Newsroom

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.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 27, 2024) – Tennessee is evolving into a destination where everyone, regardless of ability, can access adventures of all kinds. In recent years, an array of communities, outdoor spaces and attractions across the state have introduced a diverse range of programs and initiatives that seek to improve and enhance accessibility to the very best of Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 15, 2024) – Vivid autumn leaves burst through the trees, new experiences await the fall bucket list, the aroma of apple and pumpkin treats waft through the air and echoes of ghost stories whisper with haunted happenings. Here’s what’s new and trending this fall in Tennessee.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves will play a regular season game in the MLB Speedway Classic at Tennessee’s Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, August 2, 2025. This historic announcement marks the first American or National League game played in Tennessee.

Nashville, Tenn. (July 23, 2024) – Tennessee tourism generated a record $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending and saw 144 million visitors to the state in 2023, according to newly released data from Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Tennessee’s direct visitor spending increased 6.2% in 2023. This follows two consecutive years of double-digit growth, driving Tennessee to a 125% recovery over 2019 pre-pandemic levels.

Nashville, Tenn. (July 16, 2024) – Every August, millions of people celebrate National Wellness Month by prioritizing self-care, managing stress and promoting healthy routines. Events take place all over the country — but Tennessee might be the best place to take things to a more luxurious level, thanks to an array of wellness-centric getaways and experiences across the state that range from the western hemisphere’s largest yoga and meditation hall to glamping-style treehouses. Discover just a few ways to treat yourself in Tennessee.