Nashville is one of America’s hottest cities. Yes, summer temperatures reach the upper 90s in Music City, but we’re talking about the city’s newfound popularity in recent years.
Whether it’s weekend getaways, fun festivals, or a surge in the real estate market, Nashville is on fire!
For travelers, these flames are inextinguishable.
Visiting Nashville, you can’t help but notice the crowds pouring into the streets, especially Broadway, a buzzing row of sports fans, honky-tonkers, and barbecue lovers.
This lively city has put Tennessee on the map as one of America’s trendiest states, and there’s far more to discover, all while stretching your budget.
Nashville is breaking tourism records in terms of both spending and number of visitors.
With nearly 17 million tourists, there’s no better time to skip the crowds and explore Tennessee’s cheaper hidden gems.
Franklin: Nashville’s Nearby Little Brother
Wanna escape the busy city life to somewhere close by?
Look no further than the much smaller city of Franklin, home to less-crowded streets oozing charm and character just 30 minutes away.
Quite the opposite of Nashville’s Broadway, expect a calmer city with a scenic countryside at your fingertips like the 300 acre sprawl of Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary just north of the city.
Day passes are only $5. Plus, concerts and other fun events are held here throughout the year, so you can get your live music fix without stepping foot in Nashville!
History buffs will love Franklin too, however. This former Civil War battleground showcases odes to its past with historic homes, plantation tours, and intriguing museums like the top-rated Carter House, a significant Civil War era site.
Often cheaper than Nashville, tourists can easily explore the downtown district by foot and stay in nice hotels like the trendy Aloft under $120 per night.
Chattanooga: Tennessee’s Underrated Hotspot
Nashville, Memphis, and the Great Smoky Mountains may steal Tennessee’s spotlight, but Chattanooga is an up-and-coming destination for a laundry list of reasons.
Nashville is not alone in breaking tourism records. In fact, Chattanooga joined the club last year, where locals love to hear visitors rave about their city.
A pretty city surrounded by navigable mountains and scenic waterways, this underrated gem is a nature lover’s paradise.
So much so it’s been dubbed the “Outdoor Capital of the South”. Think hiking, biking, and white-water rafting, but don’t skip the scenic site, Lover’s Leap.
More laid-back than the bustling streets of Nashville, visitors can still expect incomparable Tennessee hospitality and phenomenal food, the perfect place to refuel after spending your days exploring outdoors.
Check out ‘farm to table’ style Main Street Meats, holding an impressive 4.7 rating on Google. You may even see local celebs pop through like Tennessee legend, Peyton Manning.
While Nashville’s luxe hotels are often upwards of $300, you don’t have to sacrifice luxury or your budget in Chattanooga with 4-star stays like the beautiful Hotel Chalet as low as $137 on Booking.
Knoxville: Where Southern Charm Meets Stunning Nature
Nashville is seeing people from all over the country move to their city, so it’s right to question if ‘Southern hospitality’ still holds true.
Despite being a college town, Knoxville is real Tennessee with down-home charm, friendly locals, and easy access to the famous Great Smoky Mountains.
Home to distilleries, buzzing rooftop bars along Gay Street and Market Square, and World’s Fair Park holding lively festivals throughout the year, Knoxville holds a lot of comparisons to Nashville, but it is not as crowded or expensive.
One of the more unique attractions is the 3 Rivers Rambler, a family-fun train ride along the Tennessee River re-opening September 1st.
Pigeon Forge: Family Fun In The Smoky Mountains
Perhaps the most family-friendly destination in Tennessee, Pigeon Forge is loads of fun for all ages.
Home to not one but two Margaritaville hotels for the grown-ups and thrilling rides at Dollywood for the kiddos, there’s never a dull moment in this pretty mountain town.
As such, beyond endless shopping and delicious restaurants at The Island, Pigeon Forge makes for yet another great base camp to explore the gorgeous Smoky Mountains.
Instead of splurging on a fancy hotel, unwind in a cozy Pigeon Forge cabin tucked away surrounded by peaceful nature.
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