7-Day Tennessee Itinerary

Theme: A mix of live music, scenic mountain landscapes, historic sites, and classic Southern food across Tennessee.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) for blooming landscapes or Fall (September-October) for cooler temperatures and autumn foliage.

Day 1: Arrive in Memphis & Explore

Fly into Memphis International Airport (MEM).

Top Things to Do in Memphis:

Tour Graceland – Home of Elvis Presley.

Visit Sun Studio – The Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll.

Explore the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel.

Dinner at Central BBQ or The Rendezvous for Memphis-style Ribs.

Live Music on Beale Street – Check Out Blues Clubs & Bars.

Overnight in Memphis.

Day 2: Drive to Nashville – Music City USA

Drive from Memphis to Nashville (3 hours).

Top Things to Do in Nashville:

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum.

Tour the Ryman Auditorium – The Mother Church of Country Music.

Try Hot Chicken at Hattie B's.

Live Music at Broadway Honky Tonks – Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, The Stage, or Robert's Western World.

Overnight in Nashville.

Day 3: More of Nashville & Scenic Drive to Chattanooga

Explore More of Nashville in the Morning.

Top Things to Do:

Tour the Johnny Cash Museum.

Walk Around Centennial Park & See the Parthenon Replica.

Brunch at The Loveless Cafe – Famous for Biscuits & Jam.

Drive from Nashville to Chattanooga via the Natchez Trace Parkway (2.5 hours).

Overnight in Chattanooga.

Day 4: Chattanooga – Mountains & Riverfront

Spend the Day Exploring Chattanooga.

Top Things to Do:

Ride the Incline Railway to the Top of Lookout Mountain.

Walk the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge Over the Tennessee River.

Visit Ruby Falls – A Stunning Underground Waterfall.

Dinner at Terminal Brewhouse – Great Local Beer & Food.

Overnight in Chattanooga.

Day 5: Drive to the Great Smoky Mountains

Drive from Chattanooga to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge (2.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg:

Visit Dollywood (Optional) – The Best Theme Park in the South!

Explore The Island in Pigeon Forge – Shops, Rides & Attractions.

Try Fresh-Baked Cinnamon Bread at The Old Mill.

Catch a Dinner Show – Hatfield & McCoy or Dolly Parton's Stampede.

Overnight in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg.

Day 6: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Spend the Day Exploring the Smokies.

Top Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains:

Hike to Clingmans Dome – The Highest Point in the Park.

Hike to Laurel Falls or Alum Cave Trail.

Look for Wildlife – Bears are a common sight here.

Drive the Scenic Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Overnight in Gatlinburg.

Day 7: Drive Back to Nashville & Depart

Drive from Gatlinburg to Nashville (3.5 hours).

Optional Stops Along the Way:

Stop at Bush's Beans Visitor Center in Dandridge.

Visit Cummins Falls State Park for a Waterfall Hike.

Fly out of Nashville International Airport (BNA).

Total Drive Time:

Approx. 15-18 hours of driving across Tennessee.