In This Article

1. The American Museum of Science and Energy

The American Museum of Science and Energy

© The American Museum of Science and Energy

Location:

Oak Ridge, TN

Highlights:

Ever wondered how science helped win World War II or how nuclear energy powers our world today? The American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE) is a hands-on, history-rich experience for curious minds of all ages, located in the heart of the once-secret city of Oak Ridge.

Recommended For:

Families, science lovers, history buffs, homeschoolers, and anyone intrigued by energy, innovation, and the atomic age.

What I Love: ♥

The powerful mix of high-voltage science fun, WWII-era history, and rare insider access to Manhattan Project sites via guided bus tours.
  • Visit a Smithsonian-affiliated museum inside an 18,000-square-foot facility packed with interactive exhibits and powerful local history.
  • Explore hands-on science displays like a live Van de Graaff generator, an operational NOAA weather station, and engaging STEM experiences for all ages.
  • Step back in time to learn about Oak Ridge’s top-secret role in the Manhattan Project during WWII.
  • Walk through a restored flat-top house from the 1940s and view historical photography by renowned Manhattan Project photographer Ed Wescott.
  • Take a guided bus tour to sites within the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, including the Y-12 National Security Complex and the East Tennessee Technology Park.

Distance from Knoxville:

About 30 minutes by car west on TN-62 W.

How to Get to AMSE:

Located on Main Street in Oak Ridge, the museum offers easy access and free parking. Guided tours typically require advance reservation.

Address:

115 E Main St, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Phone: 865-294-4531

2. Asheville

Asheville

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Location:

Asheville, NC (Blue Ridge Mountains)

Highlights:

Looking for a mountain escape with world-class architecture, fine dining, and sweeping scenic views? Asheville is a vibrant city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, known for its artsy vibe, Gilded Age grandeur, and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Recommended For:

Couples, architecture buffs, foodies, tea lovers, and anyone craving fresh mountain air with a touch of luxury.

What I Love: ♥

The majestic Biltmore Estate, afternoon tea with a view, and the lively downtown scene filled with award-winning restaurants and creative energy.
  • Visit the iconic Biltmore Estate, a sprawling Gilded Age mansion built by George Washington Vanderbilt II, and one of America’s most spectacular historic homes.
  • Take a guided tour of the estate, stroll the gardens and grounds, and enjoy a refined afternoon tea in the elegant Biltmore Dining Room.
  • Explore Asheville’s historic downtown, also shaped by Vanderbilt’s vision, filled with independent shops, art galleries, and local musicians.
  • Dine your way through a thriving culinary scene featuring New American fare, creative gastropubs, and global fusion cuisine.
  • Relax in a stunning natural setting—less than 2 hours from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Distance from Knoxville, TN:

About 1 hour and 45 minutes by car via I-40 E.

How to Get to Asheville:

Fly into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) or enjoy a scenic mountain drive. Once in town, the downtown area is very walkable with easy access to nearby trails and sights.

Map:

View Asheville on Google Maps

3. Atlanta

Atlanta

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Location:

Atlanta, GA

Highlights:

Looking for a city that blends Olympic history, Civil Rights heritage, and family-friendly attractions? Atlanta is a dynamic Southern metropolis where green spaces meet world-class museums, and the past and future walk hand in hand.

Recommended For:

Families, history buffs, culture lovers, sports fans, and urban explorers looking for a city that surprises and inspires.

What I Love: ♥

Atlanta’s mix of Olympic pride, Civil Rights history, vibrant green space, and bold Southern hospitality—plus where else can you ride a giant Ferris wheel, walk MLK’s childhood street, and see whale sharks all in one day?
  • Discover Centennial Olympic Park, the crown jewel of Atlanta’s 1996 Summer Games legacy, complete with a 200-foot SkyView Ferris wheel and a global flag pavilion.
  • Honor the past at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, featuring free-admission landmarks from MLK’s early life and the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Explore the Atlanta BeltLine, a once-abandoned railway corridor turned vibrant urban trail surrounded by art, parks, and local bites.
  • Marvel at the Georgia Aquarium, one of the world’s largest, home to whale sharks, manta rays, and touch tanks galore.
  • Experience the Atlanta Ballet, one of the nation’s top-tier dance companies, or dive into pop culture at the World of Coca-Cola museum.

Distance from Chattanooga, TN:

Around 2 hours by car via I-75 S.

How to Get to Atlanta:

Fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—one of the busiest in the world—or take Amtrak, Greyhound, or drive into downtown. MARTA makes navigating the city simple.

