About Tennessee
Tennessee has two major things it is known for: scenery and music. The first is due to the beautiful mountain ranges and valleys that crisscross the state, as well as its dozens of national and state parks. The second is thanks to the many musical innovations and singers that have come out of cities like Nashville and Memphis. From thriving metropolitan cities to isolated mountain getaways, Tennessee has a bit of everything that makes a trip great.
Some of Tennessee's most popular cities are:
If you want a real taste of Tennessee, its Southern cuisine is incredible. Check out the regional style of barbecue for which Memphis is famous, consisting of wet ribs, dry-rub ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. Fried chicken is another big hit in the state, and any nearly every local is sure to have an opinion about the best place to head.
Once home to famous performers like Elvis Presley and B.B. King, the state's musical legacy still thrives. In Nashville, it's country music that holds the spotlight, while Memphis is renowned for its blues, rock 'n' roll and gospel music. Places like Memphis's Beale Street and Knoxville's live music venues are great places to explore this vibrant music culture.
East Tennessee's Blue Ridge Mountains offer some truly spectacular sights. Just outside of Gatlinburg is Great Smoky Mountain National Park and only a short drive from Chattanooga are the family attractions of Lookout Mountain. State parks with campgrounds, fishing lakes, hiking trails and more are just miles away from any city you might choose to visit, making an exploration of Tennessee's natural wonders convenient and fun.
Tennessee's central location means it has many neighboring states, which can provide further gateways into all kinds of recreation and fun. Check out the historic attractions of Virginia, the beaches of North Carolina or the other amazing sights that await close by.
Fun Facts About Tennessee
- Great Smoky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, often seeing nearly 10 million visitors in a year.
- The Tennessee State Capitol was designed by architect William Strickland, and when he died before the building was completed, he was entombed inside the capitol's walls.
- Continuously running since 1925, the Grand Ole Opry is the oldest live radio show in existence.
- Ober Gatlinburg boasts a huge five-acre artificial skiing surface, making this winter sport possible year round.
- Tennessee's nickname of "The Volunteer State" comes from the valor of its soldiers at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.
- If you can't make it to Greece, you can at least see The Parthenon when you visit Nashville, where a replica of the building stands in all its restored glory.
