things to do in tennessee
Tennessee is a state with a rich history, vibrant music scene, and breathtaking natural beauty. Here are some things to do in Tennessee:
Music and Arts:
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (Nashville): A must-visit for country music fans, featuring exhibits on legendary artists and a vast collection of memorabilia.
- Ryman Auditorium (Nashville): Known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," this historic venue hosts live performances and tours.
- Bluebird Cafe (Nashville): A famous songwriting venue where you can hear up-and-coming artists perform.
- Tennessee Performing Arts Center (Nashville): A hub for performing arts, featuring a variety of shows and concerts.
- Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum: Explore the city’s rich musical heritage, from blues to rock ‘n’ roll.
Outdoor Activities:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A beautiful park with stunning mountains, forests, and wildlife.
- Cades Cove: A historic valley with preserved log cabins, churches, and scenic views.
- Reelfoot Lake: A peaceful lake with opportunities for fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
- Fall Creek Falls State Park: A park with stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic views.
- Cumberland Island: A barrier island with pristine beaches, marshes, and wildlife.
History and Culture:
- Belle Meade Plantation (Nashville): A historic plantation with wine tastings, horseback riding, and tours.
- Hermitage (Nashville): The former home of President Andrew Jackson, featuring a museum and historic grounds.
- Sun Studio (Memphis): The legendary recording studio where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and other music legends recorded their earliest hits.
- Tennessee State Museum (Nashville): A museum showcasing the state’s history, from prehistoric times to the present day.
- Chattanooga Choo Choo: A historic train station turned attraction, featuring a hotel, restaurants, and a museum.
Food and Drink:
- Jack Daniel’s Distillery (Lynchburg): Take a tour of the famous whiskey distillery and sample some of their finest products.
- Bartlett’s Restaurant (Memphis): A legendary barbecue joint serving up tender meats and classic sides.
- Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (Nashville): A popular spot for hot chicken, a Nashville staple.
- The Catbird Seat (Nashville): A fine dining restaurant with a focus on creative, farm-to-table cuisine.
- Goo Goo Shop (Nashville): A sweet shop featuring the famous Goo Goo Cluster candy.
Other Attractions:
- Dollywood (Pigeon Forge): A theme park owned by Dolly Parton, featuring roller coasters, live music, and craft demonstrations.
- Ober Gatlinburg (Gatlinburg): A ski resort and amusement park with year-round activities.
- The Island at Pigeon Forge (Pigeon Forge): A entertainment complex with a giant Ferris wheel, haunted house, and other attractions.
- The Tennessee State Fair (Nashville): A classic state fair with live music, rides, and delicious food.
- The Memphis Zoo: A zoo featuring a variety of animals, including giant pandas, giraffes, and elephants.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Tennessee. Whether you’re interested in music, history, outdoor activities, or food, there’s something for everyone in the Volunteer State.