Embark on a journey through the heartland of America, where rolling hills and soulful melodies intertwine to create an unparalleled travel experience. Welcome to Tennessee, a land brimming with rich history, captivating landscapes, and a vibrant cultural tapestry that will leave you spellbound.
Tennesse has a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a music lover yearning for sweet echoes of blues, country, and rock’n’roll, or a nature enthusiast seeking breathtaking vistas and untamed wilderness, Tennessee waits for you with open arms.
It’s time to put away the cell phones and live in the moment. To help you make the most of your travels, consider vising any of the below eight travel destinations for a unique experience that you’ll remember for years to come.
Stop In At Great Smoky Mountains National Park
And we’ll start with one of those breathtaking vistas. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country— there’s a reason everyone keeps on coming by. The park covers 500,000 acres and is home to massive elk, hermit-like black bears, and over 200 species of birds. Hike the luscious trails, sit and listen to the thunderous waterfalls, or settle on shore for a good bit of fishin’. It’s a perfect mountain getaway.
Tour Music City: Nashville, Tn.
If you’re looking for something a little more toe-thumping or boot-scooting, head on down to Nashville! Home to some of the most famous country music venues in the world, including the Grand Ole Opry, you can find music to listen to, music to dance to, and music to take home. Tour the Ryman Auditorium or visit the Johnny Cash museum to pay homage to a legend. Check out the myriad of dance clubs, and try your hand at line dancing. You can pull right on into Nashville and take two-step lessons from an experienced studio. It doesn’t matter where you’re from: music is for everyone.
Visit the Jack Daniel’s Distillery
Lynchburg’s world-famous whiskey distillery offers tours that guide you through the entire process of making good ole’ Jack Daniels. You can learn about the history of the distillery and its founding family, as well as watch the charcoal mellowing process that gives Jack Daniels such a unique flavor. For real whiskey lovers, the best part of the tour is the finale: whiskey tasting some of Jack Daniels’ finest and most popular whiskeys.
Explore Graceland
Where would music today be without Elvis Presley? The man, the myth, the legend, lived in his famous Memphis mansion before his untimely death. The home has been preserved as a museum honoring the late great king. Check out his car collection and uniquely themed rooms like the Jungle Room and Meditation Garden. Make sure to stop by his grave and pay your respects. Learn the highs and lows of his life and career wandering the exhibits— then go and try his favorite sandwich to round out the experience.
Walk Through the Historic Belle Meade Plantation
Nestled in Nashville, this plantation offers guided tours teaching about the plantation and everyone who lived and worked there. Once a thriving thoroughbred horse farm, the plantation now serves as a museum to days gone by and the Civil War Era. You can also enjoy wine tasting or get some old-fashioned ice cream at the Coop’n Scoop.
Learn about the Harding family and the Journey to Jubilee as the plantation’s slaves found freedom. Belle Meade doesn’t shy away from the shadows of the past; in fact, starting in 1990, staff started a massive research project into the history of enslavement at the plantation. They continue to do their best to provide an honest perspective of the past rather than romanticizing the pre-bellum horse ranch.
Take the Scenic Route and Drive Down Natchez Trace Parkway
This 444-mile stretch leads you through some of the more beautiful areas of Tennessee. YOu can see forests, rivers, and historic sites. The parkway itself is historic, once acting as a main thoroughfare for early settlers and Native Americans. Several destinations along the way invite you to hike, bike, and camp.
Immerse Yourself Into the History of the Civil War at the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
Tennessee boasts several areas of historical importance when it comes to the Civil War, but this park in Chattanooga was home to one of the bloodiest battles. You can walk through a guided tour or watch a historical reenactment of the battle. Learn about the strategies and tactics that took place over the battlefield, and learn the history of the area and the overall role it played in the war.
Dive Into the Tennessee Aquarium
Located in Chatanooga, this aquarium is home to thousands of animals, such as penguins, otters, and sharks. Visit exhibits on saltwater and freshwater animals, enjoy the cool touch tanks (and we mean brr!), and check out the attached butterfly garden. Take an in-depth, behind-the-scenes tour to see how workers take care of their aquatic friends or settle into the IMAX for a thrilling and educational experience.
Heading Onward
As you bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes and captivating experiences of Tennesee, we hope you enjoyed all of the treasures you uncovered along the way. From the vibrant Nashville dance and music scene to the serenity of the national parks, a journey through Tennessee can create a wealth of unforgettable and cherished memories. Tennessee, with its welcoming spirit, shows us the beauty of history, music, and undisturbed land. It’s the kind of place you come back to visit again and again.
