Big Living in the Big Cities of Tennessee
In Tennessee, life in the big city is full of exciting antics, outdoor escapades, high flying adventures, and underground excursions. These convenient outdoor adventures, uncrowded attractions, and in town good times prove that this Southern state has it all. Gaze out over prominent bluffs and embark on the adventure of a lifetime in Tennessee.
Memphis
Known as the birthplace of the blues, Memphis has long been an important destination and Tennessee’s gateway to the Mississippi. An icon for its historic and cultural contributions, Memphis paves the way for other cities with its access to the outdoors, art, and amazing scenery.
A short 13-mile drive north of the Memphis metropolis is Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. Situated along the Chicksaw Bluffs, the Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park features over 20 miles of trails with the most popular being the Cliffsaw Bluff Trail. A great spot for trail runners because of the mountainous terrain, the Park offers a variety of activities for the active and not so active. Watch the frisbees fly at the 36-hole disc golf course or rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard — or bring your own – and discover why the Park’s Poplar Lake is a paddler’s paradise.
Five times the size of New York City’s Central Park, Shelby Farms Park has something for every member of the family. Within the 4,500 acres of green space, the perfect experience awaits. The family’s fur baby will love running and sniffing free at the Outback Off-Leash area. Bike or blade along the paved 10.65-mile long Shelby Farms Greenline’s urban trail. And Battlefront Memphis provides top of the line equipment for an epic paintball war spread out over ten-acres of woods. See the Park from new angles with a guided horseback trail ride or while swinging and ziplining through the forest’s canopy at GoApe Treetop Adventure course.
Enjoy live music and a stunning sunset at Mississippi Terrace at the Pyramid by Big Cypress Lodge. Attached to the Bass Pro Shop Pyramid in Downtown Memphis, the full-service bar features two fire pits and a small plate appetizer menu. The night will be magical sipping on a hand-crafted cocktail while gazing out onto the colorful neon lights of the Memphis – Arkansas bridge and the lapping waters of the mighty Mississippi River below.
Take a scenic tour on a historic riverboat down the Mississippi. Memphis Riverboat Cruises offers multiple cruises like their 90-minute ride down the river with historic commentary or a two-hour dinner cruise, featuring BBQ, live music, and a cash/credit bar.
memphistravel.com
Nashville
The heart and soul of Middle Tennessee, Nashville has long been referred to as NashVegas, an ode to downtown Broadway’s neon lit sidewalks and honky tonks. Although the lights have been less bright in recent months, Nashville still knows how to have a good time, indoors and out.
Sitting on Tennessee’s Western Highland Rim to the west of Nashville, Harpeth River State Park is a perfect park for beginner kayakers and rafters. The linear park manages nine sites along the shores of the Harpeth River, making it easy to hop in and out of the water. With rentals available from outfitters in Kingston Springs, Harpeth River State Park is a natural choice for a day outside the city.
Hop on one of Old Town Trolley’s state of the art trolleys for a ride around Nashville’s top landmarks. Featuring stadium seating and 14 convenient stops, an Old Town Trolley Tour is a great way to experience the city in the open air. Be sure to wear layers and always expect unexpected weather in Middle Tennessee.
At Virgin Hotels Nashville, guests enjoy luxurious amenities, palate-pleasing cuisine, and poolside seating as live music wafts up from the streets below. The dog-friendly hotel is bright, refined, and stately, and with discounts for Tennessee residents, a staycation in Music City just got a bit easier.
Indulge in some Chicago style deep dish pizza and live comedy at Comedy Bar. One of the best pizzas in town is presented by Gino’s East and the rotating list of draft beers and house-made cocktails will quench the thirstiest of patrons. And performances by national and local stand-up comedians create a fun filled night of raucous and rowdy entertainment.
For the sports lover who has been missing out, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame has over 500 honorees and inductees from every sport, including but not limited to football, baseball, soccer, rafting, track and field. A must-see for those interested in the men and women behind the game, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is an educational and entertaining, state-of-the-art facility.
visitmusiccity.com
Chattanooga
Along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is a top destination with excitement and adventure around every corner. The thriving city is home to natural wonders, man-made marvels, and astounding views.
