Tennessee has been attracting tourists with its delicious food and great music for past decades. However, there’s more to Tennessee than just food and music. The natural landscape, exotic wildlife, four seasons and fabled Southern hospitality makes this beautiful state a wonderful destination to visit for vacation. The friendly Tennesseans will make you feel loved and welcomed whenever visiting this amazing tourism hotspot. Get ready to see and experience some of the best things that Tennessee has to offer.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Tourists make it a point to make the Great Smoky Mountains National Park their first stop whenever visiting Tennessee. Straddling the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, it is one of the most popular national parks in America to visit. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts tourists with its rich history, geological marvels and impressive wildlife. Consider walking around and exploring the famous Appalachian Trail winding through the park’s middle going right through the North Carolina-Tennessee border.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Tennessee is associated with sultry drawls and twangy banjo plucks of country music. It’s no wonder that Tennessee is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and one of the best places to visit in Nashville. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is in existence for over five decades now and plays a crucial role in preserving the history, traditions and evolution of country music. The major highlight here is Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music, which tells tales and provides insight into the history of the traditions, origins and changes to the music genre through artifacts, vintage videos, photographs and interactive touchscreens. It is only due to this reason that the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is often called country music’s Smithsonian.
National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum is one of the top educational historical spots in Tennessee for history buffs. The museum was founded in 1991 and acquaints visitors regarding the history, legacy and continued influence that the Civil Rights Movement of America has played in the fight for equality in the present-day modern world. The museum’s exhibits are focused around Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and dedicated to honoring him. Take a self-guided two-hour tour of the National Civil Rights Museum and see the exhibits displayed here.
Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium was founded in 1885, and formerly called the Carnegie of the South. It owes its existence to Nashville businessman Thomas G. Ryman, and was initially housed in the Union Gospel Tabernacle building. After the death of Ryman, the building’s name was changed to Ryman Auditorium. This must-see attraction in Tennessee is called the Mother Church of Country Music and is now much more fun than it earlier used to be. Home to Grand Ole Opry once upon a time, the 2,362-seat Ryman Auditorium is now a live performance venue where famous country music performers and celebrities can be spotted. If you love country music then the Ryman Auditorium is a must-visit for everyone.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum as we see it today originally functioned as Western Union equipment storage and display center before it first opened doors to the public in 1960. After the closure of Southern Railway’s passenger service more cars were added. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is housed in a permanent facility in East Chattanooga. Tourists visiting here can look forward to experiencing an authentic train ride.
Stones River National Battlefield
Explore the Stones River National Battlefield situated in Murfreesboro. This historic site in Tennessee witnessed the Battle of Stones, which was one of the deadliest and bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Spread in an area of 570 acre, the Stones River National Battlefield Park commemorates the battle and showcases its historical significance. Some of the major highlights here include the Stones River National Cemetery. You will come across nearly 7,000 different gravesites, as well as Hazen’s Brigade Monument, which is the American Civil War’s oldest surviving monument.
Beale Street
Your Tennessee trip will be incomplete unless you visit the Beale Street in Memphis. It is one of the most famous streets in Tennessee, and spans from East Street to the Mississippi River. The two-mile long street with its restaurants and nightclubs is one of the most frequented spots for tourists. This iconic street, apart from being a fun location, is also of great historical importance by playing a crucial role in America’s blues music history. This primary entertainment hub of Memphis regularly hosts outdoor concerts and festivals.
Start planning your vacation to Tennessee today. This magnificent state is packed with some amazing attractions for tourists. Book flights to Tennessee now to see the best vacation spots here. An exciting, fun-filled and enjoyable holiday is just waiting for you!
