Before visiting Tennessee, I expected country music, Broadway bars and cowboy boots. While all of that definitely exists, my trip with TN Vacation completely surprised me in the best way.
Over a week long road trip, we explored Nashville, Chattanooga, Franklin and Leiper’s Fork. We experienced everything from live music and Southern food to hidden artistic towns and outdoor adventures.
If you are planning a Tennessee road trip, here is everything to add to your list from must do activities, best foodie spots and where to stay.
Nashville Travel Guide:
Nashville has been on my travel bucket list for years! I was so excited to finally visit and see it for myself and it definitely did not disappoint. We landed in Nashville and you can fly direct from Ireland or UK. There is now a direct Aer Lingus from from Dublin going through US customs in the airport beforehand saves a lot of time. This guide I have put together the best places to stay, things to do and where to eat.
Where to Stay in Nashville:
Hyatt House Nashville Downtown
For the first part of our Tennessee road trip, we stayed at the Hyatt House Nashville Downtown, located just a short walk from Broadway and some of Nashville’s most iconic attractions. The location made it incredibly easy to explore the city on foot, whether that was heading out for live music in the evenings or grabbing coffee in the mornings before a busy day of sightseeing.
The hotel is modern, spacious and ideal if you’re looking to stay somewhere central in Nashville without needing to rely heavily on transport. What I loved most was the sitting area and the kitchenette which is perfect if you want to cook your own meals during your stay.
Kimpton Aertson Hotel
Later in the trip, we stayed at the Kimpton Aertson Hotel in Midtown Nashville, which gave a completely different feel to downtown Broadway. The boutique-style hotel is located in one of Nashville’s trendier neighbourhoods, surrounded by local restaurants, bars and a more laid-back atmosphere compared to the busy tourist areas.
What really stood out for me was how stylish rand modern the hotel, blending luxury with Nashville’s creative energy. Midtown felt slightly more local and relaxed, while still being close enough to easily access the main attractions around the city. It’s right by Vanderbilt University and has a very youthful energy around the area.
Best Things To Do in Nashville:
Visit The Ryman Auditorium
No trip to Nashville would feel complete without visiting the legendary Ryman Auditorium, often referred to as the “Mother Church of Country Music.” Originally opened in 1892, the venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music history and remains one of the most iconic attractions in Tennessee.
Walking through the auditorium feels like stepping into music history. From the original wooden pews to the famous stage, the building still carries the atmosphere and legacy of the artists who performed there over the decades. Even beyond country music, the Ryman has welcomed globally recognised artists from every genre, making it one of the most important music venues in the United States.
The self-guided tour offers a fascinating insight into Nashville’s music culture and is worth visiting even if you’re not a huge country music fan. You can even find outfits worn by icons in the industry such as Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift as well as new artists like Lainey Wilson. Don’t forget to snap your picture with the microphone on stage!
Experience the Grand Ole Opry
One of the absolute highlights of the trip was attending the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville’s most famous live music experience and the longest-running radio show in US history. Since 1925, the Opry has played a huge role in shaping country music and continues to showcase both legendary performers and rising stars.
The atmosphere inside the venue is electric, especially knowing that so many iconic artists have stood on the same stage over the years. Unlike a traditional concert, the Opry feels like a celebration of storytelling, musicianship and Southern culture all rolled into one unforgettable evening.
We visited during 100th year anniversary of the Opry which was a visit to remember! Each night during this special had incredible artists take the stage. Riders in the Sky, Laci Kaye Booth, Kameron Marlowe, Lukas Nelson Kaitlin Butts, Marcus King and Ernest were the musicians we had the pleasure to hear perform. What made the night for me was the last act which was Sabrina Carpenter! This was her debut in The Opry and I am a huge fan of Sabrina and this an unbelievable surprise and an experience to remember..
Tour the Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum offers one of the best introductions to the history of country music and Nashville’s influence on the genre. Located in downtown Nashville, the museum combines interactive exhibits, rare memorabilia, costumes, instruments and personal stories from some of the biggest names in music.
The museum is far bigger than you would expect, with multiple floors exploring the evolution of country music from its early roots through to modern artists today. Even if you’re only casually familiar with country music, the storytelling throughout the museum makes it engaging and easy to follow.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge Swiftie and have been since day 1 and visiting the Taylor Swift Education Center was a bucket list moment for me. There is a scavenger hunt you can take with you which makes exploring the museum as a Taylor Swift fan even more fun. The museum is showcasing some of the incredible outfits she wore during The Eras Tour such as the Enchanted Dress and even her Fearless guitar and graduation robe from NYU.
