NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 8, 2026) – Tennessee is home to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited national park. The park welcomes approximately 12 million visitors a year – and with great reason. Notes of orange, red and yellow hues blanket more than 800 miles of trails, providing stunning views of scenic vistas, waterfalls and forest horizons.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 3, 2026) – Phantom footsteps, disembodied voices, apparitions and stories echo from the past at historic places, theatres, jails, cemeteries, battlefields, depots, distilleries, even caves. From guided daytime tours to immersive paranormal investigations, discover these haunted destinations in Tennessee for the ultimate spooky season road trip.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 5, 2026) – Explore independent bookstores across Tennessee, browse the shelves and get lost in stories on Book Lovers Day, celebrated annually Aug. 9. Disconnect from your screens and cozy up with a novel and support local businesses. While on your book vibes’ journey, step into these Tennessee destinations that feel like your favorite books have come to life.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 4, 2026) – Tennessee’s tourism economy has grown 40% since 2018, nearly double the national growth rate of 22%, culminating in a record $32.5 billion in direct visitor spending in 2025. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development announced this feat alongside Gov. Bill Lee and tourism leaders today at the Appalachian Clubhouse in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 23, 2026) – As travelers increasingly embrace experiential travel and slower-paced getaways, Tennessee stands out as an analog travel treasure trove, inviting visitors to unplug from their screens and reconnect through hands-on experiences that leave a lasting impression. Whether learning traditional Appalachian crafts in the Great Smoky Mountains or embarking on a multi-day kayaking adventure along the Mississippi River, visitors will find immersive opportunities to learn new skills, engage with local culture and create souvenirs rooted in personal expression.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (June 9, 2026) Soak in the sunshine, relax on a rooftop patio, take a moonlight hike, hit the road for a summer festival or mark off a new, immersive experience. Here’s a look at what’s new and happening this season in Tennessee.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 26, 2026) – Say hello to the soundtrack of the summer. Tennessee’s rich musical heritage takes center stage all summer long, thanks to an exciting lineup of outdoor music festivals and concert series happening statewide. From intimate waterfront performances and free community concerts to star-studded festivals attracting fans from around the world, Tennessee offers live music experiences for every type of traveler.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 7, 2026) – The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is inviting cyclists to experience even more of Tennessee’s breathtaking scenery and natural beauty with the addition of 37 newly curated gravel cycling routes to its Bike Tennessee program. Launching today, these routes build upon an existing network of 52 road cycling routes, adding more than 1,000 miles of diverse terrain and creating even more opportunities for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts to explore the state on two wheels.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (March 30, 2026) – Seven songwriters earned a career-changing opportunity, to share three of their original songs on the legendary stage at The Bluebird Cafe last night, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development announced today. Family, friends and members of the music industry, including music industry executive Scott Borchetta, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Taylor Guitars and WSM Radio were in attendance. Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly co-host Amber Anderson hosted the finale.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (March 25, 2026) Spring wildflowers bloom and the outdoors beckon. Making Magic in the Mountains, a live mural painting festival, Cork to Fork Culinary Trail experience on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, Hot Slaw & Art Y’all, Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum, new restaurants, speakeasies and iconic anniversaries abound. Here’s a look at what’s new and happening this season in Tennessee.
WHAT: The Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP) will host the second annual Tennessee Outdoors Day on the Hill on Tuesday, March 24. Media are invited to attend an outdoor expo celebrating the state’s thriving outdoor recreation industry and the vital role it plays in strengthening Tennessee’s economy while enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 10, 2026) – Tennessee invites visitors to savor food in an entirely new way through Sound Bites, a new campaign launched today by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD). The campaign pairs two of the state’s most cherished traditions—music and food—and treats music as an intentional part of the dining experience rather than background noise. Sound Bites features Tennessee chefs and artists collaborating to create new dishes and original songs that are designed to be experienced together.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Feb. 3, 2026 – Jefferson Street Sound Museum and the Museum of Christian and Gospel Music are officially designated as sites along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) announced today.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Jan. 20, 2026 – Aspiring songwriters and musicians will share their original songs on stage as Tennessee Songwriters Week qualifying rounds kick off Jan. 25-Feb. 7. More than 60 participating music venues, including cafes, listening rooms, lounges, breweries, distilleries, museums, hotels, historic theatres and bookshops will spotlight songwriters on stages across the Volunteer State – from small towns to vibrant cities.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 8, 2026) – As Tennessee icon Dolly Parton prepares for another milestone year, the global ambassador graces the cover of the official 2026 Tennessee Vacation Guide, unveiled today by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD). The free planning resource highlights the people, places and experiences that define the Volunteer State and invites travelers to explore all 95 counties through music, food, history, outdoor adventure and more. Available now, travelers can order a free printed copy and download the guide at TNVacation.com, or pick one up in person at any of Tennessee’s 16 Welcome Centers.