Tennessee is where the Civil War and Battle of Nashville took place. It’s also home to America’s most well-known music artists, including Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Elvis Presley. So many things make Tennessee a unique place for tourists to visit and explore. Here are sixteen amazing things you can only do and see in Tennessee:
- Visit the Grand Ole Opry Show
The Grand Ole Opry is one of the best country music shows around! It is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and has been running continuously since 1925. WSM Radio Network was founded as an “honorary radio station” dedicated to showcasing the nation’s top talent. Today, the show continues with all the original members except for Owen Bradley, who left in 1980 and Connie Smith, who died in 2003.
- Go to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains are a stunning natural wonderland protected within the national park’s boundaries. They run for 170 miles along the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. They are part of the Appalachian mountain range, which stretches for 1,100 miles across the east coast of the United States. The Smokies formed over 300 million years ago when two continental plates collided. Those who like to stay and enjoy the thrill of this beautiful area can rent a place nearby, with several Gatlinburg cabin rentals available at affordable rates.
- Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum
Located in downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame tells the stories behind famous singers and songs from the past and present. The museum contains over 24,000 artifacts on display. The museum opened its doors in 1991, and each year approximately 1.5 million people come through their doors. It is a must-visit for those who love country music and want to learn more about it.
- Drive through Cades Cove Loop Road
Cade’s Cove is a small community with beautiful views of the mountains. It is located inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The main attraction is a drive along the loop road through the scenic valley filled with wooded areas and streams. The Cade’s Cove Loop Road is very popular among tourists because of the wildlife, historic buildings, and natural beauty.
- Take a Cruise down The Cumberland River
Take a cruise down the Cumberland River during your visit to Tennessee. There are plenty of cruises to choose from depending on what type of experience you want. You can take an afternoon cruise or even go out at night on a dinner or sightseeing cruise. One thing to note is that you should book ahead because they tend to get booked up quickly.
- Visit the Titanic Museum Attraction
The Titanic Museum Attraction gives visitors a look into life aboard the doomed ship. It features interactive exhibits that allow guests to feel like they are actually on the cruise liner. Visitors can explore the forward and aft decks, the grand staircase, the engine room, the first-class cabins, and more. Tourists will find themselves walking through a re-creation of the grand lobby and dining area.
- Attend the Tennessee Titans Football Games
If you want to catch a football game while visiting Tennessee, the Tennessee Titan’s games are a great option. The team plays at Nissan Stadium in Nashville and is the home team for the city. The stadium seats 65,000 fans and has hosted some big games recently, like the Super Bowl XXXIV. The team was formerly known as the Houston Oilers and was purchased by Bud Adams, a Tennessee resident.
- Visit Fort Nashborough State Historic Site
Fort Nashborough State Historic Site is one of the earliest settlements in the region and is an excellent choice to see how American settlers lived back in the day. The fort was built between 1779 and 1781 to protect the port of Nashville from attacks. It is open seasonally and offers a glimpse into what life was like for those living in the 1800s. Tours are offered on weekdays, and there are picnic tables for visitors to enjoy lunch.
- Go on an ATV Ride
ATVs are perfect for exploring the rugged terrain of Tennessee. You can rent them and head out on your own or join a guided tour. The ATVs are easy to use and offer a fun way to see the beautiful scenery. If you want to try something different, ATV riding is a great choice. Adventurous travelers often refer to Tennessee as the “Adventure Capital of the South.”
- Visit the Biltmore Estate
Biltmore is a magnificent estate created by George Vanderbilt. He began building the mansion in 1895 and didn’t complete it until the 1930s. The mansion has 250 rooms, 35 bathrooms, two libraries, and 22 fireplaces. It is now open for tours, and you can spend the afternoon touring the house and grounds. It was designed to resemble French chateaus and described as a fairy tale castle.
- See the Parthenon in Nashville
The Parthenon is an impressive structure sitting on top of a hill in Centennial Park. It was built in 1897, and it was meant to serve as a memorial to the veterans of the Battle of Nashville. The interior of the building is decorated with statues of Greek gods and goddesses. It is a popular tourist attraction, and you can take a tour if you want to learn more about its history.
- Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is another must-see attraction in Nashville. It tells the story of the history of country music and features many of the most famous singers ever. Visitors can see the instruments they played and view their items. Don’t miss the Grammy Awards exhibit, which celebrates the rich history of the awards show.
- Have Lunch at Puckett’s Grocery Restaurant
Puckett’s Grocery is a family-owned restaurant that serves fried chicken, BBQ sandwiches, biscuits, and more. The restaurant has been around since 1939 and is considered a local favorite. It opened in a tiny grocery store but now has several locations. Even President Clinton enjoyed his meal at Puckett’s Grocery in 1995!
- Attend the World of Bluegrass Festival
The World of Bluegrass festival in September brings together hundreds of bluegrass musicians. This annual event is held at the historic Ryman Auditorium and features performances from some of the biggest names in the genre. You won’t want to miss out on this unique experience, and it is worth checking out.
- Visit the Grand Ole Opry House
The Grand Ole Opry is a weekly radio broadcast going strong since 1925. The Opry moved to the Ryman Auditorium in 1974 and is still going strong today. Many country stars have started their careers at the Grand Ole Opry, and you can hear live performances every week. The building itself is a historic landmark located just outside downtown Nashville.
- Enjoy a Broadway Show
Broadway shows are a lot of fun to watch when you’re in the city. Many options are available, including popular musicals such as Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Cats, The Lion King, Wicked, and more. You can also see comedies like The Book of Mormon and Shrek. There are plenty of shows to choose from, so be sure to pick something that interests you.
Final Words
Tennessee is a beautiful destination filled with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re interested in learning about the history of the area or want to relax and spend some time enjoying nature, you’ll find it easy to do here. The state is full of things to see and do, so you should plan to spend a few days exploring and getting to know the culture.
