Shannon O'Brien Travel Itineraries

The best destinations

Nashville, Tennessee: January 2, 2020: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the city of Nashville. The population of Nashville is 691,243.
Nashville, Tennessee: January 2, 2020: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the city of Nashville. The population of Nashville is 691,243.

The Best of Tennessee

#19 best destination in the world

Map view

Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga

View of Lookout Mountain cliff in Tennessee with small figures of people looking at the rural landscape underneath in summer

Best time to visit: Sept-Nov

  • Lookout Mountain is a mountain ridge at the northwest corner of the U.S. state of Georgia, the northeast corner of Alabama, and along the southeastern Tennessee state line in Chattanooga
  • The mountain is primarily recognized for its scenic beauty and historical significance
  • Lookout Mountain is also significant in American Civil War history, particularly during the Siege of Chattanooga

Gatlinburg SkyLift

Gatlinburg, Tennessee - OCT 21 2020: Skylift carrying people up a mountain side on a sunny fall day

Best time to visit: Sept-mid-Oct

  • The Gatlinburg SkyLift is an attraction located in Gatlinburg, that offers visitors views of the Smoky Mountains
  • The SkyLift transports guests from downtown Gatlinburg up to 1,800 feet above sea level
  • At the top of the lift, visitors can walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, which is 680 feet long and holds the title of the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America

#15 in Best Theme Parks in the USA

Sugarlands Distilling Company, Gatlinburg

GATLINBURG, TN, USA - MARCH 26, 2021: Sugarlands Distilling Company is a moonshine distillery in downtown Gatlinburg that offers tours, tastings, and live music.

Best time to visit: Sept-mid-Oct

  • Sugarlands Distilling Company is a craft distillery located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
  • Established in 2014, it specializes in producing a variety of spirits
  • Visitors can enjoy free samples, take behind-the-scenes tours of the distilling process, and purchase various flavored moonshines and merchandise
  • The distillery also hosts events and live music, making it a vibrant part of the Gatlinburg community

Ole Smoky Distillery, Gatlinburg

PIGEON FORGE, TN, USA - AUGUST 1, 2022: The Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine at The Island in downtown Pigeon Forge features tastings, moonshine, and other merchandise.

Best time to visit: Sept-mid-Oct

  • Ole Smoky Distillery is a renowned corn whiskey distillery located in Gatlinburg
  • Established in 2010, it holds the distinction of being the first federally licensed distillery in East Tennessee and has become the leading distiller of premium moonshine globally
  • The main facility, known as "The Holler," offers a rustic atmosphere that reflects traditional moonshine distilling methods from the Prohibition era
  • he distillery produces a variety of flavored moonshines and whiskeys, including unique offerings like Rocky Road Cream Whiskey and Mint Chocolate Chip Whiskey

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Roaring Fork stream on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in Great Smokey Mountains National Park in Tennessee, USA

Walk difficulty: moderate

Best time to visit: June-Oct

  • The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a scenic drive located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Visitors can enjoy views of an old-growth forest, streams, and various historic structures, including cabins and gristmills that reflect the early days of Southern Appalachia
  • The trail provides access to notable spots such as Grotto Falls, making it a popular destination for both scenic drives and hiking

Peregrine Peak via Alum Cave Bluff Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Approaching Alum Cave Bluff - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Walk difficulty: moderate

Best time to visit: June-Oct

  • Peregrine Peak via Alum Cave Bluff Trail is a popular hiking route located near Gatlinburg, within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • The trail features a variety of natural landscapes, including views of mountain laurel and rhododendron, as well as rocky outcrops that offer spectacular vistas
  • The hike begins along Alum Cave Creek, leading to notable landmarks such as Inspiration Point and the Alum Cave Bluffs, which are not actual caves but rather geological formations
  • While the hike is considerated moderately challenging, the ascent to Peregrine Peak involves steep sections and wooden steps

#16 in Best Moderate Hikes in the USA

Market Square, Knoxville

Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America – September 25, 2016. Historic buildings and commercial properties on the Market Square in Knoxville, TN.