Map:

View Atlanta on Google Maps

4. The Bourbon Heritage Centre

The Bourbon Heritage Centre

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Location:

Bardstown, KY

Highlights:

Ready to sip where history was made? The Bourbon Heritage Center at Heaven Hill Distillery is a must-stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail—a place where award-winning whiskey meets immersive storytelling and connoisseur-worthy tastings.

Recommended For:

Whiskey enthusiasts, bourbon trail trekkers, history buffs, and couples on a spirited weekend getaway.

What I Love: ♥

Guided tastings of limited-release whiskeys, behind-the-scenes views of Rickhouse Y, and the legacy of a distillery that’s been crafting spirits since 1935.
  • Visit the official visitor center and museum of Heaven Hill Distillery, open since 1935 and now a cornerstone of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
  • Explore exhibits on the history, craft, and science of American whiskey, from heritage displays to modern innovations in distilling.
  • Book a Mashbill Tour to go behind the scenes at Rickhouse Y, one of the distillery’s active barrel aging warehouses.
  • Taste like a pro during the Whiskey Connoisseur Experience—a 40-minute guided tasting of four premium and limited-release whiskeys with insights into flavor notes, aroma, and finish.
  • Sample signature pours like:
    • Rittenhouse Rye – A bold, award-winning rye whiskey.
    • Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond – A traditional bourbon with deep character.
    • Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey – A smooth wheat whiskey with a unique twist.

Distance from Louisville:

Just over 1 hour by car via Bluegrass Parkway.

How to Get to the Heritage Center:

Located just outside downtown Bardstown, follow signs for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Ample parking is available, and advance reservations are recommended for tastings and tours.

Address:

1311 Gilkey Run Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004
Phone: 502-337-1000

5. Chattanooga

Chattanooga

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Location:

Chattanooga, TN

Highlights:

Whether you're chasing mountaintop views, underground waterfalls, or riverside strolls, Chattanooga offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural history, and fun for all ages—all nestled in the scenic foothills of the Appalachians.

Recommended For:

Couples, families, outdoor lovers, photographers, and road-trippers seeking a versatile Tennessee destination with something for everyone.

What I Love: ♥

The ability to explore mountaintop gardens, underground waterfalls, and historic railroads all in one laid-back, friendly Southern city.
  • Explore Lookout Mountain, where panoramic views allow you to see seven states on a clear day.
  • Wander through Rock City Gardens, a whimsical trail of giant rock formations, swing bridges, and fairy tale scenes.
  • Descend into Ruby Falls, America’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public—complete with a glowing cavern tour and romantic origin story.
  • Take the family to the Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Zoo, and Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, or catch a show at the restored 1921 Tivoli Theatre.
  • Stroll or bike along the scenic 13-mile Tennessee Riverwalk, which links green spaces, art installations, and downtown dining all along the riverfront.

Distance from Nashville:

Approximately 2 hours by car via I-24 E.

How to Get to Chattanooga:

Drive from nearby cities, or fly into Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA). The downtown area is easy to explore on foot, bike, or electric shuttle.

Map:

View Chattanooga on Google Maps

Romantic Day Trips from Tennessee:

6. Franklin

Franklin

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Location:

Franklin, TN (Williamson County)

Highlights:

Looking for a Southern town with Civil War history, Victorian charm, and indie shopping all in one place? Franklin blends historic preservation with modern flair—just 20 minutes south of Nashville.

Recommended For:

History lovers, couples, architecture buffs, boutique shoppers, and anyone looking for a relaxed yet culture-rich day trip from Nashville.

What I Love: ♥

Franklin’s walkable Main Street, immersive Civil War sites, and a reimagined factory complex turned artisan and foodie haven.
  • Explore Civil War history at the Carter House and Carnton Plantation, both pivotal sites from the 1864 Battle of Franklin.
  • Visit Lotz House, a living history museum filled with 19th-century antiques and compelling battlefield stories.
  • Wander along Main Street, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, where restored Victorian-era buildings now house galleries, boutiques, and gift shops.
  • Check out The Factory at Franklin, where Depression-era industrial buildings have been transformed into artisan shops and globally inspired eateries.

Distance from Nashville:

Just under 30 minutes by car via I-65 S.

How to Get to Franklin:

Drive from Nashville or use a rideshare. Once downtown, everything is easily walkable with plenty of parking available at The Factory and near Main Street.

Map:

View Franklin on Google Maps

7. Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg

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Location:

Gatlinburg, TN

Highlights:

Looking for a mountain town that’s packed with adventure and postcard-perfect views? Gatlinburg sits at the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and delivers a blend of family fun, natural beauty, and unique attractions that make it one of Tennessee’s top day trip destinations.

Recommended For:

Families, couples, nature lovers, photographers, and thrill seekers who love mountain views with a side of fun.

