Overview

What to eat when in Tennessee

Tennessee’s cuisine reflects its rich history and Southern roots, blending smoky barbecue, hearty comfort food, and classic desserts into a flavor-filled experience.

• BBQ: From Memphis’s slow-smoked, hickory-infused ribs to East Tennessee’s whole-hog pits, barbecue is a statewide art form.
• Nashville Hot Chicken: Fiery fried chicken coated in cayenne spice, served with pickles and white bread.
• Country Ham: Salt-cured and savory, often paired with biscuits or grits.
• Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy, tangy Southern staple.
• Fried Catfish: Golden-fried and served with hush puppies and coleslaw.
• Grits: Creamy corn-based comfort food, often topped with cheese or shrimp.
• MoonPie: Chattanooga’s marshmallow-and-chocolate classic.
• Banana Pudding: Layers of pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers—a Southern favorite.
• Sweet Tea: The essential Southern sip, sweet and served over ice.

Souvenir Ideas

We always love bringing a little piece of our travels home as a reminder of our adventures. Each souvenir, whether it’s hanging on our tree, enjoyed with morning coffee, or filling our home with music, keeps the spirit of Nashville alive long after the trip ends.

• Something for the House: This mug holds more than just coffee—it stirs memories of Honky Tonk Highway, spicy hot chicken, and live country music echoing through the streets.
• Food: We couldn’t leave without a box of Goo Goo Clusters, Nashville’s iconic treat of chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and marshmallow nougat—a true taste of the city.
• Keepsake: We always pick up a Christmas ornament from our trips, a cheerful reminder each year as we decorate the tree.

West Tennessee

Rhythm, blues, and barbecue define West Tennessee. Anchored by Memphis,the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll and the home of the blues, this region offers a soulful blend of music, culture, and Southern charm. Along the banks of the Mississippi River, visitors can explore music history, indulge in world-famous cuisine, and experience the spirit that shaped American sound.

• Major Cities/Towns: Memphis, Jackson, Collierville
• See: Visit Graceland in Memphis, stroll the historic court square in Jackson, and explore the natural beauty of Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee’s only natural lake.
• Eat: Sample Memphis-style barbecue, then head to Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store in Jackson for classic Southern comfort food.
• Drink: Sip local wines at Crown Winery near Humboldt or enjoy a craft beer along Memphis’s brewery trail.

Memphis, TN

Memphis, perched on the banks of the Mississippi River, is the soulful heart of Tennessee and the birthplace of the blues, rock ’n’ roll, and soul music. The city hums with rhythm and history, from the neon glow of Beale Street to the legendary halls of Sun Studio and Graceland.

Beyond its musical roots, Memphis delights visitors with its world-famous barbecue, vibrant arts scene, and deep cultural heritage. Whether you’re tracing Elvis Presley’s footsteps, exploring the National Civil Rights Museum, or watching the sun set over the river, Memphis offers an authentic Southern experience filled with sound, flavor, and soul.

• See: Graceland, Beale Street, National Civil Rights Museum, Sun Studio, Memphis Riverfront
• Eat: Central BBQ, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, Rendezvous Ribs
• Drink: Local brews at Wiseacre Brewing or cocktails on Beale Street
• Sports: Memphis Grizzlies (NBA), Memphis Redbirds (AAA baseball)
• Stay: Peabody Hotel (home of the famous ducks)

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Middle Tennessee

Middle Tennessee pulses with creativity and charm, blending the country music capital of Nashville with rolling farmland, historic towns, and whiskey trails. Beyond Broadway’s neon lights, visitors will find Civil War history, picturesque small towns, and outdoor escapes that showcase Tennessee’s scenic heart.

• Major Cities/Towns: Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Columbia, Cookeville
• See: Explore the vibrant streets of Nashville, tour the historic Belle Meade Plantation, and visit the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway.
• Drink: Enjoy a distillery tour on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, including stops at Jack Daniel’s in Lynchburg and George Dickel in Tullahoma.

Nashville, TN

Nashville, the state capital, is world-renowned for its lively music scene, particularly in the country music genre. Visitors can explore historic music venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, as well as honky-tonk bars along Broadway. The city also boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with a mix of traditional Southern fare and innovative cuisine.

• See: Stroll along Broadway and experience the legendary Honky Tonks, or catch a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry
• Eat: Try Nashville’s famous Hot Chicken at Prince’s or Hattie B’s, or dig into mouthwatering barbecue at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint.
• Drink: Sample local craft beer at Yazoo Brewing Company or Bearded Iris Brewing.
• Sports: Cheer on the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium, or watch Nashville SC take the field in an MLS soccer match.
• TV/Film: Explore filming locations from the hit TV series “Nashville.”
• Stay: For luxury, choose the Opryland Hotel; for easy access to Broadway, Honky Tonks, and the stadium, stay downtown to save on Uber/Lyft rides.

