Choose from 54 Fun Things to Do in Tennessee
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 54 listings.
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
In search of a fun attraction to take the entire family to? Then check out the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, home to animals from all over the world, as well as the "Jungle Gym," the largest community-built playground of its kind in the country.
Some of the most popular animal attractions include Alligator Cove, the Giraffe Savanna, and an African Wild Dog exhibit. While the animals are alluring to both parents and kids alike, the real attraction may be the Jungle Gym. Spreading out over 66,000 square feet (6,131 square meters) the playground houses a vast array of slides, cargo netting, swings and climbing structures for children. Kids will want to spend hours running around in this expansive entertainment area.
Practical Info
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is located six mi (10 km) southeast of downtown Nashville. It takes about 15 minutes to get there by car.
Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville 37211-3324, USA
Hours: Mar 15 - Oct 14: 9am - 6pm, Oct 15 - Mar 14: 9am - 4pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Dec 25 and Jan 1
Admission: Adults: US$14, Children (2-12yrs): US$9
From $ 18
Pyramid Arena
With seats for 20,000, The Pyramid is an arena that sits on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Memphis. Designed to resemble the Great Pyramids of Giza, it stands tall at 321 feet high and is one of the largest pyramid structures in the world. It is slightly taller than the Statue of Liberty and has become an icon of the Memphis skyline.
The arena was first constructed as the Great American Pyramid in 1991 with an exterior of stainless steel and was originally conceived by a local artist to replicate the Great Pyramid of Memphis in Egypt. A statue of Ramesses II stood at the Pyramid’s entrance until it was moved to the University of Memphis campus in 1991. The interior has nearly half a million square feet of space and was used primarily for sporting events up until 2004.
Practical Info
The Pyramid Arena is located at 1 Auction Avenue in Memphis.
Address: 1 Auction Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
From $ 30
Hard Rock Cafe Pigeon Forge
The Hard Rock Café Pigeon Forge sports a country twang in the East Tennessee home of Dolly Parton’s famed theme park, Dollywood. This particular location is fairly new, recently relocated from nearby Gatlinburg to a spacious spot next door to the Smoky Mountain Opry. In addition to the main restaurant, visitors can hang out on the outdoor patio, catch a live show on the stage or virtually explore the Hard Rock’s vast music memorabilia collection at the Rock Wall Solo, a 52-inch interactive touch wall. There’s also plenty of memorabilia to check out in person, as the Hard Rock Cafe Pigeon Forge features three main displays devoted to Dolly Parton, Jimi Hendrix, and Madonna—there’s also a lace dress from Taylor Swift among other country icons.
Practical Info
The Hard Rock Café Pigeon Forge sits at the center of Pigeon Forge, with the Smoky Mountain Opry to one side and Wonderworks – Pigeon Forge to the other. Dollywood is about 15 minutes away.
Address: 2050 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863, USA
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
From $ 32
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gorgeous blue mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and a prime location within driving distance of the Eastern Seaboard make Great Smoky Mountains National Park the most visited national park in the United States. Come to camp, hike, and explore for an adventure-filled vacation, or stay and enjoy a mountain retreat away from it all.
The Basics
From chasing waterfalls to sleeping under the stars, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers plenty of activities that please nature lovers. Take a guided hiking tour to top waterfalls and vista points, get onboard a white-water rafting trip on the Pigeon River, or learn about the area’s early settler culture on a historical Smoky Mountains tour. Or, take it easy and road trip the 400 miles (640 kilometers) of scenic drives through forests, meadows, and mountains. Popular park landmarks include Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, Newfound Gap, and Laurel Falls.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hiking trails range from easy to difficult; plan accordingly.
- Multi-day hikes through the Great Smoky Mountains and backcountry camping are also popular.
- This is a kid-friendly location that’s ideal for families.
- Park entrance is free.
How to Get There
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Though there are several entrances, the two most popular are the Sugarlands entrance in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the Oconaluftee entrance in Cherokee, North Carolina. Many visitors also choose to stay in Pigeon Forge, roughly 20 minutes from the park.
When to Get There
There are always parts of the park that are open to visitors 24 hours a day, though some areas are closed during the winter months. Visit during the fall for stunning fall foliage, or spring and summer for the nicest hiking weather.
