurants, and live music on select nights.

A great place for dinner in Market Square is Tomato Head, they have yummy pizzas and a nice range of sandwiches, salads, and sweets.

If you have more time in Knoxville, we recommend taking a day trip up to the Bristol Motor Speedway to see the car racing events.

Where to Stay in Knoxville

We stayed at the new and stylish Tennessean Hotel which has a prime central location downtown across the street from the Sunsphere and an easy 5-10 minute walk to Market Square.

3. Nashville

Nashville is unlike any US city we have visited so far and a place we can see ourselves returning to over and over again. It’s fun, it has a soul, it has music and cool museums and pro sports and a growing food scene!

And music city has overtaken Vegas as the number one destination for bachelorette parties – it’s a HOT place to be right now!

This is what you can do in three days.

Country Music Hall of Fame Museum

You should spend the first day just getting into the history of country music. Nashville is the birthplace of country music after all and you’ll find live music venues galore.

If you’re a fan of Country Music or want to learn about its history and famous artists, then a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-do in Nashville.

This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tennessee and one of our favorite museums to spend a few hours. There are four levels within the building, each sharing a different era and stories of the past.

Nashville has some great rooftop venues and one of our faves is the ACME Feed & Seed. It’s one of the best places to eat in Nashville for stunning views over the river and Broadway down below.

A fun and informational thing to do in any city is a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour. We like them as they are great for getting your bearings and for the expert commentary you get from a local in the know.

On this tour of Nashville we were shown Taylor Swift’s penthouse, the hotel Keith Urban stayed in before he was Keith Urban, and received lots of local tips for places to eat in Nashville and where to listen to live music.

Allow about 90 minutes for a loop.

Finish your bus tour on Broadway and take a walk around downtown, and maybe go shopping for some cowboy boots!

Broadway is vibrant and the place to be for people-watching. Wander past all the honky-tonk bars with cool music blaring, maybe take a horse and cart ride, pop into a candy shop, or jump on a pedal tavern – they are the thing to do in Nashville.

Grand Ole Opry Show

One of our favorite evenings yet on our travels in the US has been seeing a show at the Grand Ole Opry House. This is the show that made Country Music famous and a night out you won’t soon forget.

The Opry started as a radio broadcast in 1925 and evolved into a live show. Each Opry show is still broadcast live on radio.

You get to see a wide variety of musicians and famous artists – new and old in one evening. We saw six performers in total and we also recommend doing a backstage tour to see behind the scenes and for a deeper insight into the Opry experience.

Even if you’re not in town on a show night, you can still visit the Opry on a tour – definitely one of the best places to visit in Tennessee!

Press play to see more of our Grand Ole Opry experience:

The Gulch

Another top thing to do in Nashville is to go and see a bunch of other live shows. There are so many places that you could actually spend all day listening to live musicians perform.

Grab a great breakfast and coffee at Fido Cafe in Hillsboro Village. You might even spot a celebrity here, it’s one of Taylor Swift’s favorite hangs and when we were there so was Lennon Stella, AKA Maddie from the hit TV show Nashville.

Then explore The Gulch, a district with an industrial history that’s been revamped into one of the hippest places to visit in Nashville with boutique shopping, a cool food scene, and incredible wall murals.

The “What Lifts You” angel wings mural is one of the most photographed places in Nashville.

When you’re looking for lunch, stay in the Gulch, the incredibly popular Biscuit Love is here (be prepared to line up) or head to Hattie B’s Famous Hot Chicken.

If you need to be back downtown and fancy some ribs, a few blocks from Broadway is Martin’s BBQ Joint and we had the biggest rack of ribs we’ve ever eaten – cool venue too!

The Johnny Cash Museum

Back on the music scene and the Johnny Cash Museum is just off Broadway and is home to the largest collection of Johnny Cash items in the world that tells the story of his life. Well worth a visit, what a legend!

And upstairs is the Patsy Cline museum, another country music legend worth learning about.

Across the road is one of the best things to do in Nashville with kids (that does not involve music), and that is the Goo Goo Clusters store.

What is a Goo Goo cluster? A unique combination candy bar (chocolate, peanuts, caramel and marshmallow nougat), and Goo Goo Clusters remains a family-owned Nashville institution!

From there, head to one of Nashville’s top rooftop bars for a drink and to prime yourself for an evening of Honky Tonk bars.

The George Jones Museum ranks as one of the best rooftop bars in Nashville with incredible river views plus live music, or Rockbottom Brewery on Broadway!

You’re in Nashville and you can’t visit music city without hitting up a few of the honky tonk bars!

Here are some of our favorite bars to catch live music in Nashville:

• Tootsies is world-famous and is known for surprise guest appearances by some of country music’s hottest stars!
• Robert’s Western World is home to traditional country music.
• Legend’s Corner has some of the best live music in Nashville
• Honky Tonk Central is a rockin joint all hours of the day

Got kids? Go before dinner time or check out the Wildhorse Saloon Bar, a 66,000 square foot live music, dance and dinner venue, which is a more kid-friendly attraction in Nashville.

The Ryman & The Blue Bird Cafe

Finally, your visit to Nashville is not complete without a visit to the holy church of country music and the iconic Bluebird Cafe.

Go behind the scenes at the famous Ryman Auditorium, recognized as one of the best live performance venues in the USA, and one of the most historic places to visit in Tennessee for music!

Known as the Mother Church of country music, this is hallowed ground and the original venue of the Grand Ole Opry Show. It’s also where Johnny Cash met June Carter, and where countless careers were launched.

If there’s a live show on here whilst you’re in town, do it.

Across the river, East Nashville and Five Points are hip and happening spots for lunch or dinner. The Wild Cow serves up delicious vegan and vegetarian food, The Pharmacy tops many lists as the best burger joint in town, or there’s Burger Up!

Studio B

As part of your visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum, you can add on a Studio B Tour which takes you to Music Row, where all the artists record their music, and to Studio B, the most famous of them all.

It’s not much to look at from the outside, but behind the walls, Billions of dollars worth of hits have been recorded here, primarily when the studio was operated by RCA Records – Elvis recorded most of his number one hits here!

If you’re a fan of the hit Nashville TV series like us, you’ll be excited to visit the famous Bluebird Café.

This tiny and intimate music venue in an old strip mall launched the careers of some of the old and modern greats, think Taylor Swift.

The Bluebird has scheduled shows throughout the week, see this calendar for info and tickets, but on Monday nights they host Open Mic – we had to line up super early to get tickets, this place only holds 80 people.

If you can’t get into the Bluebird, The Listening Room Cafe comes highly recommend.

Shiloh

Another top place to visit in Tennessee is just a short 20-minute drive outside of Nashville. Shiloh is a civil war era town built on the battlefield.

On this site, nearly 110,000 American soldiers fought in the civil war, resulting in 23,746 casualties – the highest number of casualties than in any of America’s other wars.

While we’re not big museum people, but this was an important part of American history and is worth checking out. Another important historical site is the Stones River National Battlefield, which is also just a short drive outside Nashville.

Where to Stay in Nashville

Accommodation in Nashville can be hard to find and expensive. The city has lots of events happening all the time.

We also stayed two evenings at the family-friendly Loews Vanderbilt Hotel located in Mid-town. Its location is near many restaurants including the famous Hattie B’s hot chicken, and also near Vanderbilt University.

4. Memphis

Memphis is another iconic city known for its rich blues music history and one-of-a-kind food.

We didn’t plan to visit Memphis on this road trip, but after experiencing the Grand Ole Opry Show and the Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville, we said to each other,

“Let’s chase the music, let’s go to Memphis!”

Graceland

If you visit Memphis, you simply must tour Graceland.

One of the most popular places to visit in Tennessee would be Graceland. The home of Elvis Presley is the most famous house in the history of rock ‘n’ roll and the top attraction in Memphis. In fact, Graceland has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

It’s truly amazing that over 600,000 people still visit Graceland each year to tour the home of Elvis who died 40 years ago.

From the moment you enter his mansion and the 13.8 acres of property, you go on a journey through the private life of Elvis and what it must have been like to be the king of rock!

We recommend the Elvis Entourage VIP Tour which includes an audio tour with headsets and an iPad, but the tour doesn’t stop at Graceland, across the road at the Visitor Entertainment Complex you can see his car collection, iconic fashion trends, private planes and much more.

Before we arrived in the city, everyone kept raving about Memphis BBQ as one of the best in the country, and you have plenty of options.

Close to Graceland is Marlowes Ribs & Restaurant, and when you walk in it’s like you entered a museum about Memphis, Rock & Roll and the king himself.

Sun Studio

I think we enjoyed the Sun Studio Guided Tour as much as Graceland, it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Memphis.

Originally called the Memphis Recording Studio, Sun Studio is now known as the most famous recording studio in the world and the birthplace of Rock and Roll.

Elvis recorded his very first song here, plus some of the great have recorded here like Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee Lewis, even U2 and Bob Dylan.

Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum

Another great museum for music fans is the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum which is more about the musicians who overcame racial prejudice and socio-economic challenges to create the music. It’s a celebration of diversity and embracing cultures.

Beale Street

Beale Street is the heart of Memphis, the place to be for live music and one of the most fun places to visit in Tennessee!

This three-block radius of clubs and restaurants is a melting pot of delta blues, jazz, rock’n’ roll, and R&B. And if you’ve got kids like us, go late afternoon / early evening for dinner and music.

It’s hard to beat the original BB King’s Blues Club for cool music. We took a late afternoon stroll along Beale Street, followed by dinner and a top night at BB King’s!

Civil Rights Museum and Bass Pro

Dive even deeper into American history with a tour of the breathtaking Civil Rights Museum and then indulge in more amazing Memphis food.

Step back in time and get your fix of eggs, pancakes, and biscuits at Memphis’ oldest cafe, The Arcade Restaurant.

This classic American diner was founded in 1919 and has that nostalgic feeling to it, Elvis once ate here, and you might recognize it from movies such as Walk the Line, The Client and Great Balls of Fire. 

And you’ll need a full stomach because over the next couple of hours you’ll be spending absorbed in the National Civil Rights Museum, one of the best museums I have ever visited!

Located at the Lorraine Motel, this is the actual location where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and this museum walks you through his life, the tragedy of his assassination, and the history of the Civil Rights Trail and Civil Rights movement.

Visiting the Civil Rights Museum is one of the most moving things to do in Tennessee.

Before arriving in Memphis we asked our friend, a former Memphis resident, where do the locals go for Memphis BBQ? Central BBQ was at the top of his list.

