Vacation rentals in Tennessee

1. Chattanooga

If family fun is a high priority, Tennessee has much to offer. Children will also marvel at the wide array of marine species housed at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. As one of the nation's best aquariums, the facility features exhibits of river habitats and ocean species from as far away as the South Pole. The IMAX theater housed here is also a popular destination.

After visiting the aquarium, visitors can spend the night at a Chattanooga vacation rental before visiting the Creative Discovery Museum, a children's museum offering interactive exhibits in the fields of music, art, and science.

2. Pigeon Forge

In Pigeon Forge, families can experience over 40 rides and a range of live entertainment options at the famed Dollywood theme park. Young kids (and the young at heart) will find hours of entertainment at this world-class attraction, which features an Appalachian-themed water park as well amusement park, founded by local legend Dolly Parton.

Many family-friendly attractions line the famous "Parkway", or Route 441 through Pigeon Forge, including the unique Titanic Museum Attraction, a re-creation of the infamous ocean liner, as well as the Old Mill shopping complex built around a 19th-century gristmill. The Island is another popular outlet shopping destination. Parrot Mountain & Gardens showcases thousands of tropical bird and plant species.

3. Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is the gateway to the Smoky Mountains National Park, where forested wilderness offers hundreds of fantastic hiking trails and a beautiful visual spectacle each fall when its leaves change color. Take the kids to see amazing views of the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg from the 400-ft high Space Needle observation tower or the 2-mile long aerial cable car from downtown – which is especially popular with children, since it takes you to Ober Gatlinburg, an exciting amusement park and winter ski resort!

4. Memphis

The birthplace of blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll, Memphis is a musical mecca brimming with iconic sites, from buzzing Beale Street and the famous Sun Studios to Elvis Presley's former mansion-cum-museum, Graceland. The national Rock 'n' Soul Museum and Blues Hall of Fame are also here, and each one offers a fun family outing with kid-friendly exhibits, performances, and interactive displays.

It's not all about music, though. The Memphis Zoo is a great family attraction. With over 400 species housed on 70 acres of land, this popular attraction will inspire wonder in children of all ages. The National Civil Rights Museum is an important historical site that is well worth visiting.

While in Tennessee, experience the grandeur of the Mississippi River that flows majestically through the state. Families will be thrilled by the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, known for their surreal fog and mist. Set out on the Appalachian Trail at the crack of dawn to enjoy sublime sunrise views. After all this physical activity, relax back at your Tennessee vacation rental.

Other attractions that make it onto most itineraries include the Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City, Ruby Falls, and a customary cruise down the atmospheric Tennessee River Gorge. And why not sample a Jack Daniel’s Whiskey with the free distillery tours in Lynchburg?

With over a million visitors annually, a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must. Bears and deer roam freely through this World Heritage Biosphere Reserve, home to mystical, temperate forests.

Adventure enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice in Tennessee. There's hang-gliding from Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga and whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky, Ocoee, and Little Pigeon Rivers, as well as biking, canoeing, and camping opportunities in the various state parks. A good idea would be to rent a houseboat on one of America's most tranquil water bodies, the Dale Hollow Lake.

Aquarium of the Smokies

Gatlinburg's interactive aquarium displays an array of aquatic life and live marine animal shows. It also offers experiences kids will love, including penguins encounters and sleepovers with sharks.

The Grand Ole Opry

Located in the country music capital; Nashville, The Grand Ole Opry hosts daily showcases where you could catch a rising country star or a bonafide music legend.

Sun Studio

Located in the heart of Memphis, this pioneering recording studio was opened by Sam Phillips in 1950. Home to early rock and roll, famous artists such as Elvis Presley have recorded here.

National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel

This large Memphis museum was formerly the site of the old Lorraine Motel. Learn all about Civil Rights history and pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

Sugarlands Distilling Company

Head to East Tennessee and explore how the company create their bestselling spirits. You can tour the factory and even sample some authentic moonshine.