It is not surprising that visiting the park is the most well-liked activity in this eastern Tennessee town as there are three gates to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park situated right in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg. In reality, Gatlinburg's population soars from less than 4,000 residents to more than 40,000 during the busiest travel times.

It's understandable why the park is so popular with the miles of hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding trails, historical exhibits, and cabins, as well as the chance to observe black bears, elk, deer, and other species in their natural setting. Several of Gatlinburg's main attractions, such as the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, are likely where you'll spend your free time when you're not in the park taking in its natural splendors.

Gatlinburg, though, serves as much than just a starting point for trips to the Smoky Mountains. Due to family-friendly attractions like the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, this small mountain hamlet has become a destination in and of itself. Visit one of the many local galleries, such as the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, to see how local artisans make anything from paintings and pottery to handmade brooms and jewelry, rather than browsing cheesy souvenir shops.

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA
  
• #1 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
  
• #2 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  
• #5 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations
  
• #5 in Best Places to Visit in June
  
• #6 in Best Cheap Family Vacations
  
• #10 in Best Cheap Honeymoons in the U.S.
  
• #13 in Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.
  
• #13 in Best Cheap Summer Vacations
  
• #14 in Best Family Vacations in the USA
  
• #15 in Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA

Location: Tennessee

Memphis is always moving, whether it's to the sounds of up-and-coming performers on Beale Street or to the songs of Elvis that reverberate throughout the city. Many people travel to Memphis primarily for Graceland, but audiophiles who only come for Elvis will be happy to learn that Memphis has a lot more to offer. In Memphis's pubs and studios, musicians like Johnny Cash, Isaac Hayes, and B.B. King also developed their distinctive sounds.

Memphis is a sad reminder of the civil rights movement in addition to its crucial position in music history. Martin Luther King Jr. made a petition demanding Black sanitation workers' equal rights here in 1968.

King returned to the city on April 3 after leading a nonviolent protest in March, only to be killed there the following day at the Lorraine Motel, which is now the National Civil Rights Museum.

There is a third, occasionally unnoticed reason to arrange a trip to Memphis. Good food is available at the "Cradle of American Music," along with good music and informative history courses. To sample a few gastronomic delights that are particularly Southern, think about traveling in the spring or fall (the summer heat here is oppressive). Any budding foodie should put the region's mouthwatering barbeque and creamy grits at the top of their list. Book a spot on one of the top Memphis tours to learn more about the culture, cuisine, and music of the city.

Rankings:

• #2 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
  
• #19 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South

Location: Tennessee

The 522,427-acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in both Tennessee and North Carolina, with the state line running through its middle. From the Paleo Indians of prehistory to the European settlers of the 19th century, humans have inhabited the highlands for a very long time.

As one of the few free national parks in America, the park is now visited by more than 10 million visitors annually who take part in outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and fishing as well as beautiful drives to Cades Cove and along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Bring a lunch if you plan to cycle the Cades Cove Loop on Wednesdays between May and September when the road is closed to traffic or go on one of the breathtaking treks to Abrams or Rainbow Falls. At the Cades Cove Visitor Center, check out the ancient gristmill and Cable Mill. At the Sugarlands Visitor Center, visit the wildlife exhibits, watch a documentary about the park, and buy one-of-a-kind gifts.

Rankings:

• #2 in Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
  
• #3 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
  
• #5 in Best Fall Vacations
  
• #8 in Best Summer Vacations in the USA
  
• #10 in Best U.S. National Parks
  
• #13 in Best Places to Visit in October

Location: Tennessee

The third-largest city in Tennessee and the location of its first capital, Knoxville, frequently goes unnoticed, but once visitors learn about the lovely and historic city, its approachable downtown, and its closeness to the Great Smoky Mountains, they frequently become admirers. The glittering Sunsphere, a 266-foot-tall, gold-tinted tower constructed for the 1982 World's Fair, is one of Knoxville's most recognizable monuments. It is one of the many attractions in the city and is now an observatory in the World's Fair Park.

