There is nothing wrong with taking a break from your busy life and going on a vacation to relax your mind and body. And while you might be feeling thrilled about going on a vacation, make sure to adequately plan your trip, so you can enjoy it to the fullest.
Since travel restrictions are but all lifted, you might want to take a roadtrip to the heart of southeastern United States, or, more specifically, Tennessee.
Tennessee, or the Volunteer State, is a state in the Southeastern United States. With its picturesque natural beauty, rich history, culture, and music, it is one of the most visited travel destinations of the country.
Tennessee welcomes all sorts of travelers from all over the world. However, with such a wide range of activities that Tennessee has on offer, it’s hard to explore every nook and corner of this majestic state, all in one trip.
So if you are wondering what places and activities to do while you are in Tennessee, you are soon going to find out. Here is a list of some of the incredible destinations you must visit on your trip to the Volunteer State:
1. OCOEE RIVER
Do you wish to have a heart-pounding and thrilling water activity on your trip to Tennessee? Then, head on over to the Ocoee River. Nestled in the Southeast of Tennessee, the river is one of the most popular whitewater streams in the world. The strong current and chaotic waves offer the best water adventures you could have.
So if you are a water lover, you cannot forego the white water rafting Tennessee adventure with your friends or family. Fun fact: Ocoee River was home to whitewater slalom events of the 1996 Olympics games.
2. THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Are you someone who likes to hike in the mountain trails? Then, look no further than the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The most visited park in the United States is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best part about this federally funded park is that there is no entry fee required. You can explore wildlife, geography, and history here.
With its majestic mountain beauty, the park offers plenty of fun activities for the tourists. For example, you can go hiking, enjoy a romantic date with your significant other at Cades Cove, stay overnight in the cabins or tents with your friends, etc.
3. BEALE STREET
One thing is for sure – you can never get bored on the Beale Street, located in downtown Memphis. Especially if you are a wild, night party lover, visiting this place is a must for you.
The site is music history central. Start the tour with a visit to the Memphis Music, where you can find a diverse range of CDs and albums, particularly in the Blues category.
Don’t worry if you have your family on the trip because there are plenty of family friendly activities here. Go to the Memphis Rock’n’Roll museum and then treat your family to lunch at Silky O’Sullivan’s, a famous open-air restaurant that offers a classic gallon-sized cocktail – Diver.
4. NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM
Visiting the National Civil Rights Museum should be on top of your bucket list if you want to learn more about the historical significance of Tennessee. You will get learn about the infamous assassination of the Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
James Earl Ray pulled the trigger at King while he was on the balcony of his hotel room. The room is frozen in time in respect of the man that lived out his last days there.
You will learn a great deal about black history by watching short videos, attending educational programs, listening to oral histories, and exploring many other galleries of the museum.
While you are here, you should go ahead and eat the mouth-watering food served at The Arcade Restaurant, a favorite dining place of Elvis Presley’s.
5. THE TITANIC MUSEUM
Your trip to Tennessee is incomplete if you haven’t stopped by and visited the Titanic Museum. Opened in 2010, the world’s largest and most iconic Titanic ship features over 400 artifacts displayed across 20 different galleries. The shape of the Titanic Museum is the same as the RMS Titanic. Note that it cost approximately $25 million to construct this museum.
You can start your trip of this fascinating tourist attraction by first getting the onboarding pass. The onboarding pass carries the name of a real passenger on the Titanic. You can tour on your own or follow a guide to learn more about the Titanic story. You can round up your reminiscing of the incident by paying your solemn respects to the crew and passengers aboard the Titanic that day by visiting the Titanic Memorial Room.
6. THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM
If you like country music, why not put the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on your list when traveling to Tennessee. Situated near the Ryman Auditorium, the destination honors legendary artists and singers.
The site has been around for around five decades, and its main focus is to promote the history and tradition of country music. In addition, you can find plenty of art galleries and displays at the Hall of Fame. Apart from celebrating country music, the museum exhibits different educational programs, merchandise stalls, dining areas, etc.
7. BELL WITCH CAVE
If you have a personal fascination for the paranormal, don’t miss out visiting the Bell Witch Cave. Summers are the best time of the year to visit this site. The 490-foot-long cave offers respite from the summer heat for visitors that enter it. The history of the privately-owned destination revolves around the evil witch, Bell Witch, that haunted the Bell family back in 1817.
Make sure to call the management beforehand because the cave tours are sometimes closed due to maintenance or weather reasons.
SUMMING UP
A trip to the southeastern United States is an amalgamation of thrilling encounters with rich culture, tradition, history and delicious food. Plus, you get to enjoy the southern hospitality on full display. Tennessee is among the most visited states in the country by tourists because it just has everthing from hiking destinations, water sports, to outdoor concerts, meusems, and even historical cave sites.