Explore Tennessee: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Tennessee is a state in the southeastern region of the United States, known for its rich history, vibrant music scene, and stunning natural beauty. With 95 counties and numerous cities and towns, Tennessee has a lot to offer to travelers of all ages and interests. In this comprehensive travel guide for “Map Of Tenn Counties,” we will take you on a journey through the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
From the iconic landmarks to the lesser-known gems, Tennessee has something for everyone. Here are some of the top attractions that you should not miss:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Dollywood
- Belle Meade Plantation
- Ryman Auditorium
- Jack Daniel’s Distillery
- Rock City Gardens
- Chattanooga Choo Choo
- Memphis Zoo
Hidden Gems
If you want to discover some of the lesser-known but equally fascinating attractions, check out these hidden gems:
- The Lost Sea Adventure
- The Secret City
- The Sutler Saloon
- The Parthenon
- The Bell Witch Cave
- The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
- The World’s Largest Rubik’s Cube
- The Bluebird Cafe
- The Museum of Appalachia
- The Old Stone Fort
Food Scene
Tennessee is known for its delicious Southern cuisine, including barbecue, fried chicken, biscuits, and sweet tea. But the food scene in the state is much more diverse and exciting than that. Here are some of the must-try dishes and restaurants:
- Hot chicken at Hattie B’s
- Barbecue at Central BBQ
- Biscuits at Loveless Cafe
- Meat and three at Arnold’s Country Kitchen
- Burgers at The Pharmacy
- Pizza at DeSano Pizza Bakery
- Tacos at Mas Tacos Por Favor
- Cocktails at Patterson House
- Ice cream at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
- Coffee at Barista Parlor
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget? Here are some tips on how to save money while still having a great time in Tennessee:
- Visit the free attractions, such as the Tennessee State Capitol and the Parthenon
- Take advantage of the happy hour specials at the bars and restaurants
- Stay in hostels or budget hotels
- Use public transportation or walk instead of renting a car
- Pack your own food and drinks for picnics and hikes
- Shop at the local farmers’ markets for fresh produce and snacks
- Visit the museums and galleries on their free admission days
- Join a free walking tour or hike in the national parks
- Take advantage of the hotel and restaurant loyalty programs for discounts and special deals
- Book your flights and accommodations in advance for the best deals
Outdoor Adventures
Tennessee is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Here are some of the best outdoor adventures you can experience in the state:
- Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Rafting on the Ocoee River
- Camping in the Cherokee National Forest
- Fishing in the Tennessee River
- Rock climbing in Obed Wild and Scenic River
- Biking on the Natchez Trace Parkway
- Zip-lining at Adventureworks
- Horseback riding in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
- Hot air ballooning over the countryside
- Skiing and snowboarding at Ober Gatlinburg
Historical Landmarks
Tennessee has a rich history that is reflected in its numerous landmarks and monuments. Here are some of the most significant historical sites in the state:
- The Hermitage, the home of President Andrew Jackson
- The Civil Rights Museum in Memphis
- The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge
- The Shiloh National Military Park
- The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
- The Fort Donelson National Battlefield
- The Alvin C. York State Historic Park
- The Stones River National Battlefield
- The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
- The Alex Haley House Museum
Family-Friendly Activities
Tennessee is a great destination for families, with its many theme parks, museums, and outdoor activities. Here are some of the best family-friendly activities in the state:
- Dollywood
- The Tennessee Aquarium
- The Nashville Zoo
- The Memphis Zoo
- The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
- The Adventure Science Center
- The Children’s Museum of Memphis
- The Discovery Park of America
- The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you want to go beyond the tourist hotspots and explore some of the hidden corners of Tennessee, check out these off-the-beaten-path experiences:
- The abandoned town of Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains
- The ghost town of Old Jefferson
- The abandoned Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary
- The abandoned town of Cairo
- The ghost town of Silver Point
- The John Oliver Cabin, the oldest standing structure in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- The abandoned town of Copperhill
- The ghost town of Rugby
- The abandoned town of Cades Cove
- The ghost town of Sneedville
Natural Wonders
Tennessee is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the country, from majestic mountains to cascading waterfalls. Here are some of the natural wonders you should not miss:
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- The Ruby Falls
- The Fall Creek Falls State Park
- The Rock Island State Park
- The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
- The Lookout Mountain
- The Ozone Falls State Natural Area
- The Reelfoot Lake
- The Roan Mountain State Park
- The South Cumberland State Park
Vibrant Nightlife
Tennessee is not only a great destination for outdoor activities and cultural experiences, but also for its vibrant nightlife. Here are some of the best places to enjoy a night out in the state:
- The Broadway in Nashville
- The Beale Street in Memphis
- The Printer’s Alley in Nashville
- The Market Square in Knoxville
- The Old City in Knoxville
- The Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville
- The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville
- The Mercy Lounge in Nashville
- The Tootsies Orchid Lounge in Nashville
- The Hi-Tone Cafe in Memphis
Local Markets
If you want to experience the local flavor and culture of Tennessee, visit the local markets, where you can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs. Here are some of the