Private Jet to Tennessee - Airports, Routes & Prices
Overview
Tennessee Private Jet Charter - Airports, Routes & Prices
Tennessee is a landlocked state in the South, with a wide expanse of over 430 miles from its eastern border with North Carolina in the Great Smoky Mountains to its western border on the Mississippi River abutting Arkansas and Missouri. Its capital, Nashville, is considered the country music capital of the U.S., and its second largest city, Memphis, also has a rich musical heritage and is considered the home of the Blues. Paramount Business Jets can whisk you to your desired destination in Tennessee with ease and efficiency with its luxury private charter jet services, from Nashville in the state’s center to Knoxville or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the east and Memphis in the west.
The state has seen two native sons become president, Andrew Jackson and James Polk. Jackson’s home, the Hermitage, is a popular visitor destination in Nashville. Nicknamed the Volunteer State because of the large numbers of its citizens who volunteered to fight in the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War, Tennessee is home to both Vanderbilt University in Nashville and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Tennessee boasts several professional sports teams, including the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies, the NFL’s Tennessee Titans based out of Nashville, and the NHL’s Nashville Predators.
The state is famous for its musical heritage, evidenced by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and Memphis with Beale Street, Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion, and the famed Sun Studio where musicians such as Elvis and Johnny Cash got their start, and singer Dolly Parton’s popular theme park Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. It is also known for its whisky production, which can be sampled at places like the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, and for food like Nashville hot chicken and Memphis barbeque.
Its natural beauty includes the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the east, spanning Tennessee and North Carolina, the country’s most visited National Park. Other popular destinations in the state’s eastern region include Knoxville with the University of Tennessee and scenic Chattanooga on the Tennessee River, nestled in the state’s southeastern corner near the border with Georgia.
If your travel is taking you to Tennessee to see the CMA Fest, a Vanderbilt or University of Tennessee sporting event, or a concert in Nashville, Paramount Business Jets can provide you the private transportation you desire to get you to the Volunteer State with top service and comfort.
Tennessee Private Charter Prices
How much does it cost to rent a jet to Tennessee?
Very Light Jets
371 KTAS
Light Jets
492 KTAS
Super Light Jets
465 KTAS
Midsize Jets
470 KTAS
Super Midsize Jets
530 KTAS
Large Jets
513 KTAS
Ultra Long Range Jets
516 KTAS
VIP Airliners
485 KTAS
Turboprop Aircraft
402 KTASTop Cities in Tennessee
Popular Tennessee Cities Served by Paramount Business Jets
Paramount can provide the private jet rental you need to fly in luxury to Tennessee’s top cities, from Memphis to Nashville and Knoxville to Chattanooga.
Chattanooga
Chattanooga was built along the Tennessee River and is full of beautiful natural landscapes and viewpoints such as Lookout Mountain overlooking the city and Rock City with its impressive rock formations and scenic vistas straddling the border with Georgia. Lookout Mountain contains an underground waterfall, and 145-foot-high Ruby Falls, and the summit can be most enjoyably reached on its Incline Railway. The Tennessee Riverwalk provides a lovely vantage point to stroll along the river, while the Southern Belle Riverboat offers daily cruises.
Chattanooga is full of history, from its importance as a railroad junction, now commemorated by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and the quaint Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel in the city’s Old Terminal Station, and its Civil War past, commemorated by the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Cultural attractions include the impressive Tennessee Aquarium and the Hunter Museum of American Art situated on a bluff overlooking the city.
Gallatin
Gallatin is a small city set along a tributary of the Cumberland River, 30 miles northeast of Nashville, and is the county seat of Sumner County. It was named after Albert Gallatin, who served as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Gallatin has beautiful natural surroundings such as nearby Bledsoe Creek State Park and the city’s own Old Hickory Lake with its marinas and campgrounds, and cultural attractions like the historic homes such as the 1786 Douglas-Clark House, Trousdale Place from 1813, and Rose Mont, a Greek Revival style home built in 1842.
