Tennessee or the “Volunteer State” is located in southern United States and it has had a prominent role in the country’s history. It borders eight other states and its major cities include Memphis, Nashville, Gatlinburg and Chattanooga. It is divided into three grand divisions of East, Middle and West Tennessee and it is full of natural treasures and tourist attractions.
When visiting Tennessee you will find scenic mountain views, sparkling lakes, amazing waterfalls and spectacular shopping opportunities. Tennessee is also full of theme parks, historical places, zoos and many other fun things to do. You can participate in the spring fishing tournament, try a summer hiking trip, a fall romantic getaway or a winter ski adventure, there will always be something to do regardless of the season. Its cosmopolitan cities offer on-going entertainment and events and the charming eastern Tennessee offers visitors every outdoor activity imaginable. A Tennessee vacation will always be varied and fun.
You can start your Tennessee adventure by visiting the Rock City Gardens. Located on top of the Lookout Mountain, just few miles away from Chattanooga, Rock City is a nature’s true marvel featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with more than 400 native plant species and breathtaking panoramic views. You can take a family tour along the Enchanted Trial and experience the magic of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village. Numerous Tennessee vacation rentals are available in the area.
No visit to Tennessee would be complete without stopping by the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum. Located on the lush campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, this museum lures all history enthusiasts with the most diverse Lincoln and Civil War collections in the country. Approximately 30,000 books, manuscripts, photographs and paintings that tell the story of President Lincoln are to be found in this amazing museum.
If your city of choice is Memphis then don’t miss the Mud Island River Park. This park is the state’s premier tribute to the beautiful Mississippi River. Its majesty is shown by the detailed, five-block long outdoor replica of the river from Cairo, IL to New Orleans, LA with city plots, miniature bridges and 800,000 gallons of water flowing every minute. Mud Island also features an amphitheatre with live shows and concerts, numerous gift shops and a Mississippi River Museum.
If you head to Nashville, the entertainment alternatives in this city are almost unlimited. The Nashville Toy Museum, for example, is the perfect place to enjoy with kids of all ages as well as toy-train enthusiasts. Its large collection of antique toys includes long shelves full of toy trains, antique model cars, miniature boats and ships, dolls and teddy bears. Two large model train layouts are the highlight of this museum as they keep both children and adults fascinated for hours.
If you like films then the Nashville Film Festival is an interesting option. This annual film event attracts artists and cinematography lovers with a big city film festival atmosphere and southern hospitality. Numerous industry panels, music showcases and glamorous parties are waiting for those who book TN vacation rentals.
Other must see site while in Nashville is The Parthenon. The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in the Athens built in 1897 as a part of Tennessee’s Centennial Exposition. The replica stands proudly as the centerpiece of Nashville’s premier urban park and it serves as the city’s art museum featuring a collection of 63 paintings by 19th and 20th century American artists.
Each year in September Nashville also hosts the Tennessee State Fair. This fun-filled event features great educational and entertaining exhibits, creative art competitions and some of the best midway rides in the country. Families that stay in a Tennessee bed and breakfast can also enjoy the Kids Zone and the nostalgia of the Volunteer Village.
Other good option is the Belle Meade Plantation. This 30 acre historic site is located only six miles west of the city of Nashville and features a mansion that dates back to 1853. It was once the home to five generations of the Harding-Jackson family and it is now a beautiful historic treasure that includes an art gallery, gift shops and many seasonal events such as wine tasting and art exhibits. The plantation is opened for visits Monday through Sunday and the last tour starts at 4 pm.
If you visit the Chattanooga area then the Ruby Falls should be on your list of things to do. Located inside the heart of historic Lookout Mountain, the Ruby Falls is America’s highest underground waterfall. You can take a guided tour through this spectacular 145- foot waterfall and its caves and enjoy scenic views from the top of the Lookout Mountain Tower.
If what you are looking for is the amazing scenery of the majestic Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is an excellent getaway to relax and wash worries away. Some of the biggest attractions of Pigeon Forge include the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Cades Cove. Nine million tourists visit this Tennessee’s national park each year making it the most visited park in America. Its visitors are enchanted by the park’s abundant beauty and peaceful surroundings.
With its vibrant cities and amazing natural beauty, a vacation in Tennessee will ensure a great family vacation.
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