Taking it slow in Tennessee

In a fast-moving world with little respite. Tennessee gives travelers the chance to savor more of life for longer with an array of slow travel experiences.

This encourages meaningful, unhurried experiences and personal restoration.

From the misty peaks of the Smoky Mountains to the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee and the soulful rhythms of the West, the state offers a natural setting for rejuvenation, reflection and reconnection.

Rather than rushing through a packed itinerary, slow travel allows visitors to immerse themselves in local culture, landscapes and communities.

Tennessee’s rich heritage and welcoming spirit make it an ideal destination for those seeking a gentler, more intentional journey.

East Tennessee: Where Time Slows Down
Discover Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where early morning hikes along moss-covered trails and afternoons spent fly-fishing in clear Appalachian streams are reminders of nature’s calming power. This natural haven is the most-visited national park in the U.S., with over 800 miles of trails. Beat the crowds with an early morning hike to Ramsey Cascades; it may be a challenging, eight-mile roundtrip hike to the tallest waterfall in the park, but the rewarding sight (and sound) of its 100-foot drop will do wonders for your soul.

Where to Stay: Find a little peace of mind at Blackberry Mountain, a nearby wellness retreat where you can indulge in a yoga session or forest bathing experience, bringing you even closer to the natural world. Blackberry Farm marks its 50th anniversary in 2026.

RT Lodge in Maryville is a boutique retreat surrounded by lush woodland, and now features the new Carriage House Spa (open Oct. 2025) focused on relaxation, nature-inspired treatments and restorative rituals.

Middle Tennessee: Stillness in the Heartland
Wander through the pastoral beauty of Leiper’s Fork. This come-as-you-are town is as laid back as you can get, with local art, antique shopping and homecooked meals with a side of sincere Tennessee hospitality. Browse inviting galleries like The Copper Fox, Leiper’s Creek Gallery and David Arms, and peruse unique home goods, garden items and vintage treasures at Patina Home & Garden. Take a long sip of whiskey courtesy of Leiper’s Fork Distillery, where time honored-techniques and pure limestone-filtered water combine to create some of the smoothest spirits you’ve ever tasted.

Where to Stay: For something even slower, try Southall Farm & Inn, a renowned luxury resort just outside of Leiper’s Fork, offering an enticing menu of personalized wellness experiences. Enjoy personal training, yoga, meditation, sound bathing, forest bathing, tea ceremonies, massages, facials and more.

West Tennessee: Let the Music Breathe
Soul legend Otis Redding recorded his classic “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” at Memphis’ Stax Studios in 1967, and the song’s peaceful, easy feeling can still be felt in the city today. Spend a day at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, where you’ll take an immersive journey back in time to when giants like Otis, Sam & Dave, Booker T, the Staple Singers and so many more cut hit after hit after hit. It’s not just about music, though — it’s about the stories behind the songs, which tell us as much about American life as any history book. Pair it with a meditative walk along the Mississippi and through the cypress groves of Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park for the perfect mix of sound and silence.

Where to Stay: Indulge at The Peabody Hotel’s Feathers Spa, named one of the top spas in the U.S. by Spas of America. Don’t miss their Vichy Shower Bed, where steam massage, chromo light therapy and aromatherapy create a multi-sensory wellness experience like no other.

Beyond these highlights, travelers can discover slow-travel moments in every corner of the state, from bird-watching at Reelfoot Lake in Northwest Tennessee to antique shopping in Bell Buckle and scenic drives across the Cumberland Plateau. Discover more ways to slow down and recharge in Tennessee at TNVacation.com.

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