Knoxville
Knoxville is the state’s third largest city, set on the banks of the Tennessee River. Home to the University of Tennessee, it once hosted the 1982 World’s Fair, the last to be held in the U.S., and the iconic Sunsphere Tower in World’s Fair Park is a reminder of that history. Knoxville has a dynamic mix of cultural and historical attractions, its own Symphony Orchestra, and a charming downtown area based on the 19th-century buildings of Market Square. Nearby is the majestic Tennessee Theater.
Top sights include the historic James White Fort from 1786, the Knoxville Museum of Art, Crescent Bend House and Gardens, the 1792 Blount Mansion, the 1858 Mabry-Hazen House, the Museum of East Tennessee History, and the Tennessee Historical Society and Museum. Outdoor sights include Zoo Knoxville, the Knoxville Botanical Garden, and the Ijams Nature Center. Take a ride on the Star of Knoxville paddle wheeler on the Tennessee River or the Three Rivers Rambler, a turn-of-the-century steam locomotive.
Memphis
Memphis is Tennessee’s second-largest city, situated on the banks of the Mississippi River in the state’s southwest. It is famous as the birthplace of the blues and Memphis Soul. Elvis Presley owned his opulent mansion Graceland here, and the National Civil Rights Museum commemorates the life and death of Martin Luther King, who was assassinated here at the Lorraine Motel. Another important historical site is the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum. But it is music that is Memphis’s claim to fame, starting with Beale Street with its clubs and musical venues, the Orpheum Theater, and W.C. Handy House honoring the Father of the Blues. Then there are its many museums commemorating its musical heritage, from the Blues Hall of Fame to Sun Studio to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
Additional cultural attractions include the Dixon Gallery and Gardens with Impressionist art, and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the state’s largest art museum. Noteworthy outdoor sights include the Memphis Zoo, Memphis Botanic Garden, Shelby Farms Park, and Mud Island River Park, with its Mississippi River Museum. On a lighter note, visitors flock to the Peabody Hotel downtown to witness the parade of the Peabody Ducks down their red carpet from the hotel’s lobby fountain twice each day.
Nashville
Nashville is famous as the country music capital of the U.S. and is Tennessee’s capital and largest city. Known as the Music City, Nashville draws visitors to iconic institutions such as the Grand Ole Opry House and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. A stroll down Broadway leads past stores selling western gear and apparel, restaurants, and honky tonk dance clubs. Other musically oriented sights include the Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Johnny Cash Museum, and the National Museum of African American Music.
Artistic attractions include the full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park, built in 1897 for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, and the Frist Museum of Art with its changing exhibitions. Historical places of interest include Andrew Jackson’s home, the Hermitage, the Tennessee State Museum, and other historic house museums such as the Belle Meade Historic Site, whose mansion was built in 1853, and the 1850s Belmont Manion. Outdoor attractions include the Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art, the Nashville Zoo, Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, and Cumberland Park. Take a ride on the Cumberland River aboard the General Jackson Showboat.
Top Hotels in Tennessee
Top 10 Most Luxurious Hotels in Tennessee
Pair up your luxury escape on one of Paramount’s private jets with a stay at one of Tennessee’s most luxurious hotels.
Four Seasons Hotel, Nashville
The luxurious Four Seasons Hotel is in the SoBro neighborhood of Nashville. With views of the Cumberland River and Riverfront Park, the Four Seasons pampers guests with its Spa and Fitness Center, rooftop infinity pool, and year-round hot tub. A unique feature is the ability to have in-person musical performances from local songwriters in your suite. Rooms feature tables shaped like vinyl record players and lighting evokes recording studio microphones. Fine dining is available at Mimo, the hotel’s signature restaurant and bar.
Hotel Fraye, Nashville
The Hotel Fraye is in midtown Nashville, on Broadway. The hotel provides relaxing upscale venues for relaxation at its outdoor pool with cabanas and its rooftop bar. Gathre is the hotel’s sophisticated restaurant that uses produce from Tennessee regional farms and decorative elements that reflect Nashville’s equestrian culture, while cocktails and expansive views are on tap in the Eddie Ate Dynamite bar, named after the first three keys used to tune a guitar, EAD. Other amenities include an oversized fitness center with the latest Peloton technology and yoga studio and a seventh-floor outdoor terrace with city views.
