Vacationing in Tennessee soon
 

We plan to visit Tennessee in late April with our three children. We plan to visit Nashville (I hear the best family entertainment is the Ryman), Rock Island State Park, perhaps Gatlinbug again, and do some sightseeing. Is there anything any of you would recommend for family entertainment for a day or two while in Tennessee? We enjoy historic sites and family fun.

I would look into the Frist museum, the Nashville Zoo, and the Adventure Science Center in Nashville.

Instead of Gatlinburg again, how about Chattanooga...the aquarium and rock city are always kid pleasers. There is also a children's museum in downtown Chattanooga, I believe.

Amy

We loved the quaint town of Franklin near Nashville. If I were to move to TN, I'd move there! Had a wonderful breakfast of homemade biscuits, etc. at a bakery in town - sorry, I don't remember the name.

If you're in the Gatlinburg area you must do Dollywood - it's great and the shows are very well down. Has something for everyone.

Thanks for the thoughts... Chattanooga looks like it does have a lot to offer. Will keep Dollywood in mind if we go back that way. We loved the ski lift in Gatlinburg and one of my daughters wants to try the bobsled thing again. I had thought it was a great spot to stay near the GSMNP, but as in many of the postings here have said, it was very crowded. We also enjoyed the Aquarium, but don't think I'd visit a second time. Thanks,

Nic

Will they be doing bobsledding in late April in Gatlinburg?? I'd opt for Chattanooga. Our 8 yr old really enjoyed the Aquarium and Imax - (by tickets in advance for weekends and holidays). There's also Lookout Mtn, train rides...

I know it sounds funny to say bobsledding in April, but they use something that looks like a bobsled but actually has wheels and runs down a "bobsled like" track. I have to admit--I liked it myself. You have to go to the top of the one Mountain on a ski lift to do it. When we were there before, there was a bad accident and we couldn't get through the GSMNP on the main road that goes through the center from Gatlinburg. We ended up driving around the North side of the park on our way to North Carolina. Part of the reason to consider Gatlinburg was to make the drive through. I agree that the more that I hear, Chattanooga sounds like a better destination. Is Lookout Mountain the one that you can see 7 states from?

Thanks..

In Nashville, be sure to go to the Parthenon in Centennial Park, the Children's Museum, Fort Nashborough ( founding of Nashville) and Bellemeade Mansion and log cabin( antebellum). I grew up in Nashville and my daughter went to college there, and these are some of the activities that my children and I always enjoyed doing. Andrew Jackson's home, the Hermitage is just outside of Nashville.

Downtown Franklin is a must if you're in the Nashville area (only 20-25 minutes down I-65) Charming with lots of cute shops and restaurants. Franklin's Main Street Festival is the last Saturday and Sunday in April. Franklin, Brentwood and Leiper's Fork is home to many of the country music stars and big, beautiful homes. I love Chattanooga for families, too. Rock City is where you can see 7 states, Ruby Falls is fun as well as the aquarium and the children's discovery museum. Have fun!