There is so many other exciting exhibitions of artists, such as Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and many more. One of my favourite parts was the wall of golden records. For anyone interested in music history, this is easily one of the top things to do in Nashville.
Explore Broadway’s Honky Tonks
Broadway is the beating heart of Nashville’s live music scene and one of the most energetic streets in the city. Lined with famous honky tonks, neon lights and live bands performing from morning until late at night, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the atmosphere.
One of the best things about Nashville is that live music is everywhere. Many of the bars along Broadway have no cover charge, meaning you can wander between venues and discover different artists throughout the evening. Each bar has its own vibe, from classic country music to rock, blues and modern covers.
Visit Hatch Show Print
Located inside the Omni Hotel complex, Hatch Show Print is one of the oldest working letterpress print shops in America and an important part of Nashville’s creative history. Since 1879, the shop has produced posters for some of music’s biggest legends, including Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
The workshop tour offers a fascinating look into the traditional printing process and showcases the craftsmanship behind the iconic posters that have become closely tied to Nashville’s music culture. It’s a smaller attraction compared to some of the city’s major museums, but it adds another layer to understanding the city’s artistic identity.
The wall of the prints that were commissioned is so impressive with posters of concerts for Lana del Ray, Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars and so much more. The prints are so colour and unique. At the end of the workshop we got to make our own hatch print to bring home which is a great souvenir. If you are interested in design, music history or photography, Hatch Show Print is a really unique stop in Nashville.
Visit the National Museum of African American Music
One of the most interesting museums we visited in Nashville was the National Museum of African American Music. Located just off Broadway, the museum explores the huge influence African American artists have had on the evolution of music genres including jazz, blues, hip-hop, gospel, R&B and country music.
What made the museum stand out most was how interactive it felt compared to a traditional museum. Throughout the experience, there are listening stations, touchscreen exhibits and interactive displays where you can create your own music mixes and explore different artists and genres in a much more engaging way. I personally loved the dancing exhibit!
Best Restaurants in Nashville:
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint is one of the most well-known barbecue spots in Tennessee and a must-visit if you are wanting to experience authentic Southern barbecue culture. Famous for its West Tennessee whole-hog barbecue tradition, the restaurant slow cooks its meat over large pits, creating rich smoky flavours that have earned national recognition.
The downtown Nashville location has a lively atmosphere with multiple dining areas, bars and outdoor spaces, making it a great spot to experience Tennessee’s food scene beyond just hot chicken.
Hattie B's Hot Chicken
Trying Nashville hot chicken at Hattie B’s is practically a rite of passage when visiting the city. Known for its crispy fried chicken coated in spicy seasoning, Hattie B’s has become one of Nashville’s most famous food institutions.
You can choose your heat level ranging from mild to extremely spicy. I am terrible with spice so I went for medium (don’t judge!). You can order your chicken alongside classic Southern sides like mac and cheese, banana pudding and coleslaw. If you visit during peak hours expect a queue so I advise going at a less busy time.
Curry Boys BBQ
One of the most unique meals of the trip was at Curry Boys BBQ, which combines Texas- style barbecue with Southeast Asian curry flavours. The concept feels modern, creative and completely different from traditional Southern barbecue restaurants.
The menu centres around flavour-packed rice bowls layered with smoked meats, rich curries, fresh herbs and vibrant sauces, creating something that feels both comforting and unexpected at the same time. What I loved most was the atmosphere inside which felt like an upper class American diner and the outside was also pink!
Butter Milk Ranch
Located in Nashville’s stylish 12 South neighbourhood, Butter Milk Ranch is known for its elevated brunch menu, pastries and beautifully designed interiors. The restaurant combines Southern comfort food with modern presentation, making it one of the city’s most popular brunch spots.
The atmosphere is bright, trendy and welcoming, while the menu focuses on chef-driven breakfast and lunch dishes alongside excellent coffee and cocktails. My favourite dish was the Avocado and toast and the cocktails were so tasty and pretty. The bread basket we got as a started was probably the most delicious pastries I have ever tried (and I have tried a lot!)
Chattanooga Travel Guide:
Before visiting Tennessee, Chattanooga honestly wasn’t a destination I knew much about. Like many travellers, I associated Tennessee mostly with Nashville and country music, but Chattanooga ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the entire trip.
Set along the Tennessee River and surrounded by mountains, the city blends outdoor adventure, live music, creative food spots and a growing arts scene in a way that feels both energetic and relaxed. Compared to Nashville, Chattanooga felt less touristy and more local, while still having plenty to do.