The Peabody Memphis
The Peabody is a landmark hotel in downtown Memphis that opened in 1869 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Within walking distance of Beale Street, the Peabody is most famous for its marching ducks, which parade on a red carpet from the lobby fountain twice a day. High end amenities include an indoor swimming pool, a resort-style spa, fitness center and Chez Phillippe, a fine dining restaurant with classic French cuisine. Rooms are decked out with Egyptian cotton sheets and 42-inch flat screen TVs.
The Tennessean, Knoxville
The Tennessean in downtown Knoxville at World’s Fair Park is central to Market Square and the University of Tennessee. The Drawing Room restaurant serves up locally sourced Southern cooking and Tennessee whisky. Rooms have a 55-inch TV and regional map artwork. Amenities include a fitness center and a 24-hour business center. The hotel also offers a complimentary car service for rides within a three-mile radius.
The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville
The Hermitage is a historic Beaux-Arts style hotel in Nashville, within walking distance of the city’s main downtown attractions. The Hotel has been designated a National Historic Landmark. The lobby dazzles with ornate chandeliers and a painted glass skylight and marble floors. Guests enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center, and luxury in-room touches such as stationery with your name printed on it. The hotels’ Drusie & Darr Restaurant is helmed by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and afternoon tea is served. There is also an onsite boutique with products from local artisans.
Blackberry Farm, Walland
Blackberry Farm is a picturesque retreat in the Great Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee. The luxury property is on a 4,200-acre farm, with elegant modern country décor in its lodgings. Rooms have fireplaces and soaking tubs. The gourmet restaurant in the beautiful Barn has outstanding food and an amazing wine list. The outdoor activities are impressive, from horseback riding to fly fishing, and hiking to tennis. The property also has an outdoor pool, gym and the Wellhouse spa. The resort has its own farm for producing herbs, honey, vegetables, and cheese.
Conrad Nashville
The Conrad is an upscale property in Midtown Nashville, five minutes from Music Row, with art by regional artists decorating its walls. The lobby’s grand spiral staircase leads to rooms that have marble baths with rain showers and 55-inch high-definition TVs. High end amenities include an outdoor rooftop pool and terrace, plus a 24/7 fitness center. The Blue Aster Restaurant serves farm-to-table fare plus afternoon tea, while the upstairs bar Thistle & Rye offers a selection of Tennessee whiskeys.
The Edwin Hotel, Chattanooga
The Edwin Hotel in Chattanooga is a stylish luxury hotel with a waterfront location in the Bluff View Art District. The hotel offers patrons an outdoor rooftop swimming pool and restaurant, plus a fitness center, full-service spa, and free bikes with which to explore the area. The hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, Whitebird, offers fine dining while the Whiskey Thief rooftop bar serves up cocktails and views of the Tennessee River and Lookout Mountain. The work of local artists is featured throughout the hotel.
1 Hotel Nashville
The 1 Hotel in Nashville was built on the concept of sustainability, with large wooden doors made of recycled wood, live plants all around, a table of apples for snacks in the lobby and an electric Audi house car. Rooms have chalkboards instead of pads of paper, and there are reusable water bottles. Located downtown near the Country Music Hall of Fame and Bridgestone Arena, home to the Nashville Predators professional hockey team, the 1 Hotel offers amenities such as a fitness center and a rooftop terrace.
1 Kitchen is the hotel’s signature farm-to-table restaurant, which has a goal of sourcing 75 percent of its ingredients from a 200-mile radius of the hotel. Harriet’s Rooftop offers crafted cocktails and skyline views. The Bamford Wellness Spa provides a full range of treatments to pamper guests.
W Nashville
The W Nashville is situated in the Gulch neighborhood of Nashville, close to Music Row and Midtown. Featured restaurants from the James Beard award winning chef include the upscale Carne Mare and the more casual The Dutch. The Sunset Bar is located on the pool deck, the largest in Nashville, and Proof is the hotel’s late-night rooftop spot, with its gallery of rock ‘n’ roll photos. The inhouse boutique caries Nashville-themed clothing and gifts. Guests enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, and the hotel’s Spanish Steps lead from the lobby to the outdoor pool with its cocktail bar.
