Check out these 6 top places to visit in Tennessee if you have the traveling bug!
Tennessee has every category of tourists and travelers pouring in from all parts of the world, whether they be history geeks, adventurists, music lovers, or vacationers. This area is famous for its various attractions, delicious and versatile food, easy accessibility, and affordability compared to other states of the country.
It is also home to one of the world's most significant national parks: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is the most visited park in the United States, and places like Wears Valley, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville County offer a jaw-dropping view of this national treasure.
The outstanding rugged beauty of the Smokys is an excellent way to detox from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Tennessee, also called the Volunteer State, is the best vacation destination in the United States.
This beautiful state is home to all four seasons. Hence, each visit makes you see a new side of Tennessee's beauty. With so many Southern counties and activities awaiting you, you won't have a dull moment.
Here are some places that must be part of your travel itinerary when visiting Tennessee.
1. Cove Mountain, Wears Valley
Wears Valley is a small town outside Pigeon Forge with stunning scenery and rich history. It is often called the “Peaceful side of the Smokys” due to its smaller magnitude and peaceful atmosphere. This is home to one of the most beautiful and peaceful cabins in Tennessee; they are spacious and offer a great view of the Smokys.
It is 1454m above sea level and has vast mountains surrounding the Valley. Cove mountain is the tallest mountain that you can see from the Valley. It has a beautiful view, especially during autumn. It rises from the Valley's floor and creates a gorgeous dramatic effect.
2. Tennessee Museum of Aviation, Sevierville
The Tennessee Museum of Sevierville, with military history, uniforms, hundreds of aviation memorabilia, and aircraft models, is a dream come true for any aviation fanatic.
They are neatly placed in the Exhibit Gallery for all to see. It is a 50,000 sq ft facility located in Sevierville. It has unscheduled flight demonstrations and helps shed light on the remarkable history of aviation.
A 35,000 sq ft hangar exhibits aircraft engines, military vehicles, Warbirds, and cockpits. You'll see a wide range of jets, fighters, and trainers. Spending a couple of hours here will make you want to become a pilot and explore the realm of flight.
3. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains are located in the Appalachian Mountains that straddle North Carolina and Tennessee. Most of the towns in Tennessee have a jaw-dropping view of the mountains. Hence, visiting the famous national park would probably be at the top of your travel itinerary. It provides world-class scenery and many things to do when you're there.
You can drive up downtown Gatlinburg to reach it or take the chairlift at Ober Gatlinburg, a beautiful ski resort and amusement park. Go for a scenic 6643 feet high drive to the top of the Smokys via the Clingmans Dome. Use the observation tower to get a 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains. We recommend you go for the Great Smoky National Park in the Spring and Fall to have the ultimate experience.
The park has 900 miles of hiking trails and routes for you to hike up or drive your car up with your family and friends smoothly. You'll see pioneer homesteads, beautiful mountains, picturesque meadows, and wildlife on your hike.
4. Graceland, Memphis
Memphis is another beautiful city in Tennessee. Graceland is one of the top tourist attractions in the city and is often deemed just as popular as the White House. It was home to the King of Rock ‘n' Roll, Elvis Presley. It is a place of pilgrimage for Rock ‘n' Roll worldwide.
Elvis took his last breath here; nothing has changed in this stately home since then. The state actively works to ensure that it is preserved in its original condition.
It has various exhibits and displays for tourists to see. It is a vast warehouse-like building with beautiful pillars and a homey and comfortable vibe. You can also see many of the flashy costumes and equipment he used for his performances. The place is also home to his family's tomb, where most of Elvis's family is buried.
You can also see Elvis's luxury lifestyle by visiting all his cars and aircraft. The house also has a jungle den, TV room, and a separate music room where he used to develop his bestselling songs.
5. Dollywood, Pigeon Forge
Who doesn't know about the famous country singer Dolly Parton? With a plethora of awards and bestselling albums, she is a country treasure. Dollywood is named after this country sensation and is said to be built at the exact location where she played as a child.
It is one of the most popular ticketed attractions in the state, with more than three million tourists pouring in every year.
It is a theme park spread over 150 acres that provides many activities for visitors, from thrilling rides to musical entertainment. There isn't going to be a dull moment for you here. Dollywood has about 50 rides, and 9 of them are roller coasters! They represent the history and culture of Tennessee and display southern hospitality.
Spend a day here to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and don't forget to visit the Dollywood Splash County.
6. Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville – The City of Music
Tennessee is famous across the world for its rich musical tapestry. Nashville is home to the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry House. The Ryman Auditorium was built in 1892 and is known as the Mother Church of Country Music. They are the ones that put the Opry on the musical map for the world to see.
The Country Music Hall of Fame (CMHF) celebrates famous country music celebrities. The granite stars embedded in the sidewalk are another beautiful way to commemorate them. If you are a country music fan, visit these beautiful attractions in the city of Nashville.
Bottom Line
Tennessee is one of the most beautiful states in the United States. Millions of people visit it yearly to enjoy its rich history and southern hospitality. If you plan your next vacation to Tennessee, keep these beautiful destinations in mind. You won't be disappointed.