Tennessee Tourism, in conjunction with Tennessee Whiskey Trail, Franklin Tennessee, Memphis Tourism & Sevierville, hosted a “VIP Cooking Experience” in the Dublin Cookery School on Thursday, 1st of May for travel trade and media. It was an immersive evening inspired by Tennessee flavours with a big personality. Tennessee is known for its tasty BBQ, famous hot chicken, delicious moon pies and Tennessee Whiskey and the evening proved a mouthwatering event.
Representatives at the event included: Jessica Jackson (Tennessee Tourism), Jill Kilgore (Tennessee Tourism), Kirsty Dillury (Tennessee Tourism), Margaret Fuqua (Tennessee Tourism), Lisa M Catron (Memphis Tourism), Charity Toombs (Tennessee Whisky Trail), Tony Funderburg (Visit Servierville) and Brendan Johanson (Visit Franklin).
Whiskey Tasting, Tennessee-style, involved sampling Old Dominick in a Memphis Toddy, Leiper’s Fork, a Tennessee whiskey from Franklin, Chattanooga Whiskey which is a high malt whiskey 91 followed by a Tennessee Legend from Sevierville which is a Blackberry Whiskey. Each of the drinks was paired with the courses and hinted at what travellers could seek to enjoy on a Tennessee Whiskey Trail.
Tennessee Whiskey Trail
Covering the State of Tennessee from East, where whiskey flows like a river in the hills to West Tennessee known for Whiskey, barbecue and blues music, there’s an itinerary to inspire adventure. The Tennessee Whiskey Trail allows travellers to discover timeless craft secrets, immerse themselves in the local culture, meet some iconic distillers and taste where legendary spirits come from.
The Tennessee Whiskey Trail is a collaborative effort put together by over thirty Tennessee distillers with the ultimate goal being to promote whiskey tourism in Tennessee. We hope you’ll use this website to help craft your own adventure, all the while enjoying everything the great State of Tennessee has to offer. Now get on with it … an adventure awaits!
It’s All About History, Tradition & Ingenuity
Tennessee is known for music and hospitality, food and whiskey. This is a great way to explore all of it with the Tennessee Whiskey Trail offering roadtrips, tours and more. Itineraries take in the dozens of distilleries and can be tailored for visits to the likes of the Lakeside of the Smokies, visiting Jefferson County or journeying through the caves or Tennessee’s State Parks. There are “Just for Foodies” tours, Moonshine Mayhem, Historic Franklin in Williamson County and if you are a music-lover like me, the Tastings & Tunes would appeal to me in a heartbeat – check out their trip planner for inspiration here.
Check it out.
Find Yourself in Franklin
Franklin is described as “the South’s most charming town”. This is in Williamson County, Tennessee. Franklin’s main thoroughfare is a must-see attraction. It has been designated a Great American Main Street and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lined with trendy boutiques, home goods stores, art galleries and restaurants all housed in charming historic buildings dating back as far as 1799, Main Street has plenty to catch the eye, not to mention to whet an appetite.
Travellers can grab a self-guided tour booklet from the Visitor Center (located just off Main Street on 4th Avenue) to learn more about the stories behind some of these beautiful buildings, or download the Great American Main Street Digital Passport and a self-guided walking tour will be delivered instantly to their phone via text and email.
The charm of Williamson County offers historic sites and civil war history, outdoor adventures, family-friendly and fun activities like Aplaca Yoga, plus annual events and festivals like the PumpkinFest or the Franklin Cocktail Festival. Franklin’s vibrant arts scene shines through its music and cultural events. From the renowned Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival and Bluegrass Along the Harpeth to intimate performances at The Franklin Theatre and local art exhibits.
Sevierville, Your Smoky Mountain Adventure Starts Here
Sevierville, Tennessee is Dolly Parton’s hometown and the superstar is celebrated throughout the Smoky Mountain community with murals, statues, singing competitions, shopping experiences, historic walking tours, and so much more. There’s no doubt that the admiration between the town and the living legend herself is mutual: Dollywood offers abundant proof.
Consistently ranking in TripAdvisors top U.S. theme parks (and claiming the #1 position in 2022), Dollywood features more than 50 thrilling rides, scrumptious fare, and stellar entertainment with Dolly’s love of her Tennessee Mountain Home woven through, starting with the park’s friendly, welcoming atmosphere which spreads across a massive 160 acres.