Tennessee Aircraft
Aircraft Available Locally by Jet Type and Age
| Aircraft Name | Category | Range | Seats | Avg. Hourly Price | Baggage Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phenom 100 | VLJ | 1320nm | 4 | $3,250 | 61.46 ft³ |
| Phenom 100 | VLJ | 1320nm | 4 | $3,250 | 61.46 ft³ |
| Vision Jet | VLJ | 1200nm | 4 | $3,000 | ft³ |
| Citation Bravo | Light | 1744nm | 7 | $3,300 | 15.54 ft³ |
| Citation CJ3 | Light | 1900nm | 7 | $3,750 | 14.82 ft³ |
| Learjet 45XR | Super Light | 2049nm | 8 | $4,450 | 65 ft³ |
| Phenom 300 | Super Light | 1951nm | 7 | $4,300 | 85 ft³ |
| Phenom 300 | Super Light | 1951nm | 7 | $4,300 | 85 ft³ |
| Citation Excel | Midsize | 1741nm | 8 | $4,300 | 79.8 ft³ |
| Hawker 800 | Midsize | 2111nm | 8 | $3,600 | 75.56 ft³ |
| Hawker 800 | Midsize | 2111nm | 8 | $3,600 | 75.56 ft³ |
| Learjet 60 | Midsize | 2186nm | 8 | $4,500 | 48 ft³ |
| Learjet 60 | Midsize | 2186nm | 8 | $4,500 | 48 ft³ |
| Challenger 3500 | Super Midsize | nm | $6,100 | ft³ | |
| Falcon 900B | Large | 3920nm | 14 | $7,700 | 127 ft³ |
| Gulfstream GIV-SP | Large | 4109nm | 13 | $7,700 | 169 ft³ |
| Gulfstream GIV-SP | Large | 4109nm | 13 | $7,700 | 169 ft³ |
| Pilatus PC-12 | Turboprop Aircraft | 1845nm | 6 | $2,100 | 40 ft³ |
| Pilatus PC-12 NG | Turboprop Aircraft | 1573nm | 6 | $2,100 | 34.26 ft³ |
| Pilatus PC-12 NG | Turboprop Aircraft | 1573nm | 6 | $2,100 | 34.26 ft³ |
| Super King Air F90 | Turboprop Aircraft | 1612nm | 7 | $1,850 | 45 ft³ |
| Bombardier CRJ200 | Regional Jet | 1345nm | 48 | $15,450 | 472.86 ft³ |
| Embraer ERJ 135 | Regional | 1300nm | 37 | $7,450 | 324 ft³ |
| Gulfstream G550 | Ultra Long Range | 6750nm | 15 | $10,900 | 226 ft³ |
Tennessee Airports
Best Airports for Your Tennessee Private Jet Charter Flights
Charter Jets FAQ
Your Ultimate Tennessee Private Jet Rental Resource
Do I have to stop for customs when I fly on a private jet?
Passengers on all international private charter flights will have to stop at customs. In certain countries, you may have to go through customs at a specific port of entry; for example, you must stop in Tahiti to perform customs checks en route to Bora Bora. You’ll also need to stop at the first port of entry when entering the U.S. from Mexico.
How much rest does the crew need before they can depart again?
Crew members are required to have a 10-hour rest period within each 24-hour cycle. The maximum duty day is 14 hours and must be followed by a 10-hour rest period at their hotel. When scheduling a flight, operators usually account for 12 hours of rest instead of 10. These extra two hours allow the crew time to get to their hotel, rest for the required time, and return to the airport.
How long does a fuel stop for a private jet flight take?
The average fuel stop takes 45–60 minutes. To speed up fuel stops, the operator, or pilots may call ahead, so a fuel truck is waiting for the aircraft on arrival. For smaller jets, a fuel stop can take as little as 30 minutes.
What if I need to charter more than one private jet at the same time?
