NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 19, 2023) – As the summer temperatures heat up, Tennessee offers a variety of exciting water activities that provide the perfect escape and relief from soaring temperatures. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or looking for a serene retreat, the state's abundant waterways offer endless and fun opportunities to cool down.
Sun’s out! Fun’s Out! Soak in the sun while taking a kayak or outdoor adventure tour, farm-to-table experience, rooftop party, live music, milestone festival or a unique stay. Here’s what’s new and sizzling this summer in Tennessee.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 9, 2023) – This National Travel and Tourism Week, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell and Sevier County tourism leaders announced new milestones today in Pigeon Forge, including a record $27.5 billion in travel spending in 2022, according to preliminary data from U.S. Travel and Tourism Economics. Among the top 25 states, Tennessee is the fastest-growing state in travel spending since 2018 and has risen from 14th to 11th in the nation for travel spending.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 13, 2023) - Warm sunshine, blooming flowers, food festivals, unique restaurants and scenic eco-adventures are on tap this season. Here’s what’s new and happening this spring in Tennessee. Photos for media use only here.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Feb, 27, 2023 – Seven Tennessee Songwriters Week finalists won the opportunity to perform at Nashville’s iconic The Bluebird Cafe on March 26 during a private event with music industry professionals, The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development announced today. Melanie LaFoy won at The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville; Aaron Bucks at Songbirds in Chattanooga; Stax Music Academy’s HARZEE at Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis; Elijah Wise at Ole Red in Gatlinburg; Ron Short at The Down Home in Johnson City, Belmont University music student Sarah Hardwig at The Franklin Theatre in Franklin and the Garrett Boys at The Palace Theatre in Gallatin.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Jan. 30, 2023 – Discover the musical story of Tennessee from the ones who are writing it. Helmed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Songwriters Week, now in its fifth year, is underway with more than 50 qualifying rounds at music venues, restaurants, museums, coffee shops and more in seven musically distinct regions across the state. For a full list of venues participating, visit tnsongwritersweek.com. Sign up information is located under each venue.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 18, 2023) – Tennessee offers endless adventures to check off everyone’s travel bucket list. Beginning today, visitors can request the official 2023 Tennessee Vacation Guide—an interactive guide to help visitors choose their own Tennessee vacation, from the great outdoors to world-famous cuisine, or legendary live music to thrilling theme parks. Available as a free printed guide or e-guide at TNvacation.com or at any of the state’s 16 Welcome Centers, it’s an essential insider’s guide to the best of Tennessee.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 20, 2022) – Tennessee is pulling out all the stops for New Year’s Eve this year. Expect all kinds of revelry as the state says goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023, including live music, spectacular fireworks shows, family-friendly experiences and much more. Start planning your New Year’s Eve in Tennessee now.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (Dec. 15, 2022) Discover the musical story of Tennessee from the ones who are writing it. Songwriters can sign up beginning today, Dec. 15, to participate in qualifying rounds across the state as part of Tennessee Songwriters Week, a celebration of the statewide craft that put Tennessee on the map. For more information on how to sign up, visit tnsongwritersweek.com. Sign up information is located under each venue.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (Dec. 15, 2022) Tennessee promises unique experiences in 2023 with new attractions, restaurants, distilleries, hotels, exhibits, milestone anniversaries and renovations, as well as trends with farm stays that take relaxing and learning new skills to the next level, chef-driven restaurants and hands-on experiences.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 18, 2022) - The holidays are just about here, and across Tennessee, destinations, both big and small, are getting ready to celebrate. From millions of twinkling lights to festive live music, from Dollywood to Graceland, the 2022 season is shaping up to be one the merriest and brightest in recent memory. Discover what’s happening this year during the holidays in Tennessee.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 10, 2022) - You don’t have to look far to see the lasting legacy of Native Americans in Tennessee — in fact, the name “Tennessee” is derived from “Tanasi,” a Cherokee village in what is now Monroe County. Today, the state is home to more than 20,000 Native Americans and a rich culture and history waiting to be experienced by travelers. Below, check out seven attractions that tell the story of Tennessee’s Native American heritage.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 28, 2022) – Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) honored music icons Howard Armstrong, G.B. Grayson, Jo Walker-Meador, Craig Morgan and Little David Wilkins with the unveiling of six new markers on the “Tennessee Music Pathways” at locations across the state. Local and state leaders, family and friends and music industry executives gathered to celebrate their significant contributions to music history in Tennessee.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 26, 2022) – Today marks National Tennessee Day, a day that recognizes the state’s remarkable voices, rich history and inspirational triumphs. Celebrate Tennessee not only today but 12 months a year with some of Tennessee’s most unique experiences. Tennessee offers something for everyone, whether you’re a die-hard foodie, outdoor adventurer, live music connoisseur or dedicated road-tripper from winter through spring, summer through fall. Check out just a small sampling of #TN365 from @TNvacation below.