Many of the noteworthy individual stores and eateries in downtown Knoxville branch out from the well-known Market Square. Many residents and visitors use kayaks, canoes, or riverboat cruises to get out on the Tennessee River, which runs beside downtown. There are several historical attractions, particularly Civil War sites, battlefields, and mansions. Knoxville is a desirable city to visit due to its welcoming population, abundance of green space, delicious southern cuisine, and simple-to-navigate downtown.

March through June as well as September through November are the ideal months to visit Knoxville. While Knoxville has four different seasons, the lovely dogwoods in the spring and the vivid leaves in the fall make these times of year particularly tempting for travel. Since summer is Tennessee's largest travel season and it may get fairly warm, hotel rates tend to rise during this time. Although it can get frigid, winter is usually very moderate, making it a less popular time to travel, which might result in lower accommodation costs.

Rankings:

• #4 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

Location: Tennessee

Chattanooga has truly lived up to its moniker as the "Scenic City," being tucked among the Southeast Tennessee mountains and situated along the Tennessee River. The Department of Health formerly ranked Chattanooga as the most polluted city in the country, but during the past few decades, the city has undergone an urban rehabilitation that has prioritized sustainability and given it a much-needed boost in diversity without sacrificing its small-town charm.

Due to its roles as a Civil War battlefield and the main hub for southern railroad travel in the 19th and 20th centuries, Chattanooga is regarded as a historical center. As one of the first American communities to provide its residents 2 gigabits per second (read: extraordinarily fast) internet access and the first American city to have its own typeface, appropriately titled "Chatype," the city is now a pioneer in a variety of ways. Silicon Valley ought to keep an eye on itself.

Technology aside, visitors of all kinds may spend days taking in Chattanooga's broad collection of attractions. Adventurers can explore the nooks and crannies of Lookout Mountain, history buffs can travel through the ground where Civil War soldiers once marched, engineers can be amazed at restored trains—some of which are more than a century old—at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and foodies can eat their way through the mouthwatering North Shore neighborhood. Or you can just stroll down the riverwalk of the city and watch the sun set from the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world.

Rankings:

• #5 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
  
• #15 in Best Places to Visit in April

Location: Tennessee

Due to the presence of the Dollywood theme park and Splash Country water park, Pigeon Forge is well-known. You might be pleasantly pleased to learn that there is much more to see in this quaint little town in eastern Tennessee. The Comedy Barn and Country Tonite Theatre host performances by actors, comedians, and singers that are larger than life.

This area is home to many family-friendly, educational museums, such as WonderWorks, the Titanic Museum Attraction, and Beyond the Lens! Additionally, the beautiful surroundings entice visitors: Visitors to Pigeon Forge can take advantage of the parks, explore the surrounding area on an alpine coaster or by ziplining, and go camping and hiking.

Of course, you should spend some time at Dollywood and Splash Country, where there are an astonishing amount of roller coasters, attractions, and performances (the 35-acre water park is packed with slides and rides). But don't forget to take your time, meander through the neighborhood, explore The Island in Pigeon Forge's shops and restaurants, and even pay a vineyard or brewery a visit. There is little doubt that you will like everything there is to see, see, and experience in Dolly Parton's "Tennessee mountain home."

Rankings:

• #6 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

Location: Tennessee

Over the years, Nashville has changed and developed into a city of many things for many different individuals. For people living in the Midwest and the East Coast, it's a well-liked weekend vacation. For those who enjoy inexpensive Southern cooking and international fusion food, it is a haven for foodies. It's also a fantastic location for bachelor and bachelorette parties for friends who want to become close before making the commitment to get married. But the heart of Nashville is a sanctuary for fans of country music.

Some of the nation's most gifted undiscovered performers perform at the taverns that line Broadway (plus the well-known Bluebird Cafe, which is roughly 5 miles south). In reality, Nashville is where a lot of famous performers got their start or were found, including Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line, and Sam Hunt. The best way to experience Nashville's country scene is to listen to the free live music being played at various venues across the city.

