Directions From Gatlinburg To Nashville

7 Scenic Alternative Routes to Pigeon Official Pigeon from www.pigeonforgechamber.com

Introduction

If you’re planning a trip from Gatlinburg to Nashville, you’re in for a treat! This road trip takes you through some of the most scenic parts of Tennessee. From the Great Smoky Mountains to Music City, there’s plenty to see and do along the way. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll share the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.

Top Attractions

As you leave Gatlinburg and head towards Nashville, there are several top attractions that you won’t want to miss. These include: – The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: This world-renowned park is home to some of the most stunning natural beauty in the country. Take a hike, drive the scenic loop, or just stop and take in the views. – Dollywood: This theme park in Pigeon Forge is a must-visit for families. With roller coasters, shows, and attractions for all ages, it’s sure to be a hit. – Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: When you arrive in Nashville, make sure to visit this iconic museum. Learn about the history of country music and see artifacts from some of the biggest names in the industry.

Hidden Gems

In addition to the top attractions, there are also some hidden gems along the way. These include: – The Lost Sea Adventure: This underground lake in Sweetwater is the largest in the United States. Take a boat tour and learn about the geology and history of the area. – The Blue Ridge Parkway: This scenic drive through the mountains is one of the most beautiful in the country. Take your time and stop at overlooks to take in the views. – The Loveless Cafe: This iconic restaurant in Nashville is known for its biscuits and Southern food. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but well worth the visit.

Food Scene

Tennessee is known for its delicious Southern food, and there are plenty of great restaurants to try along the way. Some must-visit spots include: – Pancake Pantry: This breakfast spot in Gatlinburg is a local favorite. Try the sweet potato pancakes! – Prince’s Hot Chicken: This Nashville institution serves up some of the spiciest chicken you’ll ever eat. Make sure to have a glass of milk handy. – Arnold’s Country Kitchen: This meat-and-three restaurant in Nashville is a must-visit. Try the fried chicken, mac and cheese, and banana pudding.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling on a budget? There are plenty of ways to save money on your trip. Some tips include: – Pack your own snacks and drinks for the road. – Look for free activities and attractions, like hiking trails and parks. – Eat at local diners and cafes instead of fancy restaurants.

Outdoor Adventures

If you love the outdoors, you’ll have plenty of options on this road trip. Some top outdoor adventures include: – Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. – Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River. – Ziplining in Pigeon Forge.

Historical Landmarks

Tennessee is rich in history, and there are several landmarks to visit along the way. Some top picks include: – Andrew Johnson National Historic Site: Learn about the life and presidency of this Tennessee-born president. – Belle Meade Plantation: This historic plantation in Nashville offers tours, tastings, and more. – The Hermitage: Visit the home of President Andrew Jackson and learn about his life and legacy.

Family-Friendly Activities

Traveling with kids? There are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Some top picks include: – Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. – The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. – The Adventure Science Center in Nashville.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something a bit different, try these off-the-beaten-path experiences: – The Museum of Appalachia: This living history museum in Norris showcases the culture and traditions of the Appalachian people. – The Jack Daniel’s Distillery: Take a tour of this iconic distillery in Lynchburg and learn how Tennessee whiskey is made. – The Lane Motor Museum: This unique museum in Nashville features a collection of rare and unusual cars.

Natural Wonders

From the Great Smoky Mountains to the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee is home to some stunning natural wonders. Some top picks include: – Ruby Falls: This underground waterfall in Chattanooga is a must-see. – Rock City: Located on Lookout Mountain, this attraction offers stunning views and unique rock formations. – Fall Creek Falls State Park: This park in Spencer features waterfalls, hiking trails, and more.

Vibrant Nightlife

When the sun goes down, there’s still plenty to do in Tennessee. Some top nightlife spots include: – Broadway in Nashville: This street is lined with honky-tonks and live music venues. – Beale Street in Memphis: This historic street is home to some of the best blues music in the world. – Market Square in Knoxville: This pedestrian-friendly area is home to restaurants, bars, and live music.

Local Markets

If you love to shop local, don’t miss these markets: – Gatlinburg Farmers Market: This market offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and more. – Nashville Farmers Market: This market features local produce, food stalls, and more. – Chattanooga Market: This market offers a wide variety of local products, from food to crafts.

Beaches and Mountains

Tennessee may not have any oceanfront beaches, but it does have plenty of lakes and rivers to enjoy. Some top picks include: – Norris Lake: This lake in Andersonville is a popular spot for boating and fishing. – Percy Priest Lake: This lake in Nashville offers swimming, boating, and more. – Dale Hollow Lake: This lake on the Tennessee-Kentucky border is known for its crystal-clear waters.

Cultural Immersion

From the music to the food to the art, Tennessee is a place where you can immerse yourself in Southern culture. Some top picks include: – The Memphis Music Hall of Fame: Learn about the history of music in Memphis, from blues to rock ‘n’ roll. – The Frist Art Museum: This museum in Nashville features rotating exhibits of contemporary art. – The Knoxville Museum of Art: This museum focuses on regional art and hosts a variety of events and programs.

Walking Tours

One of the best ways to explore a new city is on foot. Some top walking tours include: – The Gatlinburg Ghost Tour: This tour takes you through the haunted history of Gatlinburg. – The Nashville Downtown Walking Tour: This self-guided tour takes you through the heart of Music City. – The Chattanooga Walking Tours: These tours cover a variety of topics, from history to food to architecture.

Architectural Marvels

From historic homes to modern skyscrapers, Tennessee has some impressive architecture to admire. Some top picks include: – The Biltmore Estate: This mansion in Asheville, North Carolina, is a short drive from Gatlinburg and features stunning architecture and gardens. – The Parthenon: This replica of the ancient Greek temple in Nashville is a must-visit. – The Tennessee State Capitol: Take a tour of this historic building in Nashville and learn about the state’s government.

Historical Sites

Tennessee played a major role in American history, and there are several sites to visit along the way. Some top picks include: – The Civil Rights Museum in Memphis: Learn about the struggle for civil rights in the United States. – The Andrew Jackson State Park: Visit the birthplace of this controversial president. – The Stones River National Battlefield: Learn about the Civil War battle that took place in Murfreesboro.

Biking Routes

If you’re an avid cyclist, there are plenty of great biking routes in Tennessee. Some top picks include: – The Virginia Creeper Trail: This 34-mile trail runs from Abingdon, Virginia, to Whitetop Station and offers stunning views of the mountains. – The Natchez Trace Parkway: This scenic drive from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi, is also a popular biking route. – The Sequatchie Valley Scenic Byway: This 28-mile route in Dunlap offers beautiful views of the valley.

Wellness Retreats

If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, consider one of these wellness retreats: – The Blackberry Farm: This luxury resort in Walland offers farm-to-table dining, spa services, and more. – The Ocoee Retreat Center: This retreat center in Ocoee offers yoga, meditation, and other wellness activities. – The Art of Living Retreat Center: This center in Boone, North Carolina, offers a variety of wellness programs, from meditation to Ayurveda.

Adventure Sports

Finally, if you’re looking for some adventure, there are plenty of options in Tennessee. Some top picks include: – Rock climbing at the Obed Wild and Scenic River. – Hang gliding in Lookout Mountain. – Skydiving in Chattanooga.