The Appalachian Trail
The popular Appalachian Trail runs through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Though the total hike covers 2,180 miles (3,500 kilometers) from Georgia to Maine, Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains 71 miles, making for a memorable backcountry camping trip.
Address: Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
From $ 27
Lotz House Museum
In the late 1850s, a German immigrant named Johann Albert Lotz put the finishing touches on a house that he had built in Franklin, Tennessee. A skilled carpenter and piano maker, Lotz used his new home to showcase his work to potential clients. A few short years later, on Nov. 30, 1864, 20,000 Union soldiers fighting in the Civil War marched into Franklin, constructing barricades a mere 100 yards from Lotz's home. The Lotz family sought refuge from the battle in a neighbor's basement, and the ensuing battle raged for 17 hours, becoming the bloodiest day of the entire Civil War.
The Lotz family survived the deadly battle, but they were so scarred from the human wreckage that they relocated to California. Lotz's young daughter, Matilda, went on to become a renowned artist with works still today displayed in prominent venues across the country. The Lotz House was added to the National Historic Register in 1976, and today, the house is a converted museum, telling the story of the Battle of Franklin through the eyes of a family whose story is as compelling as they come.
Practical Info
Tours are offered Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. The last tour every day begins one hour before closing. For a more comprehensive view of the Battle of Franklin, visit the nearby historic Carnton Plantation, where the Lotz family retreated to the basement for safety, and the McGavock Confederate Cemetery.
Address: 1111 Columbia Avenue, Franklin 37064, USA
Hours: Tours are offered Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment.
Admission: Adults $10, Seniors (65+) $9, Children ages 7–13 $5, Children 6 and under Free
From $ 10
Orpheum Theater
Built in 1928, the Orpheum Theater is a historic theater and one of America’s few remaining “movie palaces” from the 1920s era. Before it was the Orpheum, it was the site of the Grand Opera House and home to vaudeville performances for nearly two decades. Since then it has withstood the threat of bankruptcy, demolition and being burnt to the ground to become known as the “South’s Finest Theater.”
Decorated with ornate crystal chandeliers, luxe draperies, carved moldings, and a large pipe organ, the theater was restored in 1996 to its former glory along with an expansion of the stage and backstage areas. Today, the theater hosts top Broadway shows, concerts, comedy shows, and special events year-round. Many famous faces have graced the Orpheum stage, and it continues to be a center for arts and entertainment and culture of Memphis.
Practical Info
The Orpheum Theater is located on South Main Street at Beale Street in Memphis. It is open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm. Parking is available at several public lots near the theater.
Address: 203 S Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm
From $ 20
Memphis Music Hall of Fame
Arguably America’s musical heart, a cultural melting pot that created the rhythm and blues sound, Memphis has a number of tourist attractions dedicated to the craft. Local favorites—some well-known, some more obscure—are celebrated in the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, a small upstairs Smithsonian-branded museum, which shares a building with the Hard Rock Café Memphis and a retail outlet of Memphis clothier Lansky Bros. The museum is the headquarters for an off-site annual induction ceremony that adds new note-worthy blues, soul, and rock musicians from the city to its ranks—among its honored acts Al Green, Justin Timberlake, Johnny Cash, David Porter, Elvis Presley, and B.B. King.
Visitors can read about the perfect storm that led to a burgeoning music scene in Memphis, and browse interactive displays offering information about inductees’ and their discographies. There’s also videos and large glass cases housing prized possessions including a playbill and guitar used by Johnny Cash; Isaac Hayes’ white, electric organ; Elvis Presley’s briefcase telephone; and one of Al Green’s green suits. There’s also a bevvy of outlandish, shiny and ostentatious costumes worn by inductees (including one ornamented with a stuffed snake), an Oscar from the movie Hustle and Flow, and ½ of Jerry Lee Lewis’ baby blue Cadillac protruding from a wall.
Practical Info
The Memphis Music Hall of Fame is located at 126 Beale Street in downtown Memphis, four blocks from the Mississippi River, and two blocks northwest of the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Several bus routes connect the museum to Central Station.
