April 15, 2025 – Tennessee’s stunning scenery is written in the stars, inviting visitors to explore the state’s natural beauty after dark. Tennessee is home to one-of-a-kind landscapes, attractions and outdoor allure which aren’t limited to daytime adventure. From scenic vistas and hiking trails to campsites and planetariums, a universe of possibilities awaits under a blanket of glittering stars.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – April 10, 2025 – The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is redefining accessibility through the power of music, partnering with songwriters in an industry-first initiative to enhance the online travel experience for blind and visually impaired visitors. This groundbreaking program called “Sound Sites” replaces standard image descriptions known as alt-text on TNVacation.com with beautifully crafted song lyrics, allowing travelers using screen readers to experience Tennessee’s landscapes, culture and spirit through poetic, immersive storytelling.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – April 2, 2025 – Tennessee marks a global milestone as one of six states selected for inclusion in the upcoming MICHELIN Guide American South, announced today by MICHELIN and Travel South USA. The first-of-its-kind regional guide will spotlight the South’s distinctive flavors and culinary talent. Tennessee joins Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and the pre-existing Atlanta Guide in the expansion.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 25, 2025) – Tennessee is a state rich in culture, history and of course, delicious food. Whether you're a barbecue enthusiast, a sweets lover or an adventurous foodie on the hunt for new flavors, Tennessee’s culinary scene has something for everyone. In the upcoming months, immerse yourself in a variety of festivals celebrating local cuisine, regional specialties and unique food experiences across the Volunteer State. From totally unique festivals to hotly contested cook-offs, Tennessee invites you to savor every moment at these unforgettable events.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (March 20, 2025) Spring flowers bloom welcoming warmer weather, outdoor experiences for nature lovers, live music, art and festivals for every occasion, including chocolate gravy. Here’s a look at what’s new and happening this season in Tennessee. Get some fresh air, take a road trip and find additional spring travel inspiration.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – March 4, 2025 – Seven Tennessee Songwriters Week finalists stunned audiences, and impressed esteemed judges and fellow songwriters with their original songs on stage at showcases across the state, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development announced today. Songwriter showcases included Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis, The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, Paramount Bristol in Bristol, Ole Red in Gatlinburg, Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Temple Theatre in Portland and The Franklin Theatre in Franklin.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 21, 2025) – With International Women’s Day on March 8 (and Women’s History Month celebrated throughout the month), it’s time to put the spotlight on Tennessee’s incredible female makers & shakers. From global icons to small town superheroes, these women are innovating and inspiring on a daily basis.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Feb. 12, 2025 – Discover the musical story of Tennessee from the ones who are writing it during Tennessee Songwriters Week. From January 26 through February 8, more than 1,200 songwriters performed at nearly 50 qualifying round venues across the state. Now, select artists will compete at one of seven showcase events for the chance to perform their original music at the iconic Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (January 14, 2025) – The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) unveiled the official 2025 Tennessee Vacation Guide today, offering an insider’s how-to for experiencing world-class destinations and unforgettable moments across the state. Available now, the free printed guide or e-guide can be accessed online at TNvacation.com or picked up in person at any of Tennessee’s 16 Welcome Centers.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (Jan. 3, 2025) - Tennessee is in the international spotlight, featured on Wanderlust’s 2025 Good to Go List, which spotlights 25 destinations where culture, innovation and community converge. The list champions travel as a force for good, while also celebrating newsworthy events, anniversaries, cultural events and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Tennessee is one of just a handful of U.S. destinations on the list, including Mississippi and New York state.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Dec. 12, 2024 – Signups officially open today for songwriters to take part in the seventh annual statewide Tennessee Songwriters Week. Songwriters of all genres can sign up to perform in qualifying rounds all over Tennessee and compete for a chance to play their original music at iconic venues across the state, including The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Songwriters Week supports music venues, provides songwriters with live performance opportunities, drives visitation and inspires travelers to experience the state's musical stories, history, attractions and venues. Since its inception in 2019, more than 4,000 songwriters have shared their original songs on Tennessee stages during the annual celebration each February.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (Nov. 14, 2024) Tennessee promises unique, immersive experiences and outdoor adventure in 2025 with new attractions, restaurants, distilleries, hotels, exhibits, iconic anniversaries and impressive renovations. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the most-anticipated openings to check out in Tennessee this year.
NASHVILLE, TN – (October 29, 2024) – Kids have a big say when it comes to family travel, and that’s why Dollywood’s "Dreamer in Chief" Dolly Parton has teamed up with Tennessee Tourism to inspire the ultimate Playcation. Together, they’re inviting kids—and kids-at-heart—to plan their perfect Tennessee adventure with the Tennessee Playcation Kid’s Guide. Available now for pre-order at DollyPlaycation.com, the 90-plus page guide sparks creativity and pure imagination, helping families map out their dream getaway.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 19, 2024) – Voices echo from the past, stories and figures roam the hallways and things go bump in the night. When you come to Tennessee, ghostly encounters are tied to history, connected to hotels, theaters, historic homes, hospitals, battlefields, infamous prisons, caves, bars and even claimed to be spotted by lantern light during walking tours. Discover some of Tennessee’s historically haunted destinations.