From the outside, this place is nothing flash but the moment you walk in you can tell it is a locals fave, and he was right, the BBQ is tasty – take your choice of ribs, beef brisket plate, pork plate, chicken or turkey, BBQ nachos, hot wings and more!

Many of our readers suggested we visit the Bass Pro Shop. Why we kept asking ourselves, why? How could a fishing and hunting store be one of the top Tennessee tourist attractions??!

Turns out, it’s one of the most unusual places I have ever been inside of and one of the craziest places to see in Tennessee! 

Located inside the giant Pyramid, this is not your ordinary fishing and hunting store, this place is home to an aquarium, bowling alley, and an award-winning 5-star resort called Big Cypress Lodge!

Only in America lol.

Oh, and you can ride the world’s tallest freestanding elevator 28 stories to the top of the Memphis Pyramid, walk out onto the glass floor observation deck, and get the best views of Memphis and the Mississippi River from 300 feet above!

For another unusual experience, go see a parade of ducks walk down the red carpet in the hotel lobby of the Peabody Hotel.

The Peabody Ducks are one of the top attractions in Memphis. The Legend of the Peabody Memphis Ducks started back in the 1930s, and they still visit the lobby fountain at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day.

No joke, they hop out of the fountain, walk the red carpet, step into the elevator and ride to the rooftop.

Where to Stay in Memphis

If you want to stay near Graceland, you can literally walk there from the Guest House at Graceland. Designed with Elvis in mind, you’ll feel like you’re a guest of the King staying here!

But to be close to all the other attractions in Memphis I suggest staying downtown.

5. Chattanooga

Nestled on the southernmost tip of Tennessee is the charming city of Chattanooga. It has to be one of my favorite places in Tennessee because there was so much to see and do, especially if you’re on a road trip.

One of the things that makes Chattanooga a great place to visit in Tennessee is the nature. These are some of my favorite nature spots in the area.

Cumberland Plateau

One of the most stunning nature spots in Tennessee is the Cumberland Plateau which is part of the Appalachian Mountains.

The mountain range is huge, and spans into nearby Kentucky, but from Chattanooga, you can visit the nearest town in the plateau, which is Signal Mountain.

Signal Mountain is a quiet, sleepy town with lots of wooded hiking trails that take you to glistening lakes and cascading waterfalls. The hike up to Signal Point offers incredible views of the Tennessee River.

One of the best hiking trails in the area is the Cumberland Trail which takes you to most of the scenic spots such as Julia Falls, Ruby Falls and Ruby Lake.

Also in the Cumberland Plateau is the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, which is a great spot for rafting and trekking among the gorges and sandstone bluffs. If you have time, we recommend adding this to your trip.

As with most towns in Tennessee, the Signal Mountain is well known for its live music scene and holds open-air events in the summer.

Tennessee Aquarium

If you missed Ripley’s Aquarium when you visited the smokies, then don’t worry as the Tennessee Aquarium is just as fun.

The aquarium has over 12,000 sea animals and marine life, made up of around 800 species in total. It’s considered one of the most diverse collections of freshwater marine life in the U.S.

Witnessing all the diverse varieties of fish in all their colorful tanks is pretty cool, but the IMAX theater makes you feel like you’re in the tank with them.

Watching nature documentaries and educational videos in 3D at the theater is one of the main reasons to visit this aquarium.

Fall Creek Falls State Park

Another great place to visit in Tennessee for hiking and camping is the Fall Creek Falls State Park. The waterfalls in this park are some of the most incredible in the state, and photographers will love taking the time to photograph them.

The Fall Creek Falls, which the park is named by, is a whopping 256 feet high, making it the highest waterfall in the Eastern United States.

Cane Creek Falls, Rockhouse Falls, and Piney Falls are all stunning waterfalls in the park that are worth hiking to. In fact, the park has 56 miles of hiking trails, so you could easily spend a couple days hiking and camping here.

Some popular activities here are rock climbing, boating, biking, and even golf.

Cummins Falls State Park

In case you haven’t noticed, we’re big on nature, so we couldn’t miss the Cummins Falls State Park off our list of the best places to visit in Tennessee.

The park is described as idyllic and yet rugged, which is pretty accurate, as the Cummins Falls is surrounded by huge boulders and rocky terrain, as well as jagged cliff faces.

The waterfall is said to be Tennessee’s eighth largest waterfall by volume, which makes it a refreshing place to dip your toes after a day of hiking in the park.

The waterfall itself is stunning and the pool beneath is wide and gentle, perfect for swimming.

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

So far I’ve shown you a lot of places to visit outside Chattanooga, but for those who don’t want to venture so far out can visit the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.

The museum has a collection of historical trains and railroad memorabilia that tell the history of regional rail travel throughout Tennessee.

You can also ride in a restored vintage train. We took the Missionary Ridge trip from Grand Junction Station along the original railroad lines.

As you ride you learn about the history of the railroad and you get to see demonstrations of the turn table. It’s one of the few turning points left in the world.

This was a great attraction in Chatanooga for kids.

Where to Stay in Chattanooga

We had a great stay at the Hilton Curio Collection, The Chattanoogan Hotel.

It’s located in the Southside District so it was really easy to travel to all the top places to visit in Chattanooga. We loved the ability to walk around the Southside area – our favorite.

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Show Notes: Chattanooga, TN Road Trip

A special guest joins me in this episode, Miss Savannah Makepeace!

I’m delighted to share the podcast mic with my savvy and vivacious nine year old daughter. We chat about our recent road trip to Chattanooga. It was the first time, Savannah and I have taken a trip with just the two of us.

Traveling solo with just one child is a wonderful way to deepen your bond, have special and rare alone time together, and create wonderful memories. I want to do it more. The last (and only time) I’ve done this was with Kalyra when we visited Chicago together on a weekend getaway for St Patrick’s Day.

We discuss:

RESOURCE LINKS

• 17 Things to do in Chattanooga with kids on a 3 day trip
• Lake Junaluska – a spiritual retreat in the North Carolina mountains
• Top Places to visit in North Carolina Mountains
• Top Family Travel Tips
• What the girls’ thought of the RV Trip
• Teen Travel and the Joys of Mother Daughter trips
• Tennessee Travel guide

I’m happy to share all the fun things to do in Chattanooga with kids. These are the top Chattanooga attractions and unique local experiences you can fit in on a short trip.

Savannah and I visited in partnership with Visit Chattanooga on a two-night getaway for our first solo Mother Daughter trip.

It checked off all the boxes: outstanding natural beauty, vibrant city life, thrilling adventures, and memories we’ll continue to laugh at forever.

Its beauty is mesmerizing, with the Tennessee River and its high jungled banks snaking through the city and the surrounding mountains covered in lush green foliage with endless viewpoints and top attractions.

It’s energy and vibe reminded me of Raleigh, and I noted Chattanooga down as the place we’ll move to if for some reason we ever have to leave our beloved city.

We visited Chattanooga briefly at the beginning of our RV trip across the USA. It was the middle of winter, so it was cold, wet, and snowy. We spent two nights at the campground

“What were we doing on that visit Craig” I said to him after our first day exploring Chattanooga. “Chattanooga is amazing. I don’t get how we didn’t experience it on that trip.”

“Ah, because it rained and snowed so we stayed in the RV.”

Well, on this family trip it was the beginning of Spring, the weather was warm and sunny, and the flowers were in bloom so we were able to fully appreciate this sophisticated and eclectic Scenic City.

Wondering about COVID safety: Masks were strictly enforced in all buildings and attractions. Social distancing and timed ticketing and reduced numbers were implemented for attractions. There are plenty of outdoor attractions and activities in Chattanooga where you can maintain your own space and feel safe.  

You can also listen to Savannah and I chat about our Chattanooga road trip on this Chattanooga podcast episode.

Lookout Mountain Attractions

Rising 2,000 feet above sea level and overlooking Chattanooga is Lookout Mountain, the star feature of a visit to this region for its extraordinary natural beauty.

Lookout Mountain is where you’ll find outstanding views and Chattanooga’s top attractions: Rock City, Ruby Falls, the Incline Railway and Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park.

In fact, the word Chattanooga is derived from a Creek word for Lookout Mountain meaning “rock rising to a point.”

Bot Ruby Falls and Lovers Leap Falls were featured in our Best Waterfalls in the US list.

Ride the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

Why drive up the mountain when you can take the most thrilling ride to the top on the Incline Railway with expansive views over the Tennessee Valley through the carriage’s glass windows?

We’ll forever talk about that moment halfway up “America’s most amazing mile” when we looked back and saw how we were about to incline up the steepest part of the world’s steepest railway, giggled in fear and said, “Oh this is a little scary.”

Savannah said this was our favorite Chattanooga attraction.

If you are too busy closing your eyes and clutching your seat with fear over its 72.7% grade steepness, there is an observation deck with unobstructed views at your destination.

It was just as thrilling as your favorite roller coaster ride and is not to be missed. See more here.

Tour the Underground Ruby Falls

I love experiences that help me tap into awe and wonder.

Ruby Falls in Chattanooga was that for me. We walked through the caverns, 260 feet deep inside the mountain to follow the path its discoverer, Leo Lambert, took in 1928.

He crawled for 17 hours in the dark, most of the time alone in cramped tunnels. Until he came upon a totally unexpected jewel, which he named after his beloved wife: Ruby Falls.

We walked and enjoyed the colorful lights illuminating the stalagmites, stalagmites, and unusual and beautiful rock formations.

Ruby Falls lies at the end of the trail, made even more beautiful by the colored light display surrounding it. It is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the USA

How many other mountains around the world have waterfalls hidden in them? And would you crawl through tiny spaces in the dark to find them?

The guided tour lasts for about 90 minutes. You can see our IG Reel of the tour here.

I enjoyed the introductory video taking us back to 1928 sharing Leos’ expeditions and motivations for doing so. It helped me reconnect to the importance of persevering with a dream and traveling the lessor known (harder) path.

Ruby Falls was the first attraction in the USA to receive the international Green Globe certification for its sustainability practices which include LED lighting, solar panels, and recycling.

When you have finished with your underground tour, there is an observation deck on top of the Ruby Falls Tower (built from the excavated rocks) with yet another gorgeous views over the valley and river.

Adventurers will also want to dedicate time to the 700 feet of ziplines at the High Point Zip Adventure. We have put that down on our list of things to do in Chattanooga for our next visit to Scenic City.

Wander Rock City Gardens

Not your average view, right?

Even better is the enchanting trail you follow to get here meandering around giant rock boulders, through gardens and narrow canyons, alongside babbling brooks, into caves, and across swinging bridges.

