Drive To 7 Incredible Summer Spots Throughout Tennessee On This Scenic Weekend Road Trip
By Meghan Kraft|Published June 19, 2021
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Summer in Tennessee is a true dream for visitors, especially with a large number of waterfalls, family-friendly recreation areas, and small-town eateries perfect for outdoor fun. Whether you’re bringing the whole family or are simply looking for an adventure out-of-town, these 7 incredible summer spots are great for a fun road trip experience. We’ve included everything from addresses to a map below so all you need to do is pack some snacks and the camera – we’ll take care of the rest. How many of these 7 beautiful places throughout Tennessee have you been to?
We're taking you on a perfect weekend road trip through the state of Tennessee, from music venues to waterfalls to some of the best museums around town. Whether you pack up the kids and hit up all 7 spots or simply round out the list by the end of the season, this is a road trip perfect for folks of all ages.
Beale Street is arguably the most famous street in Tennesee, and at just under 2 miles long it features a series of locally owned music venues, eateries, and bars. It's considered one of the most iconic streets in the United States, and it's highly recommended that you visit at least once, whether it's during an annual festival or just your average Tuesday. The music is bound to be playing!
You'll find the Discovery Park of American in Union City, Tennessee. It's a 50-acre park that's made up of a series of museum exhibits, a park, and even a garden. Of course, the 100,000-square foot Discovery Center is popular with kids for the earthquake simulator and its expansive examination of Tennessee's natural history, military history, science, and even art.
Nashville Shores is a family-friendly outdoor waterpark located in Nashville, Tennessee. It's an affordable place to spend the day, with a lazy river and a series of waterslides available for use. You'll find Nashville Shores right on Percy Priest Lake, which makes it one of the most beautifully situated waterparks in the state.
Cummins Falls State Park is located in Cookeville, Tennessee, and is best known for its stunning namesake waterfall as well as the swimming hole that lies at its base. You'll have to hike roughly a mile to reach it, but the view is worth it. Make sure you bring water-safe shoes and a picnic lunch! You're going to want to make a day trip out of this outdoor adventure.
The Tennessee Aquarium is perhaps one of the most lauded museums in the state, with two buildings that examine both freshwater and saltwater experiences in the watery natural world. Once the largest in the world, the Tennessee Aquarium has now come to be known as one of the most expansive and intellectually stimulating locations in the state.
The Ijams Nature Center is made up of 300-acres of beautiful natural space and is a protected wildlife area. You can hike, bike, walk the trails, and go paddling on the waterways throughout the park. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors if you find yourself in East Tennessee.
You'll find Dollywood on the eastern side of the state in Piegon Forge. It's known for its wooden roller coaster, a series of seasonal festivals, and even a waterpark addition. Dollywood is a cheeky, quirky nod to the queen herself - Dolly Parton - while also remaining fun for adults and kids alike.
Tennessee is not only a beautiful state to visit, but a perfect state to truly explore. You can enjoy all this sweet southern spot has to offer with a trip to Somerville, a darling town tucked away in the hills.
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