Exhibits are open daily from 10am to 7pm, and admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children. It’s possible to see the small museum in an hour. Bundled tickets with the similar and nearby Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum are also available. The museum has a small gift shop selling branded mugs, magnets, t-shirts and more, near its entrance.
Address: 126 Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Hours: Open daily from 10am-7pm
Admission: $8 for adults, $6 for children
From $ 8
Hard Rock Caf e Nashville
Nashville is regarded as one of the best music cities in the United States, so it comes as no surprise there is a Hard Rock Café in town. Opened in 1994, the Hard Rock Café Nashville has become a beloved part of the city. It’s conveniently located downtown, near a number of other music related spots like the Johnny Cash Museum, George Jones Museum, and Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
The café underwent a renovation in 2009 that preserved the legacy of the original location, but made needed technological upgrades and enhancements. Today, the Hard Rock Café Nashville has nearly 13,000 square feet of space that includes a 378-seat restaurant, open-air terrace, the signature Hard Rock Shop, and an impressive state-of-the-art concert venue.
Like other Hard Rock Cafes around the world, the Hard Rock Café Nashville features music memorabilia on the walls. Be sure to tour the restaurant and see various guitars, platinum records, and more.
Practical Info
The Hard Rock Café Nashville features live band karaoke each Thursday along with many other live events, so be sure to check the online event calendar. The restaurant and bar are both open Sunday through Thursday from 10:30am until Midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 10:30am to 1am.
Address: 100 Broadway, Nashville, TN, USA 37201, USA
Hours: Sun-Thur 10:30am-Midnight, Fri-Sat 10:30am-1am
From $ 32
Honky Tonk Central
Located on downtown Nashville’s famous Lower Broadway district, this live music destination attracts visitors in search of a true country experience. With three stories of performance space, down home food and stiff drinks, Honky Tonk Central is Nashville at its finest.
Live acts at this local institution typically play to a packed house, and travelers will find music to meet all tastes on each of Honky Tonk Central’s three sprawling levels. There’s room to dance at this top nightlife spot that guarantees a good time, and plenty of tables mean there’s a place to rest when visitors are done kicking up their heels.
Travelers can venture to Honky Tonk Central on their own for a quintessential Nashville evening, or purchase a popular Honky Tonk bar pass that includes skip the line fast-track access and vouchers for drinks at several of the city’s live music destinations.
Practical Info
Honky Tonk Central is located at 329 Broadway near the Raymond Auditorium.
Address: 329 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Hours: Daily 11am-3am
From $ 35
Riverfront Park
Nashville’s Riverfront Park was built in the early 1980s on the site where the area’s first settlers founded the city back in 1780. Today the sprawling green enclave on the banks of the Cumberland River is home to several attractions, including Fort Nashborough, Bicentennial Park, and the Ascend Amphitheater.
The Basics
Riverfront Park’s prominent position on the riverfront near the heart of downtown Nashville makes it hard to miss. A visit is worthwhile for the fresh air and stunning views of the river and the Tennessee Titans’ Nissan Stadium across the way. Visitors and locals alike come for family fun, recreation, and relaxation, as well as for free summer concerts and festivals hosted throughout the year. Several tours of Nashville, including historic walking tours, horse and carriage rides, and evening sightseeing tours, make a stop at this popular park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Riverfront Park is a must for families and first-time visitors to Nashville.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
- To make the most of the park, wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Riverfront Park has a wheelchair- and stroller-accessible walkway along the Cumberland River.
How to Get There
Riverfront Park sits directly across First Avenue from downtown Nashville, just across the river from Nissan Stadium. The easiest way to get there is on foot.
When to Get There
Summer is one of the best times to visit Riverfront Park, especially if you’re interested in outdoor concerts and festivals. High temperatures in June, July, and August average just under 90°F (32°C), so plan to visit in the morning, late afternoon, or evening.
Fourth of July at Riverfront Park
Each Independence Day, Nashville hosts the largest fireworks show in the United States. A day of free concerts culminates in the epic pyrotechnics display, and Riverfront Park is perhaps the best seat in town for watching the spectacle.
Address: 100 1st Ave N, Nashville, Tennesssee 37201, USA
From $ 20
Handy Park
Handy Park is a large public park known for its wide, open fields and stage, making it a great outdoor concert and event space in Memphis. The park was named for W.C. Handy, the “Father of Blues.” A large statue of W.C. Handy stands tall in the park.