Where to Stay in Chattanooga:
The Read House Hotel
During our time in Chattanooga, we stayed at The Read House Hotel, a beautifully restored historic property located in the heart of downtown. Originally opened in 1872, the hotel combines classic glamour with modern luxury and immediately feels more like stepping into a grand old theatre or historic landmark than a standard hotel.
Following a major renovation, the interiors now feature dramatic chandeliers, elegant furnishings, rich colours and a stylish speakeasy-inspired atmosphere that perfectly suits Chattanooga’s creative vibe. The location also made it easy to explore the city, with restaurants, bars and attractions all within walking distance.
The Read House feels like the kind of hotel that becomes part of the travel experience itself rather than simply somewhere to sleep. The rooms were so lovely and spacious and the bed was one of the comfiest I have ever stayed in!
Best Things To Do in Chattanooga:
Visit Rock City Gardens
One of the most iconic attractions near Chattanooga is Rock City Gardens, located high up on Lookout Mountain. The attraction is famous for its winding walking trails, dramatic rock formations and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding states.
The trail takes visitors through narrow rock passages, across swinging bridges and past gardens, waterfalls and scenic overlooks. One of the highlights is the famous viewpoint where, on a clear day, you can supposedly see seven states from the top of Lookout Mountain (Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina) which is so cool!
Rock City feels both nostalgic and slightly surreal in the best possible way, combining natural scenery with quirky Americana charm. We visited in October so the trails were all decorated for Halloween which I loved!
Explore Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls is one of Chattanooga’s most famous natural attractions and home to the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. The experience begins with a glass-front elevator descending deep inside Lookout Mountain before continuing through cave pathways filled with dramatic rock formations.
The cavern itself feels incredibly atmospheric, with narrow tunnels, towering stone formations and soft lighting creating a completely different environment from the city above ground. Reaching the waterfall at the end of the trail is the main highlight, with the illuminated cascade creating a really memorable experience inside the cave.
Ruby Falls combines adventure, geology and storytelling, making it one of the most unique things to do in Tennessee. The reason it’s called Ruby Falls is because Leo Lambert who discovered the falls named it after his wife which is so romantic!
Kayak to Nickajack Bat Cave at Sunset
One of the most unforgettable experiences of the entire Tennessee road trip was the sunset kayak tour to Nickajack Bat Cave. Located along the Tennessee River, the tour combines scenic kayaking with wildlife viewing as thousands of endangered grey bats emerge from the cave at dusk.
It’s such a unique experience and one that feels very different from the typical Tennessee tourist attractions. Chattgoonga is definiterly a place to add to your list if you like adventure travel like me.
Explore Sculpture Fields at Montague Park
Sculpture Fields at Montague Park offers a completely different side of Chattanooga and highlights the city’s growing arts scene. Spread across a huge outdoor green space, the park features large-scale sculptures created by artists from around the world.
Walking through the open-air museum feels peaceful and creative at the same time, with sculptures appearing throughout landscaped pathways and wide grassy areas. The park is free to visit and provides a nice contrast to some of the more adventure-focused activities around Chattanooga. If you are interested in art this is one to add to your list.
Visit the Bessie Smith Cultural Center
The Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum offers an important insight into the city’s African American history and cultural contributions. Named after legendary blues singer Bessie Smith, who was born in Chattanooga, the museum highlights stories of music, activism, community and resilience throughout the region’s history.
The exhibits explore both local and national history while celebrating the lasting impact African Americans have had on music and culture in Tennessee. Visiting the museum added another layer of understanding to the trip and connected many of the musical influences we saw throughout Tennessee. I found this part of the trip really meaningful and educational.
Best Restaurants in Chattanooga:
Hello Monty
Hello Monty combines modern industrial design with wood-fired cooking and local craftbeer, creating one of Chattanooga’s trendiest dining spots. Located in the Southsideneighbourhood, the restaurant focuses on elevated comfort food with bold flavours and house-brewed beer from Dynamo Brewing. The atmosphere feels stylish but relaxed, with both indoor seating and an outdoor yard area that adds to the social vibe of the restaurant.
Little Coyote
Located in Chattanooga’s historic St. Elmo neighbourhood, Little Coyote blends Texas- inspired barbecue with fresh tortillas and smoky Southern flavours. The restaurant has a casual, vibrant atmosphere and the menu focuses on smoked meats and tacos, The dishes packed with flavour and it’s a great brunch or lunch stop while exploring the city.