I dare you to try and find your way around this 4,100-foot trail – I was lost after a few footsteps as it curved up and down and around. Just follow the signs as it takes you through this natural wonderland of over 400 species of plants and trees.

Rock City Gardens in Chattanooga is so unique and totally worth it for these views of the 100 ft. waterfall cascading down the mountain.

You can also see Seven States from here high atop Lookout Mountain: Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.

Savannah recommends Rock City as one of the best things to do in Chattanooga with kids. It is also one of the South’s most popular attractions.

Don’t miss the Fairyland Caverns which has scenes (sculptures) from some of the world’s most beloved fairytales. See more here.

Hike the Glen Falls Trails

If you’re looking for a family-friendly hike on Lookout Mountain, Glen Falls Trail is a short out and back walk through the forest to a small waterfall.

Be sure to walk a little further up the rock steps and through a rock tunnel to the riverbed above the pool. It’s a great spot for the kids to play.

The trail took us about 10 minutes to walk either way. We were the only ones on the trail so enjoyed the quiet serenity with each other.

Another hike on Lookout mountain that came recommended was from Cravens House to Point Park for a view of the horseshoe bend in the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga.

Relive History at Battles for Chattanooga + Point Park

Time for a little Civil War history with the narrated 3-D map and footage of the famous “Battle above the Clouds” in the Battles for Chattanooga theater.

You’ll learn about the confederate’s defense of Lookout Mountain and the Sherman’s final victorious assault at Missionary Ridge before his victorious March to the Sea. It was a turning point in the Civil War – the Death Knell for the Confederacy.

I recommend watching the short 30-minute production before crossing the street to Point Park, which is part of the national park service’s Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

As it looks over the Chattanooga Valley, you can easily picture in your mind how this battle took place. It’s a small, tranquil park that again, offers stunning views over the horseshoe shaped Moccasin Bend in the Tennessee River.

Eat: Tap House, St Elmo Neighborhood

The Tap House is a great lunch choice at the foot of Lookout Mountain In the nearby town historic town of St Elmo.

The front porch has great views of Lookout Mountain, and the menu features Southern favorites like mac & cheese, chili, and pimento cheese. Try the Exotic burger – a mix of bison, boar, elk, and wagyu.

To refresh your thirst, the tap house has 30 taps with rotating brews and local beers. I loved my alcohol-free CBD cider. A very unique flavor and mellow refresh.

Downtown Chattanooga and the Tennessee River

Downtown Chattanooga offers a lot for the family traveler. It’s walkable and vibrant with different neighborhoods to explore, great museums, and restaurants.

It’s a beautiful downtown with the spectacular Tennessee River meandering through and the lush mountains that surround the city. It’s a city that makes you sit up and pay attention.

Kayak the Tennessee River

We love to go beyond your typical museums when we visit a destination to really experience what makes it unique.

Kayaking the Tennessee River was our perfect introduction to Chattanooga and an awesome way to appreciate the natural beauty of this city. I recommend it as one of the most fun things to do in Chattanooga for kids for its unique beauty.

We rented kayaks for an hour from L2 Outside, located in Coolidge Park. (They also rent out paddle boards).

The wind was low and the current gentle, so it was an easy paddle for us north to a nearby island in the river.

If time permits, you can alight form the kayaks to explore the island. We decided to paddle past enjoying the birds flying overhead and the turtles sunning on logs.

Coming back around the other side of the island, we then paddled over the huge cliff faces to peek into small caves and kayak under the overhanging vines with beautiful views of the bridges and rivers.

Explore the Bluff View Arts District

Ready to be transported to Europe?

Perched high on the riverside Bluffs is the two-block region of the Bluff View Arts District. Buildings and alleyways look like they belong in France and Italy.

Grab a coffee, cake and homemade chocolate from Rembrandt’s and enjoy it in their garden area.

Take a walk through the River Gallery Sculpture Garden, a 2-acre outdoor art exhibit overlooking the Tennessee River. You’ll also find the impressive Hunter Museum of American Art with prime position on the very edge of the bluffs.

Tony’s Pasta Shop and Trattoria is the place to be for a delicious Sicilian dishes and Italian wine.

Get there early and aim for ta table on the deck with a view of the Tennessee River. When we dined her by 6pm the parking lot was filled with waiting groups of diners.

My low country linguine with sautéed crawfish and Cajun alfredo sauce was delicious. Savannah loved her pizza. They have an extensive gluten free menu.

Walk the Walnut Street Bridge

The Walnut Street Bridge connects downtown Chattanooga with the historic North shore District, including Coolidge Park.

Built in 1891, its known as one of the longest bridges in the world and the oldest surviving Truss Bridge of its size in the South.

It offers beautiful views, and you can get your birds eye view of the island and cliffs you kayaked to.

Picnic and Play at Coolidge Park

If you need a rest break, a picnic spot, or a place for the kids to run around, head to Coolidge Park on the North Shore banks of the river. Find a grassy spot and soak up the scenic views.

You are close to a couple of restaurants and breweries here as well. During the warmer months, the fountains offer a refreshing way to cool off.

Dance the Waltz and the Cha Cha

One of coolest things to do in Chattanooga is dance on the streets with your kids.

On the sidewalks in the North Shore District, you’ll see embedded footprints – male feet and female feet facing each other.

Each footprint is numbered so you know what order to move your feet in. Put your feet on the placeholders, grab your partner’s hand, and 1,2,3,4 dance the Waltz, the Cha Cha, and the Salsa.

They were the only ones we tried. Let us know what other ones you discover in Chattanooga!

Walk or Bike the Tennessee Riverpark

Find a section of the 16.1 miles of paved trails along the Tennessee River from Chickamauga Dam through downtown and to the foot of Lookout Mountain to bike or walk.

You’ll find sculptures, parks, picnic areas and gorgeous views. We walked a small section of the trail at Blue Goose Hollow which is a short and easy section for families.

If you don’t have your own bike, you can grab a rental from Bike Chattanooga, although there is an age-limit of 16 so not the best option for families.

There are numerous stations around the city where you can swipe and go. Day passes are available ($8) for unlimited 60 min rides. Chattanooga would be a fantastic city to explore on a bike. It’s pretty flat on the valley floor.

Hike to a Downtown View at Stringers Ridge

For a postcard worthy ridgetop view of downtown Chattanooga, walk the short Cherokee Trail at Stringer’s Ridge, a 92-acre urban wilderness in Chattanooga’s North Shore. it’s an easy family friendly activity if you want to stretch your legs in the forest.

Mountain bikers will also love riding a few of the trails through the forest here.

Ride a Vintage Train, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Vintage trail lovers will enjoy an hour train journey on the restored vintage trains at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum located east of Chattanooga.

We took the Missionary Ridge trip from Grand Junction Station along 3 miles of the original railroad lines in Chattanooga.

Commentary is given along the way to learn about the history of the railroad and at the turning point you get to see a demonstration of the locomotive turn table, one of the few remaining in the world.

Savannah really enjoyed this family friendly Chattanooga attraction – especially her bucket of popcorn to enjoy it with.

Explore Chattanooga’s Southside District

Over the past 20 years, the Southside District of Chattanooga has transformed from abandoned warehouses and run-down buildings to a vibrantly fresh, artistic entertainment, dining, and nightlife district.

I love this revitalized area that offered so much Southern charm and modern fun.

The area stretches from 11^th to 20^th streets with Main and Market Street being the main place to hang. Our hotel was within walking distance to this area and we loved exploring the murals and alleyways on our way to breakfast and dinner.

In the Southside District, there is a 33-acre public park filled with over 40 one-of-a-kind huge sculptures from some of the world’s most acclaimed artists.

We did not get time to visit but be sure to put Sculpture Fields at Montague Park on your list of things to do in Chattanooga – especially for the art-minded families.

Visit the Chattanooga Choo Choo

The infamous Chattanooga Choo Choo has been transformed into a cool entertainment space. It reminded me of Huntsville and the way they revitalized places like the Lumber yard into a fun district to hang out.

I’m sure you all know the famous Glen Miller song, “Chattanooga choo Choo” which I recommend you sing as you walk around this area that was once Chattanooga’s train station.

The terminal station now serves as a lobby to the hotel and retains its 1909 historic grandeur. Out the back you’ll find carriages converted into draft houses, escape rooms, and hotel sleeping quarters.

There are also beautiful gardens, bocce games, restaurants, distilleries, shops, and a pedestrian alley way with live music venues.

Places to Eat in Southside District

This area is known to have the highest concentration of locally owned restaurants in the city. Whatever you crave, you’ll find at a decent price and exceptional quality.

For delicious burgers, head to Urban Stack for creative and delicious handcrafted burgers- my choice was the Hamburguesa Mamacita with chorizo, pickled jalapeno, avocado, chipotle aioli and pepper jack cheese.

Book ahead for the patio seating at State of Confusion, a Peruvian –New Orleans-low-Country fusion restaurant with ample ceviche options, tacos, and handcrafted cocktails. Vegetarians will love the stuffed sweet potato.

Mean Mug has light fare and good hand-roasted coffee, and Bluegrass Grill will be your perfect sit-down Southern breakfast option. They have a ton of gluten free options, which I greatly appreciated.

Clumpies Ice Cream Co is the place to stop for your kid’s ice cream treat.

I was also recommended Stir as a great place to eat and Frothy Monkey for good coffee.

Stay at The Chattanoogan Hotel

We loved our stay at the Hilton Curio Collection, The Chattanoogan Hotel.

Located in the Southside District it gave us easy access to all places of interest in Chattanooga. We loved the ability to walk around the Southside area – our favorite. And downtown is also an easy 15-20 min walk away or a quick drive down Broad Street.

The Chattanoogan Hotel is also a block away from the city’s electric shuttle, which provides complimentary transportation in downtown Chattanooga.

The hotel was perfect for families with upscale amenities and modern rooms for an affordable price. We had beautiful views outside our window over the roof top bar and surrounding mountains.

Sunset from our room was a winner. The hotel has three restaurants, a spa, and a roof top bar.

Cocktails at the High Rail Roof Top Bar

Even if you aren’t staying at the Chattanoogan Hotel, you’ll want to visit the classy High Rail Rooftop Bar.

Kids will love the smores brownie (shareable). While they devour that, kick back with your favorite cocktail (spicy margarita for me) and rest after a hard day exploring the beautiful city of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

It’s the perfect destination for outdoor adventure loving families.

Comment: What are your favorite things to do in Chattanooga with kids?

