Must-See Sights in Tennessee: What To Add to Your Itinerary
Tennessee; the state known for its rolling hills, country music, and southern hospitality. But beyond the stereotypical image lies a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty waiting for you to explore it. If you're planning a trip to Tennessee, here are some must-see sights you should add to your itinerary.
Kuwohi
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is home to many breathtaking views. But no view is as breathtaking as the one from the top of Kuwohi, formerly known as Clingman's Dome. Standing at 6,643 feet above sea level, it’s the highest point in the park and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Apart from its stunning views, Kuwohi also has a rich history. The Cherokee people consider it a sacred place and once used it for vision quests and spiritual ceremonies. Today, visitors can learn about this cultural significance through interpretive signs along the trail leading up to the observation tower.
Jack Daniel's Distillery
For the whiskey lovers out there, no trip to Tennessee is complete without a tour of the world-famous Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg. Here, you can learn about the history and process of making this iconic Tennessee whiskey, which has been around since 1866.
The distillery offers various tours, including a tasting tour where visitors can sample different types of whiskey and even create their own personalized bottle. And for those who aren’t fans of alcohol, there are also non-alcoholic options available.
RCA Studio B
Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, is the birthplace of country music. And a must-visit spot for any music lover is the RCA Studio B, also known as the "Home of 1,000 Hits." This historic recording studio has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Roy Orbison.
Visitors can take a guided tour and see where these iconic artists recorded their hits. You can also step into the famous Studio A and try your hand at recording a song yourself. It's an experience you won't forget.
The Parthenon
Located in Nashville's Centennial Park, The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece. This architectural masterpiece serves as an art museum and houses a collection of 19th and 20th-century American paintings.
But the main attraction is the 42-foot statue of Athena Parthenos, which is the largest indoor statue in the Western Hemisphere. The replica was built for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in 1897 and has since become a symbol of Nashville's artistic and cultural heritage.
Every inch of Tennessee is a sight to behold, but if you have limited time to explore, these are some must-see sights that should be on your itinerary. They show off some of the best of what this beautiful state has to offer—from its natural wonders to its rich history and culture, to its delicious drinks, to its iconic music—and will leave you with unforgettable memories.
