New Tennessee Experiences in 2023

New attractions, expansions, restaurants, hotels and more are slated to make 2023 a bright year in Tennessee. Zoo expansions, luxury hotels, event centers and more new developments are in store for Tennessee that appeal to families, couples, food and drink connoisseurs and everyone in between. Here's a sampling of what's new in Tennessee in 2023.

Statewide 

Tennessee Wine Trail 

Tennessee boasts a bounty of great wine. Sweet, dry, and everything in between is waiting for those who visit the state. Try the unique flavor of sweet, white Muscadine or a bold, dry Chambourcin. With more than 90 wineries on the Tennessee Wine Trail, vino lovers are sure to find their favorite grown right in Tennessee, from as far west as Millington all the way to Butler on the eastern tip of the state.

New Colorblind Viewfinder Locations

Tennessee has two new colorblind viewfinders, including at The Lodge at Montgomery Bell State Park and Paris Landing State Park, for a total of 15 colorblind viewfinders with special lens technology that enables colorblind visitors to see a broader range of clear, vibrant colors.

East Tennessee 

Treetop Hideaways at Ruby Falls - Chattanooga

Treetop Hideaways, a luxury treetop resort at Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain overlooking Chattanooga, will be available for online bookings spring 2023. Each treehouse is built with artfully curated reclaimed materials, elevated amenities and private fire pits with s’mores kits.

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge has exciting developments happening at Dollywood in 2023. Part of the Wildwood Grove Park expansion at Dollywood, the gigantic Big Bear Coaster is a first of its kind at Dollywood, circling Wildwood Grove for nearly two minutes on 3,990 feet of track. Guests of all ages can experience an unforgettable expedition in search of the Big Bear in spring of 2023. And set to open in fall 2023, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort is tucked away in a beautiful cove in the rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The “reimagined lodge” is designed to bring the intangible feeling of what makes the Smokies so special to life.  

Windy Hill Farm & Preserve – Loudon 

Discover a boutique luxury resort on more than 500 acres in the heart of the Tennessee valley at Windy Hill Farm & Preserve. Enjoy world-class upland quail hunting, kayaking, paddle boarding, archery, wine hikes, meditation and dinners featuring heirloom ingredients imaginatively prepared. 

Sevierville 

Two new family-friendly attractions make their debut in Sevierville in 2023. SkyLand Ranch transports guests via a scenic chairlift where hours of fun await, including a mountain coaster, suspended bridge, canopy walks and a variety of miniature animals like cows and donkeys, which are all rescues.

And, if you’ve ever wanted to take a spin on a bulldozer, then you’ll want to visit this next attraction. Dig’N Zone is world’s largest construction-based theme park where kids and adults alike can dig’n learn about all kinds of construction equipment, including excavators, skid-steers, rollers, forklifts, loaders and many others. Look forward to annual events, including Dig’n Halloween and Dig’n Lights of Christmas. 

Lodge Museum of Cast Iron – South Pittsburg

Introducing a new destination for folks who love all things cast iron and for those just learning about America’s original cookware. The Lodge Museum of Cast Iron will take visitors through the history of the beloved cookware, how it’s made and what it means to food culture. And coming soon: Big Bad Breakfast, where the best breakfast and lunch cuisine will be available. Don’t forget to visit the World’s Largest Cast Iron Skillet, measuring 18 feet from handle to handle and big enough to fry about 650 eggs. 

Glamping Retro – Erwin   

Take it easy at this elevated camping experience. Immerse yourself in nature and fall asleep in comfort under the stars. There's an accommodation type for everyone at Glamping Retro including a Luxury Treehouse, Iconic Airstreams and Upscale Canvas Safari Tents. With Pisgah National Forest and the Appalachian trail in its back yard, guests can experience the great outdoors with their entire family and make memories that will last a lifetime. 

