7 Incredible Vacation Spots In Tennessee
One of America's most beloved travel destinations, Tennessee is a great state to visit for a family vacation or a solo trip. Home to beloved landmarks such as The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Tennessee offers a variety of itineraries for vacations. Tennessee's small towns are great vacation destinations to experience the culture of the state without the stress of overcrowded areas. In Pulaski, visitors can enjoy Tennessee's rural countryside and enjoy the art and culture of a spunky small town. Cookeville is a pretty Tennessee town to vacation to for visitors looking to enjoy beautiful natural sites. These are only a few places in Tennessee that make great vacation spots. Here, we explore seven incredible vacation spots that will make you want to pack your bags and head straight to Tennessee.
Paris
Looking to visit Paris, France, but want to stay in the United States? Head to Tennessee's version of Paris. The oldest incorporated town in West Tennessee, Paris, Tennessee, is a town steeped in history and tradition. Explore the historic downtown and stop at the shops and eateries. Sweet Jordan's is one of the town's most popular spots to stop at for a sweet treat. Explore one of America's largest antique malls in Paris, The Market Street Antique Mall, with more than 150 vendors. If you want to enjoy the outdoors on your vacation, spend an afternoon in Paris Landing State Park. Right on the banks of Kentucky Lake, this is a great spot for a kayak trip or walk around the lake.
A must-see attraction in Paris is the town's own Eiffel Tower. This is a great spot for a photo opt. End your day of exploring Paris by booking a stay at a cozy local Bed and Breakfast. Home Sweet Home Bed And Breakfast is a lovely option. Surrounded by huge pecan trees, the Bed and Breakfast has a beautiful porch and uniquely decorated rooms.
Hohenwald
Hohenwald is a slow-paced town in Lewis County. The town's name comes from a German word meaning "High Forest." Near the beautiful national scenic trail, Natchez Trace Parkway, Hohenwald is full of stunning natural scenery and a lively community atmosphere. This is a town where you can enjoy Tennessee's comfort food and small-town pleasures.
A local favorite eatery is The Junkyard Dog Steakhouse. Here, enjoy the excellent food and cozy environment. The restaurant offers pasta, seafood, steaks, salads, soups and gumbo. The historic Lewis and Clark's Restaurant is another local favorite spot to grab a bite to eat.
Hohenwald also has a lot of local art for visitors to see. At the Strand Theater and Art Gallery, enjoy a local theater production and see local art exhibits. The Lewis County Museum of Natural History and Discovery Center is another place for visitors to see the work of local artists. The center has several murals. In October, Hohenwald's downtown lights up with art and music for the October Heritage Festival. The tradition dates back more than 40 years and is an opportunity to see local art vendors and hear live music.
Pulaski
A small town surrounded by Tennessee's countryside, Pulaski is a great town to see the heart fo Tennessee's culture. From whiskey to art and historic sites, this quaint town has something for everyone. Foodies will enjoy trying the town's local dining options, and visitors can enjoy an authentic taste of the South. Enjoy a southern breakfast of pancakes and fried chicken at the iconic Blue Bird Buffet. Stop at the diner Soda Pop Junction for a classic burger and fries in a vintage venue. Stop at the outskirts of town for a drink from the local distillery, Big Machine Distillery. Try their classic drink, Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey. Those who prefer wine can try a drink from Big Creek Winery. The local winery gives a history lesson while you sip.
Make sure to enjoy the historic downtown while in Pulaski and check out the murals, local galleries and boutiques. To experience rural life in Tennessee, book a private tour at the world-famous Milky Way Farm. They have more than 1,000 acres of pastures filled with deer, wild turkey, barns, trails, and stunning sites. Rent a cabin nearby to enjoy the countryside at night and maybe even see the Milky Way when the sky is clear.
Collierville
A magical town with a storybook downtown, Collierville is a great place for a family vacation or a romantic getaway. The town's downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places and is brimming with lovely boutiques and inviting cafes. Visit the Morton Museum of Collierville History to see exhibits about the town's past. After, head to Carriage Crossing for a tasty snack and buy a souvenir. Carriage Crossing is an open-air lifestyle Center with big box stores and local boutiques. They also have a variety of restaurants so visitors can enjoy a nice meal after a day of shopping.
Collierville is also home to beautiful parks with great areas for picnics and walks. Johnson Park has scenic walking trails, a playground and picnic area to enjoy. An iconic spot to snap a photo at in Collierville is the Collierville Town Square gazebo. Make sure to snap a photo here before your vacation is over.
Dandridge
Dandridge is a cute historic town perfect for a vacation with a mix of small-town charm and outdoor adventure. Learn about Dandridge's history on a walking tour through the historic downtown. While downtown, enjoy shopping at the boutiques or antique stores. On Thursdays in September, make sure to stop by the Town Hall to enjoy some live music. Make sure to stop by the iconic Million Dollar Dike landmark, the structure that saved the town from flooding in the 1940's.
Outdoor adventure lovers will enjoy spending an afternoon hiking the TVA Hiking Trail to enjoy wonderful views of Douglas Lake. Afterward, rent a boat or a kayak to enjoy some fun on the lake.
Granville
Looking to relax on your vacation and enjoy a quiet, quirky town? Head to Granville Tennessee. The hidden gem is an hour east of Nashville on the banks of the Cumberland River. The town has unique attractions such as The Mayberry - I Love Lucy Museum which is sure to bring a smile to visitors. Granville also has a museum that displays the history of the town and a Pioneer Village.
There are a lot of local artists in Granville and the town has galleries that attract visitors worldwide. A few to check out include The Copper Fox, Leiper's Creek Gallery and David Arms Being such a small town, community is at the heart of Granville. Every year, the town hosts different festivals to honor their community. In May there is the Heritage Day and Bluegrass Festival, and in October there is a Falls Festival and Quilt Festival Day.
Cookeville
Anyone looking for a vacation in a lively small town should visit Cookeville. One of Tennessee's prettiest towns, Cookeville is a small town bursting with life. The downtown is full of restaurants, antique shops, museums, and downtown festivals. Try the famed Tennessee’s Best Donut at Ralph's and check out the variety of restaurants around town. There are more than 100 restaurants in Cookeville that serve a variety of cuisines, from American to Hispanic. While exploring the downtown, check out the Cookeville History Museum to learn about the area's history.
The town is also next door to beautiful outdoor attractions such as Cummins Falls, Fall Creek Falls, and Burgess Falls State Parks. These are great areas to go hiking and explore the natural beauty around Cookeville. After a day of exploring, unwind at a local bed and breakfast place like The Garden Inn Bed & Breakfast at Bee Rock.
Choosing Your Vacation Spot
Whether you are looking to spend some time alone, explore a new place, have a romantic getaway, or have a family vacation, these seven Tennessee vacation spots are incredible places to visit. Each one contains unique attractions that showcase Tennessee's art, history, and culture. In Granville, visitors can expect to see unique art at the local galleries and relax on the banks of the Cumberland River. Dandridge gives guests a glimpse at unique aspects of Tennessee's history and gives guests the chance to spend afternoons on beautiful Douglas Lake. Foodies will enjoy the comfort classics that Hohenwald has to offer. Whatever type of vacation you are looking for, any one of these seven Tennessee spots will make for an amazing getaway.
