Exploring Tennessee | From East to West
Hop in the car, roll down the windows, and get a move on discovering the many wonders of the Volunteer State. Marvel at mountaintops concealed by ethereal morning fog, stand tall on the Cumberland Plateau and walk in the footsteps of acclaimed musicians with a vacation in Tennessee.
East
Home to a remarkable number of attractions, landmarks, and natural wonders, Eastern Tennessee is a spectacular region just waiting to be explored. Along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park features ridge upon ridge of forests at America's most visited National Park. World-famous for its biodiversity, ancient mountains, and Southern Appalachian mountain culture. A drive down Cades Cove offers motorists the opportunity to leisurely see the sights on an 11-mile, one-way loop. Enjoy a challenging hike to the crest of a mountain, or relax with a sunset picnic, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the perfect place for everyone. Whether you want to take an auto tour, head to one of the Park’s many waterfalls, or visit a historic area, there’s plenty to explore in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. In the Smokies high country, over an average of 85 inches of rain falls, plus the elevation gradient of the region makes prime conditions for some of America’s most stunning waterfalls.
Over in Sullivan County, Bristol is a beautifully revitalized and walkable downtown. Straddling the Tennessee Virginia border, Bristol is guaranteed to make you feel right at home. With locally-owned restaurants, breweries, shops, galleries, hotels, and businesses – even an award-winning craft distillery – Bristol is a great place to enjoy the local flavor. Explore the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, a Smithsonian Institute Affiliate, and discover the story of the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions, a most historic event sparking the "big bang of country music." With rotating exhibits created in-house by guest curators, the Museum features interactive programs and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the studio at Radio Bristol. Host to the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum welcomes over 100 bands on 13 stages in Downtown Bristol for this three-day annual music festival.
For an outdoor adventure while visiting Chattanooga, a hike to Edwards Point is a must-do in the Scenic City. With multiple viewpoints of the Tennessee River Gorge, the Middle Creek Gorge, and the Chattanooga Valley, the trail to Edwards Point takes guests through rock gardens, over bridge crossings, and lush trails. Looking for a little more thrill? Chattanooga is home to some of the country's best rock climbing offers. A difficult, but deeply rewarding sport requiring strength, balance, and a keen knowledge of safety systems, Chattanooga’s sandstone boulders and cliffs surround the city and provide climbers with a lifetime of challenging lines. With three climbing gyms in the city, beginners looking to climb for the first time are in great hands. From bouldering and lead climbing to our outdoor walls and Kid Zone, we have something great for everyone! Considered one of the country’s coolest gyms, get to know all the activities that High Point Climbing features. Showing travelers some southern hospitality, the supportive climbing community of Chattanooga is happy to share their knowledge of the area’s best climbing spots.
nps.gov/grsm/index.htm
birthplaceofcountrymusic.org
visitchattanooga.com
highpointclimbing.com/chattanooga/chattanooga-main
Central
In Middle Tennessee, explore where the Cumberland and Red Rivers meet at Fort Defiance in Clarksville. Located on a 200-foot bluff above the rivers, this center of activity and industry has been buzzing for over two centuries. From a Native American settlement to an 18th-century trading center to a Civil War fort, Fort Defiance is full of history. In the more than 1,500 square-foot Interpretive Center, visitors learn of the site's Civil War past – being captured by Union forces in 1862 and becoming an enlistment location for the United States Colored Troops. Donated to the city of Clarksville in 1982, Fort Defiance is a remarkably well-preserved property, including still discernible outer earthworks, powder magazine, and a gun platform.
Rev your motor at Lane Motor Museum in Nashville. Featuring 150 unique cars and motorcycles, it is home to the largest European collection in the U.S. Ranging from the early 1900s up to the modern-day, the vehicles at Lane Motor Museum have shaped history across the globe. With a varied collection of microcars, amphibious vehicles, military vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, prototypes, one-of-a-kind vehicles, and motorcycles, Lane Motor Museum is a working museum with the goal being to maintain all vehicles in running order.
