If you are planning a Tennessee honeymoon, be prepared to tackle the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains – and the sound of much music. You won’t have to climb the mountains or sing about your favorite things. Tennessee simply is music. From Graceland to Dollywood, from Memphis to Nashville, you will find music everywhere. There is country, rock, bluegrass, and the blues. Memphis was the home of Elvis, just as Nashville is the home of the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Spend an evening strolling down iconic Beale Street in Memphis, and you will encounter every type of music floating out of the bars. Stop by one of the many clubs holding jam sessions, enjoy a cool one, and just sit back. There is music in the air.
Explore our guide to the best honeymoon destinations in the USA.
Few realize that Bristol, Tennessee, is where country music got its start. It was the home of Johnny Cash’s in-laws, the Carter family. Tennessee Ernie Ford was born here.
Tennessee does have more than music. The Appalachians, with their trails and waterfalls, offer all the thrills of nature at its finest. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the country’s most visited parks. Here, amid the stunning scenery, you’ll find an abundance of luxury cabins and private chalets.
Wherever you are in Tennessee, their southern cooking rules, especially their delectable barbecue. These barbecues are usually accompanied by beer or by something harder from one of Tennessee’s 30 whiskey distilleries.
With an abundance of luxury log cabins complete with Jacuzzis and private pools, rustic mountain chalets, you’ll enjoy some of the country’s most incredible sights. Hidden Springs is where romantic luxury cabins are nestled within the Smoky Mountains. Honeymoon Hills in Gatlinburg is true to its name with mountain views, fireplaces, private heart-shaped hot tubs, and patios. Singing songs is entirely optional here.
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Table of Contents
Best Hotels for Your Tennessee Honeymoon 🏨
About Tennessee 📖
Best Time to Visit Tennessee 📅
Top Things to do in Tennessee 👫
Weather in Tennessee ☀️
The Germantown Inn
History influenced The Germantown Inn’s concept and style of each suite. The past US presidents inspired the inn rooms design. At the same time, the names of the famous women in history are the title of Carriage House rooms.
Each of the 10 rooms on the ground floor provides a unique inn experience. Every suite has a balanced mix of vintage and custom furnishings, Frette linens, and a private bath. This hotel has unlimited internet, air conditioning, and complimentary toiletries, among the most popular facilities.
During their stay, guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and free parking. It’s a pet-friendly hotel and has wheelchair access and accommodations for people with limited mobility. They encourage calling them before the visit to confirm particular queries.
Many visitors like to go to Tennessee State Museum, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, and In the Gallery.
This lovely hotel is willing to make your honeymoon, anniversary, or get-together spectacular.
More Information on The Germantown Inn
Average Price Range: $281 to $508
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Number of Rooms: 9
The Lodge at Tellico
For People wanting a place to rest their tired heads, The Lodge At Tellico is a fantastic option. It provides adequate refreshment and rejuvenation for visitors to Tellico Plains.
The Lodge At Tellico is well-known for its charming surroundings and accessibility to wonderful restaurants and sights. Make your vacation comfortable to enjoy the finest of Tellico Plains.
The Lodge At Tellico rooms has a TV, air conditioner, and a fridge, as well as complimentary internet. While staying at The Lodge At Tellico, you can also use the fitness facility and free breakfast. It also offers cost-free parking.
During your vacation, be sure to stop by Tellicafe, a renowned Tellico Plains shrimp restaurant close to the hotel. You can also explore the Charles Hall Museum, a famous nearby attraction.
Whether you’re visiting Tellico Plains for business, honeymoon, pleasure, The Lodge At Tellico will make your stay memorable.
More Information on The Lodge at Tellico
Average Price Range: $ to $
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Number of Rooms: 16
Arrive Memphis
Situated in downtown Memphis, ARRIVE Memphis is less than 0.6 mi from Orpheum Theater. It is also neared to AutoZone Park and the Blues Hall of Fame Museum.
The hotel features a restaurant, private parking, and a bar. This motel has a 24-hour front desk and baggage storage space, and free Wi-Fi throughout the facility. Register at the coffee shop and have a drink at the basement bar specializing in long shots.
There are 62 guestrooms. The rooms have air conditioning, safe, housekeeping, and complimentary toiletries, among the most popular amenities. Every room at the hotel includes a table and also has a private bathroom with towels, bathrobes.
Popular nearby attractions include the National Civil Rights Museum, Historical Haunts, and Beale Street. Memphis International Airport is only 7.5 miles away from ARRIVE Memphis.
You can preserve your unforgettable time, honeymoon, relaxation trip, or family gatherings by visiting this hotel.
