Things to Do in Tennessee
Whether you’re looking for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a fun destination for a romantic weekend, there are many things to do in Tennessee. This state has something to offer everyone, from the historic Parthenon to the Adventure Science Center. From the Grand Ole Opry to Dollywood, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are also several museums, theaters, and attractions, and you’ll never want to leave.
The Parthenon
The Parthenon is one of the things you should see while in Nashville. During the 1897 Nashville Exposition, it was visited by more than two million people – 20 times the city’s total population. It is also home to a 42-foot gold-coated statue of the goddess Athena. A visit to the Parthenon is definitely worth the time and money.
During the museum’s hours, you can tour the exhibits on your own. There are docents and brochures in the museum that can help you learn more about this ancient structure. The Parthenon is open Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. There are also limited lockers, so be sure to plan ahead. There are two rooms inside the Parthenon. The Naos room is 93 feet long, 63 feet wide, and holds a statue of Athena. The Treasury Room is 44 feet wide and 43 feet high. The Parthenon is open during the hours of the museum.
The Parthenon is the largest indoor sculpture in the Western Hemisphere. Although the statue was originally white, it was later painted by local artists Lou Reed and James M. Cowan. You can see paintings from various eras, including impressionism and Neo-classic. You can even admire the marbles from the Parthenon. It is a must for any history buff!
You can still visit the Parthenon in Nashville if you have never been to Greece. It is an impressive replica of the famous Greek temple in Athens. If you have not yet been to the original, you can visit the replica at Centennial Park. While visiting the Parthenon in Athens will provide the ultimate experience, you’ll also be amazed by the colossal art collection in the Parthenon. It is also worth visiting the Parthenon at night for a special illumination display.
The Adventure Science Center
If you’re looking for some fun activities for kids in Nashville, Tennessee, you may want to check out The Adventure Science Center. This non-profit science museum for kids offers educational exhibits for children. You can even learn about science experiments and get your hands on some hands-on science experiments. While you’re there, you can also check out the local shops and eat at some of the local restaurants.
The Adventure Science Center is located about three miles south of downtown Nashville. Open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., it’s also open on Saturday until 6 p.m. For an admission fee of $18, you can also get in for free if you bring a child under two. Adults and youths aged two to 12 can go for special events, such as the Way Late Play Dates and Star Wars versus Star Trek during the weekends. The Adventure Science Center hosts fireworks on the Fourth of July to commemorate the holiday.
The Adventure Science Center is located on a hill overlooking Nashville and offers more than 175 interactive exhibits. The main themes of the center are air and space, biology, earth science, energy, and the human mind, body, and visual perception. The center was founded in 1945 and adopted its current name in 2002. In addition to a variety of educational programs, the center also offers science labs and planetarium shows.
Check out the Adventure Science Center if you want to take the kids to the next level. This museum features over 200 hands-on exhibits geared towards children and adults. It also features a planetarium, which hosts daily laser shows. The Adventure Science Center is a must-see attraction for families, and it has something to keep children and parents entertained. You’re sure to have a blast learning at this museum.
The Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville is a weekly American country music stage concert. Founded in 1925, this radio broadcast began as a one-hour radio barn dance on WSM. Today, it’s owned by Opry Entertainment and is the longest-running radio show in US history. Although it’s a wildly popular place to visit, Nashville isn’t the only city in the Southeast where the Grand Ole Opry takes place.
The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville is the world’s most famous country music show, with over 4400 seats. Founded by George Dewey Hay, the Opry has become one of the most well-known radio shows in the world. Musicians from all over the country perform on the Opry stage. The Opry first broadcast from a radio barn dance in 1925, which was later moved to the Hillsboro Theatre. During the 1930s, the Opry moved to the War Memorial Auditorium and finally to its current location in the Ryman.
To experience the Grand Ole Opry, get tickets in advance. Tickets for Opry concerts and tours are often sold out, so make sure to get your tickets early. If you’re traveling from another city, it’s worth taking a tour in a different city. Afterward, visit the Opry’s site. In addition to touring the building and experience the show from the stage. There’s an opportunity to stand on the stage and view the dressing rooms. The Opry also allows you to watch the stage without the musicians performing.
Music fans of the country genre can’t miss an Opry show. The Opry has been a fixture in the music world since the 1930s. In fact, Nashville became a recording center because of it. Nashville has become a tourist destination in recent years thanks to the Grand Ole Opry. And this show is one of the main reasons the city is known as the country music capital of the world.
The Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium is a 2,362-seat live-performance venue located at 116 5th Avenue North in Nashville, Tennessee. The venue was home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, and is now owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. The Grand Ole Opry has performed at this venue several times, and has a wide variety of entertainment events on its calendar.
During the construction of the building, citizen groups raised funds to enlarge the stage. This enabled the Metropolitan Opera to perform at the venue, and the French Grand Opera Company performed at the venue in 1905. Upon Ryman’s death, Jones proposed that the building be named in his honor. The name was changed to The Ryman Auditorium, and it has remained so to this day. The building is wheelchair accessible, and there are restrooms in the lower lobbies. Downstairs restrooms are located next to the concessions counter.
The Ryman has been a venue for music events since 1904. Patty Griffin recorded her album, “A Kiss in Time,” and Neil Young recorded his acclaimed concert film, “On the Road to Nashville,” at the Ryman. Other acts who have performed there include Coldplay, who released an autographed poster during their live performance there. The Nashville-based venue has a variety of performances and is a great choice for an unforgettable night out.
The Ryman Auditorium is more than just a nightlife venue; it’s also a cultural hub, attracting music fans worldwide. From jazz and bluegrass to Broadway and rock and roll, The Ryman has become a landmark Nashville destination for many. The Ryman is also home to many renowned artists, including John Philip Sousa, Roy Rogers, Harry Houdini, and Charlie Chaplin.
The Titanic Museum
The Titanic Museum is an amazing two-story museum shaped like the RMS Titanic that opened on April 8, 2010. It is constructed in half the scale of the original ship. The Branson Titanic Museum has over four hundred artifacts from the pre-discovery period that are displayed in twenty galleries. You can walk the two-story replica of the ship and explore all its galleries and exhibits. It is well worth the trip from the Smoky Mountains to Branson.
During your visit to The Titanic Museum, you will be able to see more than 400 artifacts from the sinking of the Titanic. You can even shovel coal in the boiler room. You can also take a self-guided tour of the museum and learn more about the ship’s history. You can see the full-scale life rafts and even the actual anchor, which weighs 15.5 tons!
If you have never visited a Titanic museum, you are missing out! Make sure you visit The Titanic Museum in Tennessee! It is a fascinating, interactive museum offering the most extensive Titanic artifacts collection. Visitors can also see boarding passes listing the names of passengers and crew aboard the ship. The Titanic Museum is part of the Cedar Bay’s second Titanic museum in Tennessee, after the museum in Branson, Missouri.
If you’re traveling with children, consider visiting The Titanic Museum in Tennessee. The museum is designed for older children and features hands-on exhibits. Costumed crew members add authenticity to the attraction. They speak as if they were real crew members on the doomed luxury liner. They answered our questions and provided historical insight. So, when planning a visit to the Titanic Museum, don’t forget to bring your family along!
Best Sightseeing in Tennessee
If you’re planning a trip to the South, one of the best sightseeing destinations in Tennessee is Memphis. This landlocked state is home to the world’s largest collection of natural bridges and is the heart of country music. The Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame and the legendary honky tonks can be found in Nashville. Memphis is home to the legendary Graceland, Elvis Presley’s birthplace and the Sun Studio, as well as the legendary blues clubs along Beale Street.
Lover’s Leap
The scenic beauty of the area is well-known for its breathtaking views. The area also has a few interesting attractions. If you are interested in nature, you should visit Lover’s Leap. It is located on Lookout Mountain, close to Chattanooga. During your trip, you should make sure to take a walk on the trail near the viewpoint. You will be rewarded with views of four states.
The 7 States Flag Court is a tribute to the surrounding states. The Fairyland Caverns was built in honor of founder Frieda Carter’s love of fairytales and European folklore. Be careful as you make your way through the caves, because gnomes live here. The area is also home to many outdoor sculptures and installations. The site is well-worth the visit.
Another amazing place to visit in Tennessee is the Bell Witch Cave. Kate the Bell Witch is a notorious spirit in this cave. Apparently, the cave scared even Andrew Jackson. The witch built the cave in 1817. She used the eerie sounds to keep her family awake. The witch eventually got out of control, poisoning the father of the Bell family. This is one of the best sightseeing spots in Tennessee, and is a great destination for animal lovers.
