7 Places to go on Your Next Tennessee Road Trip

Tennessee is a cool state to visit, and it’s hard to pick just one or two locations when you’re heading there on a road trip. Instead of settling on Nashville or Memphis alone and missing out on the rest of the great state, consider driving around the state to some of the best locations it has to offer. A mix of history, country music, Americana, and the great outdoors makes for the perfect solo, romantic, or family vacation.

Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains

This beautiful mountain range borders both Tennessee and North Carolina and is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the U.S. Diverse flora and fauna make the Great Smoky Mountains National Park a wonderful place to visit no matter the season. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is more visited than any other national park in the United States; check out Cades Cove for some beautiful historic homes, or drive your INFINITI through one of five auto tours.

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage

The word hermitage indicates a place where a hermit lives, which probably conjures up mental images of unfriendly little dwellings that are almost inaccessible to people. Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, however, is a beautiful mansion on the outskirts of Nashville.

The mansion serves as a museum and as a kind of tribute to Andrew Jackson. Visit it to learn more about the man dubbed “the people’s president” and to see the beautiful grounds. The museum also hosts events every week, ranging from the historic to the literary and beyond.

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg

These two towns sit next to each other, and they offer a lot of family friendly activities. Driving your INFINITI between the two is a snap if you want to visit both in one day, or you can stay the night in a number of hotels in one town and head to the adjacent town the next morning. Check out a haunted house or a theater show — or even go bungee jumping. After spending time in the Great Smoky Mountains, a drive down to one or both of these towns is the perfect way to round out your vacation.

Dollywood

Country fans visiting Pigeon Forge should take a drive over to Dollywood, an amusement park situated in the mountain foothills. Dollywood, which was named for Dolly Parton, is a great stop for families since many of the rides and attractions cater to children. It’s also a great way for people from out of state to experience a little bit more country than they get at home.

Jack Daniel’s Distillery

The Jack Daniel’s Distillery is in Lynchburg, Tennessee, and it’s a can’t miss for people 21 and over who love whiskey and history. Jack Daniel’s whiskey bottles have become collectors’ items over the years, and the brand’s long history contains a few mysteries and oddities, which add to the fun of visiting the distillery. Kids can tour the distillery, too, but they obviously can’t drink.

Tours happen every day between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and once you’ve done that, take a drive around Moore County, Tennessee’s smallest county.

Lookout Mountain

From Chattanooga, drive up to Lookout Mountain for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Lookout Mountain boasts some truly spectacular scenery; on a clear day, the views seem to go forever. Just a drive up Lookout Mountain is a scenic wonder in and of itself.

While you’re there, you can visit Ruby Falls, which is the deepest underground cave and waterfall in the U.S. that is accessible to the public. Take a ride on the Incline Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world. If you drive up the mountain, however, you’ll have to ride the railway twice, since it takes you all the way down into Chattanooga.

Graceland

No list of Tennessee attractions is complete without a Graceland mention, and you should go even if you’re not a particular Elvis fan. It’s Tennessee’s most popular tourist attraction for good reason, since it celebrates one of the world’s most legendary musicians and is full of intriguing Americana.

Elvis Presley’s mansion itself is a museum, where you get a deep look into his Memphis life. Other museums and exhibits are available on the grounds as well, and once you’re done in Graceland, you can check out some great music in Memphis.
A good set of wheels is key for a Tennessee road trip, especially if you plan on driving through the mountains. Make sure your INFINITI is in top shape before heading out for your vacation.