More Information on Arrive Memphis
Average Price Range: $162 to $274
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Number of Rooms: 62
The Inn on the River Pigeon Forge
The Inn on The River has 128 freshly refurbished guest rooms with inside corridors. Half of the rooms have private balconies or decks overlooking the picturesque Little Pigeon River.
Luxurious Serta mattresses, handcrafted wood furnishings, granite countertops, white duvet bedsheets are standard in all elegantly appointed Guest Rooms. You can also use the hairdryer, coffee machines, ironing facilities, and mini-fridges in the room. The King suites feature a hot tub bath and a fire stove.
There are disability-accessible guestrooms and Deluxe Suites with a living space featuring Queen size sleeping couches. Additionally, you will receive a free, completely warm breakfast. Every night, the hotel provides fresh popcorn, and coffee is available 24 hours a day.
The hotel facilities include Blackout curtains, air conditioning, housekeeping, coffee/tea maker, cable/satellite TV, and walk-in shower.
The Inn on the River Pigeon Forge is perfect for your honeymoon, business trip, vacations, and relaxation.
More Information on The Inn on the River Pigeon Forge
Average Price Range: $127 to $236
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Number of Rooms: 128
The Sewanee Inn
The Sewanee Inn greets guests as they arrive at The University of the South’s grounds. It has approximately 8,000 sq ft of the event area, 43 elegantly decorated guestrooms, and a comprehensive service bar.
The Inn is closer to the Sewanee’s famed 9-hole golf club. It provides magnificent views of the rising Tennessee mountain-top terrain and an ambiance of pure relaxation combined with unrivaled hospitality.
The property facilities include a fitness center, bicycle rental, free parking, free Wi-Fi, a lounge, and more. There are also various children’s activities available for your kids.
The guestrooms offer air conditioning systems, room service, housekeeping, a safe, and a TV. If you are on your honeymoon, rent their special bridal suites to have a more romantic experience.
The Sewanee Inn provides its visitors with a relaxing atmosphere. The hotel’s service is consistent with the caliber of the institution that carries its name.
More Information on The Sewanee Inn
Average Price Range: $220 to $348
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Number of Rooms: 43
About Tennessee
Tennessee is totally landlocked, with the Mississippi at its western borders. As mentioned, the Smoky Mountain are straight out of a fairytale, with fields of wildflowers, lush forests, and babbling mountain brooks, or rafting on the Pigeon River. The Smokies constitute the ultimate Tennessee honeymoon getaway. These are the world’s oldest mountains. And they are an Instagram’s dream.
For the ultimate Smokies destination, Blackberry Farm in Walland is one of the most beloved inns in the South. The location and food (they raise their own produce and make their own butter and jams) attract visitors from all over. Their spa is an absolute indulgence. There are two ponds and a stream for strolling and fishing. Then there is the swimming, horseback riding through exquisite scenery, and tennis. This beautiful resort has earned a reputation as one of the most celebrated small luxury resorts in the world.
Away from the Smokies, do what they do best in Tennessee – music. By the 1700s, the banks of the Cumberland River were alive with fiddles and buck dancing, a folk dance originally associated with the blue. Tennessee’s own Davy Crockett was a well-known fiddler. Nashville was put on the map when its own Fisk Jubilee Singers toured the world to much applause. It was the present Queen of England who dubbed Nashville “Music City” after hearing the group. Dance halls, dinner clubs, night clubs soon sprouted in the city and gave birth to Nashville’s rhythm and blues scene. By the 1960s, any singer worth his vocal cords had played Nashville.
Nashville’s most famous musical site is the Ryman Auditorium. It ranks as one of the most famous concert halls in the country, along with Carnegie Hall. Pollstar Magazine awarded it Theater of the Year for seven years. There are daily tours to view the stages and costumes of the performers. It is also the home of the Grand Ole Opry, which launched the careers of hundreds of country singers. These days, Nashville has stretched its musical wings to include classical, rock, blues, Christian, jazz, and pop. If you can hum it, it plays in Nashville. Artists as diverse as Kid Rock and Johnny Cash have called the city home.
Broadway in Nashville is filled with honky-tonks that provide free music every night of the week. There are more than 180 such honky-tonks in Music City.
Memphis is Tennessee’s second musical city and is frequently referred to as the ‘cradle of American music.’ Memphis is home to many things – Graceland, the Civil Rights Movement, and, like Nashville, plenty of barbeque. Graceland is a much-visited private home. On a tour, visitors can see Elvis’ memorabilia, his pink Cadillac, and his grave.
While Nashville has its honky-tonks, Memphis has its world-famous Beale Street, which explodes with music clubs, music stores, and music memorabilia.
Best Time to Visit Tennessee
Tennessee has events year-round, especially as they relate to music and food. Don’t miss out.