Events that take place in Handy Park are always free and open to the public, often attracting large crowds. With an outdoor amphitheater that seats 2,000, it is a favorite local spot to enjoy a cold beverage and the great outdoors. There is also a small stage that often is home to impromptu blues performances on afternoons! The park is right off of the famous Beale Street, also home to a vibrant music culture and known as the “home of the Blues.” The local Memphis music scene often comes to life in Handy Park.
Practical Info
Handy Park is located at the corner of Beale and Third Streets in Memphis.
Address: 200 Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
From $ 15
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
Since 2006 the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville has been honoring musical super stars of all genres with displays, galleries and exhibitions highlighting one of the city’s main attractions: Live music. And while this destination has been a hot ticket since its inception, the museum relocated in 2010 to an even more impressive spot—the historic Nashville Municipal Auditorium—part exhibition hall, part convention center and part major music museum.
Visitors can spend several hours combing through interactive displays that showcase the best of music. An impressive Grammy exhibit pays homage to some of the world’s top performers, and an excellent audio tour offers passionate travelers an even deeper look into the collection at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.
Travelers can check out the museum on its own, or combine it with an evening catching live music on the city’s main strip. A tour of the museum can also be included as part of a larger exploration of Nashville’s scene, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Practical Info
The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is located at 401 Gay Street in Nashville. It is accessible using numerous local bus lines and is open from 10am-5pm Monday through Saturday. Admission is $24 for adults and $14 for children ages 6 to 17. The last museum tour starts at 4 pm.
Address: 401 Gay Street, Nashville, USA
Hours: Open from 10am-5pm Monday through Saturday
Admission: $24 for adults and $14 for children ages 6 to 17
From $ 25
Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
No trip to Memphis would be complete without learning about its music history, and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is just the place to do this. Originally a Smithsonian Institute research project, it became their first permanent exhibition outside of New York and Washington DC. Inside, you’ll find seven expansive galleries showcasing instruments, costumes, photographs, artifacts and exhibits like “Rural Music,” “Coming to Memphis,” “Sun Records & Youth Culture,” “Soul Music” and “Social Changes” that take you through a timeline and tell the story of Memphis and its music history.
The doesn’t just focus on the music itself or the artists, but the actual socio-economic and racial struggles as well as the successes of the people who overcame prejudice and put Memphis on the map as the “Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” By the time you leave the museum, you’ll have a better understanding of the civil rights movement, historic Beale Street and how the sounds of Memphis inspired its people.
One way to enhance your Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum experience is opting for the audio guide, which features 300 minutes of information including 100 songs. This combined with the exhibits will undoubtedly have you dancing during your visit and on your way out (and probably for the rest of the afternoon!).
Allow a minimum of two hours to explore the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, although you’ll probably want more.
The doesn’t just focus on the music itself or the artists, but the actual socio-economic and racial struggles as well as the successes of the people who overcame prejudice and put Memphis on the map as the “Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” By the time you leave the museum, you’ll have a better understanding of the civil rights movement, historic Beale Street and how the sounds of Memphis inspired its people.
One way to enhance your Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum experience is opting for the audio guide, which features 300 minutes of information including 100 songs. This combined with the exhibits will undoubtedly have you dancing during your visit and on your way out (and probably for the rest of the afternoon!).
Allow a minimum of two hours to explore the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, although you’ll probably want more.
Practical Info
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, with the last tour offered at 6:15pm. Admission is $11 for adults, $8 for children aged 5-17.
Address: 191 Beale St, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
Admission: Adults: $11; Children: $8
From $ 8
Peabody Hotel Ducks
Peabody Hotel has some unique permanent guests in the famous "Peabody Ducks," who live on the hotel’s rooftop and perform a march toward the Grand Lobby twice daily. The tradition dates to 1933 when the general manager returned from a hunting trip and placed several live duck decoys in the hotel’s fountain. The guests’ positive response prompted their stay.
