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Looking for the perfect Tennessee itinerary that mixes music, history, and mountain adventures? This trip takes you from the bright lights of Nashville to the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains with plenty of unique stops along the way. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a full week, here’s exactly how to fly into Nashville, road trip across Tennessee, and fly out of Knoxville.

We combined a couple’s adventure trip with a family trip & loved the versatility in this area! We could have made a few adjustments and been totally fine traveling with our kids when they were younger.

Day 1 – Arrive in Nashville

  • Check into The Fairlane Hotel: Retro-modern style and centrally located.
  • Explore Broadway: Neon lights, honky-tonks, and live music everywhere.
  • Secret Speakeasy Stop: Red Phone Booth — get the secret code from your hotel concierge for cigars, cocktails, and small bites.
  • Dinner & Music: Reservations at the Twelve Thirty Club (a Justin Timberlake & Sam Fox concept). Finish the night with more live music on Broadway or head back to rest.

Day 2 – Nashville Favorites

Day 3 – Road to the Smokies

  • Morning Stop: Burgess Falls State Park — short hike with gorgeous waterfalls.
  • Lunch Break: Buc-ee’s (an experience in itself if you don’t have them at home).
  • Arrive in Gatlinburg: Check into a cabin with family, relax, and prep for mountain adventures.

Day 4 – Explore the Smokies

Day 5 – Dollywood & Family Fun

  • Dollywood Theme Park: Don’t miss Dolly Parton’s tour bus for some history mixed with fun rides and shows.
  • Dinner Show: End the night with a classic Gatlinburg dinner show — cheesy but unforgettable family fun.

Day 6 – Last Adventure

  • Sunrise Hike: Walk to Clingman’s Dome (Kuwohi), the highest point in the Smokies.
  • More Exploring: Squeeze in extra fishing or hiking.
  • Stop in Knoxville: If time allows, grab an early dinner before your flight home.

Pro Tip:

This itinerary is perfect for travelers flying into Nashville and out of Knoxville. It lets you maximize your time without having to backtrack, combining city energy, hidden gems, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Southeast.

Author

Allison Waken is a midlife travel and lifestyle blogger based in Arizona. At All for the Memories, she shares practical travel planning tips and inspiration, road trip ideas, some home inspiration or DIY, and inspiration to create meaningful moments both on the road and at home.

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