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Twin Falls, Rock Island, Tennessee
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Tennessee Travel Notes

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Tennessee Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes

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From the vibrant streets of Nashville, to the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, a visit to Tennessee captures the varied experience of the American South.

About Tennessee

Also known as the Volunteer State, Tennessee's nickname originated during the War of 1812; when the volunteer soldiers from Tennessee, serving under General Jackson, displayed great courage in the Battle of New Orleans.

Tennessee's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant music scene make it a compelling destination for travellers seeking diverse experiences.

States neighbouring Tennessee: Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.

Travel Map Mapping Tennessee

Map of Tennessee

Map of Tennessee

Tennessee offers a diverse mix of culture, history, natural beauty, and economic opportunities.

The state capital of Tennessee is Nashville.

Other major cities include Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Clarksville.

Tennessee Overview

Tennessee is a state located in the south-eastern region of the United States, bordered by Kentucky to the north, Virginia to the north-east, North Carolina to the east, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi to the south, Arkansas to the south-west, and Missouri to the north-west.

Culture and Attractions

Tennessee boasts a rich cultural heritage, with a strong influence from its Appalachian roots and African-American heritage.

The state is home to numerous music festivals, historical sites, and cultural attractions.

Notable landmarks include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Graceland (the former home of Elvis Presley), the Grand Ole Opry, and the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.

Economy

Historically, Tennessee's economy was based on agriculture, particularly cotton.

However, the state has diversified its economy over the years and now includes significant sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, and automotive production.

Nashville has emerged as a major centre for music, earning the nickname 'Music City, USA', while Memphis is renowned for its contributions to blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll music.

Education

Tennessee is home to several prominent universities and colleges, including Vanderbilt University, the University of Tennessee System, and Rhodes College.

The state places a strong emphasis on education and has implemented various initiatives to improve educational outcomes at all levels.

Geography

Tennessee is divided into three distinct regions: East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, and West Tennessee.

TThe Appalachian Mountains dominate the eastern part of the state, while the western part is primarily characterised by the Mississippi River and lowlands.

History

Tennessee played a significant role in the Civil War and was the site of several key battles, including the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Nashville.

The state was also the birthplace of several influential figures in American history, including President Andrew Jackson and civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Sports

Tennessee has a rich sports culture, with professional teams such as the Tennessee Titans (NFL), Memphis Grizzlies (NBA), and Nashville Predators (NHL).

College sports, particularly football and basketball, are also immensely popular in the state.

Visiting Tennessee

Whether you're interested in music, history, outdoor adventures, or simply enjoying Southern hospitality, Tennessee is sure to have something on the menu.

Tennessee Highlights

Chattanooga

Located in southeastern Tennessee, Chattanooga is known for its outdoor adventures and scenic beauty.

Ride the Incline Railway to the top of Lookout Mountain for stunning views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

Explore Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Tennessee Aquarium.

Don't miss the opportunity to walk across the pedestrian-only Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Close to the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find the towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, offering a range of family-friendly attractions.

Visit Dollywood, the theme park owned by country music star Dolly Parton, and enjoy its rides, shows, and festivals.

Explore Gatlinburg's charming downtown area, known for its shops, restaurants, and attractions like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States.

Explore its scenic beauty through hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail are must-see attractions within the park.

Nashville

Most visits to Tennessee start in the state's capital; the 'Music City' of Nashville.

Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, catch a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry, and stroll down Broadway to experience the vibrant live music scene in honky-tonk bars.

Don't miss the chance to visit the historic Ryman Auditorium, the former home of the Grand Ole Opry.

Memphis

Memphis is famous for its rich musical heritage, particularly blues and rock 'n' roll.

Visit Graceland, the iconic mansion of Elvis Presley, and learn about his life and legacy.

Explore Beale Street, known for its live music venues, vibrant nightlife, and delicious Southern cuisine.

Don't forget to visit the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

Tennessee Whiskey Trail

For whiskey enthusiasts, consider following the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, which takes you through distilleries across the state, including famous brands like Jack Daniel's and George Dickel.

Learn about the whiskey-making process, sample different varieties, and immerse yourself in Tennessee's distilling traditions.

Nashville

The capital of Tennessee is best known for its country music.

Map of Nashville, Tennessee

Map of Nashville, Tennessee

You can even put your own vocals over pre-recorded 24-track backgrounds in a recording studio, then plonk yourself into a promotional video.

The Nashville area was originally a hunting ground of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Shawnee peoples, until French fur traders established a trading post here./p>

Fort Nashborough, named after the American War of Independence general, Francis Nash, was built in 1779, and the community was renamed Nashville five years later.

In the 1920s Nashville started to export its country and western music across the airwaves from the Ryman Auditorium.

