You don’t have to look too far when you need to take a breather from the buzz of the Music City. You’ll find just what you need to recharge your batteries, from thrill rides to scenic hikes, just one tank of gas away.

KOAs along the way:
Kentucky Lake/I-24/Paducah
Kentucky Lakes/Prizer Point
Bowling Green
Horse Cave
Russell Springs
Corbin/Laurel Lake
Renfro Valley
Louisville South
Louisville Metro
Benton
Places To See And Things To Do:
Kentucky Lakes
Land Between the Lakes – A huge recreation area full of opportunities for recreation and environmental education.
Bowling Green
GM Corvette Assembly Plant – For the auto enthusiast, tour the GM plant that manufactures one of America’s favorite sports cars.
Horse Cave
Mammoth Cave National Park – Explore the world’s longest cave system.
Corbin
Kentucky Splash Waterpark – Various slides, a wave pool, even mini golf and go-karts!
Places To Eat:
Bowling Green
Smokey Pig Bar-B-Q – A great local BBQ joint for those craving all things pork.
Louisville
Jack Fry’s – This small local restaurant is widely considered one of the best in Louisville. Be sure to make a reservation unless you want to eat at the bar!
Corbin
Dino’s – Specializing in Italian food but offering a wide variety of menu options, Dino’s is a must-visit in Corbin, KY.
KOAs along the way:
Manchester
Chattanooga North/Cleveland
Lookout Mtn/Chattanooga West
Lookout Mtn/Chattanooga South
Calhoun
Cartersville/Cassville-White
Places To See And Things To Do:
Lynchburg
Jack Daniels Distillery – Tour the country’s oldest registered distillery.
Calhoun
Calhoun Premium Outlet – Featuring designer outlet stores without designer price tags.
Chattanooga
Rock City Gardens – Spectacular views and breathtaking natural beauty.
Places To Eat:
Manchester
Two Purple Pigs – Great barbeque with famous ribs.
Chattanooga
La Altena – Hidden gem with great Mexican food.
Calhoun
Dub’s High on the Hog – Another hidden local favorite with great BBQ.
KOAs along the way:
Nashville
Crossville/I-40
Sweetwater/I-75/Exit 62
Tellico Plains
Townsend/Great Smokies
Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg
Newport/I-40/Smoky Mountains
Murphy/Peace Valley
Cherokee/Great Smokies
Places To See And Things To Do:
Crossville
Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain – One of the best golf courses in Tennessee. Designed by the Golden Bear himself, Jack Nicklaus.
Sweetwater
The Lost Sea – The largest underwater lake in the country. Tour interesting rooms and ride a glass-bottom boat across the Lost Sea.
Pigeon Forge
Dollywood – Dolly Parton’s Great Smoky Mountains family amusement park. Fun games, good food, and big thrills.
Cherokee
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – Tour the majestic landscape of the Smokies in a fun, unique way!
Places To Eat:
Tellico Plains
Tellico Beach Drive-in – A local favorite right on the river. Great ice cream and hot dogs.
Pigeon Forge
The Old Mill Pottery House Café & Grille – A scenic view paired with fresh food and bread made with grains ground at the historic Old Mill.
Murphy
Murphy’s Chophouse – A gem in the mountains, Murphy’s Chophouse features the finest in gourmet cuisine.
KOAs along the way:
Buffalo/I-40/Exit 143
Paris Landing
Hayti/Portageville
Places To See And Things To Do:
Paris Landing
Paris Landing State Park Golf Course – A beautiful course lined with trees, rolling land, and water.
Malden
Bootheel Youth Museum – Offers a variety of interactive exhibits for exciting and educational fun!
Places To Eat:
Hurricane Mills
Loretta Lynn’s Kitchen – Country style restaurant and buffet on Loretta Lynn’s Ranch.
Buchanan
Lakeview Grill – Small restaurant near Kentucky Lake with a personal touch.
Portageville
Billy’s Steakhouse and Lounge – A great place to get dinner and a drink.

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Now that you’ve read our recommendations, we want to hear yours. Share your ideas for fun things to do in and around Nashville by commenting below:


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