Tennessee
The state of Tennessee is renowned for its musical links. Nashville is the undisputed capital of country music with the Grand Ole Opry, America’s longest running radio show, its most famous attraction. On the state’s eastern borders lie the beautiful "Great Smokies" and the National Park, which is one of the most visited areas in the state and in the west, flows "ole man river" Mississippi. In between, there’s the family resort of Pigeon Forge and the revitalised city of Chattanooga as well as the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg.
Chattanooga - Located in the south eastern corner of the state overlooking both Georgia and Alabama, 128 miles from Nashville and 333 miles from Memphis. The city is famous as the home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo, the turn of the century Terminal Station, which is not only now open for visitors but also overnight guests.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - This part of the Appalachian chain is named after the blue haze that often hangs in the air. It boasts 16 peaks that soar more than 6,000 feet. Located 224 miles from Nashville, it is particularly beautiful in the spring when the ground is covered with a bright collection of wild flowers or in the fall when the foliage starts to turn. Hiking and horse-riding are popular pastimes in the summer.
Memphis - The blues capital and home of the "King of Rock and Roll" Elvis Presley - lies in the south western corner of Tennessee on the banks of the winding, muddy Mississippi. Beale Street is the centre for the blues and is filled to bursting with clubs and restaurants whilst Sun Studio is the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, where Elvis recorded his first hits.
Things to see and do in Memphis
Graceland - the 14 acre estate of Elvis Presley where visitors can view the home, stage-clothes, gold record collection, cars, private jets and final resting place of the ‘King’. The tour gives a real insight into the life and impact Elvis had on Memphis and the world.
National Civil Rights Museum - located in the Lorraine Motel where Dr Martin Luther King Jnr was assassinated in 1968. The museum focuses on the life of Dr King and the struggle for civil rights both in the USA and around the world.
Sun Studio - Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, BB King and Jerry Lee Lewis cut their first records here and it is where bands such as U2 still record today.
Beale Street - Beale Street is the life and soul of Memphis offering a selection of bars, shops and restaurants. Check out BB King’s nightclub, the eccentric A. Schwab’s store and the home of W.C. Handy, ‘the father of the blues’.
Mud Island - a tribute to the legends, people and music of the Mississippi. Visit the Mississippi River Museum and Riverwalk, a five block scale model of the great river.
The Peabody Hotel - a Memphis landmark famous for its twice daily duck parade at 11am and 5pm.
Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum - a fascinating museum which tells the story of the sounds that came from the fields, alleys, juke joints and choir lofts which collided in the city of Memphis. Featuring the Smithsonian Institution’s "Rock ‘n’ Soul: A Social Crossroads" permanent exhibit located inside the Gibson Factory.
Gibson Guitar Factory - Tour the factory of the world famous Gibson guitars. See it all from fitting, sanding and painting to electronics installation, tuning and packing of American-made worldplayed Gibson guitars.
STAX - The new STAX Museum tells the story of the world’s premier soul music record label. Celebrate great Memphis soul music by Otis Redding, Booker T, and the MGs, Isaac Hayes, the Bar-Keys, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Earth, Wind & Fire and others.
The Pyramid - as Memphis was named after an Egyptian city, it has to have its own pyramid.
Top Tips
Visit Al Green’s Full Gospel Tabernacle for a stirring Sunday morning service. An amazing experience for all no matter what your faith - trust us, it is very special.
Listen to the best blues in the world at BB Kings on Beale Street.
Experience the best ribs in town at "Rendezvous" restaurant, but book early, otherwise you will miss out.
Nashville - ‘Music City USA’, as Nashville is known, is the undisputed capital of country music and the Grand Ole Opry is its most famous attraction.
Things to see and do in Nashville
Grand Ole Opry - A famed country music spectacular that is the longest running radio show in the U.S. There are performances on Friday and Saturday nights year round in the world’s largest broadcasting studio, which holds over 4,000 people.
General Jackson - Take a day or evening cruise on the Cumberland River aboard an authentic paddlewheel showboat.
Ryman Auditorium - Most famous former home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman now houses a variety of shows and concerts. Self guided tours are available during the day.
The Hermitage - Magnificent plantation home of former U.S. President Andrew Jackson, in the grounds is a 28,000 square foot museum and visitor’s centre.
Country Music Hall of Fame - Traces the history of country music in a new $40 million downtown museum. View films, photography, costumes and instruments of the famous. Exhibits include Elvis’ ‘solid gold’ cadillac. Live entertainment daily.
Belmont Mansion - An Italianate mansion built by Adelicia Acklen, one of the wealthiest women in America during the civil war.
The District - Music city’s downtown neighbourhood, featuring blocks of charming hundred year-old buildings which house chic restaurants, hip nightclubs and trendy shops.
Top Tips
Whether a fan or not, you must visit the new Country Music Hall of Fame when in Nashville.
From Nashville drive 75 miles south to the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg for a free tour.
If in Nashville at the weekend, get a ticket for the Grand Ole Opry - after all, it’s what made the city famous.
Best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is more comfortable.
Pigeon Forge - A family resort that is situated just five miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and located 214 miles from Nashville and 420 miles from Memphis. Pigeon Forge is famous as the home of Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s unique theme park that combines thrill rides (including the River Rampage and the new Smoky Mountain Wilderness Adventure), seven different musical stages and Dolly’s Splash County - a 25 acre waterpark.
Attractions in Tennessee
Memphis Music Attraction Package - Purchase one ticket for admission to all of the following attractions at one low price! Graceland ticket includes entrance to the mansion, record collection, car and plane collection plus the final resting place itself.
• Graceland Platinum Admission
• Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum Admission
• Stax Museum of American Soul Music
• Sun Studios Admission
from £39 per person
Discover Nashville Tour - Includes a tour of Music Row and the Ryman Auditorium. from £22 per person
Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame from £12 per person
New Orleans Super City Tour from £19 per person