More tips for Tennessee Travel

And don’t miss these places close to Chattanooga in Georgia and North Carolina

• Amicalola Falls State Park
• Unicoi State Park and Anna Ruby Falls
• Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa
• Bryson City, North Carolina

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It combines two things we love: mountains and music. This is a Southeast road trip that incorporates beauty, soul, history and culture. The focus is on music and natural beauty, but you can add other things into this experience while in the various destinations, like beer food and small town historical charm.

This East Coast road trip will take you through North Carolina and Tennessee taking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Lake Lure, Nashville, and Memphis.

We have done this road trip several times, the first time pre-kids where I fell in love with the musical story of Nashville. I’ve since been back several times, and was thrilled to take my parents there on our Dallas to Boston 4 week road trip in 2018.

They LOVED it.

Why this NC to TN road trip is worthwhile

This East Coast road trip can really be taken at any time of the year – the Smoky Mountains offers four seasons of beauty, and the musical experiences are never cut off with the changing seasons.

Summer is a great time, obviously as you can enjoy the outdoors more, and you may be able to fit in a few outdoor concerts or festivals.

During the summer, it may be slightly cooler in the mountains for some relief, and you can swim in the lakes and rivers and hike in shady forests.

As half of this trip is in nature, you can travel quite cheaply by camping and staying in the Great Smoky National Park, which is the most visited in the country. There’ll be a lot of hiking, swimming, biking and scenic drives and you may even see black bears.

You can also take this Raleigh to Memphis road trip in any direction. Flip it if you need to and change it to suit your style and length of travel. We recommend at least one week, more realistically two if you want to take it slow and explore a little deeper.

As always with travel, the longer the better!

Plan in advance so you fit in any special musical events you don’t want to miss.

This road trip idea is included this in our best road trips in the USA list.

Optional Beginning: World of Bluegrass Festival, Raleigh

Is there a better way to kick off a fun Mountains & Music road trip than at the largest urban bluegrass festival in the world, 

The annual Wide Open World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, NC closes out the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass Week. It is one of the most fun and unique things to do in North Carolina

The festival features the best performers and musicians in the national and international bluegrass scene each year. Streets are blocked off and you’ll find free music all over the city In addition to the main stage at the Red Hat Amphitheater.

The event also includes an amazing street festival complete with delicious food, a dance tent, a BBQ cook-off, an arts & crafts market and a many other activities for all ages. This year, due to COVID it was a free virtual event. Fingers crossed for 2021.

If you want to incorporate this event into this mountains and music road trip from Raleigh to Memphis, you will have to plan around this event, which is typically held end Sept/start Oct every year.

Read our ultimate guide to the World of Bluegrass Festival.

Click here to read more things to do in Raleigh (our favorites) and check out ThisisRaleigh.com for amazing places to eat, coffee shops, free things to do, and hotels in Raleigh, and Raleigh AIRBNBs.

The North Carolina Mountains

The North Carolina Mountains area is to the west of the State near the Tennessee border. It’s the region nestled among the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains and are full of outdoor adventure, spectacular natural beauty, and cute small mountain towns.

We have more in-depth suggestions on top places to go in the North Carolina Mountains.

It really depends on how much time you have? We recommend the following: Lake Lure, Asheville, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

If you have more time then incorporate the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers 252 miles of sheer beauty, outdoor activities and cute mountain towns. (Fingers crossed we will drive the entire length in Spring 2021)

Lake Lure, North Carolina

This area is stunning and Lake Lure is one of my favorite places in the US.

It has an air of ancient stillness and silence. Best felt in the middle of the lake on a paddle board with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Hickory Nut Gorge and the green pine tree forest surrounding the banks.

A cruise on Lake Lure is also a great activity to learn more of the history and culture of the area. Chimney Rock is nearby for a great hike to outstanding views. (Some scenes from the Last of the Mohicans filmed here)

Fun Fact:

The lift scene (and others) form Dirty Dancing were filmed here. A really fun thing to do (that also involves music) is to attend the annual Dirty Dancing festival. – we loved it.

Read our full post of things to do in Lake Lure and the hikes in Chimney Rock State Park.

Watch our video of Lake Lure

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is small mountain town in North Carolina famous for artistic alternative lifestyle, craft brews and music.

The music scene in Asheville blends age old mountain blue grass traditions with modern folk, Americana, and everything in between.

We are disappointed to have missed many of our favorite artists playing here due to traveling elsewhere. They include: Xavier Rudd, John Butler Trio, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and Pearl Jam – see the diversity it offers and in this setting, it’s pure magic.

This is a true hippie spirit town that aligns beautifully with its stunning natural surroundings and access to outdoor adventure.

Asheville also boasts more breweries per capita than any other US city. Of course you want to pair live music and hikes with sampling quality craft brews.

Some breweries worth mentioning: Upcountry Brewing, Catawba Brewery, Asheville Brewing and I loved Ginger’s Revenge for their ciders. Let us know in the comments your favorites.

Read More: Asheville breweries, rock climbing and waterfalls and our review of the Hotel Indigo Asheville Downtown

Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is located in Asheville and is a top North Carolina attraction!

It will require at least half a day, but as it’s the most magnificent and biggest residence in America, we highly recommend you do.

We’ve been three times and LOVE it. They have various themes throughout the year. It is spectacular at Christmas and I loved the spring experience we had with my parents with their stunning gardens and Chihuly Glass sculptures.

Read More: A guide to visiting the Biltmore Estate and a review of the Biltmore Inn

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

We love the green, lush world of the Smokies, which stretches across into Tennessee. We’ve mostly explored the Tennessee side and if you are short on time, I recommend doing that.

The North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains is typically a bit quieter and a more relaxed experience.

There are several great hiking trails including the Little Cataloochee Trail, Oconaluftee River Trail (great for spring wildflowers), and the 5-mile loop Deep Creek Waterfall hike, which takes you pass three beautiful waterfalls.

On the Tennessee side is the fantastic Cades Cove Loop (bike it!), a few wonderful easy family friendly hikes and beautiful views at Clingmans Dome (highest point), Morton Overlook and Newfound Gap (straddle the border!).

Read More: 

• biking the Cades Cove Loop 
• Tennessee road trip itinerary
• Things to do in Bryson City (includes Smoky Mountains)

Videos: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Click play below to see all of our videos on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Watch our video of the Cades Cove Bike Ride Loop

Nashville, Tennessee

From West North Carolina, you’ll move into Tennessee and follow the music story. Tennessee has been a place where musicians have gone to be discovered for many years, most notably Nashville and Memphis.

I’m sure you’ve heard of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and current stars like Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood.

You can discover their journey and current aspiring artists in Tennessee on this road trip.

Nashville is one of my favorite cities in the country for its uniqueness and opportunity to experience all kinds of music at any time of the day.

Just show up to any bar or restaurant and someone will be playing. Learn more of the history at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry or one of the many Honky Tonk bars.

A highlight of this musical road trip would be a night at the Bluebird Café. Plan that one in advance. Monday night open mic is the best, but that is a first come first served and many line up for hours.

There is also Civil War history in the nearby historic town of Franklin, which recently made our list of cool places to visit in the USA and Puckett’s Grocery in Leipers Fork is an iconic musical venue. You never know what start may pop in there and play – Hello Keith Urban.

Leipers Fork and Franklin are where many US Country artists live.

Read More:

• 5 Outstanding Music Experiences in Nashville
• 15 Fun things to do with kids in Nashville
• A captivating day in Franklin, Tennessee

When visiting Nashville, consider getting a Nashville Sightseeing Pass to save money on top attractions. See more information here.

Watch our video of Backstage at the Opry

Memphis

In Memphis you have blues and soul and rock n roll, Graceland and BBQ. A tour of Graceland is a must not miss US experience. As is Sun Studios where Elvis was discovered and the Stax Museum which tells the story of soul.

There is also the very sobering Civil Rights Museum which tells the story of an important part in history – the Civil Rights movement and the assassination of Martin Luther King.

You’ll also want to check out the famous Peabody Ducks and Beale St – although plan for daytime if visiting Memphis with kids.

Read More: 11 Cool things to do in Memphis with Kids

Video: Memphis with Kids

Want more music?

You may wish to duck down to Huntsville, Alabama, which is only just under two hours from Nashville. Due to its proximity to Music City (and the high cost of living there) many talented and aspiring artists live in Huntsville and commute into Nashville. This means you can easily find good music at the bars in Huntsville too!

Save time by getting our FREE Mountains + Music itinerary guide when you join our free VIP email community. Easy to follow printable with a list of top things to do in each destination.

We had intended to stay in Asheville until the 10th of December, but a huge snow storm moved in that was going to drop around 8 inches. I’m just not ready for snow camping. It was cold enough as it was.

We did experience one day of gentle flurries which was a bit of a thrill for the kids. It didn’t stick around though, just like us.

(Although, wait till you continue reading below when you’ll find out what was unexpectedly waiting to greet us at the top of Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville.)

Chattanooga made the most sense as it was only a four hour drive away.

It’s a place Craig and I visited years ago and could barely remember except for the Chattanooga chew chew. We do remember that we liked Chattanooga and always wanted to come back.

I know that it receives rave reviews.

Unfortunately it rained the entire time we were there – and quite heavy rain too – which limited what we were able to do. Thankfully there are a lot of indoor activities and we were exploring slowly anyway due to the workload we want to catch up on.

We did want to visit Ruby Falls, the underground waterfall, but thanks to all the rain it was closed due to flooding. Chattanooga we really have to come back and go a little deeper with you. You seem pretty cool.

What happened over the second week on the road was that the Christmas Spirit came rushing in to greet us.

Many of our activities were focused on it and we began to embrace it more by playing Christmas music in the van and watching Christmas movies while decorating Christmas cookies and making gingerbread trains.

I managed to smash the gingerbread train accidentally. I left it on the shelf in the girls room with the intention of finding a safe place for it on moving day.

Christmas Highlights in Chattanooga and Huntsville

Christmas Tour of the Racoon Mountain Caverns, Chattanooga

The Christmas version of the Crystal Palace Tour in the Racoon Mountain caverns was pretty cool. Firstly, we only had a two minute walk from our travel trailer to get there. The campground is right at the entrance to the caves.

The Crystal Palace tour is a 45-55 minute guided walking tour through the front, lit portion of the cave and covers nearly half of a mile.

The Racoon Mountain caverns are said to be 10 million years old and one of the most geologically active caverns in the South.

They looked spectacular dressed in fairy lights and colored Christmas lights.