Elvis Birthday Celebration
The King’s birthday is still celebrated at Graceland for four days beginning January 6th. This includes a tour of Memphis to visit important sites related to Elvis, and a tour to his birthplace, Tupelo. Graceland will still be in full holiday mode, with the entire house decorated. While you tour the mansion, Elvis will be singing in the background.
Take part in a Viva Las Vegas singalong. The celebration ends with coffee and cake. Fun days for Elvis fans.
International Blues Challenge
Every January, the top Blues entertainers from around the world compete on Beale Street. Over 400 Blues performers will congregate at various Beale Street venues to perform. The winner will be announced at the Orpheum Theater.
Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis
This is no ordinate festival taking place at the end of April. Here, you will find performers such as Snoop Dogg and Cardi B. For three days, 100,000 fans come to enjoy the music being played on four stages. The streets themselves are filled with street performers. It is fun, but it can get crowded, especially when you’re in search of a porta potty. A VIP ticket will buy you raised seats, six drinks, unlimited soda, and a BBQ buffet. The seats are high up to enable you to view the music over the crowd.
Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue
This epic barbeque competition takes place in Lynchburg in October. Only the best barbeques are even considered for the contest. There are thousands of entries from all 50 states. The highlight will be the Jack Daniel sauces. Not surprising, since Jack Daniel’s distillery is located in Lynchburg. There are games throughout the day until evening when the winner will be announced.
Top Memphis chefs showcase their best dishes and wine combination in mid-October at the Botanic Garden accompanied by a live concert.
Top Things to do in Tennessee
Rock City Gardens
Rock City Gardens is outside of Chattanooga, rising up 1,700 feet to the sky, with a 100-foot waterfall cascading down. While up on the mountain enjoy the great view, have a meal at Café 7.
Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend
The Tuckaleechee Caverns are one of the best experiences in the Smokies. These are approximately 30 million years in the making. There are several “rooms,” such as a room large enough for a football stadium, and another room with a 210 feet subterranean waterfall. An hour and a half tour takes you through the history of these incredible caverns and 30 million years of nature at work.
Sevierville
Located at the bottom of the Great Smokies, Sevierville encompasses all the beauty of these mountains, with a waterfall, romantic cabins, and trails for some fantastic hiking and horseback riding, all on a small-town scale. This is the birthplace of country singer Dolly Parton. For the ultimate Sevierville experience take a helicopter ride over the mountains.
Peabody Hotel in Memphis
The Peabody Hotel is Memphis’ premier hotel, with great rooms and dining. But that is not the only reason people flock here. Visitors come for one of the most iconic sights in any hotel – the resident ducks. Don’t miss them during your Tennessee honeymoon. Ducks on a red carpet are a definite conversation starter.
These ducks have their own penthouse suite known as the Duck Palace at the top of the hotel. Every morning, people gather as the ducks march across the lobby and walk the red carpet to the fountain. They return to their suite via the red carpet in the evening. During the day, these pampered ducks frolic and splash in the fountain to the delight of the hotel’s patrons. The hotel manager provides a daily tour of the hotel and discusses the march of the ducks.
Parthenon in Memphis
Who would expect some serious ancient Greece in the midst of Nashville? The Parthenon, originally a temporary exhibit for the Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition in 1897, has become a fixture in Centennial Park. It’s a natural addition to Nashville, which was known as the “Athens of the South.” This replica of the original Parthenon is done in the exact same size. The stunning 42-foot statue of Athena has been added since the Exposition.
Madame Tussauds in Nashville
There are many Madame Tussauds with their famed wax figures around the world. What makes Madame Tussauds in Nashville unique is that this one is solely dedicated to music. This may be the world’s most fantastic jam session, with Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, and many more musical icons in attendance. Just imagine the music!
Husk Restaurant
The Charleston restaurant Husk serves only genuine southern food that is locally grown. The restaurant itself is located in a charming 19th-century building. It’s the southern dishes, however, that makes it stand out. How about some bacon, tomato jam and crab roe or some fried chicken skin with pimento cheese? When in Tennessee …. dine accordingly. For the adventurous eater, there is always the pig’s ear lettuce wrap. GQ called Husk one of the “12 Most Outstanding Restaurants of the Year,” while Esquire named it “Best New Restaurant in America.” Wine Enthusiast Magazine called it “America’s Best Restaurants of 2016.” We sense pigs’ ears have been highly underrated.
Weather in Tennessee
Tennessee gets more rain a year than the average, and it gets a lot less snow than the average state – only 5 inches. May is the rainiest month. The temperature in January, which is the coldest month, is in the high 20s, warmer than many other states.
The summers are warm but very comfortable, with the temperature hitting above 90 degrees only for a few days, mostly in July. The humidity during the summer can become high and a bit uncomfortable.
As in most states, the spring and fall months are the best times to visit.