things to do in tennesee

The Volunteer State. Tennessee is known for its rich music scene, delicious Southern cuisine, and stunning natural beauty. Here are some things to do in Tennessee:

Music and Arts

1. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, dedicated to the preservation of country music and its artists.
2. Tour the Ryman Auditorium, a historic music venue in Nashville that’s known as the "Mother Church of Country Music."
3. Attend a live music performance at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, a famous spot for singer-songwriters.
4. Visit Sun Studio in Memphis, where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and other legends recorded their earliest hits.
5. Explore the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, located at the site of the former Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

Nature and Outdoors

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a beautiful park that straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border.
2. Cades Cove, a historic valley in the Smoky Mountains with preserved log cabins and churches.
3. Visit Reelfoot Lake, a freshwater lake in northwest Tennessee known for its birdwatching and fishing.
4. Explore the Cumberland Trail, a 300-mile hiking trail that runs from Chattanooga to the Cumberland Gap.
5. Visit Fall Creek Falls State Park, a beautiful park with waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.

Food and Drink

1. Try hot chicken at Hattie B’s in Nashville, a famous spot for this Tennessee staple.
2. Visit the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, where you can take a tour and learn about the making of this iconic whiskey.
3. Sample Southern cuisine at The Loveless Cafe in Nashville, a beloved institution since 1951.
4. Attend a wine tasting at the Keg Springs Winery in Lewisburg, one of several wineries in the state.
5. Visit the Nashville Farmers’ Market, a bustling marketplace with fresh produce, meats, and artisanal goods.

Attractions and Landmarks

1. Visit the Parthenon in Nashville’s Centennial Park, a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple.
2. Tour the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, a stunning building with a rich history.
3. Visit the Memphis Zoo, home to more than 3,500 animals, including giant pandas and elephants.
4. Explore the Chattanooga Choo Choo, a historic train station turned attraction with shops, restaurants, and a hotel.
5. Visit the Bristol Motor Speedway, a famous NASCAR track that hosts several events throughout the year.

Other Activities

1. Take a stroll along the Riverwalk in Chattanooga, a scenic path along the Tennessee River.
2. Visit the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville, which tells the story of the state’s history and culture.
3. Go whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River, a popular spot for rafting and kayaking.
4. Attend a festival, such as the Bonnaroo Music Festival or the Tennessee State Fair.
5. Visit the Museum of Appalachia in Norris, which showcases the art, history, and culture of the Appalachian region.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Tennessee. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture, there’s something for everyone in the Volunteer State.