The Basics
Twice each day, the Peabody Ducks are led by their "Duckmaster" (an official position in the hotel) from their home on the roof, down in an elevator, across a red carpet, and over to the Italian travertine marble fountain. During off hours, travelers can visit the ducks in their marble and glass rooftop “Royal Duck Palace.” Many Memphis city tours include a stop at the Peabody Hotel to see the famous web-footed residents.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Watching the march of the Peabody Ducks is a must for families with kids and first-time visitors to Memphis.
- Bring along your camera for a photo op as the famous fowl waddle by.
- The ducks march through the hotel twice per day.
How to Get There
The Peabody Memphis sits in the heart of downtown, about 15 minutes from Memphis International Airport. It’s within walking distance of several notable attractions, including the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, Gibson Guitar Factory, and FedExForum. A self-parking garage is available a block away. Or, take the 101 bus to Union-Main/Tro NB and walk one block east on Union Avenue.
When to Get There
The Peabody Hotel Ducks march daily at both 11am and 5pm, from the rooftop in the morning and back to it in the evening.
A Bit of Peabody Duck Trivia
Peabody ducks—five North American mallards—are all raised by a local farmer, and each team of ducks only lives at the hotel for three months before returning to the farm to live out their lives in the wild. The hotel’s restaurant, Chez Philippe, might be the only French restaurant in the country that never serves duck on its menu.
Address: 149 Union Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
From $ 25
Johnny Cash Museum
Despite its small size, the Johnny Cash Museum manages to hold one of the world’s largest collections of Johnny Cash artifacts. Bill Miller, one of Cash’s closest friends, gathered and cataloged the country music superstar’s memorabilia for decades, resulting in this popular Nashville attraction and Cash-fan pilgrimage site.
The Basics
Visitors to the Johnny Cash Museum can wander through halls lined with memories and artifacts spanning the singer’s life, from his upbringing in Arkansas through his impressive career—including his launch with Sun Records, performance highlights (such as his famous appearance at Folsom Prison), and television cameos. But what makes this museum truly special are the personal effects that only a close friend could collect—childhood report cards, military uniforms, and handwritten love letters to Cash’s wives, including June Carter. The Cash Museum features interactive exhibits, an extensive gift shop, films, and a café serving light fare.
Downtown Nashville tours, including the popular Nashville trolley tours, often include the Johnny Cash Museum as one of their stops, along with other music-related attractions such as the Ryman Auditorium, the Patsy Cline Museum, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This museum is a must-see for Johnny Cash fans and music lovers visiting Nashville.
- There is no dedicated parking lot, but limited street parking is available on the neighboring city blocks.
- The Johnny Cash Museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The museum is located in downtown Nashville, within easy walking distance of many other attractions. Nearby is the 4th Ave N & Broadway Ave SB bus station, accessible by bus numbers 15, 18, 27, 33, 34, 38, and 61.
When to Get There
The museum is open from 9am until 6pm daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Johnny Cash’s Music
Known for his deep bass-baritone voice, Cash is one of the best-selling singer/songwriters of all time. Primarily known for country music, he spanned many genres, and actually had inductions into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.
Address: 119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN, USA
Hours: Daily 9am - 6pm
Admission: Adults: $19.95 Youth: $15.95
From $ 39
Music Row
No trip to Nashville is complete without a visit to Music Row. This is the home of the country music industry, with a slew of record labels, radio stations, and recording studios working side-by-side. There are also live venues on or near Music Row, to check out established artists as well as up-and-comers looking to break through.
The Basics
Music Row is packed with working businesses, as well as historic sites like RCA Studio B, which offers tours of the recording studio where scores of artists, such as Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, and Chet Atkins recorded hits. Many of the music company spaces and offices are in converted homes, maintaining the look and feel of old-school Nashville. Guided trolley and Segway tours of the city include stops within Music Row.
Things to Know Before You Go
- In addition to country music, Music Row is home to businesses that represent a number of music genres.
- RCA Studio B is open for public tours.
- The 40-foot-tall Musica statue by artist Alan LeQuire, located at the Music Row Roundabout, depicts nine dancing nude figures, which sometimes wear outfits for special occasions, such as Nashville Predator T-shirts on game day.
How to Get There
Located around 16th and 17th Avenues South (also known as Music Square East and West, respectively), Music Row is a 10-minute drive from the historic Ryman Auditorium, which is nearby many of the city’s famous honky-tonks. Music Row can be reached by taking the No. 3, 5, 7, and 25 buses from the Ryman. It’s also a 15-minute walk from Vanderbilt University.
