Tennessee
Tennessee is a bucket list holiday destination where the music never stops. From the honky-tonk energy of Nashville to the soulful blues of Memphis and the misty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, there's always a new rhythm to discover.
Welcome to Tennessee
Whether you want a family, couples or solo Tennessee holiday, you'll be kept fully occupied by the wealth of things to see and do. On one day you could be tapping your feet to live music on Nashville's Broadway, and the next you could be standing in the footsteps of legends at Graceland in Memphis or soaking up the mountain air on a scenic drive through the Great Smokies.
Most travellers to Tennessee discover that the food is a journey all on its own. Smoky barbecue, hot chicken, Southern comfort classics and sweet pies await - best enjoyed with a side of live music and genuine Southern hospitality.
Each corner of the state tells its own story, from the birthplace of country and rock 'n' roll to the blues clubs of Beale Street and the open roads that carry you from Nashville to Memphis. So, if you're looking for the perfect mix of music, heritage and natural beauty, whether you're a music lover, foodie or adventurer, you're in for a treat!
Why Visit Tennessee?
- Nashville's honky-tonks and the Grand Ole Opry make it the beating heart of country music
- Memphis brings the soul, from Graceland and Sun Studio to the blues clubs of Beale Street
- The iconic Nashville to Memphis road trip is one of the world's great music journeys
- The Great Smoky Mountains offer breathtaking hikes, waterfalls and scenic drives
- Southern flavours - smoky barbecue, hot chicken and sweet treats - are unforgettable
Tennessee Holidays
New Orleans
No local tax due
✓ 5 Nights
✓ Room only
✓ Selected UK airports
From
£1,639pp
New Orleans Fly-Drive
No local tax due
✓ 10 nights
✓ Various Board Basis
✓ Selected UK Airports
From
£1,993pp
Kimpton Aertson Hotel
No Local Taxes Due
✓ 5 Nights
✓ Room Only
✓ Selected UK Airports
From
£2,009pp
New Orleans & Memphis
Includes £62 per person local taxes
✓ 8 nights
✓ Room Only
✓ Selected UK Airports
£84.00 in local fees is due on arrival, making the total £4,398.00 based on 2 adults
From
£2,157pp
Where is the best place to stay in Tennessee?
It's no surprise that Nashville is a top destination, known for its live-music energy, buzzing Broadway and endless dining, shopping and entertainment. But Tennessee offers more than its capital. Memphis enchants with soulful music history, Graceland and Beale Street. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge make the perfect base for the Great Smoky Mountains and family-favourite Dollywood. Chattanooga charms with its riverside setting and mountain views, while Knoxville offers a laid-back college-city vibe. Wherever you stay, you're never far from a stage, a trail or a plate of something delicious.
When is the best time to visit Tennessee?
For most travellers, spring (April to June) is a wonderful time to visit Tennessee, with mild weather, blooming landscapes and a packed calendar of music festivals. Autumn (September to November) is another favourite, as the Great Smoky Mountains blaze with red and gold foliage and the cooler air is perfect for hiking and scenic drives. Summer is lively and warm, ideal for outdoor concerts and road trips, though it can be hot and humid. If you love festive sparkle, winter brings twinkling lights and a cosy mountain-town charm.
Discover Nashville, the home of music
Every great Tennessee holiday features Nashville, "Music City," where the sound of live music spills from every doorway. Stroll the honky-tonks of Broadway, catch a show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry, and explore the Country Music Hall of Fame. Visit the historic RCA Studio B where icons recorded their biggest hits, or take in the stately Ryman Auditorium. By day the city hums with creativity and great food; by night it comes alive with the music that made it famous the world over.
From Nashville to Memphis - The Music Trail
No Tennessee holiday is complete without the legendary journey from Nashville to Memphis. Follow the open road through the heart of the South to Memphis, the birthplace of rock 'n' roll and the soul of the blues. Tour Elvis Presley's Graceland, step inside Sun Studio where music history was made, and spend an evening on Beale Street, where blues clubs light up the night. Many travellers extend the adventure further south, linking Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans into one unforgettable road trip.
Explore the great Smoky Mountains
Beyond the music, Tennessee's natural beauty is breathtaking. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park - the most visited in the USA - offers misty peaks, cascading waterfalls and scenic drives bursting with wildlife and wildflowers. Hike to Clingmans Dome for sweeping views, spot black bears in Cades Cove, or ride the chairlifts and attractions around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Families love nearby Dollywood for its rides, shows and Appalachian charm, making the Smokies a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Food & Drink in Tennessee
Indulge in Tennessee's soul-warming cuisine; from slow-smoked Memphis barbecue and fiery Nashville hot chicken to golden cornbread and sweet pecan pie, Southern food is a feast for the senses. Pair it with a glass of locally distilled Tennessee whiskey or a cold craft beer, and enjoy it the local way - with a side of live music and warm hospitality. Whether you're dining in a buzzing honky-tonk or a riverside smokehouse, the flavours of Tennessee will leave you craving more.
Travel Guide
Get ready for a journey full of live music, open roads and unforgettable Southern moments on a holiday to Tennessee.
