Home to Music City, Nashville the country music capital of the world, Tennessee is a state you do not want to miss out. Apart from agriculture and manufacturing, tourism is one of the major sectors that keeps this state’s economy healthy. And that means, it has a lot to offer to travelers and vacationers alike. It is ranked as one of the top 10 destination in the USA.
Visited by around 100 million people every year, the state of Tennessee is more than ready to welcome you with an open arms. More than just its booming music scene, the state offers good food, cultural experience, historical attractions, and magnificent nature. They have everything for everyone.
Here are some things to do in the state of Tennessee.
Music Scene
If you love country music, then there is no better place to bask on its melody and rhythm than in the state of Tennessee. Its capital city of Nashville, dubbed as the Music City, has a healthy, lively and thriving country music scene. If you ask Americans about country music, I bet the first thing that comes into their mind is Nashville, Tennessee. Visit local pubs and jam to the music of talented local bands for some awe authentic country music.
Beale Street
Located in Downtown Memphis, Beale Street attracts local and foreign tourist alike because of its periodic festival and outdoor concerts, lines of blues clubs and restaurants. If you happen to be there in May, you might want to hang out a little for they have a good lineup of major music acts for their festival, Memphis in May.
Head To Church
Tennessee is one of the states that belongs to the so called Bible Belt, an area where Protestant fundamentalism is widely practiced. According to statistics, Tennessee is the fifth most religious state in the USA with 56.5% of the local population say they live by and practice their belief. It is a great experience to visit churches in the state and experience the glory of God through songs and spiritual motifs this specific state have.
Natural Landscape
The Great Smokey Mountains National Park is visited by over 10 million people every year, making it one of the most visited park in the country. A testament as to how blessed the state of Tennessee is. Gorgeous rolling hills, green vastness and pristine bodies of water all encompass this state. Making it the best place to simple have fun in the great outdoors or held special events for the milestones in your life.
Graceland
Another testament as to why this state is home to music is the Graceland mansion, former home of none other than King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. It serves as one of the top attraction of Tennessee and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. This one-story ranch style home houses artifacts from Elvis himself including his clothing, records, cars, and furniture.
Whiskey on the Rocks
With over 30 whiskey distilleries operating in the state, I am wondering why they do not have the title for such just yet. Jack Daniel, Corsair Distillery, Chattanooga Whiskey, Prichard’s and Ole Smoky are just some of the distilleries serving Tennessee whiskey. Together with great music, and good quality drink, having fun is the only destination you will have.
Southern Food
Poised to be the new culinary capital of the South, Tennessee is a great place to explore taste and treat your palette. Spicy Nashville Hot chicken, barbecue, hotdog and burgers, all-American favorites are the stars on their menu. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack is a great example of sought after food in the state. Their chicken recipe was discovered when Thornton Prince was once served spicy chicken by his girlfriend as revenge. Apart from this classic, pulled pork, smoked brisket and shredded beef are food items to look forward to in the state.
Parks and Museums Galore
From Discovery Park of America, National Civil Rights Museum, Lotz House Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, to Rock N’ Soul Museum, you will have tons of options on where to spent your precious time for fun and enjoyment. These attractions are world-class. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, for example, has a 340 feet long underwater tunnel – one of the largest in the world. They are consistently one of the top rated aquariums in the country and is home to thousands and thousands of marine species.