Tennessee in the spring is absolutely gorgeous, a perfect place to be before the heat of summer descends and we learn the TRUE meaning of southern humidity. That being said, here are 11 places that are perfect for a Saturday out on the town during the springtime. We’re so close! BYE WINTER.
- Cheekwood Botanical Gardens - Nashville
Alison Groves - Flickr This gorgeous 55-acre estate is located in west Nashville and is known for its beautiful springtime blooms and indoor art museum. (1200 Forrest Park Drive)
- Roan Mountain
Jim Liestman - Flickr Roan Mountain rhododendrons have their TIME in spring, and you should hike the ridge or even opt to experience the annual festival in June (still technically before summertime) to catch a peek at some of the prettiest flowers Tennessee has to offer.
- Sewanee
Anthony Jones Photography - Flickr Sewanee is great any time of year, but we’d recommend hiking the Sewanee Perimeter Trail as the greenery of spring bursts onto the landscape.
- National Cornbread Festival - South Pittsburg
Jimmy Emerson, DVM - Flickr The National Cornbread Festival takes place in South Pittsburg on the last full weekend of April, every year. It’s chock full of fun activities for kids, fabulous carb-y treats and the kindest people you’ll ever meet.
- Tennessee Aquarium - Chattanooga
Kevin T. Quinn - Flickr Open since 1992, the Tennessee Aquarium is one of the best places to visit during the springtime. You can usually find a solid set of coupons, and it provides a whole day of fun for you and your kids. Or just you! Nationally ranked as one of the best aquariums in the US, there’s nothin’ to lose here.
- Iroquois Steeplechase - Nashville
Kellsmore - Flickr Known as Nashville’s “rite of spring,” the Iroquois Steeplechase is a horse racing event that gives you and your family a day at the races without the Kentucky tag. Mark your calendars for May 13th, 2017.
- Shelby Farms - Memphis
Noel Pennington - Flickr 4,500 acres makes Shelby Farms in Memphis, Tennessee five times bigger than that of the famed Central Park. It’s a perfect place to destress during the week, especially if you’re looking to enjoy a stunning landscape alongside a bit of fresh air.
- The Frist - Nashville
Sean Davis - Flickr The premier location for art in Nashville. The Frist offers up revolving art exhibits and lectures, making it a great place to visit for a bit of education or a Saturday out of springtime rain. You know it’s going to happen!
- Walnut Street Bridge - Chattanooga
GarnetJ - Flickr There’s nothing more satisfying than walking the Walnut Street Bridge in Chattanooga. This gorgeous walkway is better traversed in sunny springtime weather, amidst a light breeze and the smell of blooming flowers along the waterline.
- Franklin on Foot Tour - Franklin
J. Stephen Conn - Flickr Take a walk through Franklin, a Nashville suburb that everyone thinks they know. The tour will lead you around the downtown area and tell you the tales of its great role in Civil War history, so many years ago.
- The Cherohala Skway
John Getchel - Flickr Watch spring burst to life on this iconic skway, one that gives you a beautiful view of the Tennessee Valley and eastern state beauty.
How many of these places have you visited? Let us know your favorite below! If you’re still looking to explore as the weather gets warmer, check out these 10 Under-Appreciated State Parks In Tennessee You’re Sure To Love.
Alison Groves - Flickr
This gorgeous 55-acre estate is located in west Nashville and is known for its beautiful springtime blooms and indoor art museum. (1200 Forrest Park Drive)
Jim Liestman - Flickr
Roan Mountain rhododendrons have their TIME in spring, and you should hike the ridge or even opt to experience the annual festival in June (still technically before summertime) to catch a peek at some of the prettiest flowers Tennessee has to offer.
Anthony Jones Photography - Flickr
Sewanee is great any time of year, but we’d recommend hiking the Sewanee Perimeter Trail as the greenery of spring bursts onto the landscape.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM - Flickr
The National Cornbread Festival takes place in South Pittsburg on the last full weekend of April, every year. It’s chock full of fun activities for kids, fabulous carb-y treats and the kindest people you’ll ever meet.
Kevin T. Quinn - Flickr
Open since 1992, the Tennessee Aquarium is one of the best places to visit during the springtime. You can usually find a solid set of coupons, and it provides a whole day of fun for you and your kids. Or just you! Nationally ranked as one of the best aquariums in the US, there’s nothin’ to lose here.
Kellsmore - Flickr
Known as Nashville’s “rite of spring,” the Iroquois Steeplechase is a horse racing event that gives you and your family a day at the races without the Kentucky tag. Mark your calendars for May 13th, 2017.
Noel Pennington - Flickr
4,500 acres makes Shelby Farms in Memphis, Tennessee five times bigger than that of the famed Central Park. It’s a perfect place to destress during the week, especially if you’re looking to enjoy a stunning landscape alongside a bit of fresh air.
Sean Davis - Flickr
The premier location for art in Nashville. The Frist offers up revolving art exhibits and lectures, making it a great place to visit for a bit of education or a Saturday out of springtime rain. You know it’s going to happen!
GarnetJ - Flickr
There’s nothing more satisfying than walking the Walnut Street Bridge in Chattanooga. This gorgeous walkway is better traversed in sunny springtime weather, amidst a light breeze and the smell of blooming flowers along the waterline.
J. Stephen Conn - Flickr
Take a walk through Franklin, a Nashville suburb that everyone thinks they know. The tour will lead you around the downtown area and tell you the tales of its great role in Civil War history, so many years ago.
John Getchel - Flickr
Watch spring burst to life on this iconic skway, one that gives you a beautiful view of the Tennessee Valley and eastern state beauty.
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