Whatever your age and interests, there’s something for you at Dollywood. You’ll find 10 thrilling coasters, carnival games, dozens of award-winning shows, 20+ shops, arts and crafts demonstrations, countless seasonal displays, and much more. The 25+ dining locations range from full-service eateries to food trucks with options from cinnamon bread to pizza, funnel cakes to barbecue, ice cream to hot dogs, and more tasty refreshments and irresistible indulgences.
This year (2025) marks the park’s 40th season. To celebrate, Dollywood is debuting a new anniversary show – which will run from Memorial Day Weekend through the end of the summer and feature moments from guest-favorite shows from years past. In addition, a new drone and fireworks show honouring the 40th anniversary season will take place as part of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City.
Not Just Dollywood, Smoky Mountain, Camping, Glamping & More
There is plenty beyond the allure of Dolly Parton. As they explain, when the stories start with “I had the best time ever…” you know you’ve visited Sevierville, Tennessee. From great day trips to the Smokies, road trip inspiration across the rivers and mountains of Tennessee, large log cabins for groups or multi-generational family trips, glamping in the great outdoors or North America’s largest construction-based theme park (Dig ‘N Zone), there is truly something for everyone. Don’t forget the craft beers and whiskeys too. For trip ideas, itineraries and a holiday planner, check out https://visitsevierville.com/.
Soaky Mountain Water Park
Apple Barn
Forbidden Caverns
Legendary Music Studios, Riverboat Cruises, Live Music… Memphis Tennessee
Travellers will find plenty of things to do in Memphis, Tennessee, whether you’re looking for relaxation, excitement or classic memory-making. In South Memphis, Elvis Presley’s Graceland and Stax Museum of American Soul Music should be at the top of your bucket list. Downtown, don’t miss the National Civil Rights Museum and other landmarks that tell of Memphis’ powerful place in civil rights history, plus exciting activity around the Mississippi Riverfront.
Downtown Memphis is also where you’ll find live music on Beale Street, with three Memphis music museums in walking distance: the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Memphis Music Hall of Fame and The Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall of Fame. Nearby, you’ll discover Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock and roll and the site where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis got their start.
Not sure how to plan a trip in Memphis, Memphis Travel has a great quiz to help tailor the adventure, check it out here.
In Memphis, you can trace history from a 15th-century Native American archaeological site to the Rock ‘n’ Roll and Soul music. Starting in downtown Memphis, tour Victorian-era mansions along Millionaire’s Row, see the impacts of agriculture and slavery at The Cotton Museum on historic Cotton Row, take a riverboat ride on the Mississippi. Memphis is also home to eight stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, including the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel and Beale Street.
Don’t Forget Festivals, Ferris Wheels & Fried Deliciousness in Memphis, Tennessee
Experience the culinary wonder of a Pronto Pup. Take a spin on a goat-pulled chariot. Shop for Elvis memorabilia. Soak up the energy of live music on the Mississippi River or in the shade of lush gardens and parks.
Eating in Memphis is an experience for the soul. Their specialty may be barbecue — Memphis is home to more than 100 barbecue restaurants and two BBQ fests — but make no bones about it: Dining out (or taking out!) in Memphis doesn’t stop at ‘cue. In fact, Memphis might be just as famous for its wings with just as many wing joints tossing wings in that sweet, sticky Memphis honey gold sauce — as you’ll find barbecue spots around town.
And it doesn’t end there. Devour soul food, fine dining, twists on Southern classics, authentic Italian and Mexican cuisine, burgers, vegan fare and so much more. Memphis’ award-winning chefs and restaurateurs, brewers and distillers will welcome you with a dose of Southern hospitality every time. From barbecue and blues to ferris wheels and fried deliciousness, there’s always something to see, do and taste in Memphis (check out the Memphis BBQ Trail Pass which sounds fantastically mouth-watering).
Getting There – Direct Service from Dublin to Tennessee with Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus has recently launched the first-ever non-stop flight between Dublin and Nashville, which operates four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays onboard an Airbus XLR aircraft. The service has 16 seats in the business cabin and 168 seats in economy.
Jodi Hanson, Tennessee Tourism, has explained, “The flight is transformational for our connectivity across Europe and solidifies Tennessee’s growth as a premier global destination. And our goal is to reach $1 billion in international spending throughout Tennessee in 2025. The US was Ireland’s number one long-haul destination in 2023 and Tennessee is now 15th for Irish Travellers and that’s even without the direct service.”
“So with internationally beloved brands, like Dolly [Parton], Elvis and Jack [Daniels] plus the island’s love of music, food and whisky. We truly think that the flight is going to make a huge success. This is now the third non-stop flight to Europe, a testament to the strength of our partners… who worked to make Tennessee a global destination of choice.”