Tennessee Retreats Travelers Call The South’s Best Weekend Finds
Tennessee has become one of the top destinations for weekend getaways in the American South. From mountain hideaways to vibrant cities filled with music and history, this state offers something special for every type of traveler.
Whether you’re looking for luxury pampering, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, these retreats provide the perfect escape from everyday life.
1. Blackberry Farm
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, this world-class resort has earned its reputation as one of the South’s finest luxury destinations. Guests experience farm-to-table dining that showcases ingredients grown right on the property. The culinary program here has won countless awards and keeps food lovers coming back year after year.
Activities range from fly fishing to horseback riding, giving visitors plenty of ways to explore the stunning landscape. The spa treatments incorporate local ingredients and traditional Appalachian wellness practices. Each room features handcrafted furniture and cozy fireplaces that create an inviting atmosphere.
Service here goes beyond expectations, with staff members anticipating needs before guests even realize them. Wine enthusiasts appreciate the extensive cellar featuring both domestic and international selections.
2. Downtown Nashville
Music fills every corner of this energetic city that travelers call the heart of country music. Broadway’s honky-tonks feature live performances from morning until late night, with talented musicians playing for tips and dreams. You can catch rising stars before they become household names, making every visit unique and memorable.
Beyond the music scene, Nashville offers incredible food options ranging from hot chicken to upscale Southern cuisine. The Parthenon in Centennial Park provides an unexpected Greek touch to this American city. Museums dedicated to Johnny Cash and the Country Music Hall of Fame tell stories that shaped American culture.
Hotels downtown put you within walking distance of everything important. The pedestrian bridge offers stunning sunset views over the Cumberland River.
3. Memphis and Beale Street
Blues music was born on these historic streets where legends like B.B. King once performed nightly. Today, Beale Street still pulses with authentic rhythm and soul that you can’t find anywhere else. Live music spills from every doorway, inviting you to step inside and experience something magical.
Graceland sits just minutes away, offering fans a chance to tour Elvis Presley’s famous mansion and see his collection of cars and costumes. The National Civil Rights Museum provides powerful historical context about America’s journey toward equality. Barbecue restaurants compete for the title of best ribs in town, and honestly, they’re all winners.
Hotels near the river give you easy access to downtown attractions. The trolley system makes getting around simple and affordable for weekend visitors.
4. Gatlinburg Mountain Town
Sitting at the doorstep of America’s most visited national park, this mountain town combines natural beauty with family entertainment. Kids love the aquarium, arcade games, and candy shops lining the main street. Parents appreciate how everything stays within walking distance, making it easy to navigate with children in tow.
The Space Needle observation tower provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys below. Chairlifts carry visitors up the mountainside for even more spectacular vistas. Pancake houses serve breakfast all day long, fueling families for their adventures ahead.
When autumn arrives, the fall colors create a stunning display that attracts photographers from across the country. Winter brings a different charm with snow-covered peaks and cozy cabin rentals perfect for romantic getaways.
5. Chattanooga Riverfront
Where the Tennessee River curves through mountain valleys, this revitalized city has transformed itself into a model for urban renewal. The pedestrian bridge stretches across the water, connecting downtown to the north shore and offering spectacular views during sunset walks. Rock climbing walls, parks, and outdoor spaces make this a paradise for active travelers.
Lookout Mountain towers above the city, home to Ruby Falls, an underground waterfall that leaves visitors speechless. The Incline Railway climbs at a steep angle, providing thrills and panoramic views from the top. Aquarium exhibits showcase river ecosystems and ocean life in beautifully designed spaces.
Local restaurants serve innovative cuisine that honors Southern traditions while embracing modern techniques. The craft brewery scene has exploded here, giving beer enthusiasts plenty of tasting rooms to explore.
6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Free admission makes this the most accessible national park in America, welcoming millions of visitors annually to its misty peaks. Over 800 miles of trails wind through ancient forests where black bears roam and wildflowers bloom in spectacular displays. Waterfalls cascade down rocky cliffs, rewarding hikers who venture beyond the parking areas.
Historic buildings scattered throughout the park tell stories of mountain families who lived here generations ago. Cades Cove’s loop road takes drivers through a scenic valley where wildlife sightings happen frequently. Early morning visits offer the best chances to spot deer grazing in meadows.
Fall foliage transforms the mountains into a painter’s palette of reds, oranges, and golds that stretch as far as you can see. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and mountain laurels.
7. Franklin Historic District
Just south of Nashville, this charming town preserves its Civil War history while embracing modern boutique shopping and dining. The main square features beautifully restored buildings housing unique stores you won’t find in typical malls. Antique shops offer treasures from bygone eras, while contemporary boutiques showcase work from local artisans and designers.
Battlefield sites surrounding the town provide sobering reminders of the conflicts that shaped this region’s history. Walking tours led by knowledgeable guides bring those stories to life with vivid details. The Carter House stands as a monument to the families affected by war.
Restaurants here focus on locally sourced ingredients and creative preparations that elevate Southern comfort food. Live music venues host intimate concerts featuring both established and emerging artists throughout the week.
8. Pigeon Forge Entertainment Hub
Dolly Parton’s hometown has grown into a major entertainment destination that rivals any theme park city in America. Her namesake theme park combines thrilling rides with traditional Appalachian crafts and music performances. The attention to detail in every attraction shows genuine pride in mountain heritage and culture.
Dinner shows provide evening entertainment where audiences enjoy meals while watching impressive performances ranging from comedy to music competitions. The Titanic Museum lets visitors experience what life was like aboard the famous ship through interactive exhibits. Magic shows, go-kart tracks, and mini-golf courses line the main parkway.
