About Tennessee
Tennessee, the Volunteer State, is a vibrant tapestry of American music, history, and breathtaking natural beauty. It is the undisputed birthplace of country music in Nashville, where the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame resonate with legendary sounds. Memphis, home to Graceland and Beale Street, pulses with the soulful rhythms of blues and rock 'n' roll, forever tied to the legacy of Elvis Presley. Beyond its iconic cities, Tennessee's landscape unfolds with the misty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—America's most visited national park—offering world-class hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife. The state's rich cultural heritage is woven through historic sites like the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis and the battlefields of Shiloh and Chattanooga. From sipping Tennessee whiskey along the distillery trails to floating down peaceful rivers and enjoying the warmth of genuine Southern hospitality, Tennessee offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of American culture.
Things to do in Tennessee
Nashville VIP Style Private Tour with Local Singer-Songwriter
From $454.55
5.0 (565)
Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour
From $69
5.0 (191)
Walkin' Nashville - Music City Legends Tour
From $40
5.0 (113)
Chickamauga Dam Lock Kayak Tour by Chattanooga Guided Adventures
From $85.99
5.0 (72)
Nashville to Graceland Memphis Day trip Transportation
Nashville Songwriter Experience: Write your own Song
From $267
5.0 (50)
Nashville to Graceland Sun Studios Beale Tour Tickets Included
From $555
5.0 (38)
Private/High Adventure Whitewater Rafting Tour With Shore Snack
30ft Double Decker Triple Slide Party Boat with Captain up to 22
From $1,099
5.0 (35)
Aloha Paradise Private Boat Rental Percy Priest
From $949
5.0 (35)
Brewery and Distillery Golf Cart Tour
From $60.21
5.0 (31)
Sharing Nature with Children
From $55
5.0 (31)
Memphis Rap and Hip Hop Tour
From $68
5.0 (29)
Middle Ocoee Whitewater Rafting near Chattanooga, TN
From $56.9
5.0 (28)
3 Hour 25ft Pontoon Party Boat with Captain up to 12 people
From $795
5.0 (28)Places to visit in Tennessee
"Moo" Rocky Statue
"Moo" Rocky Statue, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455, United States of America
"Sunflower" Rocky Statue
"Sunflower" Rocky Statue, Springlake Park Road, Macomb, IL, United States of America
"Keep Calm and Beach On" Rocky
"Keep Calm and Beach On" Rocky, South Lafayette Street, Macomb, IL 61455, United States of America
"Patriotic Rocky" Rocky Statue
"Patriotic Rocky" Rocky Statue, East Jackson Street, Macomb, IL 61455, United States of America
"The Beauty of the Wind" Rocky statue
"The Beauty of the Wind" Rocky statue, East Jackson Street, Macomb, IL 61455, United States of America
"Cultural Rocky" Rocky Statue
"Cultural Rocky" Rocky Statue, East Jackson Street, Macomb, IL 61455, United States of America
Red Green Purple
Red Green Purple, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455, United States of America
"Space Rocky" Rocky Statue
"Space Rocky" Rocky Statue, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455, United States of America
"Doodle Dog" Rocky Statue
"Doodle Dog" Rocky Statue, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455, United States of America
"Growing Strong" Rocky Statue
"Growing Strong" Rocky Statue, China Road, McDonough County, IL 61455, United States of America
"Guernica Dog" Rocky Statue
"Guernica Dog" Rocky Statue, West Carroll Street, Macomb, IL 61455, United States of America
"The Landlord's Game" Rocky statue
"The Landlord's Game" Rocky statue, South Lafayette Street, Macomb, IL 61455, United States of America
Rocky Statue
Rocky Statue, South Lafayette Street, Macomb, IL 61455, United States of America
A Hopeful Transition Rocky
A Hopeful Transition Rocky, East Calhoun Street, Macomb, IL 61455, United States of America
Quality Inn
Quality Inn, North Lafayette Street, Macomb, IL 61455, United States of America
Travel Tips for Tennessee
Getting Around
A car is highly recommended, especially for exploring beyond major cities. Interstate highways (I-40, I-24, I-65) connect key destinations. Major airports are in Nashville (BNA), Memphis (MEM), and Knoxville (TYS). Ride-sharing apps (Uber, Lyft) are widely available in cities. Nashville has a limited public bus system (WeGo); Memphis has the MATA bus and trolley system. In cities like Nashville's downtown, walking or using scooters/bikeshares can be convenient for short distances. For the Smoky Mountains, a personal vehicle is essential for scenic drives like the Newfound Gap Road.
Best Time To Visit
April to May and September to October are ideal. Spring (April-May) offers mild weather, blooming wildflowers in the Smokies, and festivals. Fall (September-October) features spectacular foliage in the mountains and pleasant temperatures. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid but lively with events; it's peak tourist season. Winter (December-February) is colder, with occasional snow in the mountains, offering fewer crowds and holiday festivities.
Local Customs
Southern hospitality is prominent; polite greetings and 'please' and 'thank you' are valued. Casual dress is widely acceptable, but some upscale restaurants or music venues may have a 'smart casual' dress code. Tipping is customary: 15-20% in restaurants, $1-2 per drink for bartenders, and a few dollars per bag for hotel porters. Respect is shown at historical sites, especially those related to the Civil War or Civil Rights. Live music is a core part of the culture; it's polite to listen attentively and tip performers in smaller venues.
Safety Information
Tennessee is generally safe for tourists. Exercise normal precautions in cities: be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and secure valuables. Some areas of downtown Memphis and Nashville may have higher crime rates; research neighborhoods and stick to well-lit, populated tourist areas. Be cautious of common tourist scams like overpriced tickets or fake charity collectors. When hiking in the Smokies, stay on marked trails, be prepared for sudden weather changes, and maintain a safe distance from wildlife, including black bears. Severe weather (tornadoes, thunderstorms) can occur, especially in spring; heed local warnings.
Health Information
Medical facilities in major cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville are excellent, with major hospital systems (e.g., Vanderbilt University Medical Center). Rural areas may have fewer specialized services. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine travel immunizations. Common health concerns include seasonal allergies (high pollen), high humidity in summer leading to heat exhaustion, and tick-borne illnesses (like Lyme disease) in wooded areas. Ensure you have comprehensive travel health insurance, as U.S. medical costs are very high. Pharmacies are widely available.
Languages Spoken
English
Quick Facts
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
$
$
Timezone
America/Chicago -06:00 (GMT) / America/New_York -05:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+1
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
Approximately 7.1 million
Area
109247 km²
Government
State government within the United States federal system, with an elected Governor and bicameral legislature.
ISO Code
US-TN