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Known as the birthplace of moon pie and cotton candy, the Volunteer State is home to more than two dozen national historical landmarks worth seeing. With its cultural heritage and spectacular Appalachian landscapes, Tennessee offers a variety of unforgettable experiences to travelers looking for a chance to escape the monotony of daily life. Also, the nightlife, country music, and southern-style food attract millions of visitors from all over the United States.
If you’re contemplating a vacation in some place in Tennessee soon, visit the following attractions and landmarks:
Great Smoky Mountains
Spanning over 500,000 acres and hosting over 14 million tourists each year, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States. Its scenic trails, lofty mountains, yellow-green forests, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife make the Great Smoky Mountains perfect for adventure.
When traveling to Tennessee, plan a visit to this national park. Take scenic drives along its many roads and spend a night stargazing on its campgrounds. Keep your eyes peeled for black bears and white-tailed deer.
Pigeon Forge
If you’re looking for fun-filled adventures in the heartland of Tennessee, then Pigeon Forge’s the right place for you. Not only is it very close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but this town also offers you a variety of entertainment options, including live dinner shows, moonshine tastings, a wax museum, and theme parks. The most notable of these theme parks are Dollywood; any trip to Pigeon Forge without checking in here is incomplete.
There are many places to stay in Pigeon Forge Tennessee where you can relax after exploring the town all day. These spacious lodges come with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable experience.
Gatlinburg
Like Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg offers visitors many comfy cabins to stay in and family-friendly entertainment options. Because of its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg has become an ideal tourist spot for hikers, campers, and wildlife spotters. From Anakeesta and Space Needle to Ober Gatlinburg and Ripley’s Aquarium – there are also several places to visit if you’re not into adventure sports. With its scenic views, outdoor adventures, and delicious luncheons, Gatlinburg is a must-visit for all tourists.
Franklin
This small town neighbors Nashville (just a 30-minute drive away) and is an important site commemorating the US Civil War. Known for the Battle of Franklin 1864, Franklin, TN, houses several historical landmarks, such as the Lotz House and the Carnton Plantation.
With its museums, restaurants, and boutique shops, there is no lack of tourist-friendly activities to enjoy in this place. You can enjoy live music performances in Leiper’s Fork, drink Franklin’s famous grain-to-glass whiskey, and stroll along Main Streat downtown. Local recording studios are also famous for hosting American musicians.
Memphis
If music and food interest you, then visiting Memphis should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Tennessee. This city is the birthplace of blues music, with its iconic Beale Street serving as a landmark in music history. Tourists come here to quench their thirst for music and walk through different historic studios where Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded songs. The well-known Sun Studio is where the rock’n’roll music genre grew in its early days.
But music isn’t the only attraction in Memphis; you can grab tasty food while walking in the downtown area. The city’s finger-licking BBQ is as famed as its soulful rhythms. You can also pay homage to MLK by visiting the Lorraine Motel.
Knoxville
Knoxville is a mecca of foodies, sports enthusiasts, and tourists looking for adventure plus entertainment. You can visit the campus grounds of the University of Tennessee, admire the city’s art collection, and wander in its renovated, vibrant downtown area. It’ll be a trip worth remembering once you return from Knoxville.
Moreover, awe-struck tourists come from around the country to marvel at Tennessee Theater. Built in 1928, its zoo welcomes half a million yearly visitors and is perfect for youngsters.
Sevierville
Located in eastern Tennessee, Sevierville is one of the oldest towns in the Volunteer State. Located 15 miles away from Gatlinburg, this small town’s the seat of fantastic caverns and rainforest adventures. As Dolly Parton’s hometown, Sevierville is famous for an iconic bronze statue of the singer holding her guitar. It’s a great shopping center and ideal for outdoor adventure tourists.
The well-known Tanger Outlet has several popular brands with various galleries and boutiques, which is why people flock to Sevierville whenever they’re in Gatlinburg.
Lynchburg
Lynchburg is home to the world-famous Jack Daniel’s distillery, which is known for making one the finest whiskey available in Tennessee. You can explore its amazing facilities to observe the whiskey-making process and buy souvenirs for your friends to take back home. There’s also the Lynchburg Winery offering tours, tastings, and a variety of locally-produced wines.
But if you’re not into exploring wineries and whatnot, visit Old Jail Museum and Moore County Courthouse. The food here will be a mouthwatering treat to remember.
Cherokee National Forest
With over 30 campgrounds and 20,000 plant/animal species, this national forest is another place on the list for nature-loving adventure enthusiasts. If you’re interested in hiking, biking, and kayaking, Cherokee National Forest will promise a memorable experience for you. Tourists can enjoy amazing encounters with nature on Unicoi Crest Trail, boat in Watauga Lake nestled within the forest, and take photographs in front of the picturesque Bald River Falls. It’s a wealth of natural beauty beckoning a traveler.
Spanning over 650,000 acres, this landmark’s magnificent trails, forests, and waterfalls welcome 2 million tourists annually. So, enjoy fishing, camping, and horseback riding in this woodland.
Conclusion
As a state with the most neighboring border states, Tennessee has something in store for you whether you’re enthusiastic about food, music, nature, history, or theme parks. When visiting its major cities and parks, you’ll find traditional and contemporary holiday experiences amid its breathtaking countryside. So pick a destination – or more, plan your trip, pack your bags, and head out to make some memories. Tennessee is calling for you.