Things to do in Tennessee

The beauty and diversity of Great Smoky Mountains National Park explain why it is the most visited of the U.S. national parks. Enjoy nature, wildlife and the quiet peace of endless forests.

From adrenalin-pumping roller coasters to kiddie rides, seasonal festivals to live music , museums and historic buildings, find boundless fun for the entire family at the Dollywood theme park. Opened in 1986 by legendary country singer Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the highlight of the trip to Pigeon Forge for many people. It attracts over 2 million visitors per year.

There’s never a quiet moment on Nashville’s Broadway, whose famous bars and cultural institutions keep the party going all day and all night. Affectionately referred to as the Honky Tonk Highway, the bars and clubs here are defined by the presence of live music, long hours, and a lack of cover charges. With a musical culture that encourages big stars and unknown acts alike to hit the stage, no matter how small, that means that bar-hopping is the way to go. There’s more than parties though, with the Frist Art Museum and other places offering respite from crowds and noise.

Bridgestone Arena may just be one of the most convenient urban stadiums in America, sited right near most of Nashville’s biggest attractions. That means it’s easy to slip in a hockey game on a whirlwind tour of the city, or hit the bars of Lower Broad after catching a sold-out stadium concert. Come to see some of the biggest acts in folk and country, like Mumford & Sons or Kasey Musgraves, or get a completely new perspective on the human body with the death-defying feats of Cirque du Soleil.

Beginning in 1925 as a "barn dance," the Grand Ole Opry is the longest running radio show in American history. The two-hour program is broadcast live on Friday and Saturday nights, and on Tuesday nights March through December. Each show features a number of artists, from country music legends to budding artists, performing bluegrass, gospel, folk and country.

Journey through the life and legacy of one of the most legendary entertainers of all time at Graceland. The former home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, is a sprawling estate filled with memorabilia charting every aspect of his illustrious career.

Opened in 2013, the Music City Center aims to be one of the most convenient convention centers in the United States. Created by an Atlanta-based firm, TVS design, in partnership with the Nashville-based Tuck Hinton Architects, the center harkens to the classic Nashville look while being thoroughly modern and definitely eco-friendly. Stop by its central location, in an area that was, until the 1950s, nicknamed Black Bottom for its periodic floods, just to appreciate the sheer size of the building. Spreading out over 2.1 million square feet (195,000 square meters), it is no surprise it has quickly become the city’s biggest spot for conventions and celebrations of all sorts.

The Island in Pigeon Forge is a one-stop shop for fun, food, shopping and entertainment in this popular vacation destination in Tennessee. Ride the rides or just relax at Ole Smoky Moonshine, with an onsite still and tastings in multiple flavors. Check the daily schedule for shows, live music and special events, like festivals for St. Patrick’s Day and chalk art drawings. Forty retail shops and 20 eating spots round out the offerings.