There are cardboard cutouts through out of the gingerbread men and polar bears and penguins, which was a little corny but the girls seemed to enjoy it.

I was quite smitten with the stalagmites and stalactites.

I travel to experience awe and wonder and thinking about the slow beauty of a stalagmite growing just one cubic inch every hundred year astounds me and puts me in my humble little place of insignificance.

We merely are but a speck.

And of course, Santa was waiting for us in his specially decorated cave with Christmas trees and presents

Ice skating at the Huntsville Art Museum

I think we’re going to make ice skating a family Christmas tradition. It was one of our favorite things to do in New York at Christmas last year, and this year we hit the outdoor rink in Huntsville.

Each of us got better over the 90 minute sessions, skating for the entire time, while squealing and singing to Christmas tunes.

I love how no matter how many people are gliding, sliding and slamming on the ice, everyone is wearing an expression of joy and laughter.

We particularly loved the use of the green supportive scooters as it meant all inhibition slipped away and you cold attack the ice with the speed skating flair of Steven Bradbury.

(I hope it’s not just Australians who understand that reference as he is an absolute legend of the sport. Here it is. The commentary by Roy & HG is GOLD!!)

Tinsel Trail

In the middle of Downtown Huntsville sits a wide collection of decorated Christmas Trees. High above the hill watching over them is a huge nativity scene and the Three Wise Men.

Local businesses decorate the trees in clever advertising and messaging statements. It was fun to wander around and get into the festive spirit looking at them.

It gave me some ideas for Christmas tree decorating when we eventually get our own home.

Galaxy of Lights

The Galaxy of Lights is held of an evening in the Huntsville Botanical Gardens (worth visiting of a day as well) I loved this experience as it was pretty and effortless.

It’s a simple drive through the gardens to look at the Christmas light displays on show. As you enter, you are told to put your radio onto a particular channel that is playing Christmas music for the event.

It was cute. The lights were gorgeous and we loved singing along to the tunes. It put us in a jolly Christmas vibe.

Making Christmas Ornaments at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment

I enjoyed the Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment space when I visited Huntsville last year. I was happy to return with the girls. We discovered Denise Onwere’s colorful and vibrant art studio.

She offers a variety of art classes, and for the season, you can paint your own Christmas ornament for only $5.

We didn’t have a tree yet, and definitely didn’t have any ornaments to go on it, so we jumped at this opportunity for the girls to make the first one.

(We then bought a few more ornaments at the Santa’s Village that evening What a good idea to buy Christmas ornaments as mementos of your travels – what a fun tree to talk about to others!)

It was a lovely way to spend half an hour. The girls loved painting their ornament and they look great on our now Christmas tree.

U.S. Rocket & Space Center

Not Christmas related, but extraordinary and worth doing when you visit Huntsville is the U. S. Space & Rocket Center.

As usual the girls complained about having to go to an educational facility, and as usual ended up loving it! How could you not?

It allows your curiosity to wander and imagine and feel relieved that you’re not the one launching into the darkness of outer space with a high probability you could explode on the way out and in. Not too mention you might float off into a black hole or two!

I have so much respect and admiration for astronauts. They are our most fearless (and probably smartest) explorers. They have helped society evolve and achieve so much as a result.

Standing under the Saturn V Apollo rocket and learning about the power behind this machine was awesome.

We highly recommend joining the free 45-minute guided tour to learn more about the rocket and Apollo missions to the moon.

There are plenty of interactive areas the kids will enjoy, especially the flight simulator and the outside rides like the G –Force simulator and the moon rocket, which sadly was closed due to the cold weather.

For a deeper educational experience, take in one of the movie experiences.

The girls chose the National Geographic 3D Extreme Weather documentary, which was very frightening, yet eye opening for our girls (and us) to think about ways we can help protect Mamma Earth and stop the current madness where we are slowly killing her, and us in the process.

Grab your tickets for the U.S. Space & Rocket Center here. 

You can read more about Huntsville in the post on TBEX last year. I still stand by Honest Coffee Roasters having one of the best coffees in the country (we had several over our three day visit!) and awesome acai bowls.

Campus 805 and A.M. Booth Lumberyard are still very cool entertainment places to hang out in.

Where we stayed in Chattanooga: Raccoon Mountain Campground

I was quite impressed by this campground in Chattanooga. I liked it a lot more than our one in Asheville.

It was at the base of a mountain, and in the summertime, I’m sure would be very pretty and shady with all the trees and nature surrounding it.

The sites were spacious and the campground large and very clean and tidy.

The showers were hot with great pressure and warm heating inside. All three of us girls were very happy! In the warmer months they have a pool, a playground and various other games like shuffleboards and basketball courts.

They even had a fitness center. While most of the equipment was old, and there were only 35 lbs and 15 lb dumbbells, I appreciated having a warm room to work out in while the rain poured down outside.

Raccoon Mountain Campground is located about 15 minutes from Downtown Chattanooga.

Where we stayed in Huntsville: Monte Sano State Park

We love camping in State Parks. It’s a little more raw and a ton more natural. Arriving into Monte Sano State Park on the top of Monte Sano Mountain was a thrill.

It was snowing!! Can you believe it?

We ran from Asheville to escape the cold and here it was greeting us at an elevation of 1,621 feet above Huntsville.

While RVing in the snow was never in the brochure for us, I have to say it was kind of cool and nowhere near as bad as what I thought it would be.

I am so happy we have Goldie and not the Australian pop up Jayco, or worse a tent.

Goldie is glamping so we have plenty of warmth inside. If you didn’t look outside at the white landscape you wouldn’t even know it was snowing.

This would be one pretty campground in the summertime. We even saw a doe and her fawn in the snow one morning.

The showers here were extraordinarily good – like as good as your bathroom back home. Hot with full power and very clean.

It only has internet service if you are with A T & T. You might get one bar with Verizon and an email notification may sneak through it if you’re lucky.

There is public Wi-Fi at the registration building. The campground is about a 15- 20 minute drive into downtown.

RV Lessons and Things I’m loving

Phone ahead to Campsites and check internet coverage

It’s nice to disconnect from the internet when you’re prepared for it. Unfortunately, due to the nature of our business, we are very reliant on internet connection. It can be a challenge for us when we suddenly can’t get it.

We didn’t realize that our campsite in Huntsville didn’t have connection.

Dyson Vacuum Cleaner

Our Dyson V7 Cord Free Handheld vacuum is the BEST thing we’ve bought on the trip so far. I bought it on a whim after a friend told me it was discounted on Groupon for a crazy price and I knew I needed some kind of vacuum for the van as we have quite a lot of floor space and carpet. I am so HAPPY I did.

I pick up that thing about 3 or 4 times a day, with joy. It saves loads of time as I don’t have to sweep or lug out a big vacuum. It charges up and then I can zip around quickly picking up any mess on the floor. Savannah spills half a packet of rice bubbles on the floor she grabs the Dyson and clears it in a couple of minutes.

The extra good news is the girls love it, so they’re happy to vacuum with it a couple of times a day too. Now my inside travel trailer home feels clean and tidy most of the time. AND I can use it to vacuum the car!!

You can change the sections to shorten it and make it easy to get into small spaces And I learned at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center that the Dyson was created as a result of tools engineered for the space program!!

Fire TV Stick

Fire TV Stick. It seems bizarre that after years of travel and never caring whether I had access to TV, one of the first things we bought last week in Asheville was an Amazon Firestick so we could watch our Netflix, Hulu and Prime shows!!

I like nothing better after a long and exhausting day to crash on the couch with my cup of chamomile tea and piece of dark chocolate and watch How to Get Away with Murder, This is Us, or The Good Wife (give me more suggestions please I’m almost finished!) It’s also bought us joy with watching Christmas movies.

Space Heater

Space heaters are a good idea to use instead of the furnace so you save on your gas and use the campsite electricity.

Although if the temperature is going to drop be sure to keep your furnace on at least 55. This will ensure the bottom of your van stays warm and the pipes don’t freeze.

Reading Now

Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. I’m loving reading this somewhat scientific and research based approach to flow, and how each of us can tap into it, and why it is the thing that brings us joy.

If you can find joy, it’s because you can’t find flow.

Listening To

• I LOVE We Three after discovering them on America’s Got Talent. Their songs Heaven Can Wait and Lifeline really grabbed me. Their album was released this week and I bought it. I LOVE it and am listening to it every day. I rarely buy albums anymore so that’s saying something.
• I long forgave Miley Cyrus for that wild and crazy period of her life. I think she’s insanely talented. The enjoyment of her new song, Nothing Breaks Like a Heart led me to find her 2017 album Younger Now and I fell in love. Great tunes, Great style. Play it.

Distance driven

Cost of Travel

We worked with Visit Huntsville on a social media campaign so some of our costs were covered by them.

To help you, I have added in what some of the attraction and meals would have cost us – for the ones I know we would have paid for ourselves as they are exceptional!

Vehicle Costs

• Fuel: $50
• Parking: $14

Accommodation Costs

• Camping: $172 (4 nights @ $43)
• Camping in Huntsville for 3 nights: $100*

Attractions

• Admission fees: 127.03 (Cavern tour: $42.58, Rock climbing: $52.45, Ornament painting: $10, Children’s Discovery Museum $22 )
• US Space & Rocket Center: $102* (for family of four, including movie)

Entry to the Children’s Museum was 50% off thanks to our reciprocal museum annual membership we purchased through our Marbles, our local Raleigh Kids Museum. (The ASTC Travel Passport Program)

Sometimes Craig and I split up. One will stay in the van and work while the other takes the girls somewhere. This means that we’re saving money for one adult on some attraction costs.

Food

• Restaurants: $70.16
• Coffee: $59 (It’s Honest Roasters fault in Huntsville. So good we had several. there may be a sweet and a hot chocolate for the girls thrown in with the costs too)
• Groceries: $339
• Take out: $10

We eat a mostly whole foods, organic diet, which means our grocery bills are higher than what would be typical.

RV supplies and living

• Laundry: $10
• Propane: $19 (we have 2 x 30lb tanks. This is the cost to refill one of those tanks)
• Firewood: $5

Total paid by us: $ 874.19 

You can read more about our first week in Asheville here. 

Coming up for Week Three, we enjoy a two day rest in Birmingham to catch up on work (eternal rain again) and now we’re headed to New Orleans for more Christmas fun! I’m hoping it’s warmish and dry.

Follow the journey on Instagram and YouTube videos coming soon!

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Are you getting into the Christmas spirit? How can we help you more with our weekly wrap up posts? What do you like reading about and what else would you like to see included?