Cade’s Cove
Visit Cade’s Cove in East Tennessee for its stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains. This area is famous for wildlife viewing and is home to white-tailed deer, fox, black bear, groundhog, and skunk. During the fall, the surrounding mountains become ablaze with vibrant colors. The park is free to enter. Cade’s Cove is located just 31 miles from Pigeon Forge.
While visiting Cade’s Cove, you should consider the 11-mile loop road. This road is closed to traffic on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, but is open to hikers and cyclists. It’s also open to drivers on driving tours. A great way to spend quality time with family is by driving the loop road, which allows for stops along the way. While driving, you can listen to music, chat, or enjoy sights.
Aside from the Great Smoky Mountains, you should also consider visiting Cade’s Cove. This valley is surrounded by mountains, making it one of the most popular spots in the park. Visitors can enjoy the scenery of the mountains and the abundant wildlife. There are numerous scenic pull-offs along the way, and you can take a stroll through these picturesque surroundings. You’ll be glad you visited.
Cade’s Cove is the most beautiful spot in Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains’ picturesque valleys have long attracted visitors, and Cade’s Cove is no exception. A 6800-acre valley in the National Park, Cades Cove boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Tennessee. With an unbroken backdrop of mountain peaks, craggy ridges, and undeveloped meadows, Cades Cove is a popular place to see wildlife.
The most famous attraction in Cade’s Cove is the Great Smoky Mountains, which surround this scenic valley. A loop road circles the area, offering stunning views of the park’s rugged beauty and abundant wildlife. The road is open to automobiles except when posted. Along the way, visitors will pass historic homes, barns, and churches from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Hikers may enjoy exploring the nearby Abrams Falls, Thunderhead Mountain, and the Cades Cove Nature Trail.
The natural beauty of Cade’s Cove is a treasure for birders. You’ll find deer, elk, turkeys, and raccoons among other creatures. You can even view black bears and white tail deer from roadside observation areas. Be sure to avoid getting too close to the wildlife, as doing so may harm their environment and your safety.
Cade’s Cove is the world’s largest complex of natural bridges
A natural bridge is a rock formation created by a sinkhole. Sewanee’s Natural Bridge is 25 feet high and looks over Lost Cove, a huge karst formation cut into the Cumberland Plateau. A giant sinkhole created this area, which eventually eroded, leaving a beautiful series of rock formations. Today, this natural bridge is one of the most beautiful places in Tennessee.
Cades Cove is preserved by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The original settlers came from Virginia, North Carolina and upper east Tennessee. The quaint town of Cades Cove is now a world-renowned open-air museum. Visitors can tour restored historic homes, barns, and farms. A self-guided tour booklet provides an overview of the area’s history and heritage.
Numerous hiking trails throughout Cades Cove allow visitors to explore the area from many angles. A loop road provides scenic views of the valley and nearby mountains and historical structures such as three churches and a working grist mill. Bicycle rentals are available at the Cades Cove campground, where you can ride your bicycle through the natural bridges.
Graceland is Elvis’s mansion
Graceland is the famous mansion of the late singer and songwriter Elvis Presley. It is designed in a colonial revival style and includes estate tours, two jets, and a car museum. There’s even a museum dedicated to Presley’s personal vehicles. While at Graceland, you can also tour the car museum and see the two jets that were once used by the King.
While the interior of Graceland is massive, it still has a homey feel. The tour includes fun rooms like the one devoted to Presley’s gold records and jumpsuits. You can also see the piano where Presley honed his talent hours before his death. The backyard of Graceland also has a swing set and a swimming pool. It is a fitting tribute to the legend who lived there for four decades.
The mansion’s interior features several famous rooms, including the “jungle” room, which was a favorite spot of the King. It featured a fountain and a green shag carpet. You can see dozens of awards that Presley received throughout his life, including three Grammy Awards and five Platinum records. You can also see some of the paintings of the King’s father that grace the mansion.
Shiloh National Military Park is a tribute to the deadliest battle of the Civil War
The deadliest battle in the American Civil War was fought on the battlefield of Shiloh, Alabama. Congress established the park in 1894, and it commemorates the Battle of Shiloh on April 6-7, 1862. To build the park, the Secretary of War appointed a commission of veterans to help with the process. This commission relied heavily on historian David W. Reed, who had served in the 12th Iowa Regiment and who helped with the project by mapping troop positions and making sense of confusing reports. Reed helped interpret the battle for the public and the park’s history.