- Best time to visit: April-June & September-November
- Average temperature: 30°C / 86°F (summer season)
- Average flight time: 9-10 Hours from the UK
- Most suited for: Music lovers & road-trip adventurers
- Currency: US Dollar
- Time Difference: -6 Hours to the UK (Central Time)
Weather in Tennessee
Average monthly temperature in Tennessee (°C)
- Jan 5°C
- Feb 7°C
- Mar 12°C
- Apr 17°C
- May 21°C
- Jun 26°C
- Jul 28°C
- Aug 27°C
- Sep 23°C
- Oct 17°C
- Nov 11°C
- Dec 6°C
FAQs - Planning your Tennessee Holiday
Each season offers something special. Spring (April to June) brings mild weather and music festivals, while autumn (September to November) lights up the Great Smoky Mountains with stunning foliage. Summer is warm and lively, perfect for outdoor concerts and road trips, and winter brings festive lights and cosy mountain-town charm.
Cards are widely accepted across Tennessee, from Nashville's honky-tonks to Memphis restaurants and mountain attractions. It's still handy to carry a little cash for tips, small vendors and parking. A great choice for travellers is our Hays Travel Money Card - a prepaid currency card that's easy to top up and use wherever you go.
Absolutely - it's one of the most popular routes in the South. The drive between Nashville and Memphis takes around three hours along Interstate 40, with plenty to see along the way. Many travellers hire a car to explore at their own pace, and some extend the journey all the way to New Orleans for the ultimate music-trail adventure.
Very much yes. Alongside the music and history, the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer family-friendly adventures, from Dollywood's rides and shows to hiking trails, waterfalls and wildlife spotting. There's something for every age.
Tennessee is best explored by car, especially if you want to combine cities with the Smoky Mountains or travel from Nashville to Memphis. Nashville and Memphis both have international airports, and ride-share and taxis are easy to find in the cities. For scenic routes and national parks, a hire car gives you the most freedom.
For a taste of the highlights, 7 days lets you enjoy both Nashville and Memphis. If you want to add the Great Smoky Mountains, or extend into a Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans road trip, 10 to 14 days gives you time to slow down, soak up the music and discover those hidden gems.
Nashville
Explore Music City
Nashville thrives with an ever-present creative vibe and entrepreneurial spirit. This beating heart of country music, lets you can stroll down Broadway for live music, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, or catch a show at the iconic Grand Ole Opry. Beyond music, its roots are deeply felt throughout its street art, creative culture, and award-winning cuisine. And, that spirit extends to family-friendly fun at Fontanel Zipline Forest Adventure, fan-filled football at Nissan Stadium, and unforgettable historical attractions like Belle Meade Historic Site and Belmont Mansion.
Memphis
The home of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll
Memphis is an urban playground of music, history, and world-class attractions. Feel, hear, and see the world of Memphis through the eyes of musical geniuses who helped shape popular American music – from Elvis Presley’s Graceland and the legendary Sun Studio to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Explore the Civil Rights Movement from slavery to the present-day human rights movement at National Civil Rights Museum. Savour slow-cooked and tender barbecue served ‘wet’ or ‘dry’ in this soulful city.
Franklin
Rooted in Americana
Franklin is home to modern amenities and rich history, mixed with a healthy dose of Southern charm. Stroll along downtown’s Main Street lined with boutique shops, cosy cafes, and historic architecture. Delve into Civil War history at the Carnton and Carter House. Spend time at The Factory At Franklin dining, retail, and entertainment complex. Enjoy live music at the Franklin Theatre and Thursday’s Open Mic and Shrimp Boil night at Puckett’s Leiper’s Fork. Just outside the city, discover scenic beauty on the Natchez Trace Parkway.
West Tennessee
Blending a raw, urban can-do spirit with rural charm
Discover the charm of West Tennessee beyond Memphis. In Jackson, explore Carl Perkins' legacy at the International Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Visit Paris, with its own Eiffel Tower and quaint downtown square, or Henning, home to Roots author Alex Haley’s boyhood home. Enjoy outdoor adventures at Reelfoot Lake’s stunning cypress-lined waters or the scenic Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge. From historic towns to natural wonders, West Tennessee offers a blend of diverse culture, rich history, and unspoiled natural beauty.
East Tennessee
Take any path in East Tennessee and you’ll end up someplace memorable
East Tennessee offers a captivating mix of culture, history, and outdoor adventure. In Chattanooga, visit the iconic Lookout Mountain attractions or bike along the scenic Tennessee Riverwalk. Head to Knoxville for a vibrant downtown filled with local shops, restaurants, and live music. Explore historic Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town. Delve into Appalachian heritage at the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton. Sing along in Bristol, Birthplace of Country Music. Get giddy over glorious blooming dogwood trees, melt-in-your-mouth cornbread, and the amazing biscuit.
The Smokies
One of the oldest mountain ranges in the world
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a natural wonderland perfect for all ages and the ultimate getaway. A preserve of wildflowers, old-growth forests, and rushing mountain streams. Enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, and breathtaking vistas. Look forward to Gatlinburg SkyPark and unique mountain handiwork in the 100+ arts and craft shops in Gatlinburg. Experience Pigeon Forge’s The Island and Dollywood and live entertainment at 12+ theatres and dinner shows. Forbidden Caverns and Adventure Park at Five Oaks await discovery in Sevierville.
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