Tennessee

Waterfalls, sinks, domes, peaks, forests and lakes – the list of natural wonders here is endless. Hike, bike, kayak, climb and drive the winding roads and rivers, or go horseback riding, fishing or ride the rails. Mountain towns preserve the folk culture of the region, so spend some time visiting at the inns, restaurants and shops you’ll find tucked away here.  

Clustered on 16th and 17th Avenues are a host of buildings where, for 70 years, some of the USA’s most seminal music has been written, recorded and performed. Tour the area with stops at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry, which keep the tradition alive by continuously supporting and celebrating the industry’s artists and by hosting live performances.

A perfect blend of outdoor adventure and theme park attractions, this park in the Smoky Mountains offers skiing and a dozen other amusements inspired by the landscape, like tram rides, the Mountain Coaster and the Alpine Slide, plus encounters with the mountain wildlife.

Housed in downtown Memphis’ Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. spent his final moments, this museum is home to 260 artifacts that walk visitors through the history of racial equality in the USA. Listening posts, films and other interactive media put you in the midst of milestone events and in the shoes of those who experienced them.

Tour these grounds, site of a key Civil War defeat for the Confederates, and see the river batteries, military cemetery and the Dover Hotel, where Grant accepted the Confederate surrender. Guided tours across the battlefield retrace the steps of those involved in the conflict.

Behind this painstaking recreation of ancient Athens’ Parthenon and 12-meter high Athena statue in Nashville's Centennial Park is an art museum dedicated to the work of 19th and 20th century American artists. Galleries here cater to temporary shows and traveling exhibits.

A variety of themed tours led by costumed interpreters are on offer at the seventh U.S. president’s home, a historic example of a 19th century Tennessee farm. Explore the grounds, gardens and additional homes and buildings connected to the estate.

Ride the rails on one of four trips ranging from a short local loop to longer excursions across bridges, river gorges and through pre-Civil War tunnels. 

Rides for all ages, cabins you can stay in and even a train, the Dollywood Express, make this singer’s Smoky Mountain theme park one of the very best places to play in the region.  

A visit to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s mansion is more than just a look into his domestic life; here you find Elvis’ most treasured possessions and interests on display, including his automobile and jet collection, substantial archives documenting his life’s work and the trophy building, dedicated to honoring the singer’s legacy.