It's official, Tennessee is rolling out the autumnal red carpet with a slew of new attractions, eats, and experiences that will have fall fanatics—and everyone in between—scrambling for their plaid scarves and pumpkin spice everything. From ghost tours to racing coasters, there's no shortage of autumnal cheer to be found in the Volunteer State this season, according to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
Get ready to explore the underbelly of Chattanooga with Ruby Falls' new guided Geology Tour, or hit up Knoxville's Zoo Knoxville's Smoky Night Lights for an immersive 360-degree music and light show that's debuting in November. Want a side of competition with your BBQ? The first annual Gatlinburg Smoke-Off on Sept. 27 is set to stoke the flames of pitmaster rivalry. Meanwhile, adrenaline junkies can head to Pigeon Forge to test their speed on the first racing mountain coaster in the United States, a real hoot and a half, not to mention Kingsport's dog-friendly bonanza, 'Dog Approved Kingsport,' which caters to our four-legged pals, so even Fido can get in on the fall festivities.
There's no stopping the new spots cropping up for travelers to lay their heads, either, with Nashville's Mint House Marathon Village combining cozy living spaces with tech-friendly amenities. Want a slice of upscale Italian? The Hyatt Place in Jackson is your go-to with its newest dining hot spot, Vicari, set to open its doors on Nov. 1. From wood-fired pizza in Martin at Woodfire Pizza Kitchen to the craft beer scene at Copperhill Brewery and beyond, Tennessee's fall lineup serves up a veritable smorgasbord for foodies and craft connoisseurs alike.
But it's not all about the grub and the beds, the fall season's cultural tapestry is rich here, with the new Museum of Christian & Gospel Music set to sing its way into the heart of Nashville come October 3. While festivalgoers can rejoice with Dollywood's Harvest Festival and Cheekwood Harvest's autumnal delights, spanning from scarecrow trails to pumpkin patches and sublime sipping spots. And let's not forget the haunting good time to be had with Loudon's spooky ghost tours, which promise to chill spines just in time for Halloween. And as if that weren't enough, music fans can revel in Brownsville's annual Tina Turner Days, complete with everything from tours to live concerts and, yes, Tinaoke—karaoke with a Tina Turner twist.
Fall in Tennessee isn't just about colorful foliage; it's a state-wide jubilee celebrating everything from the soul-stirring beats of bluegrass in Manchester to the fine art of confectionery at Townsend's Grains & Grits Festival. If you've got the itch for fall flair or just want to soak up some southern hospitality, Tennessee's where it's at—just be sure to pack an extra suitcase for all the handcrafted keepsakes and culinary goodies you're bound to bring back home.
