Plan a Last Minute Vacation or School-Year Field Trip
As the summer winds down before the start of another school year, there is still time to take a last minute vacation or add some cool places across Tennessee to your field trip calendar. The Tennessee Tourism shares some attractions your family may want to visit this year.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Here’s a look at what’s new and happening this season in Tennessee.
Chattanooga – See the wonders hidden at Ruby Falls. Young explorers ages 4-10 can learn how caves are formed, how to cave responsibly and why conservation matters during the new Junior Caver tour, offered Wednesday mornings. Explorers earn a badge and activity sheet to take home.
Chattanooga – Get creative at The Pottery Place. The locally owned paint-your-own pottery studio offers walk-in pottery painting, mosaic projects, stoneware and clay sessions.
Clarksville – Start your engines. Relive the glory days of classic American muscle cars at the Clarksville Throttle Museum, featuring a collection of vintage motorcycles dating back to 1911, as well as classics from Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet.
Cornersville – Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop is inspired by Dolly Parton’s love of the open road, the first-of-its-kind travel center is designed to blend her regional roots and welcoming spirit to travelers, families and truck drivers.
Gatlinburg – Anakeesta’s expansion features the new Crystal Express, the world’s only all-glass gondola system. The mountaintop adventure park also has a reimagined Firefly Village, enhanced treetop skywalk, new overlooks and immersive nighttime attractions inspired by the Smokies’ synchronous fireflies.
Gatlinburg – Mountain Breakfast offers a polished take on classic Smoky Mountain morning staples. The family-owned restaurant focuses on elevated dishes built around locally-sourced ingredients – from hearty Southern breakfasts to lighter brunch plates and specialty coffee.
Granville –The newly opened Independence Hall showcases artifacts and engaging exhibits that tell Tennessee’s role in shaping the nation as part of the America 250 celebration. Meanwhile, the traveling exhibit, Home Runs and Home Teams, brings baseball heritage to life at Granville Museum.
Hohenwald/Lewis Co. – Immerse yourself in nature at the recently opened Devil’s Backbone State Park, located on the Natchez Trace Parkway, with rugged hiking trails and the Western Highland Rim forest. Also in Lewis County, Dry Branch State Park opens this summer.
Kingsport – Did you know the original Long Island Iced Tea traces back to Northeast Tennessee? From crafted cocktails to sweet treats and more, support local businesses and explore Kingsport on the Long Island Iced Tea Trail. Track your progress with the new digital passport.
Knoxville – Take a break for quiet reflection at the Eugenia Williams House, open for guided tours, picnics, walks and events. Explore the diverse plant life and beauty along the trails and wild gardens.
Knoxville (August 29-30) – The Knox Asian Festival celebrates Asian cultures, traditions, performances, cuisine and community with live performances, 50 Asian food vendors, performance stages featuring all-day cultural arts, craft and art vendors and booths representing each country.
Knoxville – Belltown is a new 40+ acre public park with a playground, dog park, kayak area, food truck park, and an amphitheater all connected by walking trails and greenspace. Nearby restaurants include Abridged Beer Company, Soccer Taco, and Sugar Queen Creamery.
Lebanon (August 13-26) – The Tennessee State Fair features thrilling rides, live music, tractor pulls, livestock shows, kid-friendly zones, game booths, a historic village with heritage crafts and local vendors and classic fair food – all celebrating Tennessee Voices & Volunteers: America 250.
Memphis – The Memphis Flyway at Tom Lee Park is a free ADA-accessible observation deck over the Mississippi River and offers unmatched views of water, wildlife and the seasonal migrations of millions of birds. The Flyway also features a pollinator garden, native plantings and educational programming, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and families alike.
Memphis – The National Civil Rights Museum marks its 35th anniversary with immersive and powerful exhibits and experiences, including the newly opened Legacy building.
Memphis (August 8-16) – Thousands of fans from around the world come together at Graceland to celebrate Elvis’ life and career. Elvis Week brings live music performances, a 5k run, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and more.
Nashville – Enriching Music City’s vibrant and dynamic art scene, Frist Art Museum celebrates 25 years of bringing world-class rotating exhibits from around the globe to Nashville.
Nashville – Hooky Entertainment is now open at Nashville Yards with an upscale movie theater, bowling, an interactive arcade, elevated dining, and private event spaces.
Pigeon Forge (Through August 2) – Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration fills the park with vibrant colors, family-friendly fun, interactive fountains, sprinklers and water fun, high-energy attractions and entertainment, the Gazillion Bubble Show and a dazzling fireworks and drone show at night set against the Smoky Mountain sky.
Townsend (August 16) – Watch colorful hot air balloons illuminate the evening sky during the family-friendly Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival with tethered rides, food trucks and live entertainment.