I knew it would be a cute Southern town full of charm that my parents would like, so we worked our Nashville itinerary around so we could spend one day in Franklin.

Franklin, Tennessee is only about 21 miles from Nashville so it’s easy to visit on a day trip from Nashville. I would have loved more time there to dive deeper. We’ll definitely make Franklin a stop when we visit Nashville again. Because that place is always on our travel list.

1. Do a Civil War Home Tour at Carnton House

Start your day in Franklin on a civil war tour at the Carnton House.

My Dad is a major history buff, especially around Civil War battles (we worked in a visit to Gettysburg because of it) but he hadn’t heard of this battle at Franklin, one of the bloodiest of the Civil War.

The Carnton house was a federal style residence and the home the home of the wealthy McGavock’s. President Andrew Jackson was once a guest in the house.

The tour shared the life of the McGavock family, their house and the trauma they went through in attending to the wounded, cleaning up the horror, burying the dead, and then trying to survive after the war was over as they lost a large amount of their wealth.

On Nov 30, 1864 the community of 750 people were swept into the middle of a massive frontal attack on the Federal position by Gen John Bell. It was a charge bigger than Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg, a fact my Dad couldn’t get over.

The right wing of the Southern army moved past Carnton. Can you imagine sitting in your living room and seeing thousands of soldiers suddenly marching past your window?

The area around the house was under heavy fire for five hours leaving nearly 10,000 casualties: 2,000 dead, 7,000 wounded and 1,000 missing.

Carnton House became a field hospital which housed the first of the wounded.

There were 300 wounded soldiers inside the house and several hundred others spread across the grounds and bodies of confederate generals were laid out on the back porch.

Our passionate and informative guide took us up to the bedrooms, which had been recreated to show what it was like during the battle as surgeons stood by windows to take advantage of us much sunlight as they could while they amputated limb after limb.

Blood stains can still be seen on the wooden floorboards. One extra large puddle in the corner shows where the limbs would have been piled high.

We heard stories of the wounded begging to be put out of their misery.

It all felt so very real and distressing.

After the tour you can roam around the property to see the beautiful family garden, the slave house and springhouse, the battlefield area and the military cemetery.

The confederate cemetery was Created to be the final resting place of nearly 1500 killed during the Battle of Franklin. It’s the largest private Confederate cemetery in the US.

We weren’t sure how we’d go for time so missed the Carter House, which tells the story of another family affected by the Civil War. We all wished we did do it as we enjoyed this one so much.

Learning about the Civil War history here is one of the best things to do in Franklin, TN.

2. Visit Downtown Franklin for Boutique Shopping

We started with a coffee at Frothy Monkey after recommendations from a couple of people that was the place to be.

They weren’t wrong. It had that Southern way of asking you to sit and chat for awhile.

So we did.

But not for too long as we couldn’t get out to enjoy one of the most charming downtown streets we’ve discovered so far in the US.

Downtown Franklin is known as America’s favorite street, so has to be one of your top things to do in Franklin, TN.

I knew it would be the kind of downtown that would captivate my mum.

Downtown Franklin is a 16-block National Register district mix of historical and modern charm.

It’s Main Street has antique shops, gift and book stores, trendy boutiques, art galleries, and Southern homes.

Our first stop was Magpies, a boutique store for girls aged 5 to pre-teen. The clothes, accessories and bits and pieces were stunning – bright, cheerful and stylish.

Craig’s parents had given the girls money to spend so they were delighted to choose an outfit each to buy.

It was a gorgeous store and probably the girl’s favorite on our America Unplugged journey (apart from American Girl Doll that is). I really wanted to buy the huge dream catcher for myself!

Don’t miss White’s Mercantile, which is owned by Holly Williams, daughter of Hank Williams, Jr. You’ll find all things southern in this store.

You’ll also find the Franklin Theater, which is an iconic spot to get your classic marquee photo, or even perhaps see a show, if you stay in Franklin for longer than a day.

It’s a restored movie house which now hosts movies, live music and live theater.

Tin Cottage is another cute store for homewares, gifts and nick nacks.

We missed Landmark Booksellers on our first walk down Franklin St. Concerned about time, we didn’t double back to check it out.

However, we didn’t realize, Franklin is a gentle amble kind of place. So we would have had more time as everything is smaller than we realized.

The owners of Landmark were the inspiration for author Karen Kingsbury’s New York Times best selling book, The Bridge, which also became a Hallmark movie of the same name.

The building itself is also one of the oldest in Franklin, and was where Andrew Jackson paid his soldiers after they returned from the Spanish American war.

I’m sad we missed it, it sounds like a fun bookstore.

Be sure to stop into the Franklin Visitor Center. They have guitars and banjos on the wall you can sit down and play. I loved jamming with the girls in this space.

Super cute family travel moment.

3. Lunchtime at The Factory (and shopping)

Not far from Main Street is The Factory at Franklin, 11 depression-era factory buildings which have been renovated to house restaurants, art galleries, working artisans and storefronts that showcase local culture.

It’s listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a more culturally immersive and interesting than a visit to a traditional mall.

We received rave reviews about Mojo Tacos, which had only just opened inside The Factory.

It’s a super cool Taco Shop, that’s casual and quick serve and bright and colorful in design.

The tacos are fresh and innovative with flavors like adobo chicken, Korean cauliflower, and Tennessee style like hot chicken, braised pork, and slow-smoked brisket.

They can make most of them gluten free and have a signature puffy flour tortilla for those who aren’t!

I could have had 10 of those Korean cauliflower tacos – they were full of mojo!

Mojo is the bull who is the beloved pet of one of the owners. He watches over the herd eating great food on his Franklin farm, which is the experience the owners want for you with your tacos.

The kid’s meal comes with a free paleta popsicle, which is an all natural Mexican popsicle made with real fresh fruit juice, and sometimes carries chunks of real fruit in it.

Mojo Tacos has a taco truck that can be seen at community events.

And, I have only just discovered that the owner of Mojo Tacos, is also the owner of Honest Coffee Roasters, which is also in the Factory (how did I miss that? )

BUT is also in Huntsville, AL, which I discovered last year which became my go to coffee place every day and home of the best smoothie bowl I’ve had in the US.

I love making random connections like that. So grab a coffee from there as they are memorable!

If you have time after lunch, you may want to stop at Third Coast Clay, where you can create clay art pieces to take home. Or pop into Five Daughter’s Bakery for a donut treat!

4. Explore Leipers Fork

When we asked for suggestions on things to do in Franklin, many people recommended that we must visit Leipers Fork.

This quaint small town 10 miles from Franklin is a haven for musicians who want to live a quiet, inconspicuous life.

Apparently, our man Keith Urban lives out here and we did have eyes peeled in case we ran into him, (We didn’t).

Leipers Fork is not just a haven for musicians, but creators of any kind. It’s obvious by the row of galleries alongside the very small and cute country town main street.

All shops and roads lead to Puckett’s Grocery, where an eclectic group of people in cowboy hats, and boots, and summer dresses sit around petrol bowsers chatting, smoking and quietly laughing.

There’s time in Leiper’s Fork to just enjoy the simple things – creating and connecting.

For the art lovers, Leipers Creek Gallery displays art pieces by local and regional artists.

Behind Leipers Creek Gallery is the “Lawn Chair Theater” where there is a stage overlooking an open field. Movies are hosted here every Friday nights during June, July and August.

Bring your picnic blanket, lawn chairs and the kids for a great evening out. They sometimes have concerts as well.

If there is nothing on while you visit, you can wander out back and take a photo. We watched a young girl get up on stage and sing for her family.

She’s ready for open mic at Puckett’s Grocery.

Or on the front porch, is this cute swing for a grandparent moment.

We loved the store, Creekside Trading Company which showcases local Artisan talent. You’ll find gifts, home decor & lighting, antiques, artisan jewelry, leather goods, one of a kind art, paintings, clothing,

On the weekends, our porch becomes an intimate venue for local musicians and bands.

Mum picked up a few gifts in here, including these beautiful fork bracelets. Yep they are made out of forks.

Only in Leipers Fork. You’ll love all the cute fork references around the town.

Located in a beautifully restored 1860’s home Copper Fox gallery is the home of carefully curated pieces of art such as pottery, jewelry, textiles and more. The owner is super friendly and there’s a cute upstairs room which gives you a nice view of the countryside.

And next door to David Arms Gallery.

I loved sitting in the chair soaking up the relaxed atmosphere.

Watching Savannah play near the window with the light dancing around her, listening to classical music and enjoying the masculine energy of the space and art.

This one is more for the men, but definitely a space where women for once can just sit and wait until their men have finished shopping.

Just outside of here are some wooden chairs that overlook a field. Take a break and enjoy the countryside.

It’s one of my favorite photos Craig took from our entire road trip with my parents from Dallas to Boston.

And don’t miss the and funky old-time red car for a photo opp.

Franklin and Leiper’s Fork are included in several of our best USA road trip recommendations!

5. Drive over the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge , Natchez Trail Parkway

If you have time after your shopping on the main street of Leiper’s Fork, you can take a short 20 minute drive along the Natchez Trail Parkway starting at the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge.

It’s a spectacular double arched bridge 107 feet off the ground.

The views from here looking over the valley filled with gigantic mansions on the mountain sides is worth it.

Just north of the bridge there is a parking area with a view of the bridge and the valley below.

Just south of the bridge is an exit ramp that takes you down to Tennessee Highway 96. At the bottom of the hill there is a parking area with a view looking up at the entire length of the bridge.

The Natchez Trail l was an important travel route for Native Americans and early European-American settlers. Today the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway roughly follows its path and passes a mile away from Leiper’s Fork.

Leipers Fork is the only historic district on The Natchez Trace

6. Attend Open Mic at Puckett’s Grocery

If you’ve visited Nashville, you’ve heard of Puckett’s Grocery.

It began in Leipers Fork in 1953 and has evolved since then into local stores located in Tennessee, including Franklin and Nashville.

It’s known for its live music, authentic Southern food- classics like the meat-and-three and slow-smoked BBQ – and its home grown feel.

At Puckett’s in Leipers Fork you can also get groceries and fill up your car. It’s been a community meeting point for over 60 years and still maintains that atmosphere.

It’s an eclectic mix of tourists, farmers, country music stars, and singer song writers.

There’s nothing fancy on the inside. It’s dark and mismatched, but welcoming and friendly. There’s a buzz in here, especially on the night we visited, which was Open Mic night.

Their open mic night is legendary, think like the Bluebird Café in Nashville, and attracts talent from near and far.