No. When you charter a private jet, you generally fly into a private airport. However, you could access the same airports as a commercial airline if you request to do so or if there are no private airport options. However, using a large mainstream airport like Los Angeles International or London Heathrow is often a bad choice for private jets, as flying to a smaller regional private airport is much faster and often makes for a more luxurious experience.
Is the age of an aircraft a safety factor?
Aircraft age is not a safety factor. However, if the aircraft is older and hasn’t been refurbished properly, it may cause flyers some inconvenience, such as overheating, faulty air conditioning, or faulty plumbing in the lavatory.
How much luggage am I allowed to bring on a private jet?
As a rule of thumb, each seat on a light or midsize jet equates to one passenger and one item of luggage. Each item of luggage is considered to be the standard 23 kilograms, or about 50 lbs. Large jets are designed for long-range trips, which typically involve longer stays, so you can carry more than one item of luggage per person.
Are there aircraft that are wheelchair accessible?
There are many aircraft that are wheelchair accessible. Most of them are large jets or above and have a straight aisle. If the jet has a zigzag aisle – like the Falcon 900 – it will be difficult to maneuver the wheelchair onboard the aircraft. You’ll also need the right type of wheelchair; many motorized wheelchairs won’t fit and can’t be collapsed. If this is the case, you’ll need a smaller, temporary wheelchair. Some aircraft operators have smaller wheelchairs that can be used. Please speak with your Paramount private jet expert to review your aircraft options.
Can I fly with large sums of cash?
Yes, you can. This is a common occurrence for many private jet clients. You can fly with up to $5 million in cash as long as you declare that cash when coming through customs. For domestic trips, there’s no limit and no need to declare it.
Which private jets come with flight attendants?
In the United States, large jets and above are required to have flight attendants onboard; in Europe, flight attendants are used on midsize jets and above. Flight attendants require their own seats. Larger jets and above have a jump seat near the cockpit for the flight attendant to use, meaning the attendant generally stays out of the cabin.
Which airports offer ramp access, allowing the client to drive their car right up to their private jet?
Private jet clients can often have a limo drive them right up to the private jet, or even drive their own car to the plane. That said, different airports have different policies, and some may not offer ramp access. Please speak with your Paramount Aviation Advisor to review your options for a given trip.
Do private jets come with Wi-Fi?
Many private jets do have Wi-Fi, and it’s increasingly available free of charge on U.S. domestic flights. On international flights, prices range from $3.00-$8.50 USD per megabyte used. This means that opening up social media sites that are rich in images and videos could quickly cost you $20 – and downloading a feature-length movie could cost thousands!
When is on-demand private jet charter better than buying a block of hours?
Private jet charter can be a lot cheaper than buying a block of hours for a one-way flight, as you can access floating fleets or an empty leg to reduce the cost. With a block of hours, the price covers a round trip. If you only fly one-way, you are effectively paying double.
What is a carbon-neutral flight?
Every aircraft burns jet fuel and emits a certain amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. This can be offset via one of several carbon offset programs that allow private jet clients to purchase a certain number of carbon credits to offset the emissions from their flights. A carbon-neutral flight is one that offsets the carbon emissions it uses via a formal process.
Can I have a flexible departure time for my private jet flight?
Yes, it is possible to have a flexible departure when flying privately. Operators typically offer a 30-minute to two-hour window, but you can request a longer window as long as it doesn’t interfere with the maximum crew duty day or their next scheduled flight. Please confirm with your Paramount Aviation Advisor at the time of booking your jet.
When should I hire a Boeing Business Jet?
Boeing Business Jets (BBJs) have unique amenities that extend far beyond sheer size and are often equipped with 1-2 bedrooms and 2-3 bathrooms (one more of those bathrooms may even offer stand-up showers.) These airliner-based executive aircraft also feature tall or ‘stand-up’ cabins that are also longer and wider than more typical corporate aircraft.
How soon can I have a private jet ready from the time I call in the request?
Generally speaking, with as little as 4 hours of notice. However, we have had wheels up in as little as 32 minutes from the time our client called us to book the flight and had them in the air. It depends on a few factors, such as how long it takes for the pilots to arrive at the airport (generally, there is a 2-hour call-out time for the pilots), and whether the aircraft is ready to go at the airport with no repositioning needed. Our Jet Card members enjoy faster booking since they have funds on account and can confirm a flight with a simple email.
