Tennessee

At a Glance

There’s no shortage of great attractions with vibrant big cities like Memphis, Nashville and Chattanooga. Enjoy the wealth of American history from pre-Revolutionary and Civil War to musical greats in Knoxville, the country music capital of the world. Outdoor lovers will want to get out and explore numerous big rivers and lakes, incredible hiking in the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, biking, golfing and tennis. Foodies have a place here as well with world famous local cuisine including some of the best barbecue you’ll find anywhere.

• GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, Gatlinburg. One of the most incredible national parks in the United States is right here in Tennessee. The Smoky Mountains are an exceptionally beautiful natural environment with so many ways to enjoy. From challenging hikes up gorgeous mountains to quiet contemplation while gazing at spectacular valleys and waterfalls, the park is an essential destination during any visit to the state.
• GRACELAND, Memphis. Elvis Presley may have left us over 30 years ago, but this onetime home of the King of Rock ‘n Roll still draws visitors from all over the world by the thousands. More than simply paying homage to the man, you get an inside peek into his rise to superstardom and how this legend changed the face of music forever.
• ROCK CITY GARDENS, Chattanooga. A truly unusual and spectacular site, Rock City is unlike any other natural destination in America. Massive ancient rock formations, breathtaking views and fabulously gorgeous gardens that feature over 400 native plants are all waiting for you to explore. A definite must do activity if you are in the Chattanooga area.
• BLUFF VIEW ART DISTRICT, Chattanooga. A popular stop in Tennessee is the charming Bluff View Art District of Chattanooga. You’ll thoroughly enjoy strolling through this historic neighborhood that rests on a bluff-top and offers restaurants, a coffee house and art gallery. There also is a famous old Bed & Breakfast if you choose to stay for the evening and several gardens, plazas and courtyards to stop and catch your breath. The views from this district are stunning of the Tennessee River and beyond.
• COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM, Nashville. Nashville is all about country music and there’s no better way to experience it then at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Here you’ll find a tremendous collection that compiles more than you ever thought possible with over two centuries history presented in video clips, recorded music, exhibits and live performances and public programs.
• TUCKALEECHEE CAVERNS, Townsend. Underneath the Earth’s oldest mountain chain is Tuckaleechee Caverns, an incredible and beautiful natural formation that was carved out over millennia. Take a tour of the caverns to experience the 20 to 30 million-year-old underground formations, gorgeous colors and if the weather is right, you may even see an underground waterfall.

• AREA CODES: Tennessee has six area codes—423, 615, 731, 865, 901 and 931.
• CURRENCY: The United States dollar. You should have no problems finding ATMs all around the state at banks and most stores and markets.
• LANGUAGE: English.
• GETTING AROUND: Like many states in the U.S., car rentals make the most sense if you plan on traveling greater distances. Big cities like Nashville and Memphis have public transportation such as buses and taxis available.
• WHEN TO GO: Tennessee offers plenty to do at all times of the year, but the very best time to go is in the spring, summer and autumn months from April through October.
• ELECTRICITY: All of the United States and Canada use the 110-volt system. Finding converters can be difficult in the U.S., so if you need one, bring it with you.
• TIME ZONE: Tennessee falls under two United States time zones — Eastern Tennessee is in the Eastern Time Zone, while Western Tennessee is one hour earlier in the Central Time Zone.