You should also see Belle Meade Historic Site, marvel at The Parthenon, and go to the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame. Additionally, schedule some time to just relax at one of the many downtown stores, coffee shops, or restaurants. Alternately, take a guided trip with a local to see the area.

Rankings:

• #7 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
  
• #11 in Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.
  
• #25 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South

Location: Tennessee

When you think about country music, Nashville might be the first place that comes to mind, but Bristol should also be on your radar. The musical genre was created in this city in northeastern Tennessee, which is a twin of Bristol, Virginia, a nearby city. The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol honors the city's musical heritage. The city is also well-known for the renowned Bristol Motor Speedway, a sizable sports complex that regularly holds various racing competitions. Additionally, it has a number of lakes and parks where outdoor enthusiasts can go fly-fishing, hiking, biking, and camping.

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, a top-notch attraction with engaging and educational interactive displays for people of all ages, was named the official "Birthplace of Country Music" by the U.S. Congress in 1998. Today, visitors may learn everything there is to know about the genre there. The Paramount Center for the Arts offers events like ballets and symphony concerts if those are more to your taste.

Tours of the Bristol and Appalachian Caverns, NASCAR races at the Bristol Motor Speedway, and other thrilling outdoor activities are available. In addition to shopping in the lively Historic Downtown and visiting the State Street Farmers' Market, Steele Creek Park offers hiking and boating opportunities.

Rankings:

• #8 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

Location: Tennessee

Due to its extensive collection of historical sites, Murfreesboro draws a lot of history enthusiasts. Visitors can find out more information about one of the most bloody battles of the Civil War at Stones River National Battlefield. Visitors can get a first-hand view of life in Tennessee in the 19th century at Oaklands Mansion and Cannonsburgh Village. Travelers can check out additional well-liked activities including the Discovery Center, Go USA Fun Park, and Climb Murfreesboro when they need a break from Murfreesboro's historical sites. The latter is the biggest indoor rock climbing gym in Tennessee.

Due to its proximity to Nashville to the southeast, Murfreesboro is a great starting point for tourists looking to learn more about the Civil War's history and take in some of the laid-back small-town charm. Visit Oaklands Historic House Museum and Stones River National Battlefield to discover more about the area's involvement in the Civil War.

Everyone will enjoy strolling around the historic downtown area. Families can visit the Cannonsburgh pioneer hamlet and have hours of interactive fun at the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring. Outdoor enthusiasts can use a paved trail in the Stones River Greenway to go bicycling, hiking, or strolling. You can cool down at the Boro Beach Water Park in the summer.

Rankings:

• #9 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

Location: Tennessee

Despite being Tennessee's fifth-largest city, Clarksville yet manages to maintain a wonderful small-town atmosphere. A number of structures from the 1870s may be seen in Clarksville's Historic Downtown, where you can also find the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center and the famed Roxy Regional Theatre.

Outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking or take a tour of Dunbar Cave by torchlight in Dunbar Cave State Park. There are other additional parks and leisure sites to check out, such as the Liberty Park and Marina, where you can go boating, hiking, picnicking, and fishing, and the Clarksville Greenway, which is great for walking, bicycling, and hiking. In Edith Pettus Park, there is a splash pad for kids to enjoy, and on Saturdays, there is a bustling farmers' market.

One of Tennessee's oldest communities is the busy Clarksville, which overlooks the Cumberland River. Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the conflict or they can follow the Civil War Trail to four educational markers. Several hiking and bird-watching trails are available in the city's parks, like Dunbar Cave State Park, and there are also life-size sculptures of some of Clarksville's most well-known past residents, like Olympic gold winner Wilma Rudolph and the town's founder John Montgomery. The burgeoning brewery industry in Clarksville is worth checking out for those who are at least 21 years old.

Rankings:

• #10 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

Location: Tennessee