Tennessee may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think about The US. However, it is home to several iconic tourist spots everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. The state has something for everyone making it a worthwhile experience each time. It also attracts an immense number of tourists every year. The state has scenic natural beauty, historical spots, and various recreational facilities. Below we will talk about six places you must visit in Tennessee.
Pigeon Forge
Located in eastern Tennessee is the famous town of Pigeon Forge. The town is popular for being home to Dollywood. Dollywood is a theme park owned and named after the famous country singer Dolly Parton. It is one of the most popular and biggest ticketed tourist attractions in Tennessee. The theme park includes many games, rides, attractions, and entertainment shows that you can enjoy traveling solo or with your fam and friends. Each year, festivals occur where Dolly Parton and other artists perform live.
Apart from musical entertainment, you can also experience the beautiful outdoors this town offers. You can enjoy different parks, landscapes, hikes, and camps near the Great Smokys. You can look and choose from several places to stay in Pigeon Forge online and see what suits your travel needs. Be sure to check out reviews before making a reservation.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is enlisted among the most famous parks in the United States. These mountains run along with both Tennessee and North Carolina. There are many entrances to the park, Gatlinburg being the most famous one in Tennessee. The destination attracts thousands of tourists each year. Tourists enjoy scenic drives and outdoor activities. They can enjoy hiking or biking the mountainous trails, fishing in the rivers, or enjoying a picnic in the parks. You can also explore wildlife or shop at the gift store.
However, the most famous and adventurous thing tourists like to do is white water rafting. You can beat the heat in summers by rafting in the rivers while enjoying the beautiful scenery. It is an enthralling yet safe experience you can enjoy with friends and family.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a mountainous town and an exotic travel destination. As mentioned above, Gatlinburg is the most popular gateway to the Smoky Mountains. The most populated area over here is Ober Gatlinburg. It is an amusement park and ski resort where you can enjoy many indoor and outdoor activities. These include shopping, eating, rollercoaster, and chairlift rides.
Although Gatlinburg is famous for being a gateway to the Smoky Mountains, it is also a destination for other things. There are various kid-friendly places for families to explore, such as the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokys. You can also visit local galleries to embrace the town's unique culture. Moreover, you can also admire the work of artists and artisans and watch them create beautiful paintings and handmade artifacts.
Memphis
Memphis is all about music. Memphis is the home of Elvis Presley. The Graceland Mansion is a historic landmark and was home to the legend himself. It is the third most visited house in The US, and thousands of tourists visit every year to explore the life of Elvis Presley. The Elvis Presley Memphis Complex displays the King's cars, tombs, clothes, and valuables.
You can choose different tour packages and explore various parts of the museum. Apart from the Graceland Mansion, the city's vibe is energetic and enjoyable. The songs of rock 'n' roll echo throughout the city. Because of this, people enjoy and have a good time every day. Many other artists, such as Johnny Cash, also recorded their songs in the bars and recording studios of Memphis. The city played an iconic role in music history, and it is a must-visit for anyone who loves rock 'n' roll.
Nashville
While Nashville has modernized over the years, it is still home to country music. In this city, many famous artists started their careers. Tourists enjoy listening to the free live songs at different establishments throughout Nashville. You can also hang out at coffee shops, boutiques, or restaurants downtown while exploring.
However, the most known tourist attraction in Nashville is The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum is breathtakingly beautiful. It is one of the World's largest museums with various musical collections. The architecture of the building resembles different musical instruments, whereas the whole structure resembles a bass. Nashville is also famous for hosting the Grand Ole Opry Show at the Ryman Auditorium. The country music concert is enjoyable for many tourists and a fun tourist spot to visit with family and friends.
Knoxville
Knoxville might not be the most well-known place in Tennessee since people do not know its significance and the tourist attractions. The most famous attraction the city has to offer is the gleaming Sunsphere. It is a huge gold-tinted tower built-in 1982 for the World's fair. Today, it is an observatory and a breathtaking tourist attraction. Downtown Knoxville is easily accessible and filled with unique restaurants and shops tourists can visit. There is a delicious southern cuisine in the city, which many tourists enjoy eating.
Also, the Tennessee River runs alongside Downtown Nashville. It allows tourists and locals to enjoy different water activities. The people canoe, kayak, and even cruise on boats and have a wonderful time.
Conclusion
Tennessee is surely an underrated state in The United States. Many people do not know about the unique tourist attractions this state offers. Because of this, they miss out on adventures and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. People usually travel to mainstream and famous places and lose out on the opportunity to visit the great state of Tennessee. The natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, the museums, the music, and the amusement parks make Tennessee worth it. Ensure you do not miss these six wonderful tourist attractions when you visit.
