Are you planning to visit Tennessee? If yes, you have made the best decision in your life. The national park there beats the Grand Canyon and Yosemite in beauty and experience. Yes, we are talking about the Great Smoky Mountains, known as “Smokies”— the most visited national park in the US. But your trip to Tennessee is much more than enjoying the scenic beauty of the national park.
Due to its mesmerizing beauty, the state captures the attention of millions of people every year. In 2019, the state welcomed 126 million Domestic Person visits, 5 % more than the previous year and shattering all the records, earning $23 Billion in Travel Spending.
These numbers are proof of the popularity of this state among people as a tourist destination. It is probably because the places and destinations in Tennessee do not make it a boring destination, whether you visit the same sites multiple times. Are you ready to explore the ultimate guide to making your Tennessee vacation a mind-blowing experience? Read on to find out more about vacationing in Tennessee.
Gatlinburg
This place always makes the best point to start your traveling experience of Tennessee. When in Gatlinburg, you are near various ski slopes and hiking tracks. And, if you are with kids fond of picnics, the place is ideal because of its many different parks. Gatlinburg is also one of the places to access the famous Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
You can drive to the park from downtown Gatlinburg and visit tourist attractions. If you are coming for exploration and hiking, the best time to visit the national park is from spring to fall.
If you want to spend a few days in Gatlinburg, accommodation is a breeze too. You can find hotels, sharing apartments, and condos in Gatlinburg TN, fit for individual, family, or couple stays. The hotels and accommodations are often near the shopping centers. So, you can easily find things that you need for routine use.
Memphis
Another worth visiting place in Tennessee is Memphis. It is the same place where artists like Elvis Presley, W.C. Handy, etc., recorded their tracks. Someone fond of the history and development of blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and soul music genres will find this place intriguing, taking them back into the past.
Today, this city offers a combination of old vibes and worth-a-visit tourist attractions. Among them, the most visited one is Graceland Memphis— the most eminent rock ‘n’ roll residence on the face of this earth. The fans come from all places to peek into the well-preserved chapters of history. All the things in Elvis Presley remain even after he died in 1977. The residence has a family tomb, where most fans cannot contain their tears. Apart from the famous residence, there is the National Civil Rights Museum and Memphis Rock n Soul Museum.
Knoxville
Knoxville is the third-largest city in the state and, at one time, has been its capital too. The city is famous for its mountain charm. The natural beauty and other tourist attractions present in the city make it an ideal location to add to your list of “places to visit.” It is also very famous for its proximity to Smokies. One of the city’s landmarks is the glistening Sunsphere— a gold-tinted, 266-foot-tall tower built for the 1982 World’s fair. Currently, the tower holds the status of an observatory, but it is one of the many tourist attractions in Knoxville.
Moreover, downtown Knoxville is like a beating heart, always busy helping many shoppers visit the independent shops and restaurants. The Tennessee River that runs along the downtown adds to the city’s beauty. Many visitors and locals want to enjoy a ride through the water, take their kayak, canoe, or get on the water through boats.
Apart from this, the residence is not an issue. You will find many options, including hotels and affordable sharing spaces. When you get out on the streets, you will find amicable residents ready to help and many green areas that bestow life to the surroundings. Moreover, there is tasty southern cuisine to tantalize your taste receptors.
Pigeon Forge
Located 8 miles northwest of Gatlinburg, this mountain town stocks many beautiful tourist attractions of the state. One of the most popular outdoor activities is rolling down the hill on a huge inflatable balloon at the Outdoor Gravity Park.
Some people are fond of buying souvenirs as a memory of their time spent at a place; you will find many chances if you are someone like that. Also, Pigeon Forge is the same place where you can visit Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park.
Other places to visit in Pigeon Forge include WonderWorks and Hollywood Wax Museum outposts and the Titanic Pigeon Forge museum. There is a lot for nature lovers too. They can spend time admiring the beauty and variety of flora and fauna at Parrot Mountain and Gardens or go to Wear Farm City Park for a picnic. Often the town holds musical and comedy shows. So if you are with your family and little ones, you can look forward to having a wholesome family experience.
Nashville
This energetic and vibrant city offers its visitors a combination of lush parks and educational museums. Popularly known as the Music City of the USA—no other state claims the rich musical tapestry than it is evident in Tennessee. You will find the legacy and traces of the development of music in various cities and locations, including Nashville. The city houses many music-related gems and treasures, including the Grand Ole Opry House. Known as the mother church of the country, the Ryman was built as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in 1892.
Country music fans throng the city streets every year to bask in the city’s old heritage. The city also boasts its superior dining experience, featuring Southern staples and the local favorite called Nashville hot chicken. So, if you are fond of good food, add Nashville to your tour list, and don’t forget to save some time for dining when you are already there.
Conclusion
To make your experience of visiting Tennessee wholesome, we have suggested many different cities and tourist locations. Depending on the length of your trip and the composition of your group, you can choose the destinations. If you are with kids, you must visit museums, theme parks, and picnic spots. But whatever you decide, don’t forget to relish in the scenic beauty of Smokies.