Tennessee

Tennessee offers a temperate year-round climate and a wealth of outdoor recreation, particularly in the area surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the state’s southeast corner. Music takes center stage in Nashville, with its wealth of downtown spots for live music, Country Music Hall of Fame and the legendary Ryman Auditorium. Head to Memphis’ Beale Street for more great live music. The city along the Mississippi River is also home to Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley and Sun Studios, where Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis got their start.

Three eagles on branches at Reelfoot Lake in Tiptonville, Tennessee (photo by David Haggard)

Known as “Quake Lake,” this unassuming, 15,000-surface-acre lake has in Tiptonville Tennessee, offers great opportunities for eagle watching. 

Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee (photo courtesy of Jack Daniel's)

Explore the birthplace of one of the world’s most well-known whiskey brands in Lynchburg, Tennessee, and learn how the famous spirit is made. 

Visitors at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee (photo by David Meany)

Walk in the footsteps of Elvis and many other greats at this Memphis, Tennessee, recording studio where music is still made today. 

Families at the duck parade at The Peabody hotel in Memphis, Tennessee (photo courtesy of Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau)

This legendary hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, rolls out the red carpet each morning for a marching parade of ducks. 

The Elephant Discovery Center in Hohenwald Tennessee (courtesy of The Elephant Sanctuary)

This destination in Hohenwald, Tennessee, provides an engaging, hands-on learning experience for kids and grownups.

Holiday decorations at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge Tennessee (photo by Curtis Hilbun/Dollywood)

Country music singer and actress Dolly Parton’s theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, shines during the holidays with over 5 million lights. 

Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tennessee (photo courtesy of destination)

This attraction in Union City, Tennessee, is part science center, part natural history museum and part regional culture and art showplace

The interior of the Knoxville Museum of Art in Knoxville, Tennessee  (photo courtesy of destination)

This attraction in Knoxville, Tennessee, showcases the rich and diverse visual culture of East Tennessee and Southern Appalachia. 

Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville, Tennessee (photo courtesy of destination)

This museum in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, is dedicated to the life and music of the Man in Black. 

This fun museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offers visitors the chance to take photos with celebrities past and present.