Located on the Tennessee – Georgia border, Lookout Mountain is home to several natural wonders and only minutes away from Downtown Chattanooga. Start a hike up Lookout Mountain from the historic Craven’s House, the only remaining Civil War structure on the Mountain. A nearly two-and-a-half-mile round trip trek from Craven’s House leads hikers to Sunset Rock offering a bird’s eye view of the Lookout Valley. From Lookout Mountain Tower and the Blue Heron Overlook visitors enjoy expansive vistas over the entire valley. For an even more jaw-dropping view of the Mountain and Valley, High Point ZIP Adventure at Ruby Falls takes visitors into the treetops, whizzing by on over 700 feet of zip lines.
Deep in the center of Lookout Mountain, the cavernous Ruby Falls is the tallest and deepest underground waterfalls in the nation. Hop into the elevator and descend 260 feet down into the depths of Lookout Mountain. Follow the scenic path and discover ancient rock formations and be captivated by the 145-foot waterfall’s breath-taking light show.
The Incline Railway at Lookout Mountain is a Historic National site and a Mechanical Engineering Landmark and has been a Tennessee favorite for generations. The steepest passenger railway, the Incline Railway has been operating since 1895 and is often referred to as “America’s Most Amazing Mile.” Ascend Lookout Mountain on the 72.7% grade funicular and experience breath-taking views. At the bottom of the Railway lies the quaint community of St. Elmo where visitors can learn the art of candle making, tour a microbrewery or relax away the day with an indulgent massage.
Located on the banks of the Tennessee River in Downtown Chattanooga, the Tennessee Aquarium has educated and entertained families since 1992. From the mountains to the sea, the exhibits at the Tennessee Aquarium feature almost 800 species of animals, like the North American River Otter, Alligator Snapping Turtle, and the Sand Tiger Shark. Bask in the warmth of summer during the middle of winter at the Aquarium’s Butterfly Garden where Monarchs and Glass Wings flutter around patrons freely. With daily butterfly releases and tropical plants in continuous bloom, the experience is magical all year long.
visitchattanooga.com
Knoxville
The Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville is a marvelous metropolis of shopping, just minutes away from wild adventures and romantic thrills.
Nineteen miles east of Knoxville, an early morning fog lingers over the grassy fields of Seven Islands State Birding Park. The 416-acre park borders the French Broad River and is a popular wildlife refuge with several tranquil and picturesque hiking options. The peninsula-shaped park covers eight miles of scenic trails over gently rolling hills, along upland ridges, and by the shoreline. The perfect habitat for a large variety of migratory birds, barn owls and short eared owls call the park’s outbuildings and barns home.
Get out and enjoy the great outdoors at Navitat Knoxville. The self-guided aerial adventure park features six different courses, each consisting of at least ten challenging obstacles, like balance traverses, climbing elements, ziplines and strength bridges. And if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure with a hint of romance, look no further than Navitat at Night. Open on Friday and Saturday nights, this is the perfect out-of-the-box date night activity. The enchanting forest in the moonlight, the twinkling lights high in the treetops, and the bright east Tennessee stars shining down make for a magical and daring date night at Navitat.
Downtown Knoxville’s Market Square offers unique shopping opportunities and laid-back dining with ample outdoor seating, making it a delight for travelers and residents alike. The dog-friendly and eclectic Earth to Old City Gift Shop is a colorful boutique of home décor, paper goods, and body products. With metal components fabricated in Rhode Island, Fizz creates delicate and unique jewelry. The all-American jewelry line is designed and assembled in Knoxville and with a variety of styles to accentuate your personality, Fizz is full of Tennessee spirit.
visitknoxville.com
Mixing outdoor fun with Southern charm, Tennessee thrills, excites, and delights its residents and visitors alike. Meander through meadows and over mountains, fly high above the treetops, toss around the frisbee, and laugh the night away in some of Tennessee’s most prominent cities.