Tony's Pasta Shop
Located in the Bluff View Art District, Tony’s Pasta Shop offers classic Italian food with incredible views overlooking the Tennessee River and Walnut Street Bridge. The setting itself is one of the highlights, especially with the surrounding art district, gardens and riverside scenery nearby.
The restaurant has a cosy, traditional atmosphere and feels slightly tucked away from the busier parts of the city, making it a really scenic dinner spot in Chattanooga. I ordered the ravioli pasta and I definitely recommend it!
Franklin & Leiper’s Fork Travel Guide:
Before this trip, I had never even heard of Leiper’s Fork and honestly, it ended up being one of my favourite places we visited in Tennessee. After the energy of Nashville and the outdoorsy feel of Chattanooga, Franklin and Leiper’s Fork felt slower, quieter and much more local.
It is like a hallmark town you would see in a film and the people who live here enjoy things at a slower place. The area is full of small businesses, live music, art galleries and Southerncharm, with rolling countryside surrounding the town. It felt like a completely different side of Tennessee and somewhere that deserves far more attention from international travellers. A lot of celebrities live here as the small community gives them their privacy and fun fact: Justin Timberlake is said to have a house here!
Where To Stay in Franklin:
The Harpeth Hotel
During our stay in Franklin, we stayed at The Harpeth Hotel, located just a short walk from the town’s historic Main Street. The hotel combines modern luxury with classic Southern design and felt much calmer and more relaxed compared to the bigger city hotels earlier in the trip.
Its central location also makes it really easy to explore Franklin on foot, especially the shops, restaurants and live music venues around downtown. My favourite part of the room was the large open shower and the mirror had a light all around the frame which made it so handy for getting ready!
Best Things To Do in Franklin & Leiper’s Fork:
Visit The Franklin Factory
One of the most interesting places we visited in Franklin was The Factory at Franklin, a huge former stove factory that has been transformed into a creative shopping, dining and entertainment space. Inside, you will find local boutiques, cafes, food vendors and event spaces, all inside the historic industrial building.
The space has recently undergone major renovations and now feels modern while still keeping a lot of its original character. I recommend visiting The Portrait Lab, the photographer creates incredible shoots and had worked with a lot of famous celebrities like Britney Spears, Kylie Monoque and now I am one handshake away from Taylor Swift!
Sing Song at The Legendary Kimbro's Pickin' Parlor
Easily one of the highlights from my trip was a night at The Legendary Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor! It’s the prefect place to go and see how music is integrated in everyday life here. People come in an start playing on the piano or picking up a guitar and everyone is welcome to join in for the sing song.
Explore the Gallery and Shops in Leiper's Fork
One of the best things to do in Leiper’s Fork is simply wander through the galleries and small independent shops. We visited places like Leiper’s Creek Gallery and David Arms Gallery, both showcasing local artwork and photography inspired by Tennessee and the American South. The gallery used to be a gas station and it now represents 26 artists currently.
Visit Leiper’s Fork Distillery
Another stop during our time in Leiper’s Fork was Leiper’s Fork Distillery, where we learned more about Tennessee whiskey production and the distilling history of the area. The distillery has a much more intimate and local feel compared to some of the larger whiskey brands and offers tastings alongside tours of the production process. I really enjoyed the tasting!
Our guide was Scottish and he taught us a lot about the spirit’s history. I learned how Scotland and Ireland distil it differently which is why Irish sellers spell it as ‘whiskey’ and Scottish spell it as ‘whisky’. Ireland influenced America from the 1800s and most distillers in the US will distil the same way and therefore name it ‘whiskey’.
Where To Eat in Franklin & Leiper’s Fork:
etc Franklin
One of the standout meals we had in Franklin was at etch Franklin, a modern restaurant known for creative dishes and locally inspired ingredients. The atmosphere felt stylish but still relaxed and the menu offered a more elevated dining experience compared to some of the casual barbecue spots we visited earlier in the trip. This was where we ate on our final night of the trip and it was just perfect!
Fox and Locke
Fox & Locke is one of the most famous spots in Leiper’s Fork and is known for its live music and open mic nights. The venue has hosted both local musicians and major artists over the years, while still keeping its small-town atmosphere. Stopping in here for food or even just drinks gives you a feel for Leiper’s Fork’s music culture and creative energy. I recommend ordering the Mac & Cheese, it was so good!
Conclusion:
Tennessee ended up being one of the most surprising states I have visited in the USA so far. From Nashville’s live music scene to Chattanooga’s outdoor adventures and the small-town charm of Franklin and Leiper’s Fork, every stop felt completely different. If you are looking for a USA road trip filled with music, food, culture and hidden gems, Tennessee absolutely deserves a spot on your list!