Best time to visit: March-June, Sept-Nov

  • Market Square is a historic district and pedestrian mall located in downtown Knoxville
  • Established in 1854 as a market place for regional farmers, the square has developed over the decades into a multipurpose venue that accommodates events ranging from concerts to political rallies, and has long provided a popular gathering place for artists, street musicians, war veterans, and activists

Graceland, Memphis

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, USA - August 15, 2022: Graceland. Elvis Presley lived in this Mansion from 1957 – 1977

Best time to visit: April-May, Oct-Nov

  • Graceland is a mansion on an estate in Memphis, once owned by American singer Elvis Presley
  • Today, Graceland is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who wish to explore the life and legacy of the "King of Rock 'n' Roll"
  • Visitors can see various exhibits, including Elvis's collection of cars and memorabilia
  • Graceland is recognized as one of the most visited homes in the United States

#21 in Best Attractions in the USA

#21 in Best Museums in the USA

Sun Studio, Memphis

Memphis, USA - September 24, 2019: The legendary Sun Studio has been called the birthplace of Rock and Roll. Sam Phillips recorded a long list of legends in the studio, including Elvis Presley.

Best time to visit: April-May, Oct-Nov

  • Sun Studio is a historic recording studio located in Memphis
  • It was opened by rock-and-roll pioneer Sam Phillips in 1950
  • Often referred to as the "Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll," Sun Studio is renowned for being the recording site of numerous legendary artists, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, B.B. King, and Jerry Lee Lewis
  • The studio played a pivotal role in the development of various music genres, including blues, gospel, country, and rock 'n' roll

Ole Smoky Distillery (6th & Peabody), Nashville

NASHVILLE, TN, USA - MARCH 28, 2021: The Ole Smoky Distillery, located in downtown Nashville, is known for its variety of moonshine flavors.

Best time to visit: April-Oct

  • Ole Smoky Distillery at 6th & Peabody is a distillery location in Nashville, Tennessee, where visitors can take guided distillery tours to learn about the moonshine-making process
  • The distillery offers tastings of its signature Ole Smoky Moonshine and YeeHaw Beer, as well as, offering live music events

Ryman Auditorium, Nashville

NASHVILLE, TN -30 MAR 2022- View of the Ryman Auditorium, a performance venue located at 116 5th Avenue North, in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

Best time to visit: April-Oct

  • Ryman Auditorium is a historic live-performance venue located in Nashville
  • It was originally opened in 1892, and is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and has hosted a wide range of performances, including concerts, theatrical productions, and events
  • Historically, Ryman Auditorium served as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, solidifying its status as a landmark in the country music scene
  • Over the years, it has transformed from a religious space into one of the most revered music venues globally, attracting artists from various genres

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee: January 2, 2020: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the city of Nashville. The population of Nashville is 691,243.

Best time to visit: April-Oct

  • The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located in downtown Nashville, is a prominent institution dedicated to the preservation and celebration of country music
  • The museum hosts a variety of world-class exhibitions that showcase the history and cultural impact of country music
  • The area honors the inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame, celebrating their contributions to the genre
  • The location contains an extensive collection of country music artifacts, which exceeds 2 million items

#56 in Best Attractions in the USA

#26 in Best Museums in the USA

Grand Ole Opry, Nashville

Nashville, TN--Feb 18, 2019; time exposure of full moon over the roof of the Ryman auditorium, former home of the Grand Ole Opry and birth place of bluegrass music at night

Best time to visit: April-Oct

  • The Grand Ole Opry is a renowned live country music stage and radio broadcast originating from Nashville
  • It was founded in 1925, and is the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history
  • It features performances from today's country music stars, superstars, and rising talents, showcasing the genre's past, present, and future
  • The show is famous for its unique format, where each act performs a short set, allowing for a variety of artists to be featured in a single performance
  • Performances include such genres as country, bluegrass, Americana, folk, and gospel music as well as comedic performances and skits

#20 in Best Landmarks in the USA

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville

NASHVILLE, TN, USA - August 13, 2017: The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is one of the largest hotels in the world and features three massive atrium's with nature growing throughout.

