From the Mississippi River in Memphis to Knoxville's Appalachian Mountains, Tennessee offers a wealth of stunning landscapes and memorable experiences. Mixing the historic and modern in just the right proportions, across the state you'll find Civil War sites, civil rights monuments, and some of music’s most legendary landmarks alongside world-class cultural venues, trendy food spots, and craft distilleries and breweries. Experience the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of the Appalachians, spend your time on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, swing by the honkey-tonks in Nashville, or discover the Great Smokey Mountains in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. With so many options, your pet friendly trip to Tennessee is sure to be a hit.
Best Time To Visit
By all accounts, Tennessee is prettiest in the fall. By September, the daytime highs have dropped to the low 80s and the humidity begins to move out. October brings temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s, and the leaves begin to turn at the end of the month, reaching a crescendo in early November. If you're planning to explore the mountains and rivers in eastern Tennessee with your pet, summer is also a nice time to visit, as the weather in the Appalachian foothills is cooler than the rest of the state. Those looking for budget-friendly lodging will find the best deals during winter and spring.
Things Not To Miss
Plan to spend a day at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis. You'll find a massive off-leash dog area, 40 miles of pet friendly trails, canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals, a disc golf course, a lunch counter, and a lovely visitor center for you and your pet to enjoy together!
Develop a taste for moonshine at Sugarlands Distilling Company in Gatlinburg.
Enjoy unique shopping, dining, and entertainment at The Factory in historic downtown Franklin.
Walk, relax, picnic, or play on the banks of the Mississippi River in the Memphis River Parks.
Stroll the paths at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, hike the trails at Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area, or get social with the local pups at PetSafe Village Dog Park in Knoxville.