Dive into summer fun at Nashville Shores Waterpark and experience more than 1 million gallons of excitement. Brave the waves in the gigantic wave pool, plunge down 8 thrilling water slides, or play, slide and splash in Kowabunga Beach, Nashville Shores Waterpark is a family favorite in Middle Tennessee. Set in the beautiful woods of Nashville Shores, the Treetop Adventure Park is an aerial adventure course featuring suspended bridges, 10 ziplines, ladders, Tarzan jumps, and more. Spend the night at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort, a family-friendly campers' paradise. Located on the shores of Percy Priest Lake, Nashville Shores is packed with first-class amenities, activities for all ages, and spectacular views – including 20 deluxe lakeside cabins and more than 100 RV sites. Enjoy a leisurely float on the lazy river or experience big thrills, there is all-day, all-you-can-play fun for everyone at Nashville Shores Waterpark.
Located at the confluence of the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky Rivers on Center Hill Lake, Rock Island State Park is an 883-acre park full of rugged beauty and majestic scenery. A state park since 1969, Rock Island contains scenic overlooks, waterfalls, deep pools, and limestone paths perfect for hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and exploring. Offering a natural sand beach and boating access onto the Lake, Rock Island State Park has some of the finest cabins in the Tennessee State Park system – open all year round. From cascading waterfalls to exhilarating white water rapids, the park has been attracting visitors from around the globe. Offering some of the most scenic and significant overlooks in the Eastern Highland Rim, nature, history, and one-of-a-kind adventure come alive at Rock Island State Park.
Be sure to see the bright lights of the big city in Downtown Nashville. With honky tonks, flashing neon signs, and a slew of tourists and locals alike, Downtown Nashville’s Broadway is buzzing with activity any time of the day or night. Enjoy world-class music all year round, explore historic buildings and monumental sites, and revel in the luxurious amenities of the area, like chef-driven restaurants and delightful boutique hotels.
cityofclarksville.com/461/Fort-Defiance-Civil-War-Park-Interpretive
lanemotormuseum.org
nashvilleshores.com
tnstateparks.com/parks/activities/rock-island
visitmusiccity.com
West
Over on the West side of Tennessee, history, science, and music collide. At Casey Jones Village, visitors experience the best whistle-stop between Memphis and Nashville. Located in Jackson, Tennessee, be sure to grab a bite to eat at the world-famous Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store restaurant. Dedicated to preserving the Southern history and food heritage of the area, the Old Country Store restaurant serves up delicious and authentic Southern food every day. After a walk-through of Casey Jones’s historic home, explore the many exhibits dedicated to Casey's life and famous last ride at the Railroad Museum. Enjoy a short film about the story of Casey Jones and pictures with a 35-ton locomotive, where kids of all ages climb aboard and ring the bell just like Casey. Discover a "hands-on" authentic Southern food experience at the Farm at Casey Jones Village, with its Saturday morning farmers market, century-old barn and cotton gin building, and large vegetable garden – the first American Heart Association Teaching Garden in West Tennessee. Be sure to cool off with a scoop of ice cream at the rare 1880’s soda fountain, one of only seventy-five ever made. Bring back those memories of days gone by in Jackson, Tennessee.
Visit Sun Studio in Memphis and see the “Birthplace of Rock ‘N’ Roll.” Where Elvis recorded his first album and musicians including Johnny Cash, Roy Orbinson, Jerry Lee Lewis and B.B. King recorded. Take a guided tour of the studio's headquarters and see the equipment used to record some of the best-known hits in American music history, like Elvis Presley's 1954 recording session microphone.
At Discovery Park of America’s state-of-the-art, 100,000-square-feet of eye-opening action – kids and adults of all ages will love a visit to this Union City attraction. Sitting on a beautifully landscaped heritage park, Discovery Park of America features amazing treasures for the whole family. Create your own weather pattern, race solar-powered airplanes, and press your nose against a 20,000-gallon aquarium. Discover a suit of armor, feel how the New Madrid earthquakes changed the land, and watch Discovery Park of America work its magic on the whole family. A world-class educational and entertainment experience Discovery Park features interactive and fun experiences that await visitors, including a large collection of dinosaurs and a glass-floored observation tower. Outside on the 50-acre heritage park, find a working gristmill, a turn-of-the-century Train Depot with a full-size engine, passenger cars and caboose, a new permanent agriculture exhibit on farming innovation, historical exhibits, and lush gardens.
caseyjones.com
sunstudio.com
discoveryparkofamerica.com
A state full of charm, history, and outdoor adventure, Tennessee is one heck of a fine vacation destination.