When to Get There
Studio B tours depart hourly every day, from 10:30am to 2:30pm daily, from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; transportation is included. Neighborhood bar the Idle Hour is a favorite watering hole of industry veterans and hosts nightly entertainment. It’s open Sunday and Monday, 12pm to 12am, and Tuesday through Saturday, 12pm to 3am.
Nearby Belmont Mansion
History and Civil War buffs, as well as art lovers, will want to visit this must-see Nashville attraction that’s located on the campus of Belmont University, just on the outer edge of Music Row. The elaborate antebellum home is an Italianate villa that functions as a museum as well as a venue for special events. Guided tours are offered; the mansion is also a stop on the Old Town Trolley.
Address: Nashville, Tennessee, USA, USA
From $ 38
Memphis National Civil Rights Museum
Built around the former Lorraine Motel, where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, the National Civil Rights Museum immediately emits its cultural and historical significance to all who visit. Exhibits chronicle some of the most important episodes of the Civil Rights Movement, including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, the Little Rock Nine, Montgomery Bus Boycotts, and the famous sit-ins of the 1960s.
The Basics
Both the historical importance of the place and the material displayed within make the National Civil Rights Museum a must for better understanding this tumultuous part of American history. As one of the most meaningful attractions in Memphis, the museum can be visited a number of ways. Many sightseeing tours, particularly American Civil Rights and history tours, include a stop here, while other tours combine the museum with visits to sites such as the Stax Museum of American Soul Music or the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Travelers who'd rather move at their own pace can visit independently or on a self-guided tour of the city’s many African American heritage sites.
- This site is a must-see for history buffs.
- Give yourself a minimum of two hours to experience the museum exhibits.
- Flash-free photography is permitted.
- Much of the museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to the Memphis National Civil Rights Museum
The museum is situated in the South Main District in downtown Memphis, a short drive from most of the city’s other attractions. Free parking is available in a guest lot off Mulberry Street. It’s also a short walk from the Main Street Trolley line.
When to Get There
The National Civil Rights Museum is closed on Tuesdays and most major U.S. holidays. During the summer season between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, opening hours are extended in the evenings. On weekdays, school groups tend to arrive in the morning, so planning a visit for later in the afternoon can mean shorter lines and fewer crowds.
What to See Beyond the Lorraine
Many visitors tour the portion of the museum housed within the Lorraine Motel and leave, but they’re missing out. Across Mulberry Street from the motel, the Young & Morrow and Boarding House buildings from (where the assassin’s shot was allegedly fired) house the Legacy exhibits, which cover a timeline of the American Civil Rights movement and a look at the movement’s effect on global human rights.
Address: 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103-4214, USA
Hours: Mon, Wed–Sat: 9am–5pm (opens at 1pm on Sun)
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
Hollywood Wax Museum Pigeon Forge
While Pigeon Forge, Tennessee may be best known as the home of the Dollywood amusement park, it got a new top attraction when the Hollywood Wax Museum opened in May 2012. Built as a tribute to the U.S. film and television industry, the museum is the largest Hollywood wax museum in the country and the only one dedicated entirely to celebrities. With a large Hollywood sign, a giant King Kong scaling the New York skyline and a replica of Mount Rushmore featuring the sculpted faces of John Wayne, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin, it is truly a can’t miss attraction.
Covering 22,000 square feet, the museum offers great photo opportunities for visitors as the wax figures stand out in the open instead of behind glass. Take a selfie with Brad Pitt, dance with Michael Jackson or share a bench with Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump. And then head up to the roof to get up close and personal with King Kong.
Practical Info
The Hollywood Wax Museum stands at the corner of Parkway Boulevard and Showplace Boulevard in Pigeon Forge, a town in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains. It is a 25-minute drive from Gatlinburg or about 40 minutes from Knoxville. There are a handful of hotels within a mile of the museum for those wanting to stay overnight in Pigeon Forge. Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the lines.
