Southern Byways

Let’s Celebrate National Tourism Week with the state of Tennessee Icons

by Apryl on May 25th, 2008

Listen to the Music: Whether it’s the blues or more in Memphis, country in Nashville, or the mountain music found in the hills and mountains, no doubt about - music is an integral part of what makes Tennessee, well, Tennessee. Starting in Memphis, if it’s blues you want to find, take a walk along Beale Street. Interested in the start of Rock N’ Roll? Take a tour of Sun Studios. Soul music made its mark Memphis as well, and you can learn more about it at Stax Museum of American Soul Music. In Nashville, you are probably all ready familiar with the Grand Ole Opry, which holds the title of the longest-running radio show and hosted a number of famous country music performers. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to discover more about country music and its legacy. Journey down the “Honky Tonk Highway,” home to such places as Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Legends Corner and Robert’s Western World. When it comes to mountain music in Tennessee, it’s somewhat spread throughout the hills and mountains of the state. Two points of interest include the Mountain Opry in Signal Mountain, and the Mountain Music Museum in Bristol Tenn.-Va.

The Great Smoky Mountains: Considered to be the most visited national park in America, the Great Smoky Mountains is a outdoor-lover’s dream. You can go hiking, fishing, horse back riding and more. Be sure to visit Cades Cove, the most visited part of the park. The only accommodations available is LeConte Lodge, accessible only by foot. Don’t miss out on the towns nearby, such as Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Elizabethton.

Photo credits: (top left) Beale Street in Memphis, Tenn., flickr, creative commons by ChaseGordon; (top right) Sun Studio, Memphis, Tenn., flickr, creative commons by paparutzi; (middle left) Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville, Tenn., flickr, creative commons by afagen; (bottom left) Great Smoky Mountains National Park, courtesy of Tennessee Tourism; (bottom right) Hiker in the Great Smoky Mountains, courtesy of Tennessee Tourism.

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POSTED IN: Let's Celebrate, Museums, National Parks, Nature, Things to See in Tennessee, Vacation, Weekend Trip, attractions, music, road trip