Tennessee Map Of Cities And Counties
Introduction
Tennessee is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Whether you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or an art lover, Tennessee has something to offer for everyone. In this travel guide, we will explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that Tennessee has to offer.
Top Attractions
Graceland
Graceland is the former home of Elvis Presley, and it is now a museum and tourist attraction. Visitors can take a tour of the mansion, which includes the living room, the kitchen, the music room, and the famous Jungle Room. There is also a museum on the property that showcases Elvis’s cars, costumes, and personal belongings.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The park is home to more than 1,500 species of plants and animals, including black bears, deer, and elk. Visitors can also explore historic buildings, such as grist mills and churches, that date back to the 1800s.
Dollywood
Dollywood is an amusement park owned by country music singer Dolly Parton. The park features roller coasters, water rides, and live entertainment. Visitors can also explore the adjacent Splash Country water park and the DreamMore Resort.
Hidden Gems
The Lost Sea
The Lost Sea is an underground lake located in Sweetwater, Tennessee. Visitors can take a guided tour of the caverns and ride a glass-bottomed boat on the lake. The tour also includes a visit to a historic village that showcases life in the 18th century.
Tower of the Wats
The Tower of the Wats is a unique attraction located in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. The tower is made entirely of recycled materials, such as glass bottles and hubcaps, and it offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The Stone Door
The Stone Door is a natural rock formation located in the South Cumberland State Park. Visitors can hike to the top of the formation and enjoy breathtaking views of the valley below.
Food Scene
Tennessee is known for its Southern cuisine, which includes dishes such as fried chicken, barbecue, and hot chicken. Some of the best places to try these dishes include Hattie B’s Hot Chicken in Nashville, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Memphis, and Loveless Cafe in Franklin. Tennessee is also home to a thriving craft beer scene, with breweries such as Yazoo Brewing Company and Blackberry Farm Brewery.
Budget-Friendly Tips
There are plenty of budget-friendly things to do in Tennessee, such as hiking in the state parks, exploring downtown Nashville, and visiting the free museums in Memphis. Visitors can also save money by staying in budget-friendly accommodations, such as campgrounds or hostels, and by eating at local diners and food trucks instead of expensive restaurants.
Outdoor Adventures
Tennessee offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing. Some of the best places to enjoy these activities include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cherokee National Forest, and the South Cumberland State Park.
Historical Landmarks
Tennessee is home to many historical landmarks, such as the Hermitage, the former home of President Andrew Jackson, and the Belle Meade Plantation, a historic mansion and winery. Other notable landmarks include the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis and the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville.
Family-Friendly Activities
Tennessee has plenty of family-friendly activities, such as visiting the Chattanooga Zoo, exploring the Adventure Science Center in Nashville, and riding the roller coasters at Dollywood. Families can also enjoy hiking and camping in the state parks or visiting the beaches along the Tennessee River.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Tennessee is full of off-the-beaten-path experiences, such as visiting the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, exploring the abandoned town of Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and hiking to the top of the Stone Door in the South Cumberland State Park.
Natural Wonders
From the Great Smoky Mountains to the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee is home to many natural wonders. Visitors can explore the underground lake at the Lost Sea, hike to the top of Mount LeConte, or go whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River.
Vibrant Nightlife
Tennessee is known for its vibrant nightlife, particularly in Nashville and Memphis. Visitors can enjoy live music at the many honky-tonk bars on Broadway in Nashville, or explore the Beale Street Entertainment District in Memphis.
Local Markets
Tennessee is home to many local markets, where visitors can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Some of the best markets include the Nashville Farmers’ Market, the Memphis Farmers Market, and the Knoxville Market Square Farmers Market.
Beaches and Mountains
Tennessee is home to both beaches and mountains, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy swimming and boating in the Tennessee River, or hiking and camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Cultural Immersion
Tennessee is steeped in culture, from its music scene to its cuisine. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by attending a live music performance in Nashville, visiting the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, or sampling the local barbecue.
Art and Music Scene
Tennessee is home to a thriving art and music scene, with many galleries, museums, and music venues to explore. Some of the best places to experience the local art and music scene include the Frist Art Museum in Nashville, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.
Walking Tours
Walking tours are a great way to explore Tennessee’s cities and towns. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of downtown Nashville, or join a guided tour of the historic district in Franklin. Other notable walking tours include the Civil Rights Walking Tour in Memphis and the Knoxville Urban Wilderness Trail.
Architectural Marvels
Tennessee is home to many architectural marvels, such as the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville, which features a 200-foot granite map of Tennessee. Other notable architectural landmarks include the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the Sun Studio in Memphis, and the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga.
Historical Sites
Tennessee is rich in history, and there are many historical sites to explore. Visitors can tour the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Greeneville, which includes the former president’s home and tailor shop, or visit the Shiloh National Military Park, which commemorates the Civil War battle that took place there.
Biking Routes
Tennessee is home to many scenic biking routes, such as the Natchez Trace Parkway, which stretches for 444 miles from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi. Other notable biking routes include the Tennessee Riverwalk in Chattanooga and the Shelby Farms Greenline in Memphis.
Wellness Retreats
Tennessee is a great destination for wellness retreats, with many spas and wellness centers to choose from. Visitors can unwind at the Blackberry Farm Wellness Center in Walland, or enjoy a relaxing spa day at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville.
Adventure Sports
Tennessee offers many opportunities for adventure sports, such as rock climbing, zip-lining, and whitewater rafting. Visitors can go rock climbing at the Obed Wild and Scenic River, zip-line through the forest at Adventureworks in Nashville, or go whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River.
Conclusion
Tennessee is a diverse and exciting destination that offers something for everyone. From its natural wonders to its vibrant culture, Tennessee is a state that is definitely worth exploring. We hope that this travel guide has inspired you to plan your own adventure in Tennessee, and that you have a wonderful time exploring all that this great state has to offer.