Visit Music City

With a multitude of outstanding attractions, events, tours, shopping, restaurants and live entertainment, it's hard to fit everything into a single visit to Nashville.

Nashville Attractions

Music Row

Nashville's great attraction is the Country Music Hall of Fame. Included in the admission is a tour of RCA's historic Studio B; where Dolly Parton and Chet Atkins recorded their first vinyls.

Outside of country music, the State Capitol and Governor's Mansion are always on the look list, and there's a replica of Fort Nashborough.

The Cumberland Science Museum offers hands on learning at 800 Fort Negley Boulevard, Nashville.

And if you're into the animals, not the band, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere can be accessed from either I-65 or I-24 at the Harding Road Exit.

Around Tennessee

Tennessee gets its name from the Tennessee River, in turn named after a Cherokee village.

The Mississippi River forms Tennessee's western border.

It seems the Tennessee State Government have been busy amusing themselves by designating more than a number of state symbols, from flowers and fruits to gems and minerals.

Tennessee Vacation.

Tennessee is a veritable wonderland for lovers of history and heritage. No matter what you like, you can find something to love in Tennessee.

Gatlinburg

Visit Gatlinburg

With miles of hiking trails in the heart of the Smokie Mountains and tons of dining, attractions, shopping, and arts and crafts in town. Make Gatlinburg your basecamp for adventure.

High above Gatlinburg, Ober Mountain Amusement Park and Ski Area is more than skiing and snowboarding, it's a scenic and exciting four-seasons world of fun for the whole family.

A ride to the top of Mount Harrison presents magnificent views; upside down if you do the bungee jump.

Where to Stay in Gatlinburg

Zoders Inn and Suites

Zoders Inn and Suites

Zoders Inn and Suites: 402 Parkway, Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

This charming Gatlinburg hotel is the perfect home base for exploring nearby Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Nestled on six wooded acres in Gatlinburg Tennessee, Zoder’s Inn and Suites captivates guests with its serene, natural setting and warm hospitality cultivated by three generations of family ownership.

Hotels in Gatlinburg.

Memphis

Memphis is in the south-western corner of Tennessee, on the Mississippi River, and is to blues and rock and roll what Nashville is to country.

Each August, Elvis fans of all ages from around the world gather in Memphis, Tennessee for Elvis Week; a commemoration of the music, magic and memories associated with the legacy of Elvis Presley.

Elvis Presley Hound Dog Tour

See where Elvis spent time when he was growing up; from his high school and apartment building, right through to Sun Studios where he cut his first record. Along the way, you will be entertained by musicians on the vintage tour bus, who will treat you to Elvis songs and stories.

Graceland Tours

Experience life as Elvis did at Graceland Mansion with an audio-guided tour featuring commentary and stories by Elvis and his daughter, Lisa Marie.

 National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM) was opened in 1991 at the site of the Lorraine Motel in downtown Memphis, Tennessee; the spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968.

Hotels in Memphis, Tennessee.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The most scenic way to enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is by way of Townsend.

The Smoky Mountains region of Tennessee is a spectacularly beautiful area of the country visited by millions of people every year. The main attraction to the area is the unparalleled beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This national treasure is famous for its stunning Appalachian bloom and the hundreds of scenic, meandering mountain trails that are available to explore within the park boundaries.

Beyond the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the local Tennessee cities of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville have emerged as full-fledged, world-class resort cities in their own right. All three of these Smoky Mountain sister cities offer a wide variety of recreation resources and live entertainment theatres for vacationers to enjoy.

When one considers all recreational value that the Smoky Mountains region has to offer, it's not at all surprising that it has developed into one of the North America's top vacation destinations.

Pigeon Forge

Dollywood offers more than 50 world-class rides, high-energy entertainment, award-winning dining and the friendliest park atmosphere in the world.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is located in the south of Tennessee, near the state line with Georgia.

Nearby Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park commemorates several battles of the American Civil War.

The Tennessee Civil War Museum displays possessions and letters home from some of the soldiers, and offers visitors the chance to pick up the weighty muskets and ammunition boxes.

Historians are dressed as soldiers from each side to help you further picture what it was like way back then.

The Battles for Chattanooga

Located on Lookout Mountain at the entrance to historic Point Park, The Battles for Chattanooga (November 1863) is the perfect starting point for your tour of the area’s Civil War battle sites.

Updated in 2016 to a new, digital projection-mapped show, guests visiting Battles for Chattanooga will now be able to visualize Chattanooga’s Civil War history as the battles come to life in a digital panoramic display.

Tennessee Travel Guides

Moon Nashville (Travel Guide) Moon Tennessee (Travel Guide)

Tennessee Travel Guides - Tennessee Maps.

About Tennessee - Tennessee Weather:
Find out more about Tennessee before you travel there.

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