Posted on 05/23/2018 6:14:24 PM PDT by Michael.SF.
Vacationing this coming week in Tennessee and have never been there. Looking for some ideas from fellow Freeper travelers, including insights, new places, off the beaten path places, places locals go to and places to avoid. (see below)
They can't give you or sell you any but it is three hours of some of the finest breathing you will do in your life.
"Ceterum censeo Islam esse delendam."
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
LOL. I think you are being kind with that comment. ;)
Ashville sounds like a good day trip from G'burg. I am not too much into synthesizers, though, but it could be an eye opener.
BTW -- I saw the Dixie Dregs twice (a friend is their tour manager)on their recent tour, not sure if you know them, but I have a feeling you might.
Go to the Moog Music site, find the Sound Lab and click one of the links to Dorit Chrysler. It’s like Bewitched meets Plan 9 From Outer Space with a very intense but sort of attractive older blonde French lady warbling over it.
... well acquainted with The Dixie Dregs by the way.
My feeling was right! Great shows. last time I saw them I was in college.
I think they refer to the vapors as the ‘Angels Share’? That was what I heard at a California Brandy distillery.
Chattanooga: The Tennessee Aquarium is one of the best (at least it was 15 years ago when I lived up that way). Always loved the design - you start at the top seeing river creatures (otters, gators, etc.) and as you wind your way down you get into deeper and deeper water.
Rock City is worth a stop (a little hokey maybe but interesting). Don’t bother with Ruby Falls (basically a waterfall with a red light behind it). One place we wanted to see that we never made it to is Covenant College (actually in Georgia but near Chattanooga). You can see it on top of Lookout Mountain from I-24 - known as the “Castle in the Clouds”. It’s a Christian college with a beautiful campus on the edge of the mountain, including the Castle (which used to be a hotel IIRC).
For reference ... great question abt TN
There's so many good places in TN. God's inside vest pocket.
If you like to drive real slow I would catch the Natchez Trace Parkway where it crosses U.S. 64 into Nashville. See the bridge over 96 in Williamson county.
That’s all on a quota lottery system now, and the spots are taken. Quite a spectacle, but only accessible by Park Service shuttle.
Natchez Trace Parkway for the drive from Memphis to Nashville. Chattanooga: riverwalk, aquarium, Maple Street Biscuit Co. for chicken, biscuits and gravy, Champys if you like fried chicken. Lookout Mountain, Chickamauga Battlefield in NW Georgia not far at all.
You could burn three or four hours in the Country Music Hall Of Fame alone. But it’s very interesting. The Ryman is another two to three hours. Graceland is really nice since the improvements have been made. That would take up the bulk of a day in Memphis. The rest of the items on your to do list could be done on day two. As some else mentioned, the Pancake Pantry is a great place for breakfast. There’s one in Nashville on 21st Avenue and another one is in Gatlinburg.
There is a quaint little restaurant in Pottsville, TN called Marcy Jo’s. It’s on Hwy 341 about twelve mils south of Hwy 840. It’s run by the sister of Rory Feek of the duo Joey + Rory. Just a suggestion because it may be out of your way on such a limited time frame.
While in Memphis, don’t stray off the beaten path. You may become a statistic and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Enjoy your trip to the Volunteer State.
Just a few tips:
In Memphis, Graceland is worth seeing, but don’t stop anywhere else in that particular area. Not safe anymore, unfortunately. Was great area when Elvis lived there.
Downtown Memphis has gotten much safer through the years. Lots of tourists, so law enforcement want to keep it safe for them. Peabody area, and surrounding streets should be fine. The Mississippi River there is wide and a wonderful sight just a few blocks from the Peabody. If you go down Beale Street though, try to leave before midnight. A different “crowd” tends to take over after midnight there.
And there are areas of Memphis you do not want to be in, period. Even some streets just a little north of the main downtown area. So, best to check with a trusted local if you are unsure about a particular area.
As for Great Smoky Mountains, beautiful sights throughout the park. Cades Cove is one of the biggest attractions even this time of year. So, expect slow traffic through the cove. It’s a beautiful place—most people don’t mind driving slowly through anyway, better to take it all in.
Gatlinburg can be fun if you like people watching, tourist shops, the Aquarium, pancake houses. Pretty commercial, but even so, Gatlinburg has its own unique exciting atmosphere.
Pigeon Forge has Dollywood and even more tourist shops, rides, etc. But it remains a popular place for visitors. If you want really good Southern-cooking meat and vegetables, go to Mama’s Farmhouse for a great meal. Go hungry, lots of food is served.
Mt. LeConte has already been mentioned. That would be spectacular, wish I could have hiked it and stayed at the inn. Tremont has some good easier trails too.
If you want the 5-star treatment, stay a night at the Blackberry Farm in nearby Walland. I can’t afford it so can’t give a first-hand account. But I do know they have guests come from all over the world to stay there.
Oh, forgot to add you might want to drive down Wears Valley Road (between Pigeon Forge and Townsend). I love the mountain views along the way.
bfl
ping
Depending on your route to Chattanooga, there are a number incredible places to explore south of Cookeville on your way.
The state park around or in Sparta has a waterfall about 100 feet high. You can park and hike a mile to walk out on the top of it and look over. You can hike another mile to go down below it.
There are many other waterfalls in the area.
About another 45 minutes south (again on your way to Chattanooga) is a public park with a dam. There is a swimming area before the dam you can hike to which has a number of ledges that are often used for jumping into the water. This is called “Rock Island”.
There are many caves in that area you can explore. Miles and miles of them. Many have underground rivers and huge caverns within.
“Memphis (two days) - Graceland (we have our tickets) Sun Studio, Stax Museum, Peabody Ducks, The Rendezvous (over rated???), Shiloh Battlefield, Music club??”
Rendezvous has excellent ribs. It is underground and has the vibe of a seedy pub, but the food is excellent. I’ve been once.
Gibson Guitars has a factory tour that might be worth checking out if you’re into that kind of thing.
The Memphis Belle was recently saved from destruction. I think it is still housed at Mud Island. You’ll already be close if you go to Rendezvous and the Peabody.
Still some Memphis in May downtown and by the Mississippi River bluffs. Also, Beale Street is nearby and worth checking out.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.