Tennessee Bucket List Destinations 2023

Updated: 2/24/25

Part of the reason I started Seeing Tennessee was to encourage us to explore more of our new home state. I absolutely love traveling, but we’re in a season where hopping on a flight, even a short one, just isn’t appealing at the moment.

Plus, I’ve learned over the years that the most popular travel destinations aren’t the only ones worth visiting. Every place has something that makes it special. Tennessee has such a wide range of destinations–big cities, adorable small towns, lakes, mountains, and everything in between.

Even though we live in Nashville, we’ve barely visited anywhere else in Tennessee. This year, we’re still going to stick fairly close to Nashville, but I’d like us to check out a few state parks, cities, and a couple of other destinations across Tennessee. I’m sure we’ll go to other places as well, but I’ve put together a 2023 Tennessee bucket list to get us started.

So here it is!

Note in 2024: I did not make it to very many of these in 2023, but I did visit Memphis, Townsend, Knoxville, and Pigeon Forge! I’ll keep updating it as I check items off. Also, I’ve created a Facebook group for people to talk about the best places they’ve been in Tennessee. You can join in here!

12 Places to Visit in Tennessee in 2023

Arrington Vineyard – We’ve been to Arrington Vineyards before and enjoyed visiting! I’d love to go back in the spring for Music in the Vines or Food Truck Friday (or both). If we happened to time a visit when the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck happens to be there, that would be even better!
✅ Long Hunter State Park – This is one of the closest state parks to Nashville. The park has a number of hiking trails, including the lake trail which is supposed to be an easy trail that’s wheelchair and stroller accessible. Read my guide to Long Hunter State Park here!
Cedars of Lebanon State Park – This state park is less than an hour from Nashville. It looks like there are some good hiking options and other activities. I’d love to take a quick weekend getaway to one of the cabins here.
Montgomery Bell State Park – This is another state park that’s less than an hour from Nashville. I’d love to try out a few hikes and maybe kayak here.
Natchez Trace Parkway – It’s always enjoyable to drive along the Natchez Trace in Mississippi, but I’ve never been along any parts of the Trace outside of Mississippi. One day I’d love to road trip all 444 miles from Nashville to Natchez, but for right now, I’d like to just spend an afternoon exploring a few of the closest stops along the Trace.
Landmark Booksellers – This is a charming bookstore on Main Street in Franklin. Clearly, exploring Tennessee includes stopping at every local bookstore I can find.
Sunsphere – Located in Knoxville, the Sunsphere was created for the 1982 World’s Fair. I’m not a fan of heights, but I’m fascinated by structures that were built for World’s Fairs in general.
✅Status Dough – East Nashville had a Status Dough location, and I went there several times while trying out donut shops in Nashville. I was devastated when our location closed so soon after opening. I will happily drive the 180 miles to Knoxville to get my hands on their chocolate old-fashioned donuts again.
✅Bell Buckle Daffodil Festival – This festival in Bell Buckle sounds like the perfect way to kick off spring in Middle Tennessee.
Ijams Nature Center – I’ve heard a lot of good things about Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. While I’d love to explore the entire area, I’d like to start with the Ijams Nature Center first.
Memphis Botanic Garden – Who doesn’t love a visit to a botanic garden? I specifically want to see the Urban Home Garden here, but I’m sure that every area at the Memphis Botanic Garden is stunning.
Crosstown Concourse – Formerly a Sears Warehouse, this area in Memphis has been recently developed into a mixed-use space. The concept sounds fascinating, and I’d love to see what it’s like in person. Plus, I will find any excuse necessary to order chicken at Abner’s.

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This is such a small portion of all the things to do in Tennessee, but I’m excited to have a loose idea of what 2023 will bring. If you know of any other destinations in the state I absolutely have to visit right away, feel free to share in the comments.

If you haven’t already seen it, take a look at my 2023 Nashville bucket list as well.