Tennessee

Tennessee

The stars on the state flag represent the three geographically and legally distinct ‘Grand Divisions’ of Tennessee (i.e. East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, and West Tennessee). Eastern Tennessee is deep in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and some of the most accessible mountains to residents of the deep south. They’re perfect for spring waterfalls, summer hiking, fall colors, and some winter sports, especially around Gatlinburg. Middle Tennessee is the I-65 corridor and the country music mecca of Nashville. Western Tennessee is dominated by the Mississippi River and the ghosts of Elvis in Memphis.

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Language(s)

English

Currency

US Dollar

Exercise Increased Caution
Summer Winter
Memphis 91 34
Nashville 90 31
Gatlinburg 84 29
Outlets
Type-A
Type-B

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Tennessee to enjoy festivals and outdoor activities is in the summer months of June through August. However, Tennessee can get quite humid and hot in the summer, so for those who can’t stand the heat, the best time to visit is during the cooler fall months of September through November.

Fun Facts

  • The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville is the longest continuously running live radio program in the world. It has broadcast every weekend since 1925
  • Reelfoot Lake, located in Tiptonville, Tennessee is touted as the ‘Turtle Capital of the World’ 
  • Coca-Cola was first bottled in 1899 at a plant in Chattanooga
  • Tennessee has more than 3,800 documented caves
  • Dollywood is the highest-ranked theme park in America outside of Florida or California
  • Tennessee is the birthplace of the tow-truck
  • Mini-golf was patented in Tennessee

Bucket-List Activities

Natural Wonders

  • Ramsey Cascades (Gatlinburg)
  • Burgess Falls State Park (Sparta)
  • Tennessee River Gorge (Chattanooga)
  • Virgin Falls Pocket (Sparta)
  • Tuckaleechee Caverns (Townsend)
  • The Lost Sea (Sweetwater)
  • Lookout Mountain (Chattanooga)
  • Lula Falls (Chattanooga)
  • Open mic at Pickett’s Grocery (Leiper’s Fork)

Major Attractions

  • The Smokies: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Gatlinburg)
  • Elvis Presley’s Graceland (Memphis)
  • Grand Ole Opry House and Opry Museum (Nashville)
  • Tennessee Aquarium (Chattanooga)
  • The Elephant Sanctuary and Discovery Center (Hohenwald)
  • Rock City and Ruby Falls (Chattanooga)

Native Foods

  • Deep-Fried Burger (bonus points for a Dyer’s burger)
  • Nashville Style Hot Chicken Sandwich (chicken breast, coleslaw, mayo, and pickle chips in a brioche bun)
  • Memphis-Style Barbecue (pork covered with a distinctive dry rub made with over 40 spices and slow-cooked to perfection)
  • Moon Pie (a Chattanooga original, bonus points for washing it down with an RC Cola)
  • Goo Goo Cluster (a Nashville original with nuts, caramel, marshmallow, and milk chocolate in round cluster)
  • Nashville  / Nashville International Airport (BNA ✈✈✈✈) – Music City and the state capital
  • Memphis  / Memphis International Airport (MEM ✈✈✈✈) – The big city in western Tennessee and home to Elvis’ Graceland
  • Knoxville / McGhee Tyson Airport TYS  (TYS ✈✈✈✈) – The big city in Eastern Tennessee and gateway to Gatlinburg
  • Chattanooga / Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA ✈✈✈) – A sporty city on the Tennessee River
  • Johnson City / Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI ✈✈) – A mountain town in the Blueridge Mountains
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