Middle Tennessee 

The Four Seasons Hotel – Nashville

With unparalleled Four Seasons services and warm Southern hospitality, one of the newest hotels in Nashville will inspire a truly authentic experience of Music City. Four Seasons is the new social hub of downtown Nashville’s SoBro neighborhood, just steps from music, sports and entertainment. From the river view rooms, offering a panoramic view of the Cumberland River, to the presidential suite, boasting wrap-around views of the city, the Four Seasons offers a luxurious experience for anyone who stays there. 

NHL Draft and Awards – Nashville

The National Hockey League is bringing the 2023 NHL Awards and 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft to Smashville in 2023, leaving little doubt that Nashville is a hockey town. This is the first year both events will be held in the same city, the last time being 2006 in Vancouver. The awards show is scheduled for June 26, 2023, closely followed by the two-day draft beginning June 28. 

F&M Bank Arena – Clarksville 

The much-anticipated 250,000-square-foot F&M Bank Arena is the future home to the Austin Peay State University Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams, but the university plans to take advantage of the arena with seating for up to 6,000 people in a flexible event space for hockey, basketball, concerts, trade shows and other events. Slated opening is summer 2023. 

Shelby’s Trio – Clarksville 

Look forward to a new way of dining at Shelby's Trio in Clarksville with this three-story, three-restaurant space. The first floor will feature Joe’s Garage, an American eatery and bar area complete with muscle cars for some fun décor. The second floor will be occupied by Joe’s wife Cathi, who is opening Trattoria di Cat, a fine dining Italian restaurant with a smaller bar and private dining options. Topping off Shelby’s Trio is the Skyline 500 Bar, the first rooftop bar in Clarksville. The one-of-a-kind dining experience is set to open in early 2023. 

Company Distilling – Thompson’s Station

In late summer of 2022, the grand opening of Company Distilling’s official expansion into Middle Tennessee took place. Located in the charming and picturesque town of Thompson’s Station, the distilling company crafts its spirits in the same building local farmers used to house grains before loading them off for sale. It’s only fitting, as Company Distilling uses local grains to create its high-quality spirits.  

West Tennessee 

Memphis Zoo - Memphis

Memphis Zoo has provided a way for guests to cool down even on the hottest summer day with its Splash Park. The new water feature doubles as a learning opportunity by bringing awareness to Memphis’ sources of water and teaching families the importance of protecting and conserving water. The Splash Park itself reclaims and recirculates all its water through a state-of-the-art filtration system. The new area of the zoo will reopen for the 2023 summer season. 

Memphis Sports and Events Center – Memphis 

The 227,000-square-foot sporting and event space at Memphis Sports and Events Center will include basketball and volleyball courts and will be used for other sports such as wrestling, gymnastics and cheerleading. Looking to draw family and sports tourism to the Memphis area, the facility is located in the heart of Liberty Park outside of Memphis’ Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium with events beginning in early 2023. 

Tom Lee Park – Memphis  

This massive renovation and complete redesign of Tom Lee Park will be made up of four unique primary zones: a civic gateway, a forested community batture, habitat terraces and an active core. Key features of the new design include a 20,000-square-foot civic canopy, a Point Bar Pavillion, which will house a cafe and porch overlooking the river, meditation paths and more. The 100,000-square-foot active lawn will also be able to host large festivals, sporting competitions and major events. A soft opening is planned for May 2023 for Memphis in May.

IBIS – Memphis 

Coming soon in 2023, IBIS is a cocktail bar opening in the South Main Historic Arts District. The two-story cocktail bar will also feature a rooftop deck, a basement speak-easy and patio. The menu features small plates such as lobster rolls and Memphis short ribs. Planned event programming includes Third Thursdays and First Sundays with gospel music in addition to burlesque nights and DJs. 

Later Developments On the Horizon

Wings of Liberty - Clarksville

History buffs will want to have this future museum on their radar. The Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum will break ground in Clarksville in May 2023. The museum is slated to open in 2025 on 33 acres. Historic aircraft displays, military vehicles, audio and visual storytelling and exhibits on key military events will be be future highlights. 

Plan your 2023 Tennessee vacation to see these and more new developments across the state.