Many of the big names in music live nearby, and many more of the song writers and producers do too. It is not uncommon for multiple Grammy winners to hop up on stage, along with newcomers and locals.

Now we weren’t wowed over by this experience but I can see how under different circumstances it might be good.

Sadly we had a table right up the back corner behind the bar, so we couldn’t see much, particularly when it got busier and people crowded around the bar.

The musicians only got better as the evening went on, but it was hard for us to connect to them. Try to get there early and a good seat away from the bar.

With our dietary considerations (gluten free) it was a challenge for us to enjoy some of that good ole Southern cooking!

I did have a tasty shrimp boil, which we first tasted with friends in New Orleans.

Music starts at 6pm and goes to around 10 or 11 p.m. It’s okay to take the kids but you may not want to keep them there to the end. It was starting to get rowdy when we left around 8.

And if you can have a kid-free night, then I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun. Patrons spill out to the bowsers outside, chatting and laughing. It definitely has that vibrant local feel.

Related Posts:

• 5 outstanding live music experiences in Nashville, TN
• 15 things to do in Nashville with kids
• 11 cool things to do in Memphis

Planning a Trip to Nashville, TN

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Can you recommend other captivating things to do in Franklin, TN? Have you visited Franklin on a day trip from Nashville, or stayed overnight?

It’s not just country music that you’ll find in Nashville, but classy singer songwriters, honky tonk music you can let your hair down too, big charting artists, and live acoustic mellow moments.

The music in Nashville, TN sounds good and will make you feel good.

The music tradition, stories and endless live music experiences is what makes Nashville one of the most unique cities in the USA.

For all you bachelorette party ladies out there visiting Nashville, yes go on the trolley pub tour, but be sure to schedule in a night with the girls enjoying live music.

It will be a Nashville memory you won’t forget.

Live Music in Nashville, TN

1. The Grand Ole Opry

Nashville will be a city I return to again and again just to hang out, have fun and connect to music, the language of the soul.

No place does it better than The Grand Ole Opry. Attending the Opry is one of my favorite things to do in Nashville AND the United States.

What I love the most about the Grand Ole Opry is its tradition and family like atmosphere. I’m not sure any other musical genre is as close knit as the country music one.

I think the Opry is at the core of helping to create that atmosphere.

I love being a part of it. I particularly love going backstage for a deeper insight into the Opry history and the culture behind it.

Walking around the halls back there seeing the dressing rooms, and Keith Urban’s mailbox, listening to people like Gary LeVox from Rascal Flatts warm up, and running into Lauren Alaina was thrilling.

But best of all was experiencing the warm welcoming atmosphere of the Opry family. Even if you don’t get that backstage opportunity, sitting in the audience is an absolute treat.

Where else can you listen to multiple award winning artists playing several of their tunes?

At the Opry you hear at least 8 musicians from many different styles of country, old and new sing. They sing new hits and old hits and even cover hits.

On our first trip we discovered and fell in love with Chris Janson. I was stoked to see him on the line up when I took my Mum and Dad to the Opry this past May.

Like Graceland, the Opry was a place I always heard my Mum dream about visiting.

What a thrill that I got to take her and take her backstage. (we visited as guests of the Opry)

Both Mum and Dad sat up in rapture listening to Chris Janson. As soon as he finished Mum turned to me, “I’m buying his album’.

I got them for her the next day for Mother’s Day gift. My Dad was blown away by his harmonica playing talents!

This session I discovered young female artist, Kallie Shorr and I was thrilled to see Rascal Flatts play live as they were one of the first country bands that got me appreciating the music genre a little more.

And then you have moments, where it’s not the artists standing in the famous Opry circle who steal the show, but a member of their band whose energy and enthusiasm lights up the entire stage.

I don’t know who this musician in the Rascal Flatts band was, but he was having a damn good time playing the drums and the keyboard at the same time AND then someone from off stage would throw him a guitar and he’d jam on that.

All the while dancing and jigging.

He was just incredible.

The Grand Ole Opry is accepting of any style you want to show up in – casual jeans and cowboy boots or something a little dressy.

Go with what feels right for you.

The Cascades American Cafe at the Gaylord Resort

Enhance the Opry experience with a pre-show dinner at The Cascades American Cafe in the Opryland Resort.

We dined as guests of the Opryland resort and it was sensational.

Craig insists his filet mignon is the best steak he’s ever had and Mum and Dad said the same about their salmon.

My quinoa salad was equally delicious.

Read more reviews about the restaurant on TripAdvisor. 

It’s worth wondering around the Gaylord Resort to check out the decorated atriums, inner gardens with waterfalls and delta river boat cruises.

The Gaylord Opryland Resort is the largest non-gaming hotel in Continental US.

It’s quite a spectacular resort and restaurant. You may even want to consider staying here. Families will love it, especially considering there’s a new water park  opening here soon!

Book your stay at Opryland Resort here.

2. The Bluebird Café

On my Mum’s Nashville Bucket List was the Grand Ole Opry and a night at the Bluebird Café, which is featured often in the TV show Nashville.

Those in the music industry already knew about the Bluebird’s legendary status before fans of the show did.

Many famous musicians had their first start at this intimate café located in strip mall just south of the city.

On our last visit to Nashville, we took the girls to Monday’s singer songwriter open mic evening. It was fantastic watching artists at the beginning of their careers opening their hearts and soul to the audience.

This time I took Mum and Dad to the later session on the Monday, which is a regular blues session with the Mike Henderson Band (25 years running!).

I’ve only just learned that Mike Henderson is a talented songwriter who has recorded with many big name artists.

He just won a 2018 Grammy Award for Best Country Song, “Broken Halos,” which he co-wrote with singer, Chris Stapleton. Wow. It’s one of my favorite songs at the moment. I had no idea.

Mike’s Monday night blues session is totally different to the other Bluebird café music sessions throughout the week. Those sessions demand silence during the performances to respect the artist’s singer songwriter talents.

But Mike’s session is about letting loose and slipping into a rowdy blues mood.

I was a little worried. I’m not a blues person – well I can do a couple of tunes and then I’m ready for something a little shorter and different.

Would I be able to handle 90 minutes of blues and in an venue that is small, meaning it was going to be really loud?

How would Mum and Dad handle this? They’re not blues people either.

And it wouldn’t be finishing until 11pm, way past our bedtime!!

Well, the three of us loved it!

It was such a fun atmosphere and the music was incredible. We were all mesmerized by the pianist, Kevin McKendree.

None of us had ever seen anyone play a piano like that before. As my Dad said, he had the strength and power, yet was also so gentle in how he hit the keys.

He was phenomenal.

We couldn’t believe it after the performance when we saw him sitting at the bar with his arm in a sling. How did he play like that with an injured arm?

A night at the Bluebird is a music experience you do not want to miss in Nashville.

Hopefully you can get tickets online beforehand, otherwise the queue can be up to four hours long – for the total diehards at least.

My parents said our night at the Bluebird Cafe was one of their favorite things to do in Nashville, actually on our entire Dallas to Boston road trip.

3. Ryman Auditorium

High on my bucket list is to experience a live music event at the Ryman auditorium.

One thing you learn in Nashville pretty quickly is that this revered concert hall has one of the best acoustic sounds in the entire world.

Many many artists claim that it is their favorite place to play a concert.

Some artists like Passenger have even broken down in tears playing there, as they dreamed that playing at the Ryman was a sign they had made it.

Imagine finally living that dream on this stage that was home to the Opry for 35 years and had artists like Johnny Cash grace the stage.

Nowadays you’ll find artists like Foo Fighters, and Ed Sheeran. You’ll see how many there are when you visit the Ryman Auditorium on a tour, which I recommend you do even if you can’t see a concert.

It hasn’t lined up for us yet, but as I am always looking for an excuse to visit Nashville, I just might fly in for a concert experience at the Ryman.

Backstage tours of the Ryman will guide you through the auditorium and into the dressing rooms and even onto the stage so you can feel what it looks like to look out into the tiered audience who still sits on pews as it was designed in its beginnings when it was a tabernacle.

4. Honky Tonk Bars on Broadway

You don’t want to visit Nashville and miss the raw live musical experience of the Honky Tonk bars.

You can easily fit it into your Nashville itinerary as there is a band playing from morning until night. And you have endless bars to choose from.

Every bar on Broadway has live music and you can see some incredible artists at the beginning of their careers.

This is where inspiring artists come to be heard and catch their big break. You just never know when you might hear the next Keith Urban who used to be a Honky Tonk performer.

And you never know when the Keith Urban who is Keith Urban today may pop up in one for an impromptu play like he and Steve Tyler did one evening at Tootsies, the most famous Honky Tonk bar of all!

We did not visit that one as I wouldn’t say it’s a family-friendly venue with young kids like ours!

There are however plenty of family friendly honky tonk bars.

Make sure you visit in the day time though. Robert’s Western World is one. You’ll also find more sedate restaurant type bars that are very family-friendly.

George Jones Museum has a great rooftop bar that has live music at different times of the day.

The Wildhorse Saloon is also a family-friendly place to see live music and do some line dancing if you are keen.

I was all set to take my Mum as she used to take line dancing lessons but they were closed on the evening we went for a private event! Boo hoo.

We did find Deacon Claybourne (Charles Esten) in the store next door and had to have a family picture with him.

This photo is one of my favorite memories from our Dallas to Boston road trip. It shows each of our personalities so perfectly.

5. Puckett’s Grocery Leiper’s Fork

Leiper’s Fork is where many famous country music artists, producers and songwriters escape to live a normal life.

They have homes out here and can often be seen on the tiny one road that makes up the town.

On this street is Puckett’s Grocery, which has similar legendary status to the Blue Bird Café.

Thursday nights is the open mic night. Anyone, can get up and sing.

Sadly for us, we ended up on a table in the corner behind the bar so couldn’t see anything very well as the bar was crowded. It really distracted from our experience.

The artists started to get really good too before we decided to go home. I was disappointed as it looked like a fun night and it had a lively atmosphere.

If you can get a good table, you’ll enjoy it.

Patrons spill out the front hanging around the petrol bowsers listening to the tunes. It’s a very local experience and who wouldn’t want to soak up that vibe?

The food here is going to be simple and old style country. It didn’t serve us too well having gluten free dietary issues, but we made do.

If you love that southern style of pulled pork, and deep fried everything you’ll love it.

Puckett’s Grocery does have that old school local charm.

Nashville is full of music events and festivals each year, like the CMA Music Festival and Bonnaroo, both of which are on my Nashville and music bucket list.