Can I access my luggage while in flight?
On most private jets, you will be able to access your luggage during the flight. That’s because luggage and passengers are situated on the same level. This is in contrast to commercial airlines, where checked luggage is stored in a cargo hold. On large private jets, luggage is often stored in a compartment behind the lavatory, which means easy access to your bags.
When are private jet charter landing and takeoff slots applicable?
A landing or takeoff slot is simply a small window of time in which your aircraft is scheduled to fly in or out of the airport. You will need a landing and takeoff slot if you fly to a high-density airport in the United States or one that is hosting a special event with a significant number of aircraft arriving and departing. If you’re flying internationally, you will need a landing and takeoff slot for all major European cities. Please check with your Paramount Aviation Advisor at the time of booking for a specific route.
What kind of in-flight catering is available on a private jet?
Other than the standard snacks and drinks, you can order local cuisine options for your catering on board. In short, anything that doesn’t need to be cooked can be ordered; hot food must be precooked and then warmed on board.
Can I bring pets with me on private jet flights?
Of course! Just let us know in advance. The majority of the operators and aircraft owners allow pets onboard. In some cases, a small cleaning fee may apply. That said, there are specific requirements that must be met when traveling with your pet, including making sure that all documentation and vaccination records for your pet(s) are correct and up-to-date. Dogs and cats must also be at least eight weeks old and weaned when traveling within the U.S.
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Top Sights
Top 10 Sights in Tennessee
Hiring a private jet service from Paramount is a great way to travel in comfort and style to Tennessee’s dynamic cities and beautiful natural sights. From the Great Smoky Mountains in the east to the vibrant music cities of Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee offers a winning combination of natural beauty, fascinating history, and vibrant city life. Here are some of the very best places to see.
Graceland, Memphis
Graceland is the world-famous mansion where Elvis Presley lived from 1957 when he purchased the property to his death in 1977. It is the second most visited house in America after the White House. The house museum is located about 9 miles from downtown Memphis. The over-the-top mansion includes his Jungle Room with Polynesian decor, while the Trophy Building tells the story of his personal life, with a collection of his music and awards over the years, along with such items as Priscilla Presley’s wedding dress and suits he wore during his stage performances. The museum property also contains his two airplanes and his collection of automobiles. Elvis is buried in the Meditation Garden.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the state’s eastern border with North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country. It is a beautiful mountain wonderland of gorgeous vistas, beautiful trails, waterfalls, and historic sites such as Cades Cove, where you can drive a loop road past pioneer homesteads and lovely meadows. Visit the observation tower at Clingman’s Dome at an elevation of 6,600 feet for sweeping views in all directions. The Park offers a multitude of recreational opportunities including fishing, camping, and hiking. Part of the famed Appalachian Trail cuts through the park.
Memphis
Considered the birthplace of the blues and rock and rock, Memphis offers an amazing collection of musical history sights and attractions. Beginning with the famed Beale Street with its many clubs, Memphis provides visitors with a rich variety of musical experiences. A tour of Sun Studio reveals the recording studio where legends like Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded. The Memphis Music Hall of Fame, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Blues Hall of Fame, and Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum highlight different aspects of the city’s musical history and impact on the music world.
In addition to Elvis’ Graceland home, other Memphis attractions include the National Civil Rights Museum, constructed in the former Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968. Learn about other aspects of the city’s history at the Cotton Museum and get outdoors at Mud Island with its Mississippi River Museum or visit the wildlife at the Memphis Zoo. Watch the famed ducks of the Peabody Hotel make their twice-daily parade through the lobby or take a cruise on the Mississippi with Memphis Riverboats.
Grand Ole Opry House and Opry Museum, Nashville
Nashville’s preeminent musical destination is the Grand Ole Opry House, which hosts top country music performances in a historical setting. The entertainment venue was originally based on an hour-long radio barn dance that began in 1925. Originally housed at the Ryman Auditorium, the venue changed to the Grand Ole Opry House in 1974. There are daily tours of the structure, and adjacent to the Opry House itself is the Opry Museum, where there is a large collection of musical memorabilia on display.
