Tennessee has an amazing Appalachian atmosphere. It’s the land of forested mountaintops and smoky valleys. Tennessee has a variety of interesting activities and a rich history to explore. Additionally, Tennessee is the heart of the Country music scene and it’s got more than 94 miles of Appalachian Trail located along its mountains.
With so much to do, you better read up on some of the must-see attractions to make the most of your time in the state.
The Landscape Is Unparalleled In Beauty
If you’ve never been to Tennessee, you’ll be surprised by its remarkable beauty. It has miles of forested mountains that stretch far beyond the horizon. This means that if it’s outdoor activities you’re looking for, this is the place to be. Whether you want to go camping, rafting, fishing, hiking, or all of the above, the Tennessee wilds offer a great time.
Tennessee has a lot of varied landscapes to behold. In the West, the topography is dominated by the Mississippi River. In the East, the Appalachian mountains cover the horizon. The state is also dotted with countless charming mountain and river towns that provide an atmosphere of good ole Americana.
Famed for its forested trails, Tennessee also hosts a big portion of the Appalachian Trail. It’s also home to some mind-bogglingly beautiful nature parks, like this one in Gatlinburg. And if you choose to hike the infamous adventure trail, it will lead you right through some of the best conservation areas the state has to offer.
Tennessee also has a lot of birds and wildlife available for enthusiasts. The forested landscape is home to foxes, squirrels, herons, and even Eastern Cougars. The ample access to the Mississippi River means that there are lots of boating and fishing activities to enjoy.
Tennessee Is The Center Of The Country Music World
Tennessee is home to the Country Music capital of the world, Nashville. Steeped in a rich history of American folk music, Nashville is home to the Grand Ole Opry and The Country Music Hall Of Fame. So if you’re a country music fan, a detour to Nashville needs to be on the top of your list.
Of course, no story of local attractions would be complete without mentioning the penultimate of Country Music attractions, Graceland. Yes, the great Elvis Presley called the state of Tennessee home and established his 14-acre Memphis estate, Graceland. Graceland has a lot of Elvis inspired activities and memorabilia available for its half a million yearly visitors it receives each year.
There are plenty of other activities you’ve got to include if you want a comprehensive Country Music experience. Here are a few of them:
- Sun studios. This studio is the studio where it all started with Elvis making his earliest hits there
- Bluebird coffee. This cafe is a super-exclusive venue for the who’s who of and coming Country Music artists. If you spend much time here, you’ll undoubtedly witness the career birth of several artists
- The Birthplace Of Country Music Museum offers the biggest collection of authentic Country Music memorabilia
- Dollywood. The princess of philanthropy and Tennessee native, Dolly Parton, has her very own theme park located here. It’s a huge complex and you can’t miss it
- Stax and Johnny Cash museums of Country Music are also great ideas to round out your trip
Tennessee is the single most important place for Country Music in the entire world. So if you’re a fan, be sure to check out some of its numerous opportunities to get your slice of a good ole Southern American apple-pie.
A Gem Of America
Tennessee is a rich cultural and natural focal point of the contiguous United States. Unrivaled in beauty, it’s one of the best-preserved natural environments found in the American wild. There are countless outdoor activities to do regardless of your preferred hobby.
The importance of Tennessee’s cultural contribution to American history is hard to put into words. It’s rural towns maintain traditional lifestyles and cultural traditions unavailable anywhere else in the world. Many of these plays still enjoy a moderate degree of autonomy from society due to their remote location. Moonshine stills can even be seen littering the outskirts of these small towns.
It’s a good idea to make sure you save plenty of time to hang out in Tennessee because you’ll regret it if you don’t once you experience it. A mix of outdoor activities and sight-seeing is the best formula for success for your trip to Tennessee.