I’m so happy and grateful Raleigh is my home as I can get to Nashville pretty easily to satisfy my thirst for amazing live musical experiences.

Nashville you are the best for it in the USA for sure!

Planning a Trip to Nashville, TN

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There are very few people alive who can be recognized globally by first name only.

Elvis was a transformative spirit; an individual guided by something special to use his talents to touch the lives of many. He burst through a restricted world where music was tame and gyrations were scandalous.

Elvis showed us all that with a little shake of your pelvis you can completely open up a new phase of evolution – one where it’s more acceptable to express your true self, to break rules, take risks, and follow dreams.

I love visiting Tennessee to follow the Elvis story and learn more about his life.

I’ve followed the Elvis Presley musical trail in Memphis and Nashville Tennessee three times now. Each time is as inspiring as the last.

Last visit was extra special as I took my parents on the same journey.

Elvis was big in our household. We watched his movies, listened to his music and spoke about him over the dinner table many times with my Aunties. My Aunt Trish’s partner, Al, even played trombone in Elvis’ band back in his Las Vegas days.

My Aunt Merle cried for a week when he died.

I didn’t realize how much my Dad liked him either until we visited Graceland, Memphis, TN. He thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Elvis in the Graceland house and museums that are on the estate.

They both walked out saying,

“Oh I love him even more now. How wonderful to learn about what a good person he was. So many things we didn’t know.”

Ever since I can remember my Mum has talked about how much one day she’d love to visit Graceland.

As I wrote in the post about taking my dad to the Alamo, you just never know how dreams can be delivered to you.

I’m so grateful that because of my passion for travel, and living in America, and our travel blog, I was able to help my Mum live out her dream.

It felt so surreal to her to be there walking around Elvis Presley’s House and connecting to him on the Graceland tours and learning more about him at Sun Studio, and RCA Studio B.

Even eating at the Arcade in downtown Memphis, which was where he loved to eat.

She really got into, jumping up to the microphone that Elvis used at Studio B and having photos with cardboard cut outs with him.

Like Mother Like daughter!!

Just look at this photo of my generation of women having a photo with Deacon Claybourne (Charles Esten) in Nashville!!

As Elvis taught us, dreams can come true.

Graceland Tours

The Graceland Mansion Tour – The Elvis Presley House

Graceland was Elvis’ happy place and home. A place he could retreat and have good times with those he loved.

A tour of Graceland gives you an insight into his fun giving energy. He had a great love for cars, and golf carts, games and funky décor.

It’s hard to pick a favorite out of the rooms in Elvis Presley House, but the Jungle Room and the Pool Room is bound to gain your attention the most.

You can explore this personal side of Elvis through an interactive iPad tour of Graceland Mansion. It’s hosted by John Stamos and featuring commentary and stories by Elvis and his daughter, Lisa Marie.

All rooms inside Gracelabd have been left to depict what they looked like when he died. You cannot access the upstairs part of the house.

The racquetball court was the last place Elvis visited on the night he died. He spent time playing the piano and singing Unchained Melody for friends.

It was fitting then that the Graceland tour guides you from there to the Meditation garden, Elvis’ favorite space at Graceland.

It’s now where he lies buried alongside his parents and grandmother, Minnie Mae. A small plaque lies to honor his twin brother, Jesse, who died at childbirth.

Spend awhile in reflection of his great spirit. It’s my third visit to Graceland and I tear up every time.

He touches my spirit and makes me believe in dreams.

Elvis was the great Evolutionary Bridge that gave us permission to walk forth into a new era of freedom of self expression, possibility and new sounds.

Elvis Presley’s Memphis

Elvis Presley’s Memphis is a series of museums and exhibits that follows Elvis life and career gaining insights into his roots, influences and artistry.

Mum and I swooned over every photo gushing about just how handsome he was.

You get to see his favorite automobiles, customized airplanes and fashionable outfits. He loved dressing up and, in just wearing what he liked and felt right, he became a fashion icon and everyone followed him.

The Icons Exhibit shows the vast number of great musicians he influenced like U2, Bruce Springsteen, Dolly Parton, Hendrix, Jim Morrison, John Lennon, Elton John, Timberlake – legendary artists across all musical genres.

I loved learning about his time in the army and how respectful and disciplined he was. He rose to the challenge of army service when people said he couldn’t do it.

You feel his presence as you wander though the museum learning his story, watching video reels, and TV appearances.

His charisma and style jumping out of the screen and that deep melodic voice that measured every word. It’s like savoring a rich, velvety, lava cake.

Let the spirit express itself, in whatever form you feel compelled to do or whatever talents it visits you through. Elvis just wanted to sing.

But his rare talent, charismatic energy, slow, thoughtful melodic voice spoke to the dreams of the spirit and set the world on fire.

One of the best Graceland Tours to do is the VIP Graceland tour. (We toured as guests of Graceland.)

The VIP ticket allows you to skip the queues and gives you access to VIP only museum exhibits, and access to his customized airplanes.

Grab your VIP Graceland tickets via our partner, Viator

Sun Studio, Memphis

The Elvis Presley story does not end at Graceland in Memphis, TN.

Head to Downtown Memphis to visit to Sun Studio, where his career all started.

Thanks to the secretary, Marion Keisker who immediately recognized magnetism and star power in Elvis when he came to record a song for his mother. She begged owner, Sam Phillips to listen and take him on.

Sam was not having it.

His music was slow and melodic, not the blues vibe he was passionate about and trying to promote.

A year later he finally gave in to letting Elvis audition in a three piece band. Again, Elvis did not impress him and he knew it.

During a break he began jamming an impromptu version of “That’s all right Mumma” bringing in an up tempo blues and rock feel to this country song.

Sam was immediately hooked. He sent it to the radio and Elvis became an instant “overnight” success.

Sam later sold Elvis to RCA records in Nashville for a huge $35,000 to pay off debts and get his record company booming.

And boom it did with artist like Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins all recording and getting their big breaks there. Even U2 has recorded in Sun Studio. Songs from Rattle and Hum were recorded here including, When love comes to town with BB King.

As Rattle & Hum is my favorite U2 album I was stoked to sit at the drums used on that album that still sit in the studio.

You learn all about the birthplace of rock n roll, Sam’s story and his famous artists who have walked through the doors in a fun and informative guided tour of Sun Studio.

You can even stand on the spot where Elvis stood, with the microphone and get your photo.

Visiting Sun Studios is one of my favorite things to do in Memphis.

Historic RCA Records Studio B Tour

Let’s head to Nashville now to the home of RCA records, the place that Elvis was sold to in 1955.

Historic Studio B, in Music City Studio Row, is the place where over 35,000 songs have been produced, over 1,000 of them becoming top 10 hits.

Elvis recorded 250 hit songs here, and over 1,000 top ten songs have Dozens of country and pop stars made recordings here, primarily from 1957 to 1977, when the studio was operated by RCA Records.

Again, we learned stories about how great the King was. He’d come into his recording sessions (always late) but would spend time greeting and speaking with each band member before starting.

He’d often get so struck by inspiration that he’d record multiple songs in a row. In fact, in one session, he recorded 13, several  of which went on to be number one hits.

This speaks to the power of the spirit. Let it guide you. When inspiration strikes go with it.

Many people ask me how I can get so much done, it’s usually because I walk hand in hand with flow. When inspiration hits I write furiously, letting the words come. I can often bang out multiple blog posts quickly.

It’s filled with red lines indicating spelling mistakes etc. But I ignore them until it’s time to later edit them once the flow has gone.

Let Elvis show you the way.

I loved sitting in the recording studio listening to the songs that had been recorded there and feeling the energy, especially the Elvis tunes of Are you Lonesome tonight? and How great thou art and it’s now or never, which was Elvis’ favorite song.

I saw my Dad beaming when he learned this as he always says that was Elvis greatest song and he loves it so much.

You can even sit at the piano that still sits in RCA Studio B in Nashville. This is the piano that recorded all those monster hits and that Elvis used to record his hit tunes.

Studio B tours run from the Country Music Hall of Fame as an additional cost. It’s well worth doing it.

A guide takes you on the bus to the Studio taking your through and telling cool stories, not just of Elvis but other artists who have recorded there in including Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins, The Everly Brothers and Jim Reeves.

It’s a very important studio in the history of music.

It’s still available for artists to hire and record in today. Wynonna, Carrie Underwood, and Martina McBride came here in 2008 to sing with the voice of Elvis on an album of Christmas duets. Long Live the King!

The Country Music Hall also gives you insight into Elvis’ life with a few displays and one of his favorite gold plated Cadillac’s on display

Book your RCA Studio B tour with our partner Viator.

Get your Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with Viator as well.

Long Live the King

Listening to the song “ If I can Dream” as I stood over his grave, the tears pricked my eyes. He represented dreams and helped others believe in the possibility of them.

As Lisa said in the audio at the same time – Elvis had a presence. You felt him even when you couldn’t see him. He filled the space. It was if his spirit reached out and touched others.

I felt that in Graceland.

I’ve felt that the moment I first met Elvis as a young child sitting on the couch in my living room with my Mum every Saturday watching Elvis movies.

A presence, a passion, a zest for life. Sure it came with troubles and loneliness, but his spirit transformed the path of music and the lives of many.

When my girls kept asking me why he is the King, I explained,

“Well, he died 40 years ago and look at all the people you see coming through Graceland just today. They’ve been doing that since before he died. He sang, he acted, he entertained, he served in the military, he was gracious, generous and kind. He changed the face of music and popular culture. There is no one who has done more than him for music. He has inspired hundreds of popular and successful musicians.

He is the King.”

Planning aTrip to Memphis and Nashville

Book Your Accommodation in Memphis and Nashville

• The Guesthouse at Graceland provides a deeper Elvis experience
• We also stayed at Courtyard by Marriott Memphis East – it was a fair driving distance (20 mins) to downtown Memphis attractions, but we visited during festival week so not much was available. We liked the hotel and the food was especially delicious for hotel canteen.
• I’d also recommend splurging for the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis. At least go for afternoon tea and their delightful, artistic desserts.
• In Nashville, we have stayed at the Lowes Vanderbilt Hotel and Airbnb’s.

Need a Rental Car in Memphis?

Check out RentalCars.com for the best deals on rental cars in Memphis. They are our official affiliate partner as we’re long term customers and love them!

Tours in Memphis

Viator offers a large range of tours in Memphis including cultural experiences, attraction tickets, and activities around the city.

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Are you an Elvis fan? How has his spirit touched yours? Have you followed the Elvis story in Nashville and Memphis?