The infamous Battle of Shiloh took place on April 6-7, 1862, and was the first major battle fought on the Western Front of the war. This battle, which resulted in the death of Confederate commander Albert S. Johnston, claimed the lives of over two-thousand soldiers. The battle also had its roots in the Union advance into Tennessee during the winter of 1861-1862.
Visiting the Battlefield of Shiloh National Military Park is incredibly powerful. The battlefield is dotted with historical markers, including a map of the battlefield and its trajectory. You can also watch a movie about the battle, which explains how it unfolded and tells the true stories of the soldiers. The Shiloh Battlefield Guide is a must-have for serious students and armchair tourists alike.
Lost Sea is a hidden lake in East Tennessee
A 4.5-acre lake, called the Lost Sea, is hidden beneath the muddy walls of the Craighead Caverns in Sweetwater, TN. Ben Sands, a 13-year-old boy, discovered the lake after trying to explore the caverns with a lantern. After pelting the room with mud, he heard loud splashes and astonished his family. He raced home to tell them about the lake he had discovered.
Located 140 feet underground, the Lost Sea is a 4.5-acre body of crystal-clear water. The entire lake is surrounded by caves and has been explored by divers in the past. The visible portion of the Lost Sea is only about four acres, but the cave is over thirteen acres in size. In addition to cave diving, visitors are permitted to visit the Lost Sea’s eerie underwater rooms.
The Lost Sea is America’s largest hidden lake. It lies inside the greater Craighead Caverns, a cavern network extending from Sweetwater to Madisonville, Tennessee. The lost lake is surrounded by beautiful rock formations and rare anthodites, and a boat ride across the Lost Sea is a magical experience. It’s definitely worth taking the time to explore this unique lake.
Places to Visit in Tennessee
If you’re a country music fan, you’ve probably heard about Tennessee and its many attractions. The state is home to country music, the birthplace of the genre, as well as breathtaking natural delights. Tennessee is the place to go whether you’re a rebel or a trend setter. Here, we’ll share some tips on places to visit in Tennessee. And don’t miss the National Civil Rights Museum!
Cummins Falls State Park
Located just northwest of Cookeville in Jackson County, Cummins Falls State Park offers visitors a scenic view of a 75-foot waterfall. This state park is well-known for its pristine hiking trails, waterfall, and wildlife. In addition, it is a popular destination for families and groups traveling to Tennessee. There are plenty of other attractions in the area as well. To learn more about the park and its waterfall, read on.
If you enjoy hiking and rock climbing, you will want to check out Cummins Falls State Park. This state park offers both rock climbing and bouldering areas for the adventurous spirit and is great for families with children. The waterfall itself is breathtaking, and many areas of the park are perfect for swimming. Compared to other state parks in Tennessee, the Cummins Falls gorge stands out as the park’s most impressive feature.
The surrounding mountains and river valley provide a scenic backdrop for Cummins Falls State Park. Some hiking trails meander around the waterfalls, while others are steep and feature significant elevation gain. The park also features several cabins, and guests can enjoy the views from these unique accommodations. ADA access is also available. Consider booking a cabin at Cummins Falls State Park for a family vacation.
When visiting Cummins Falls State Park, be sure to bring water shoes. The waterfall is beautiful, but be aware that getting there requires a permit. Checking the water levels beforehand is best to avoid getting soaked or icy. Also, swimming in cold water can be dangerous. Make sure you take caution when wading in streams, and never get into the water higher than your knees.
Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum
The Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum is a music museum located at 191 Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee. The exhibits at this museum tell the story of the musicians who broke barriers and changed the cultural makeup of the world through music. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock or jazz, you’ll be able to find something you love at this museum. It’s definitely worth a visit!
A visit to the Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum is a must if you love music, soul, and the music history of Memphis. The museum’s six galleries explore the evolution of Memphis music and its impact on the culture. Visitors can enjoy the 300-minute audio guide, which includes never-before-heard interviews and music. Afterward, they can explore the interactive exhibits and buy authentic Memphis souvenirs.
The museum is open every day, except on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. You can visit it for $13, or $10 for children ages five to 17. There are also discounts for AARP members, Smithsonian, and Memphis residents. You can also take the Sun Studio shuttle from Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum to Graceland or the Heartbreak Hotel. You can even get a free admission ticket if you stay at the Heartbreak Hotel.
