6 Stops for a Perfect Tennessee Summer
Pour a glass, grab a paddle, or find your favorite falls — summer in Tennessee is anything but ordinary. Image: Dollywood
Summer in Tennessee means long, sunny days packed with fun for all ages. Lakes sparkle, stages come alive, and visitors find joy in everything from thrill rides to museum play zones — all under Tennessee’s summer sun. Families can cool off at water parks, explore interactive museums, or chase the thrill at amusement parks like Dollywood. Award-winning restaurants and food festivals serve up the season’s best flavors, while scenic hikes and waterfall trails showcase the state’s natural beauty.
Wherever you roam, Tennessee is bursting with summer adventures.
Find Adventure in Carter County
Cool off in the wild beauty of Carter County, where outdoor adventure and mountain charm collide. Roan Mountain State Park offers cozy cabins, shaded campgrounds, and access to the world’s largest natural rhododendron garden — a must-see in full bloom.
Nearby, Watauga Lake beckons with crystal-clear water, and over half its shoreline is protected by the national forest. It’s perfect for boating, kayaking, or casting a line on a peaceful summer day.
For hikers, the Appalachian Trail winds through scenic Roan Mountain balds, past Laurel Fork Falls and along the lake, offering some of the most iconic day hikes in the region. Prefer biking? The family-friendly Tweetsie Trail runs 10 miles from Johnson City to Elizabethton on a smooth, crushed gravel path ideal for a leisurely ride.
Whether you’re reeling in trout on the Watauga River or paddling through cool mountain waters, Carter County is a refreshing escape into Appalachian adventure.
Discover Reelfoot
Obion County blends outdoor adventure with family-friendly fun and a splash of culture. At Discovery Park of America, kids can stay curious all summer long with interactive exhibits and the featured REAL BODIES display — equal parts educational and awe-inspiring. Don’t miss Rhythm on the Rails, a free Friday night concert series through June 27 that turns the museum grounds into a hub for live music and community connection.
Meanwhile, Reelfoot Lake offers a wild summer escape with world-class fishing, bald eagle sightings, and boat tours through its cypress-lined waters. Whether you’re casting for catfish or spotting herons, it’s a peaceful place to unplug.
And for something more laid-back, head to White Squirrel Winery, Tennessee’s largest grape producer, for a glass of local wine and live music in the vines. Whether you’re on the water, at a concert, or toasting in the vineyard, the Reelfoot area delivers summer fun for all.
Unwind on Old Hickory Lake
Whether you’re in the mood for high-energy adventure or a laid-back escape, Sumner County’s Old Hickory Lake delivers the best of both worlds. Spend the day casting a line in peaceful coves, paddling through clear waters, or cruising in style with Sweetwater Pontoon Rentals and Cruisin’ Tikis Nashville.
For a truly unforgettable experience, book a tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking, Tennessee’s only clear kayak tour, complete with glowing boats and a front-row seat to a Southern sunset. Prefer paddle boarding? TN SUP & Adventures has you covered.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite from a day of fun in the sun, enjoy lakefront bites with a view. Awedaddys Bar & Grill offers Cajun pasta, crab dip, and refreshing cocktails. At Moby Dicky’s, try hot chicken sliders and fresh oysters, or kick back with a burger and bang bang shrimp at The Rudder.
Sometimes, the best summer days aren’t jam-packed — they’re just well spent. In Sumner County, relaxation and lakeside fun go hand-in-hand.
Explore Tennessee State Parks
Make a splash this summer with unforgettable adventures at one (or more!) of the 60 Tennessee State Parks. Cruise the wide waters of Kentucky Lake at Paris Landing State Park, where fishing, boating, and waterskiing meet scenic views and an 18-hole golf course.
For thrill-seekers, Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park offers whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River, featuring Class I-V rapids and access to the rustic Gee Creek campground.
Cast a line or unwind in a lakeside cabin at Pickwick Landing State Park, where Pickwick Lake delivers top-tier fishing, boating, and swimming, plus a full-service lodge with pools and panoramic views.
Love the rush of waterfalls? Plan a stay at Fall Creek Falls, Edgar Evins, or Cumberland Mountain State Park — each near multiple waterfall hikes like Cummins Falls and Burgess Falls. Whether you crave adrenaline or tranquility, Tennessee State Parks deliver the perfect summer getaway with endless ways to explore, relax, and connect with nature. And did we mention they’re all free to visit?
Experience Tennessee Wineries
Looking for a unique summer outing with friends? The Tennessee Wine Trail offers a flavorful escape through some of the state’s most scenic regions — with free tastings and no cost to explore. With over 100 wineries and more than 1,200 locally crafted wines, hard ciders, and meads, this trail is your passport to experiencing Tennessee’s rich and diverse wine scene.
Begin your adventure at Grinder’s Switch Winery in Nashville’s Marathon Village, then head to Love & Exile Winery in East Nashville. Slightly further from the downtown area, you’ll find favorites like Belle Meade Winery and Amber Falls Winery. And just a short drive from Nashville, in nearby Franklin, you’ll find Arrington Vineyards, where you can easily spend an entire afternoon. Along the way, you can sip everything from bold cabernets and crisp seyval blancs to elevated dry blends.
Prefer to sit back and relax? Book a VIP, chauffeur-driven wine trail experience for a curated day of sipping and sightseeing. Or plan a weekend in the Smokies, where 27+ wineries are ready to welcome you with a pour and a story. Every stop is a toast to summer — and a taste of Tennessee.
Escape to Brownsville
Brownsville, TN, offers a delightful blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation perfect for your summer getaway. Kick off your summer escape at Serendipity Resort, where camping, cabins, yurts, and a family-friendly water park offer fun for all ages.
After soaking up the sun, explore Brownsville’s charming downtown district. Grab a nostalgic milkshake at Livingston’s Soda Fountain & Grill, stroll the court square, and admire the colorful murals adorning the buildings.
Music lovers won’t want to miss outdoor concerts like Live on the Lawn every Thursday in June or the Summer Jamz Music Fest in July. Dive into Brownsville’s rich musical roots with a visit to the Tina Turner Museum and the West TN Music Museum at the West TN Delta Heritage Center.
For a peaceful break, explore Brownsville’s outdoor attractions. Float down the Scenic Hatchie River (or explore any of its oxbow lakes) and hike around Oneal Lake, where nature and wildlife abound — especially at sunset.
Happy travels!
This article is sponsored by Tennessee Tourism.
Kate Feinberg
Kate Feinberg is a professional writer based in Nashville. She has more than 14 years of freelance writing experience covering travel, wellness, and lifestyle. A certified meditation teacher, RYT-200 yoga instructor, and integrative nutrition health coach, she brings a strong wellness perspective to her work. Kate is also a marathon runner and the creator of a plant-based food blog, Chef Kate F, where she shares nourishing recipes and mindful living tips. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her on the golf course, exploring new destinations, or combining both with golf-focused travel. She enjoys lake life on Percy Priest Lake.