The Hermitage, Nashville
The Hermitage was the home of President Andrew Jackson and his wife Rachel and is a National Historic Landmark. Situated about 15 miles northeast of Nashville, the Greek Revival-style mansion was home to Jackson from 1804 when he purchased the property until his death in 1845. The mansion, gardens, and plantation tell the story of Jackson’s life, and the grounds also contain former slave quarters and Jackson’s tomb.
Nashville
A beacon for country music fans, Nashville is a dynamic city located in the heart of central Tennessee. Iconic sights include the Grand Ole Opry House and its predecessor the Ryman Auditorium, as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame, RCA’s Studio B, and the Johnny Cash Museum. Honky tonk joints and western wear shops line Broadway, the city’s main downtown street, where you’ll also find the National Museum of African American Music.
Nashville is far more than just its music. There’s a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park, the Tennessee State Capitol Building, exhibits on the state’s rich history at the Tennessee Museum, art on display at the Frist Museum, and wonderful house museums beyond just the Hermitage such as the Cheekwood Estate, Belmont Mansion, and Belle Meade plantation. Nashville’s setting on the Cumberland River can be enjoyed by rides on the General Jackson Showboat.
Dollywood, Pigeon Forge
Named after country singer Dolly Parton, Dollywood is a 160-acre theme park owned by the singer and located in the town of Pigeon Forge. Dollywood is the most popular ticketed attraction in the state of Tennessee. The Park contains a mix of rides, musical entertainment, and Smoky Mountain traditions and crafts. There are 11 themed areas representing the culture and history of East Tennessee. The Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame are inside the park, and there is also a coal-fired steam train, the Dollywood Express, that takes visitors around the park.
Chattanooga
Chattanooga has a beautiful setting on the Tennessee River in the Appalachian Mountains of southeastern Tennessee bordering Georgia. There are plentiful attractions including Lookout Mountain with its Incline Railroad, Ruby Falls located inside the mountain, and awe-inspiring vistas from on top. Rock City contains amazing rock formations, views, and trails as it straddles the border with Georgia.
The city’s railroad history is on display at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel in the old Terminal Station. Civil War history abounds at the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, the oldest and largest of the country’s Civil War parks. The Tennessee Aquarium presents River Journey and Ocean Journey experiences in its two buildings, while additional outdoor activities include a visit to the Chattanooga Zoo.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville
One of Nashville’s premier attractions, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum honors the city’s deep history as the headquarters of country music in the United States. The windows of the building resemble the keys of a piano. The galleries feature exhibits of instruments, clothing, and musical memorabilia in the world’s largest music museum. The museum tells the country music story from its inception to sections highlighting its current and former celebrities. Artifacts include Elvis Presley’s Gold Cadillac and Garth Brook’s guitar. The Hall of Fame Rotunda has plaques of all its inductees.
Knoxville
The eastern city of Knoxville is built along the banks of the Tennessee River and has a vibrant downtown district centered around Market Square and the beautiful Tennessee Theater. In addition to being home to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville has a rewarding collection of historic, artistic, and outdoor attractions. It was the site of the 1982 World’s Fair, and the Sunsphere Tower in World’s Fair Park remains as a reminder. Take a ride on the Star of Knoxville paddle wheeler on the Tennessee River or the Three Rivers Rambler, a turn-of-the-century steam locomotive.
Historic sites include the East Tennessee History Center, Tennessee Historical Society and Museum, and James White’s Fort from 1786. The log cabin/fort was named after city founder James White, who named the city after George Washington’s Secretary of War, Henry Knox. Get outdoors at locations such as Zoo Knoxville, the Knoxville Botanical Garden, and the Ijams Nature Center for hiking, fishing, and biking. Artistic collections take center stage at the Knoxville Museum of Art, while historic homes of interest include Crescent Bend House and Gardens, the 1792 Blount Mansion, and the 1858 Mabry-Hazen House.
