There are some good suggestions already, but I will throw out a few more. If you are in Nashville, you might consider The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson’s home. James K. Polk’s home is in Columbia, less than an hour southeast of Nashville. I would also suggest the atrium in the Opryland Hotel. My favorite restaurant in Nashville is Demos’. There are fancier places, but it’s the only place I know that serves a great steak with a side of incredible spaghetti.
Casey Jones Village in Jackson (on the interstate between Memphis and Nashville) is a quaint and popular attraction.
If you enjoy nature, on the east end of the state you can go to the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, one of the most beautiful places on earth. Fall Creek Falls has one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies and other falls as well. Reelfoot Lake in West TN is a unique swampy lake created by a earthquakes in 1811-1812. Nearby is Boyettes, a legendary catfish place and if you are lucky, you may see bald eagles.
If you are in Memphis you should get bbq at either Central Barbeque or try the dry ribs (get a side order of red beans and rice, too) at The Rendezvous. If you like music, you might enjoy the Rock N Soul museum and the Stax Museum of American Soul. And then there’s Beale Street where you can hear modern blues every day. If weather permits, you might enjoy the Memphis Zoo. It is considered one of the two or three best zoos in the country. If you enjoy art, check out the Dixon Gallery and Gardens and maybe the Brooks Museum.
I can think of lots more. It just depends on what you are interested in.
I’m potentially interested in everything, especially some of the hidden charms, stuff that tourists might overlook when they go to the big attractions.
I will be checking this post intently over the next couple of days. I would really like to see it all, but I only have a week. :)
If you go to Memphis just remember you will be in The Mogadishu of the South. Your life will be under constant threat. If you visit the Overton Park Zoo you will not be out of danger until you are inside the zoo and then only inside the animal cages. Memphis today is not a place to take lightly. I was born near there and it used to be my old stomping grounds in the late 60’s and early 70’s. The wife and I drove to Nashville last June and I made sure I did not have to stop while passing through Memphis.
Now you’ve done it! DEMOS’ I love that place and haven’t been to Nashville in years. I will be thinking about it all day. Kansas City Strip with the browned garlic butter spaghetti, pepperoncini on your plate.