Address: 106 Showplace Blvd, Pigeon Forge, USA
Hours: Open 365 days a year; 9am-10pm, with occasional extended hours to 11pm or midnight
Admission: $20; All Access Pass also available that includes entrance to other nearby attractions
From $ 22
Jack Daniel's Distillery
Go behind the distilling scenes at the oldest registered distillery in the United States: Jack Daniel’s, founded in 1863 in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Learn the history behind the distillery that’s emblematic of Southern culture and find out how the legendary old No. 7 whiskey is made at the source.
The Basics
A visit to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery highlights Tennessee history and late settler culture. Visitors can choose from a number of guided tour options, from the Angel’s Share Distillery Tour with single-barrel whiskey tastings to a combo tour of the distillery and town of Lynchburg. Other tasting options include the classic tasting tour, which includes a flight of five whiskeys, and the Mr. Jack Toast in the Hollow Tour, a quick driving tour of Lynchburg followed by a whiskey toast. Those who aren’t interested in drinking can save money by taking the Dry County tour, which still provides information about the distillery’s history and production process sans alcohol. To avoid the need to find a designated driver, book a tour from Nashville that includes round-trip transportation to Lynchburg and free time in the city to purchase tickets and take a Jack Daniel’s tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This site is a must-see for Southern history buffs and fans of Tennessee whiskey.
- Don't forget to bring your official photo ID if you’re going on a tasting tour.
- The distillery doesn’t sell souvenirs, but other local shops are stocked.
- The Mr. Jack Toast in the Hollow Tour includes transportation around the distillery by motorcoach and is the best tour option for visitors with limited mobility. All other tours involve walking and stairs.
How to Get There
Because of its close proximity to Nashville (a 90-minute drive), the distillery is an easy and popular day-trip destination for visitors to Nashville. Make the drive yourself (be sure to plan for a designated driver), or book transportation in advance with a tour.
When to Get There
Tours operate daily between 9am and 4:30pm, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The distillery is most popular on the weekends (Friday through Sunday) and around major holidays. Tours fill quickly, so arrive early or ensure your spot by booking ahead.
Legendary Drinks
Legend has it that Jack Daniel started his distilled whiskey business at the age of 13 after his caretaker, a Lutheran minister, decided to devote his life to the ministry and left his distillery in Daniel's care. Daniel later accredited the whiskey’s success to the use of iron-free spring water—still used to this day.
Address: 182 Lynchburg Highway, Lynchburg 37352, USA
Hours: Tours offered daily, 9am - 4:30pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Admission: Free
From $ 89
RCA Studio B
The historic RCA Studio B is where Nashville’s legendary music scene began. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Tennessee studio is credited as being the epicenter of Music City and the place where the Nashville Sound originated. RCA Studio B has recorded more than 35,000 songs—many of them platinum hits.
The Basics
At RCA Studio B, you can wander the halls where Dolly Parton and the Everly Brothers once recorded, and even sit at the piano Elvis Presley played. This recording studio, an irreplaceable part of music history, is now part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and its interior in decorated in 1970s-era style, as it was in its heyday as the “Temple of Sound.”
Guided studio tours depart every day from the Country Music Hall of Fame and are available in conjunction with Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum admission. You can also see RCA Studio B as one of the attractions included in the Nashville Music Attraction Discount Pass, which also includes admission to other Music City highlights such as the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Johnny Cash Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- RCA Studio B is a must-see for music lovers visiting Nashville.
- Die-hard music fans with kids may want to go this one alone, as there isn’t much to keep small tots occupied.
- All studio tours depart from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, with transportation included from that location.
- RCA Studio B is accessible to wheelchair users; there are ramps and accessible bathrooms on-site.
How to Get There
RCA Studio B is located in downtown Nashville’s Music Row. The studio is easily accessed from downtown Nashville on foot, by car, or via bus #8 (get off at the 8th Avenue South and South Street stop).
When to Get There
Guided tours depart the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hourly between 10:30am and 2:30pm every day except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
The Nashville Sound
RCA Studio B is credited with reviving the popularity of country music in the 1960s, introducing what became known as the Nashville Sound. This style of music was more sophisticated than other country styles, and incorporated string instruments and background vocals. Music fans consider a visit to the studio, which made Nashville into an international recording center, a must-do when visiting Music City.
Address: 1611 Roy Acuff Pl, Nashville, TN, USA
From $ 41