The Rock ‘n Soul Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary this year! It’s located near Third Street in the FedExForum courtyard. The entire FedExForum is decorated with a Memphis music theme, which makes it a great place for a concert or a business meeting. And if you’re looking for a good place to visit during your next trip to Memphis, the Rock ‘n Soul Museum is worth checking out.
Graceland
A trip to Graceland is a must for any music fan! The mansion was the former residence of legendary rock star, Elvis Presley. After his death, Lisa Marie Presley inherited the home. The tour is well worth it, as the home was a favorite of the King himself. After visiting the mansion, you’ll be inspired by his music and discover how he created the sounds that are now associated with the house.
If you’ve never visited the Graceland mansion before, you’re in for a treat! This famous mansion has 33 of the singer’s most prized automobiles, including the 1975 Ferrari Dino and the pink Cadillac he drove in the film “Blue Hawaii.” Other cars on display include Rolls-Royces and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The mansion also has a John Deere 4010 tractor and Priscilla Presley’s white Mercedes sports car.
In addition to the mansion, you should visit the nearby Sun Studio for some great barbecue! Memphis is known for its music, and Sun Studio has played host to some legendary artists, including BB King and Elvis Presley. Other attractions in Memphis include the famous Sun Studio, Graceland, and Cades Cove. You should also try the local barbecue, which is ranked among the best in the state! If you’re on a budget, plan on spending a day or two visiting these sites!
The tour of Graceland is approximately 90 minutes, and you’ll want to plan three and a half hours for your visit. While you’re there, you’ll want to bring your camera! Flash photography and video cameras aren’t allowed, but it’s still worth the trip. The estate has 23 rooms, including a Jungle Room with jungle decor and a waterfall. Presley’s gold records, wedding dress, and other memorabilia will also be found.
National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum is a must-see for visitors to Memphis. While there, you must make time for the Martin Luther King Jr. Museum. Room 306 is furnished as if it were Dr. King’s bedroom, including a rotary phone, ’50s-style lamps, and a small television with an antenna. There’s even a food tray. While you’re there, don’t miss the video presentation on the importance of civil rights for African Americans.
The museum is located at 450 Mulberry Street, in the heart of downtown Memphis’s South Main District. Parking is free and you can easily reach it by turning north from G.E. Patterson Avenue. Head north on Mulberry Street from G.E. Patterson Avenue to get to the museum. Then, follow the directions above. Once you’re there, you’ll see a wreath at King’s approximate location.
The museum has some of the best displays of the Civil Rights Movement. The exhibits are arranged chronologically and follow the journey of the 13 Freedom Riders from D.C. to New Orleans on May 17, 1961. This was in honor of the seventh anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, a landmark ruling that made segregation in public schools unconstitutional. It is also home to the battered Greyhound Bus that the group used to travel from Washington to New Orleans.
Another must-see for visitors to the area is the National Civil Rights Museum. The museum is housed at the Lorraine Motel, where the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. occurred. The museum has several exhibits, and the museum also contains a replica of the Lorraine Motel. This museum will enlighten visitors on the importance of civil rights and the fight for equality in the United States.
Dollywood
Dolly Parton and the Herschend family jointly own Dollywood, a theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The park features rides, shows, and many attractions, making it a must-visit place for music lovers. The park is open to the public year-round. If you’re looking for a fun and affordable family outing in the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is the place for you!
Founded in 1961, Dollywood was first named the Rebel Railroad, a theme park themed around the centennial of the Civil War. Founded by the Robbins brothers, it included a coal-fired steam engine named Klondike Katie and a saloon. The park’s name was changed to Goldrush Junction in 1970 when Art Modell bought the property. This new name reflects Parton’s early church days.
In addition to the rides and shows, Dollywood also hosts some of the best festivals in the South. The Festival of Nations is a fascinating multi-cultural celebration featuring traditional music, dance, food, and art worldwide. The Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival occurs every spring, while the Harvest Festival with Great Pumpkin LumiNights occurs in fall. Both festivals feature delicious foods and live performances.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a seasoned veteran, Dollywood is a place to visit in the Smoky Mountains. Whether you’re looking for a family outing or an escape to the country’s music scene, Dollywood is a place to visit in Tennessee. Theme parks offer something for everyone, so your entire family will have a blast. The park also offers a variety of dining options. The park’s restaurants and food stands serve up kid-friendly favorites such as funnel cakes and ice cream.