Shopping outlets offer deals on name-brand merchandise, making this a favorite stop for bargain hunters. Hotels range from budget-friendly to luxury resorts with indoor water parks that kids absolutely adore.
9. Lynchburg and Jack Daniel’s Distillery
Ironically located in a dry county, this famous distillery welcomes visitors to learn about whiskey-making traditions passed down through generations. Tours guide you through every step of the process, from the natural spring water that makes this whiskey unique to the charcoal mellowing that gives it distinctive smoothness. The smell of aging whiskey fills the air around the barrel houses.
Downtown Lynchburg maintains its small-town charm with a courthouse square straight out of a postcard. Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House serves family-style Southern meals that have satisfied hungry visitors for decades. Shops sell everything from whiskey-flavored treats to handmade crafts.
The town itself feels frozen in time, offering a peaceful contrast to Tennessee’s busier tourist destinations. Photography opportunities abound with historic buildings and scenic countryside surrounding this quiet community.
10. Knoxville and the University District
Home to the University of Tennessee, this city blends college-town energy with sophisticated urban amenities that surprise first-time visitors. Market Square buzzes with farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and festival activities throughout the year. The revitalized downtown area features restaurants serving everything from traditional Southern fare to international cuisines.
Neyland Stadium becomes the state’s third-largest city on football Saturdays when 100,000 fans gather to cheer the Volunteers. The Tennessee River flows through town, offering kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities right in the urban core. Museums celebrate everything from East Tennessee history to contemporary art.
The Old City neighborhood attracts nightlife seekers with its concentration of bars, music venues, and late-night eateries. Hotels downtown provide easy access to attractions while offering competitive rates compared to bigger cities.
11. Norris Lake Recreation Area
Crystal-clear waters make this one of Tennessee’s cleanest lakes, perfect for swimming, fishing, and water sports of all kinds. Houseboat rentals let families create their own floating vacation homes, anchoring in secluded coves for privacy and relaxation. The lake stretches over 800 miles of shoreline, providing endless exploration opportunities.
Marinas offer boat rentals and supplies for those who don’t bring their own watercraft. Fishing here yields bass, crappie, and catfish that make for excellent dinner catches. The surrounding hills create a picturesque backdrop for sunset watching from the deck of your boat.
Campgrounds and cabin rentals along the shore provide land-based lodging options for visitors who prefer solid ground. The peaceful atmosphere here feels worlds away from city stress, even though civilization remains just a short drive away.
12. Jonesborough Historic Town
As Tennessee’s oldest town, these streets have witnessed over 200 years of American history unfold. The National Storytelling Festival held here each fall attracts thousands of visitors who gather to hear tales told by master storytellers from around the world. Historic buildings line the main street, many dating back to the 1700s and lovingly preserved.
Antique shops and art galleries occupy storefronts where merchants have conducted business for centuries. The town’s commitment to preservation has earned it recognition as one of America’s best small towns. Walking tours reveal architectural details and historical facts that bring the past to life.
Local restaurants serve home-cooked meals in settings that feel like eating at your grandmother’s house. Bed and breakfasts offer overnight accommodations in historic homes where you can sleep surrounded by authentic period furnishings and decor.
13. Reelfoot Lake State Park
Formed by earthquakes in the early 1800s, this shallow lake creates a unique ecosystem found nowhere else in Tennessee. Bald cypress trees rise from the water, their knees creating an otherworldly landscape that photographers dream about capturing. Winter brings bald eagles that nest in the trees, making this one of the best eagle-watching spots in the South.
Guided boat tours take visitors through the cypress forest while naturalists explain the lake’s geology and wildlife. Fishing here is legendary, with crappie being the most sought-after catch among anglers. The lake’s shallow depth warms quickly in spring, making it productive for fishing earlier than deeper lakes.
Lodges and cabins near the park provide comfortable accommodations with easy access to the water. The remote location means light pollution stays minimal, creating perfect conditions for stargazing on clear nights.
14. Rugby Historic Village
English author Thomas Hughes founded this utopian community in 1880, hoping to create a perfect society in the Tennessee mountains. Though the experiment ultimately failed, the village remains remarkably well-preserved, offering a fascinating glimpse into Victorian-era life. Original buildings include a library containing 7,000 volumes from the 1800s, still available for visitors to browse.
The Christ Church Episcopal still holds services, its board-and-batten construction typical of English country churches. Guided tours explain the community’s idealistic goals and the practical challenges that led to its decline. The surrounding area offers hiking trails through forests that have changed little since the settlers arrived.
Bed and breakfasts in restored historic buildings let you experience life as the original colonists might have, minus the hardships. The remote location provides true escape from modern distractions and digital overload.
15. Cookeville and Burgess Falls
Situated in Tennessee’s Highland Rim region, this area offers outdoor recreation without the crowds found at more famous destinations. Burgess Falls State Park features a spectacular 136-foot waterfall that cascades into a gorge below, creating mist that catches rainbows on sunny days. The hike to reach the main falls follows the river past several smaller cascades.
Downtown Cookeville provides a charming base with local restaurants and shops serving the community and visitors alike. The town sits perfectly positioned between Nashville and Knoxville, making it an ideal stopping point for travelers crossing the state. Cummins Falls nearby offers another waterfall adventure where you can actually swim in the pool below the falls.
State parks in the area provide camping facilities for those wanting to extend their stay and explore multiple natural areas. The moderate climate makes this region enjoyable for outdoor activities nearly year-round.
