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Tennessee’s spirit is as bold and flavourful as its food. From smoky barbecue and spicy hot chicken to hand-crafted whiskeys and farm-fresh produce, this southern state is a feast for the senses. Whether your clients are food lovers chasing the next great bite or travellers wanting to mix culture, music, and dining, Tennessee serves up something for every palate.
Across its cities and mountain towns, talented chefs are redefining southern cuisine – blending tradition with creativity – while distilleries, diners, and markets keep the authentic flavour alive. With Stuba’s curated hotel selection, your clients can savour the best of Tennessee’s culinary scene in comfort and style.
Nashville – Hot Chicken and Haute Cuisine
Nashville has long been a foodie favourite, combining soulful southern flavours with trend-setting innovation. The city’s signature hot chicken – crispy, fiery, and irresistible – is a must-try, whether from Hattie B’s or a classic like Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. Beyond the heat, Nashville shines with refined dining, from celebrity-chef restaurants in The Gulch to stylish farm-to-table venues in Germantown.
The Assembly Food Hall on Broadway is perfect for casual grazing, while the Nashville Farmers’ Market offers local produce, artisanal goods, and live events. Pair it all with a whiskey tasting or a rooftop cocktail overlooking the neon lights of Broadway, and it’s the perfect recipe for a night to remember.
Memphis – where a barbecue isn’t just food
In Memphis, barbecue isn’t just food, it’s a way of life. The city’s slow-cooked, sauce-slathered ribs are legendary, and the Memphis Barbecue Trail takes visitors through local icons like Central BBQ, Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, and Corky’s. For a different twist, soul food spots such as The Four Way and Alcenia’s serve up hospitality with history.
Beer lovers can explore the city’s booming brewery scene, while cocktail fans shouldn’t miss The Gray Canary for mixology magic or Catherine & Mary’s for Italian-Southern fusion. The annual Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is a must-see for culinary enthusiasts visiting in spring.
Knoxville – farm fresh and flavour-forward
Knoxville’s food scene has quietly flourished into one of the South’s best-kept secrets. The Market Square Farmers’ Market is a local institution, featuring regional cheeses, baked goods, and seasonal produce. For refined southern dining, The Oliver Royale and J.C. Holdway showcase Tennessee ingredients elevated to perfection.
Clients can enjoy a brewery crawl through the Knoxville Ale Trail, sample locally distilled spirits, or sip wine by the river at Marble City Market. Knoxville’s mix of laid-back charm and serious flavour makes it ideal for foodies who like to combine taste with discovery.
Chattanooga – culinary creativity by the river
Chattanooga’s dining scene combines southern comfort with creative flair. The city’s Warehouse Row and Southside districts are home to independent restaurants, farm-driven menus, and inventive chefs. Clients can start their day with biscuits and gravy at Maple Street Biscuit Company, then enjoy a riverside dinner at Bridgeman’s Chophouse or Easy Bistro & Bar.
Craft beer fans will find plenty to love here – Chattanooga boasts more than a dozen local breweries, along with vibrant markets and distilleries that celebrate the region’s produce.
The Smoky Mountains – comfort food meets country charm
In the Smoky Mountains, meals are hearty, comforting, and steeped in tradition. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are packed with pancake houses, southern kitchens, and family-friendly diners serving biscuits, country ham, and homemade pie. For something extra special, The Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store offers everything apple-inspired, from fritters to wine.
Visitors can also follow the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, which winds through distilleries across the region – perfect for clients interested in tastings, tours, and local storytelling. Whether it’s moonshine sips in Gatlinburg or mountain-view dining in Sevierville, every meal here comes with a side of southern charm.
Where to stay in Tennessee
From sleek city hotels with gourmet restaurants to rustic-chic resorts surrounded by nature, Tennessee’s accommodation scene is a food lover’s dream. Here’s just a selection offering something to match every taste.
5* Conrad Nashville – Nashville
A luxurious retreat in the heart of Midtown, featuring a rooftop pool, refined rooms, and on-site restaurant Blue Aster, serving locally sourced southern classics with a modern twist. Perfect for clients who love food and sophistication in equal measure.
5* 1 Hotel Nashville – Nashville
Eco-luxe and effortlessly stylish, this property blends sustainability with culinary excellence. Its restaurant 1 Kitchen by Chris Crary focuses on hyper-local ingredients, while the rooftop bar offers sweeping views and craft cocktails.
4* ARRIVE Memphis – Memphis
This boutique gem delivers Memphis charm with a creative edge. On-site, Hustle & Dough bakery and Longshot bar make it a hotspot for artisan bread, great coffee, and late-night drinks, all close to Beale Street.
4* Hotel Napoleon – Memphis
Housed in a historic building, this boutique hotel combines modern comfort with character. Guests can enjoy the Luna Restaurant & Bar, serving regional dishes and local spirits, just steps from downtown attractions.
4* The Tennessean Personal Luxury Hotel – Knoxville
This upscale downtown hotel offers an elegant dining experience at The Drawing Room, known for creative cocktails and Tennessee-inspired cuisine. It’s ideal for clients who appreciate local flavours in a refined setting.
4* The Edwin Hotel, Autograph Collection – Chattanooga
A foodie favourite with its award-winning Whiskey Thief Rooftop Bar and restaurant Whitebird, which celebrates Appalachian ingredients. Its riverside location adds scenic flair to the dining experience.
3* The Park Vista – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Gatlinburg – Smoky Mountains
Overlooking the mountains, this family-friendly property features a rotating restaurant, indoor pool, and warm southern-style hospitality. A great base for exploring Gatlinburg’s comfort food spots and distilleries.
Tips for Travel Agents
- Sell Tennessee through its flavours – From BBQ to whiskey, food and drink are at the heart of the state’s identity.
- Promote tasting trails – The Tennessee Whiskey Trail and BBQ Trail create easy themed itineraries.
- Highlight chef-led dining – Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga all feature award-winning chefs and restaurants ideal for culinary travellers.
- Encourage self-drive journeys – Food lovers can easily explore multiple cities while sampling regional specialities along the way.
- Add a touch of music – Combine dining with live shows and festivals for the full Tennessee experience.
