10 Attractions in Tennessee That Are Open Year-Round

With the "business end" of summer in the rearview mirror, most theme parks can see their seasons' grand finales on the horizon. These days, most stay open through October to wisely capitalize on Halloween.

Then, however, November rolls around and they roll up the carpet for a long winter's nap. But some attractions load up on coffee, skip the nap, and entertain us throughout the year. If you're planning on visiting Tennessee in the "off-season that really isn't," here you go.

Dollywood

The Dollywood THEME PARK does operate on seasonal hours. But the Dollywood DreamMore Resort and Spa will welcome you anytime you want to go.

@jennicathomp not to metion her 80s tour bus is in the front yard #DollywoodDreammoreResort #Dollywood #gaitlinburg #smokymountainstennessee @Dollywood Parks & Resorts ♬ 9 to 5 - Dolly Parton

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

If you've never considered spending a portion of your fall or winter in the Smokies, I'll give you whatever time you need to do just that. Fall is EXTRAORDINARY in east Tennessee, but Christmas is no slouch, either. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_WME0gAO_g

The National Civil Rights Museum

Here's a MUST for any visit to southwestern Tennessee. The museum is located at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw8gBi9O6ew

Graceland

I'm guessing this one needs no explanation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEHao7CDDvg

The Memphis Zoo

I love that zoos stay open throughout the year. The critically-acclaimed Memphis Zoo is no exception. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhNcvLyBgvM

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

At some point, on one of your trips to Nashville, you have to enter this building. If you're going to be in Music City, you owe it to yourself to do a deep dive into country music's rich history.

@staymintynashville Have you visited the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum? #countrymusic #country #nashville #countrymusichalloffame #stayminty ♬ My Middle Name - Hallucination Orbit

The Parthenon

This spot-on replica has been a fixture in Nashville's Centennial Park for decades. Oddly enough, I never walked through its doors until this past spring. I won't wait so long until my next visit.

The Ryman Auditorium

Oh yes, it's an amazing experience watching any concert here. But you don't need tickets like that to enjoy a tour of one of the most iconic structures in the history of country music. Talk about HISTORY.

The Tennessee Aquarium

Chattanooga is one of the coolest cities in the south. The Tennessee Aquarium does its part to maintain that status.

The Jack Daniel's Distillery

Just as Kentucky's Bourbon Trail is a top attraction in the Bluegrass State, the legendary Jack Daniel's Distillery draws similar traffic to Lynchburg. Lemonade, anyone?