Best time to visit: April-Oct

  • Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is a premier hotel and convention facility located in Nashville
  • Originally known as the Opryland Hotel, it is renowned for its expansive indoor gardens, which feature lush tropical vegetation, cascading waterfalls, giant palms, and orchids
  • The resort offers luxurious hotel suites and a variety of amenities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a full-service spa, and an award-winning golf course

Dollywood, Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, TN: December 28, 2019: Dollywood theme park in the city of Pigeon Forge. Dollywood is a major tourist attraction in Tennessee.

Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct

  • Dollywood is a theme park that is jointly owned by Herschend Family Entertainment and country singer-songwriter Dolly Parton
  • It is located in the Knoxville metropolitan area in Pigeon Forge, near the gateway to The Great Smoky Mountains
  • Dollywood is the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in Tennessee, and has won many international awards
  • In addition to standard amusement park thrill rides, Dollywood features traditional crafts, food, and music of the Smoky Mountain area
  • The park hosts a number of concerts and musical events each year, including appearances by Dolly Parton and her family as well as other national and local musical acts
  • The theme park is the anchor of Parton's Dollywood amusement destination, which also includes the sister water park Dollywood's Splash Country, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa, and Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction

#8 in Best Theme Parks in the World

#2 in Best Theme Parks in the USA

The Island in Pigeon Forge

PIGEON FORGE, TN, USA - AUGUST 1, 2022: The Island in Pigeon Forge features stores, wineries, distilleries, and rides for all ages.

Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct

  • The Island in Pigeon Forge is a popular entertainment complex located in Pigeon Forge
  • Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of over 80 dining and shopping options
  • The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is a 200-foot-tall observation wheel that serves as a centerpiece for the complex
  • The venue hosts various performances and events throughout the year, including a multi-million dollar fountain show that features light and music productions

#13 in Best Theme Parks in the USA

Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, Pigeon Forge

Photo of Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster

Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct

  • Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is a mountain coaster located in Pigeon Forge, opened in 2013, and was the first mountain coaster to be built in the Smoky Mountains
  • Unlike a conventional roller coaster, the cars are equipped with hand brakes, which allow the riders to control their speed
  • Additionally, the carts themselves have a magnetic braking system to prevent the cart from going too fast
  • The ride also has LED lighting for night rides, with over 300,000 lights

#19 in Best Theme Parks in the USA

Titanic Museum, Pigeon Forge

PIGEON FORGE, TN - 12 MAR 2024: Titanic museum tourist attraction is shaped like the famous ship and features recovered artifacts.

Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct

  • The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, is an attraction designed to resemble the RMS Titanic
  • Opened in 2010, it serves as both a museum and an educational experience, showcasing the history of the Titanic and its ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912
  • The museum is shaped like the Titanic and is half the size of the original ship
  • It features over 20 galleries filled with artifacts from the Titanic, interactive exhibits, and personal stories of passengers and crew
  • The museum also houses the world's largest LEGO replica of the Titanic, constructed from 56,000 bricks

Radnor Lake Trail, Radnor Lake State Park

Walkway to the waters edge at Radnor Lake State Park

Walk difficulty: easy

  • Radnor Lake Trail is part of Radnor Lake State Park, and is known for its scenic beauty and offers a variety of outdoor activities, particularly hiking
  • The trail is meanders through the woods surrounding Radnor Lake, providing hikers with opportunities to enjoy the native wilderness and observe wildlife
  • The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including a bird sanctuary

#29 in Best Easy Hikes in the USA