What I Love: ♥

Cable cars over the treetops, underwater tunnels at Ripley’s Aquarium, mountaintop theme parks—and of course, those breathtaking Smoky Mountain sunsets.
  • Discover the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, a crowd favorite featuring underwater tunnels, shark lagoons, and a playful penguin exhibit.
  • Ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift to the top of Crockett Mountain for panoramic views, then cross the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.
  • Soar up the Gatlinburg Space Needle for a 360-degree observation deck with scenic mountain vistas.
  • Visit Ober Gatlinburg, accessible by a two-mile aerial tramway, and enjoy year-round activities including skiing, tubing, and alpine coasters.
  • Explore Anakeesta, a mountaintop adventure park with treetop walks, ziplines, dining, and immersive nature experiences.
  • Step into film history at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, showcasing iconic vehicles from TV and movies.
  • Celebrate winter with Gatlinburg Winterfest, when the whole town is decked in twinkling lights, snowy décor, and holiday magic.

Distance from Knoxville:

About 1 hour by car via US-441 S.

How to Get to Gatlinburg:

The easiest way is to drive through Pigeon Forge into the Smokies. Once in Gatlinburg, park and enjoy the walkable downtown or hop on the free trolley system to explore.

Map:

View Gatlinburg on Google Maps

8. Jack Daniel's Distillery

Jack Daniel's Distillery

© Maksim Shebeko/stock.adobe.com

Location:

Lynchburg, TN

Highlights:

If you’re into whiskey, heritage, or Southern hospitality, the Jack Daniel’s Distillery is a must-visit. It’s the birthplace of America’s best-selling Tennessee whiskey—still crafted in the same small town since the 1800s.

Recommended For:

Whiskey fans, Southern foodies, couples on a rustic road trip, and anyone curious about the legacy behind the black label.

What I Love: ♥

From charcoal mellowing to barrel aging, every step of the process is steeped in tradition—and the tasting tours are as smooth as the whiskey itself.
  • Tour the official Jack Daniel’s production facility, open since 1956 and located in the charming dry county of Lynchburg, TN.
  • Choose your experience:
    • Dry County Tour – A 70-minute walkthrough of the distillery’s inner workings, without tastings.
    • Flight of Jack Daniel’s Tour – Includes a guided tasting of five popular Jack Daniel’s whiskeys.
    • Angel’s Share Tour – Features exclusive tastings of rare and reserve products.
    • Taste of Lynchburg Tour – A 3-hour experience that ends with a Southern-style two-course meal at historic Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House.
  • See why this iconic whiskey—especially its legendary “Black Label” Old No. 7—has become a global symbol of Tennessee craftsmanship, selling over 12.5 million cases annually.

Distance from Nashville:

Just under 1.5 hours by car via I-24 E and US-231 S.

How to Get to the Distillery:

Located in Lynchburg’s quaint town square area, parking is free and tours run daily except major holidays. Booking in advance is recommended for tasting tours.

Address:

133 Lynchburg Hwy, Lynchburg, TN 37352
Phone: 931-759-6357

9. Knoxville

Knoxville

© SeanPavonePhoto/stock.adobe.com

Location:

Knoxville, TN

Highlights:

Looking for a mix of Appalachian history, college-town energy, and cultural gems? Knoxville is a vibrant East Tennessee city where frontier history meets lively festivals, museum-hopping, and Tennessee Vols game days.

Recommended For:

History buffs, SEC sports fans, museum lovers, and travelers exploring the gateway to the Smokies.

What I Love: ♥

From Revolutionary War forts to the towering Sunsphere, Knoxville serves up small-town friendliness with big city attractions and natural beauty just around the bend.
  • Catch a game at the University of Tennessee, where the Volunteers bring massive crowds and serious school spirit to Neyland Stadium and Thompson-Boling Arena.
  • Explore the Museum of East Tennessee History, featuring rotating exhibits, Civil War relics, and compelling storytelling about regional heritage.
  • Step back in time at James White's Fort, a 1786 frontier homestead reimagined as a living history museum with authentic furnishings and costumed guides.
  • Tour the elegant Blount Mansion, former home of U.S. Constitution signer William Blount, surrounded by period gardens and preserved architecture.
  • Visit the World’s Fair Park, featuring the iconic Sunsphere observation tower built for the 1982 World's Fair and still offering 360-degree views of downtown and the mountains beyond.

Distance from Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

About 45 minutes by car via US-441 S or I-40 E.

How to Get to Knoxville:

Fly into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) or drive in via I-40 or I-75. Once downtown, you can explore on foot or use KAT trolleys and bike paths to get around.

Map:

View Knoxville on Google Maps

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