Great music and delectable cuisines are not the only things that Tennessee is known for. But, there is much beyond this. Whether you want to soak up rich history through numerous Civil War sites and monuments, enjoy live music at world-class cultural venues, visit craft distilleries and breweries, relish delicious cuisines at trendy food spots, admire natural landscapes, or visit modern cities like Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga or Knoxville – myriad attractions offered in the amazing Southern destination Tennessee are simply unmissable. Search for discounts on plane tickets to Tennessee now. You absolutely need a well-deserved break. There are surely many reasons for you to explore this beautiful state.
Just take a look at a few important reasons that make Tennessee alluring. The foot-tapping, soulful music of all genres – rock and roll, country, bluegrass, blues, and everything in between – make Tennessee a legendary destination, especially its famous cities like Nashville, Memphis and Bristol. Country music has already brought acclaim to Bristol, the birthplace of country music, and Nashville, the “Capital of Country Music in the World”. Elvis Presley’s estate at Graceland attracts music lovers to pay homage to the King in Memphis. Nature lovers also find Tennessee a major attraction with its great outdoors such as serene waterfalls, hiking trails, captivating beauty of autumn leaves, and the Appalachian mountain culture.
Tennessee with its fabulous offerings is ready to welcome people of varied tastes. This wonderful state is for music lovers, nature lovers, outdoor lovers, history and culture lovers, and thrill seekers. Here are some of the best attractions waiting to be explored in Tennessee.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, also called The Smokies, is one of the most-visited natural treasures in the United States. Begin your Tennessee exploration with an adventure tour of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the small town of Gatlinburg. The park will amaze you with its wide range of flora and fauna. Among other major highlights at the park include the 6,643-foot-high Clingmans Dome, with its Observation Tower perched atop the Great Smoky Mountains’ summit offering 360-degree views, and more than 900 miles of hiking trails. The beautiful valley of Sugarlands here is also a popular destination for hikers. Tourists are also attracted to the lovely Cades Cove (formerly home to the settlers) with its exotic wildlife, panoramic mountain views, pioneer homesteads and scenic meadows. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is surely a place for the truly adventurous type.
Music cities of Nashville and Memphis
Tennessee is a unique state in the USA where you can see the rich musical tapestry everywhere. Flights to Nashville bring you to a fascinating city, which is at the center of the USA’s country music scene. Nicknamed “Music City, USA”, Nashville is home to some popular music themed attractions such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Music Row. Memphis is also a mecca for music lovers. The city is home of blues and gospel, as well as famous Beale Street, where music greats like Elvis Presley launched a career and got a big break. Music fans visiting Memphis will enjoy seeing famous attractions such as the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, Sun Studio, the STAX Museum of American Soul, the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, and WC Handy’s House.
Tennessee’s Civil War Heritage
Tennessee has been greatly shaped by the Civil War, perhaps more than any other state in the country. It was Tennessee, which played a leading role in providing more soldiers for the Southern cause than other states, as well as contributed a large number of troops for the North more than any other Confederate state. By virtue of being the most northerly Confederate state, numerous battles were fought during the American Civil War in Tennessee, which are appropriately reflected in the memorials and museums found in different parts of the state. Explore Tennessee’s rich history by visiting the most popular Civil War era sites, monuments and landmarks such as the Fort Donelson National Battlefield, the Shiloh National Military Park, the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park, the Stones River National Cemetery, and the Point Park Battlefield – all of which are part of the Tennessee Civil War Trails program. These places truly reflect the historic Civil War heritage of Tennessee.
Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley Railroad
The lengthy love affair that Tennessee had with the railroad is only too well known. Railways, along with the mighty Mississippi River, had played an important role in the transportation of cotton and wood during peacetime as well as for military supplies during the Civil War because of being a crucial link in the Confederate supply chain. Tennessee has preserved much of its rich railroad heritage such as the original terminal, heritage trolleys, an engine from the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo, and fancy Pullman cars which have now been restored as luxury accommodation for tourists. The Tennessee Valley Railroad, is the most ambitious project of them all, offering one-hour-long steam trips, dinner packages, main line excursions, and the famous Tennessee Railfest.
Tennessee’s rich history, cultural attractions and the fabled Southern hospitality will keep you spellbound and provide one of the fascinating experiences ever. Board flights to Tennessee right away for a dream vacation!
