Tennessee Vacations - Music and More
Tennessee Vacations - Tennessee is known throughout the world as the home of Elvis and the home of country music. Many different things make Tennessee a tourist draw. History, natural beauty, The King (Elvis Presley), these are just a few reasons vacations are so popular in Tennessee.
Memphis
The first thing anyone does in Tennessee is visit Graceland. It is the mansion home of rock legend Elvis Presley. Most children may not be familiar with Elvis’s music directly, but second hand exposure either from parents or pop culture will ensure kids know who the King is.
Even if they don’t, a tour through Graceland is always entertaining. Tour the kitchen, dining room, living room, TV room, pool room, and music room. In the trophy building, see the gold record collection, Elvis’ stage costumes, and jewelry. You can also take the airplane tour, which features both the Lisa Marie jet and the Hound Dog II jet that belonged to Elvis. Any Elvis fan, novice or expert will enjoy all Graceland has to offer on their Tennessee vacation.
Memphis Zoo
If animals are your thing, head to the Memphis Zoo. Wild animals, such as polar bears and pandas roam the zoo. A baby giraffe was recently born and adds to the wildlife of the zoo. The zoo offers birthday parties and educational programs for kids, as well as yearly events. At Christmas, lights and music fill the air as carriages transport visitors around the zoo. Memphis locals consider it the best attraction they have and it is a must do on any Tennessee vacation.
The Mississippi winds through Memphis, so why not experience it? Take a cruise on a riverboat for an old-school southern experience. The Queen Riverboat Line offers the Memphis Showboat and the Island Queen for your cruising enjoyment.
The Memphis Pink Palace Family of Museums offers entertainment and information galore. The Pink Palace is home to an IMAX Theater, planetarium, science center, and the Lichterman Nature Center (home to the Dinosaurs). The Pink Palace is a wonderful family of museums to visit.
Nashville
Grand Ole Opry - Music fans simply must visit the Grand Ole Opry; shows and concerts are performed there by famous country acts throughout the year.
Pigeon Forge
Dollywood Theme Park - Dolly Parton also hails from Tennessee; her theme park, is one of Tennessee’s most popular attractions. Dollywood is a one of a kind family adventure theme park spanning 125 acres. You will find all types of rides and entertainment at this theme park from thrilling wooden roller coaster rides to adventure to Kiddie rides and family fun entertainment.
If you are visiting Tennessee from May through September don’t forget DollyWood’s Splash Country. With its 30 water adventure slides and interactive children’s play area, wave pool and lazy river. Splash country is 35 acres of family fun!
Gatlinburg - Tennessee Vacations
One location that specializes in fun for the whole family is Camp Thunder Fun Center in Gatlinburg. It features mini golf, go-karts, laser tag, and motion rides.
Visitors to Tennessee may want to brush up on the history of the state; many important historic events occurred within the state’s borders.
Henning - Tennessee Vacations
Pulitzer Prize winner Alex Haley, famous author of Roots, hails from Tennessee; the Alex Haley Home and Museum is located in Henning.
Columbia
The < a href="http://www.jameskpolk.com/new/" rel="nofollow" target="new">James K. Polk Ancestral Home is located in Columbia; this home is where the 11th president started his political career.
Nashville
The Hermitage was a plantation which was the home of President Andrew Jackson; it is located in Nashville.
State parks are another draw in Tennessee; with the Smoky Mountains, Cumberland Gap, and other wonderful natural geographic features, it is no wonder that so many flock to Tennessee.
Cumberland Mountain State Park offers more than 1,700 acres of forested land for recreation; Byrd Lake accommodates paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks. Swimming, hiking, and camping are popular at Cumberland Mountain.
Greenfield - Tennessee Vacations
Big Cypress Tree State Park offers gorgeous flowers, wooded areas, and rustic landscapes. With nature programs, wildlife, and picnic areas, this state park offers a bit of tranquility.
Whether you go to Tennessee for the music, history, theme parks or picturesque outdoor beauty, you will not be disappointed. Tennessee vacations offer one of a kind music adventures, spacious state parks, and fun activities for the entire family. Take your Tennessee vacation today!
More US State vacation ideas besides Tennessee Vacations here.
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