As a digital creator who loves wandering the backroads and chasing the quiet corners most travelers never see, my heart is set on helping others discover the hidden gems that make a journey unforgettable. I’m all about the places that don’t show up on postcards — the small towns with big stories, the scenic pull-offs you find by accident, and the kind of experiences that make you feel connected to the land and the people who call it home. I share these discoveries with one goal in mind: to make adventure feel accessible, authentic, and within reach, no matter your budget. Through down‑to‑earth stories, helpful tips, and glimpses into the beauty of non‑touristy destinations, I hope to inspire fellow explorers to slow down, wander a little farther, and fall in love with the overlooked wonders waiting just off the beaten path.
Welcome In Y'all!
If you landed here by scanning my QR code, searching for something new, or just wandering the internet — I’m glad you’re here. This isn’t your typical travel page.
I’m Tammie Browning, a lifelong Sevierville girl, native to the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. At 56, I’ve watched our hometown grow into a major tourism hub with millions of visitors each year. But while the crowds flock to the big attractions, I’ve always been drawn to the quieter places most folks miss.
That’s what this page is all about: the hidden gems across Tennessee and throughout the United States. I’m always exploring, always learning, and always adding new discoveries — so swing back by anytime to see what’s new.
You won’t find the usual tourist traps here the majority of the time. Instead, you’ll find the backroads, small towns, scenic nooks, and unexpected wonders that make traveling feel personal and real.
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YouTube - Long format video, mostly narrated with details
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Facebook - Photos, special announcements, short format videos, & location tags.
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TikTok - Short format and fun clips.
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Substack - Very detailed blog posts about location with photos, short format videos, and links. You will also find travel itineraries here (work in progress now).
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Instagram - Photos
History & Origin of the Page
Backroad Bucket List officially started in 2020, but the story goes back a whole lot farther than that. For decades, I've loved getting off the interstate and seeing what's waiting down the roads that most people drive right past. When I joined Facebook in 2009, I was constantly sharing my travels on my personal Facebook page, and friends kept saying, "You really need to start a travel page." Well...I finally listened, and here we are!
My goal has always been simple: to help people discover the side of America that's easy to miss. The mom-and-pop restaurants. The locally owned shops. The scenic drives. The hidden gems. The quirky roadside stops. The history. The small towns. And all those free or budget-friendly places that make a road trip so much fun. Because if you ask me, the destination is great...but the journey is what it's really all about.
Now, your idea of a backroad might be different from mine, and that's perfectly okay. For me, a backroad isn't always a tiny gravel road—although I do love a little gravel in our travel! It's choosing the roads less traveled instead of the fastest route. It's slowing down. Taking the scenic way. Experiencing America one small town—or even one big city—at a time. Yes, even big cities can have some great hidden roads less traveled!
I'm a proud Sevier County, Tennessee gal. Sevierville is home, right here in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It's the same county as Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, and of course, Dolly Parton. You'll see my hometown pop up from time to time here, but there are already so many great creators covering this area. I enjoy taking you a little farther down the road (or across the nation) to places you may have never considered visiting.
If I have a choice between staying home and hitting the road...I'm hitting the road every single time. And if we can avoid the interstate? Even better. So, take a look around. Watch a few videos. Browse the website as I continue giving it a fresh new look. I'll be adding organized travel guides, itineraries, and lots more adventures as we go. Most of all, I hope you'll stick around. I truly appreciate every follow, every comment, every share, and every one of you who chooses to come along for the ride.
So buckle up...let's take the scenic route and see where the backroads lead us. Thanks for traveling with me, and I'll see you down the road!
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting travel opportunities. If you would like me to feature your business, restaurant, attraction, or site I would love to hear from you. Let's connect.