Travel Solo in These Tennessee Towns

Embark on your own Tennessee adventure to reconnect with yourself, meet friendly locals and experience as much as you can in these towns. The laid back atmosphere, music and arts, great food and easy navigation make these Tennessee spots ideal if you’re traveling alone. 

West Tennessee

Jackson, Tennessee

The city is an ideal midpoint between Memphis and Nashville. Travel during the free summer concert series that takes place on the lawn of Jackson’s Amphitheater at the Market. Dive even deeper into Jackson’s music and the legends who came from the area by making a visit to The Legends of Tennessee Music Museum at The Carnegie. Here, you’ll see costumes, instruments and more from Carl Perkins, Tina Turner and many other Tennessee-made stars. Grab a table at Rock’n Dough Pizza & Brew Co. where all pizzas are made with ingredients from local farms and businesses.

Huntingdon, Tennessee

Big talent comes from this small town in West Tennessee, located a little under two hours from Nashville. Spend a day learning from the artisans that call Huntingdon home. Sign up for a class at Mudslingers Pottery Studio to make your own clay creation, or marvel at the many pottery pieces that are displayed. Head to Lawrence Designs to shop a wide range of candles and woodwork. Make sure to plan your visit around a show at The Dixie Carter Performing Arts & Academic Center where concerts, Broadway shows, symphonies and more are performed. 

Middle Tennessee

Hohenwald, Tennessee

An hour and a half south of Nashville is Hohenwald, Tennessee where you can see murals, an elephant sculpture, learn about The Elephant Sanctuary and more. The famous explorers, Lewis and Clark traveled through Lewis County and the area embraces that history. Check out the Lewis County Museum of Natural History and then take a drive to see the Meriwether Lewis National Monument and the pioneer cemetery, all located along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Get a taste of Hohenwald at restaurants like Junkyard Dog Steakhouse or Lewis & Clarke’s and wineries in the area like Amber Falls Winery, Keg Springs Winery and Natchez Hills Winery.  

Columbia, Tennessee

Spend time in Columbia to visit a president’s home, take a hike, have delicious food at Southern Tre Steakhouse, poke around in a variety of shops and more. Columbia has the only surviving home of James K. Polk, the 11th U.S. president. You can see original family and personal possessions collected during his time in Columbia as well as in the White House. If you want to get into nature, explore Cheek’s Bend Bluff and look out for the cave that runs beneath the trail at the top of the bluff. 

Clarksville, Tennessee

Get outside in Clarksville to stretch your legs and read the stories of Clarksville Marble Works, Civil War history and more thanks to the open-air exhibits. There are also art pieces sprinkled throughout the trails that connect via a greenway system. Find your next read at Humble Universe Distributors Used Books or vinyl records at AndVinyl. Shop more than 200 vendors selling antiques, handmade goods and more at Miss Lucille’s Marketplace. 

East Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee

This college town, home to the University of Tennessee Volunteers, is bursting with outdoor activities, creative artisans and some serious good eats. Hike, climb, kayak and bike with the help of Outdoor Knoxville, who can outfit you for any outdoor activity. Buckle up and conquer the challenging courses at Navitat – either by day or night. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to one of the many restaurants that call Knoxville home – Lonesome Dove for creative, upscale American fare, Kefi for a cocktail and memorable Greek cuisine, and seasonal Italian dishes at Emilia Italian. Save room for dessert and go to Phoenix Pharmacy for a banana split.   

Chattanooga, Tennessee

With so much to see and do, you’ll be plenty busy in Chattanooga. The city is home to world-class attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium that stretches to two buildings plus the impressive IMAX Theater. Hunter Museum of American Art, which not only beautifully showcases nearby  Tennessee River, but has sculptures, photography and paintings displayed by some of the world’s leading artists. If you need some time in nature, hike up to Snoopers Rock which provides stunning views of the gorge below and the mountains beyond.

Jonesborough, Tennessee

This adorable town has a lot of history to tell as it’s Tennessee’s Oldest Town, incorporated in 1779. To get acquainted with Jonesborough, join a Historic Jonesborough Town Tour led by local historians who share colorful stories about the town and interesting tidbits. Have a delicious meal at Main Street Cafe & Catering and enjoy a flight of beers made by Depot Street Brewing.

Explore these towns and more for an experience that can only be Made in Tennessee.