Whether you're just visiting Tennessee or you've lived here your whole life, here is a complete list of the most fun things to do and beautiful places to go in Tennessee this summer.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains are a beautiful place to visit year round. There is an abundance of things to do there such as camping, biking, hiking, visiting the waterfalls, and horseback riding. There are a few hiking trails that you can hike and at the end, you'll visit a beautiful waterfall. My favorite one to hike is Abrams Falls. It's a short, easy hike and the waterfall is stunning.
2. Ryman Auditorium
Ryman Auditorium is located in Nashville, Tennessee. They're open for tours daily and they are also home to different concerts and events such as Dave Barnes, Steven Tyler, James Bay, 3 Doors Down, Relient K, Switchfoot, Gavin DeGraw, and many more. Ticket prices for shows depend on the artist that's playing. Take your friends and family for a concert or take a day trip and tour the Ryman and learn about its history.
3. Dollywood
Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Dollywood is an amusement park that is owned by Dolly Parton. Dollywood has rides and attractions for all ages. They also have a waterpark near it which is called Splash Country. On the Dollywood website, you can buy ticket packages for both parks for a great value.
4. Graceland
Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Graceland is the former home of Elvis Presley. There are different packages you can purchase for the tour of the beautiful mansion he purchased for him and his parents. The lowest priced package starts at $17 for children and is $38.75 for adults. Just the simple mansion tour will take about an hour to an hour and a half to complete.
5. Tennessee Aquarium
The Tennessee Aquarium is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There are two buildings that a general admission ticket is good for all day. You can purchase tickets online or when you get there at the ticket office. At the aquarium, you can expect to see otters, turtles, penguins, and stingrays that you can touch! There's also an IMAX 3D Theatre where you can watch nature films.
6. Nashville Zoo
The Nashville Zoo is home to 365 different species of animals. In 2015, there were reportedly 2,285 animals that lived in the zoo. Adult and teen tickets are $16 and you can enjoy the zoo all day!
7. Opryland
Opryland is located in Nashville, Tennessee. Opryland Hotel is a beautiful hotel and convention center. If you're visiting Nashville, this is the best place to stay. The Grand Ole Opry is a short walk from the hotel. The Grand Ole Opry hosts concerts and events such as Rascal Flatts and Parmalee. In the past, it has hosted Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, The Band Perry, and Dierks Bentley. Also right near the hotel and the Grand Ole Opry is Opry Mills. Opry Mills is a huge mall with stores such as American Eagle, Ann Taylor, Bass Pro Shop, Calvin Klein, and so many more.
8. Nissan Stadium
Nissan Stadium, formerly known as LP Field, is located in Nashville, Tennessee. Nissan Stadium is home to the Tennessee Titans, but it's also used for concerts and other events. Events and concerts coming this summer/fall to Nissan Stadium include Guns N' Roses and Beyoncé.
No matter where you go and what you do here, Tennessee is a beautiful, fun, lively state. You can always find something to do. Take a day trip or take a vacation. Either way, you're bound to make memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy.