Two Takes on Nashville, Tennessee: Honky-Tonks to Hidden Gems

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East Tennessee

East Tennessee is where natural beauty meets family fun. The Great Smoky Mountains anchor the region with misty peaks, scenic drives, and endless outdoor adventures. Beyond the parks, Knoxville offers vibrant culture and dining, while Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge deliver family-friendly attractions and mountain-town charm.

• Major Cities/Towns: Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Chattanooga
• See: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood, Chattanooga’s Tennessee Aquarium, Ruby Falls
• Sports: University of Tennessee Volunteers (Neyland Stadium), Chattanooga Lookouts baseball
  

Smoky Mountains National Park

Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. Established in 1934, the park preserves more than 500,000 acres of forest, mountains, and streams. Its name comes from the natural mist that often hangs over the range, giving the mountains a “smoky” appearance.

The land holds deep cultural roots as well—originally home to the Cherokee people, and later settled by early European pioneers, whose historic cabins, barns, and churches still stand within the park. Beyond its history, the park is a natural wonder, boasting more than 800 miles of hiking trails, diverse wildlife (including black bears and elk), and breathtaking viewpoints. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, spotting wildflowers, or simply soaking in the panoramic vistas from Clingmans Dome, the Smokies offer a timeless escape into nature.

• See: Take in breathtaking views from Clingmans Dome, hike to waterfalls like Laurel Falls, and explore scenic drives along Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove.
• Eat: Pack a picnic
• Sports: Enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife spotting across hundreds of miles of trails.
• Stay: Camp in the park

Pigeon Forge, TN

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge has grown from a quiet mountain community into one of Tennessee’s most beloved family vacation spots. Its name comes from an iron forge built along the Little Pigeon River in the early 1800s, and while its roots are humble, today the town blends Appalachian history with modern attractions. From Dollywood to distilleries, alpine coasters to charming shops, Pigeon Forge is a hub for both outdoor adventure and entertainment.

• Stay: Camp at Clabough’s Campground & RV Park
• See: Explore The Island’s shops and fountain show, enjoy Dollywood’s rides and crafts, ride the Alpine Coaster, and don’t miss the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Eat: Enjoy hearty Southern comfort food at the Old Mill Restaurant
• Drink: Sample Tennessee spirits at Old Smoky Distillery

Two Takes on Pigeon Forge, TN: Where the Smokies Meet Southern Fun

Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg began as a small settlement in the early 1800s, originally known as White Oak Flats. The town grew slowly, with settlers drawn to the area’s rich timber and natural resources. By the early 20th century, Gatlinburg became a hub for logging and moonshine production, and its proximity to the Smokies gradually turned it into a tourist destination. The creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934 brought a steady flow of visitors, transforming Gatlinburg into the vibrant mountain town it is today, famous for scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, and a charming mix of shops, attractions, and local culture.

Our favorite time to visit is in the fall and Ober Gatlinburg has a cute Oktoberfest where you can enjoy polka music, activities and traditional German food.

• See: Ober Gatlinburg, Ripley’s Aquarium, Anakeesta, and Sugarlands Visitor Center.
• Eat: Enjoy Southern and mountain fare at The Peddler Steakhouse, Cherokee Grill, Smoky Mountain Brewery, and local cafes.
• Drink: Sample locally-made moonshine at Sugarlands or Ole Smoky Distillery, or enjoy craft beers at Gatlinburg Brewing Company.
• Stay: Choose from mountain cabins, downtown hotels, resorts with amenities, or campgrounds for a nature-focused experience.

Knoxville, TN

Situated along the Tennessee River in eastern Tennessee, Knoxville has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1791 as the state’s first capital. The city played a significant role in early American frontier life and later became a hub for industry, education, and culture. Today, Knoxville blends historic architecture, a vibrant downtown, and a lively arts scene with access to outdoor adventures in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains, offering something for every kind of traveler.

• See: Knoxville Zoo, Stroll Market Square for shops and live events, visit the historic Sunsphere from the 1982 World’s Fair, or explore the Knoxville Museum of Art.
• Eat: Pizza Palace
• Drink: Local Breweries
• Stay: Choose downtown hotels for walkable access to attractions, riverfront resorts for scenic views, or charming boutique inns for a more intimate experience.

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Summary