Tennessee is well known for its whiskey and country music, but did you know that this beautiful state has a lot more to offer? Upon your arrival at Nashville International Airport (BNA), pick up your BNA car rental and get on your way to adventure as you tour much of the southeastern part of the state, hitting some of the best travel destinations around. Here are 3 places to visit along the route to help you see Tennessee like a local.
4301 Amnicola Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Instead of taking the straight shot to the Great Smoky Mountains, why not make a quick detour to Chattanooga to improve the scenery on your drive? Known as the jewel of the county park system, Tennessee RiverPark is home to the Riverwalk pathway spanning 10 miles, which takes walkers and bikers from TVA Chickamauga Dam to downtown Chattanooga.
Whether you choose to spend the day walking or biking this path, you’ll have the opportunity to see the beauty of Chattanooga in a unique way. With drinking fountains and restrooms along the path, you’ll find places to picnic, piers for fishing, and plenty of open spaces to spread out, kick back, and relax. Bonus: you’ll find public art scattered along the walk, so there’s always something to see.
Townsend, TN
A subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains are best viewed from Great Smoky Mountain National Park. From the thick fog that looms over this beautiful area giving the mountains their smoky look, to a history that goes back for generations, Great Smoky Mountain National Park is definitely a spot to hit on your Tennessee road trip.
Pay a visit to Cades Cove, where you’ll get to see cabins and old churches from settlers of the area back in the early 1900s. Take a walk through one of the Quiet Walkways, hike through the hundreds of miles worth of hiking paths, or just enjoy your time sight-seeing from your rental car. No matter how you plan to see the park, you won’t regret adding this stop to your trip.
963 World’s Fair Park Dr., Knoxville, TN 37916
Home to the World’s Fair in 1982, World’s Fair Park is a gem you simply can’t miss while in Knoxville. From the Tennessee Amphitheater to the Performance and Festival Lawns, this spacious park is home to a variety of events and concerts throughout the year. Stop by the Volunteer Landing while you’re there to visit the site of 1791’s Holston Treaty. And don’t forget to check out views of the city from the Observation Deck in the Sunsphere. This beautiful park is a place to walk, to party, and to enjoy the view—don’t miss it!
Taking a road trip from Nashville is a great way to explore parts of Tennessee you otherwise wouldn’t get a chance to see. Simply rent a car in Nashville and be on your way. With a variety of options available, you can easily take advantage of an excellent deal for long-term car rental, and even sign up for one of our fuel plans. Avis wants to make sure your rental car experience in Nashville is a good one and offers many services to make your trip easier.