Events in Tennessee for some short trips

[DannyA]

I'm trying to plan some short trips for this year in Tennessee, north Alabama or Mississippi.
We live in West Tennessee and with work most trips will be fairly short.
We enjoy camping when there are things going on, festivals, campers fairs, etc.
We know of Memphis in May, Campers Fair at LBL in the fall, Good Sams Samboree in May, any other suggestions?
We enjoy camping but its nice to have something either at the campgrounds or near them to do.
Thanks for any suggestions.

[GaryKD]

Hi DannyA,
Go east young man. On the other side of the state there is the Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area. There is quite a bit to do in that area. There are festivals, car shows, craft fairs all year long. Google fairs "city name" or festivals "city name". Then there are all the shows. Lastly, Tanger Mall is good shopping for the ladies.

[cavedvr]

Mark your calendar for the last Saturday in October and take in the best of the best in BBQ at the Jack Daniels Championship BBQ Contest.

Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (BBQ) - Lynchburg, TN
Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue

If you get there a day early, make reservations at Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House for some southern cooking

Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House, Lynchburg - Restaurant Reviews - TripAdvisor

and plan on staying at Tim Ford State Park in nearby Winchester.
Tims Ford State Park — Tennessee State Parks

[JayGee]

The Fall Festival near Townsend is a pretty good event for both adults and children. http://www.foothillsfallfestival.com

[hogdriver]

Memphis in May BBQ contest.

[56safari]

I'll add a few more to the already good suggestions. Mostly things to do or tour in specific areas.
Nashville area - Hermitage, Franklin civil war tour, Antebellum mansion tours, couple major rod and classic car gatherings in the summer, Grand Old Opera,

Knoxville area - Museum of Appalachia has a great festival in the fall with live performances (mostly bluegrass), Honda Hoot, if you like motorcycles, there's always a UT football or basketball game, Dollywood(but Pigeon Forge has already been mentioned)

I've found you can find things to do about that fit your interests anywhere with a little web searching. Seems every area has something.

Whatever you do, it beats sitting home!

[DannyA]

Thanks for all the good information.
We like camping so that always comes first but it is nice to have something going on close by if you get bored to have to do.