Wintertime may be beautiful and encrusted with icy jewels and banks of fluffy snow, but hey. Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. The first cozy nights after the heat of summer are fabulous, but eventually, a day trip or even a weekend trip away starts to sound absolutely indulgent. If you’re located in Nashville and are looking to get out of Dodge, per se, these seven spots make for some of our favorite places to visit. These are some of the best day trips from Nashville to take in the winter.

1. Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Mountain Tramway Mall, 1001 Parkway #2, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Ober Mountain, 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Ober Mountain - Facebook
Ober Gatlinburg is one of the biggest and best artificial ski and snow resorts in the nation, making it a great spot for folks of all ages. If you're looking to become one with wintertime, this is a great spot for outdoor activities and late-afternoon hot chocolate. It's also one of the best Nashville day trips.

Take a look at this video of Ober Gatlinburg by @obermountain:

2. US Space & Rocket Center

U.S. Space & Rocket Center, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805, USA
US Space & Rocket Center - Facebook
Sure, the US Space & Rocket Center is located in Huntsville, Alabama, but it's barely a few hours from Nashville. If you're obsessed with space or perhaps have a handful of little ones who deserve a bit of educational fun out and about, it comes highly recommended.

3. Fall Creek Falls

Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA
Tim Lumley - Flickr
Fall Creek Falls is gorgeous any time of year, but experiencing it in all its snowy, frozen glory is truly a sight to see. Be careful if you're hiking, though! Make sure you pack the right clothes and materials for the weather. This is the tallest waterfall in Tennessee and one of the best day trips to escape Nashville in winter.

Take a look at this video by @digstravel33:

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4. Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains, United States
Steve Harwood - Flickr
The Great Smoky Mountains is always a great spot to visit, but at a little over three hours from Nashville and its gorgeous crown of newly spun snow in the winter months, it's jaw-droppingly beautiful and easy to get to. Go for the day, hike through the afternoon, and eat a massive meal in Knoxville. This is one of the best winter day trips around Nashville the whole family can enjoy!

5. Tennessee Aquarium

Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA
Fox Samus/Google Reviews
This Chattanooga-based wonder is perfect for the wintertime, especially if you're looking to wile away the long, rainy hours and dream about the exotic beauty of the tropics. This is one of the best family-friendly day trips from Nashville.

Take a look at this video by @ZooTours:

6. Experience true Memphis BBQ

Memphis, TN, USA
The Bar-B-Q Shop - Facebook
Head to Memphis and make your own BBQ road trip. Nashville is known for its hot chicken, but it's the city's westside cousin that knows how to turn on the heat and spice when it comes to BBQ.

7. National Civil Rights Museum

National Civil Rights Museum, 450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
National Civil Rights Museum - Facebook
Spend the day at the National Civil Rights Museum learning about the spotted history of Tennessee and the nation. It's a humbling experience, but one that will keep you out of the wind and rain while giving you something to think about.

Have you taken any of the above day trips from Nashville in winter? How about any other time of year? Let us know! Before you hit the road on a winter day trip, make sure you check out our Ultimate Winter Packing List for cold-weather essentials.

PS: Did you know that one of the largest music festivals in the nation takes place in this tiny Tennessee town? It’s crazy!

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More to Explore

Winter Around Nashville

Melissa M. | November 30, 2023

What other day trips from Nashville can I take?

Here are a few more day trips you can take from Nashville:

  • Take a winter hike around Nashville. Head to a place like Radnor Lake State Park, Beaman Park, or Long Hunter State Park for a quiet hike through the wintry landscape.
  • Check out the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg.
  • Explore Knoxville for a day. This town has so much to offer.

 

What are the best winter getaways in Tennessee?

Need to get away for a weekend or longer this winter? I sure do from time to time! Here are some of the best winter getaways in Tennessee:

  • Head to Knoxville and spend the night at The Tennessean.
  • Spend the night at The Gallatin Hotel in Nashville, a colorful place to stay.
  • Stay at the magical Ancient Lore Village in Knoxville.
  • Pigeon Forge is always fun to visit so why not stay a while and book a night or longer at the Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge?

Check out more getaway destinations in Tennessee.

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