Tennessee is a landlocked Southern state covering more than 42,000 square miles. More than 7 million people call it home, with nearly 700,000 residing in the capital city of Nashville. As far as the weather is concerned, across the state, the average annual temperature varies from over 62° F in the extreme southwest to near 46° F atop the highest peaks of the east. The climate in Tennessee is generally mild, with four distinct seasons, allowing for year-round outdoor activities. Overall, Tennessee offers a blend of educational opportunities, and recreational activities.
The state is famous for many things, but it is best known for the following.
Music
Tennessee has a rich musical history. At least two cities are associated with being the birthplace of whole genres. The live music scene is incredible, and it’s also the preferred residence of music legends.
- Music City
“Live from Music City, USA, Nashville, Tennessee.” Those were the words of Johnny Cash on his late 1960s’ weekly variety show which aired in ABC. He was not the first to use the nickname, though. That credit goes to WSM radio announcer David Cobb, who introduced the term “Music City” in 1960. Either way, the nickname has stuck and Nashville is indeed music city in every sense of the word.
Music is in Nashville’s blood, and it has been so from the beginning of the city’s history. It is the common thread that connects generations of people for more than 200 years. What started out with buck dancing and fiddle tunes when the first settlers came to the area is now a well-oiled music machine, where hits are written, recorded and performed daily.
- The Home of Country Music
Among the daily live performances in Nashville are the honky tonks. Playing all throughout the year on Broadway, honky tonks provide free live country music alongside cold beverages all day, every day. Many line the city’s Honky Tonk Highway on Lower Broadway.
Many country stars, such as Willie Nelson, Gretchen Wilson, Kris Kristofferson, and Dierks Bentley, started here. This means you could be watching the performance of the next big country music star.
But, live performances are not limited to the honky tonks of Broadway. There are more than 180 music venues, ranging from small clubs to concert halls to large arenas, in Nashville alone.
The most famous of all is the Grand Ole Opry, which showcases live performances every week. It has been on air for more than 100 years and is the country’s longest-running radio show. Similar to the honky tonks, the Opry has also launched hundreds of country singers into stardom.
- Home of the Blues
Home of the Blues is one of Memphis’ nicknames. And, aptly so, as the city saw the genre pop up and blossom in the 1900s.
Thanks to W. C. Handy, who wrote his first blues song in Beale Street, the blues soon became discovered by other Americans and the rest of the world. And, Beale Street became a blues mecca for musicians and music-lovers alike.
Beale Street would also become famous for musicians that came to perform here, including Memphis Minnie, Muddy Waters, and that “Beale Street Blues Boy” B.B. King. Today, Beale Street is home to more than 20 clubs and restaurants, including B.B. King’s Blues Club, which feature blues music every day.
- The Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Another music genre that began in Memphis is rock ‘n’ roll. Just a 30-minute walk west from Beale Street, Sun Studio created the first rock ‘n’ roll track Rocket 88 in 1951. It is also here that rock ‘n’ roll king Elvis Presley recorded his debut single That’s All Right.
Hailing from Mississippi, the king retired in his Memphis mansion, which still receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Fans come to view the more than 1.5 million artefacts on exhibit in the singer’s former home. The collection includes a fleet of Cadillacs, gold records, and many more.
Food
Tennessee cuisine emphasizes homemade goodness and rich regional flavors. It’s all about the classic or traditional Southern comfort food. Some of the standouts include:
Nashville Hot Chicken
Fried chicken is a staple in the South. In Tennessee, this comes in the Nashville hot chicken variety.
Basically, a spicy fried chicken, the Nashville hot chicken’s distinct flavor and heat comes from a blend of spices. Generally, garlic and onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper are added to the coating.
It is served hot, crispy and with a side of pickles and white bread. You can choose mild or extra hot when you dine at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack or elsewhere in Nashville.
Tennessee Barbecue
Another Tennessee staple is barbecue. With beef in abundance, it’s no wonder you’ll find the meat in sandwiches, nachos, or slow cooked and covered in BBQ sauce.
While barbecue is popular statewide, it is especially beloved by those in Memphis and the western parts of Tennessee. In Bluff City, Memphians love their dry rubs.
In other parts of the state, you might find that another style or flavor or different spices and sauces is preferred. So, Tennessee BBQ might taste differently depending on where you’re eating them, albeit all of them will be scrumptious nonetheless.
Barbecue is typically paired with sides, such as mac n’ cheese, baked beans, or slaw. Or, you can go without a classic side and stick with barbecue sauce only. Whether with the sauce or sides, Tennessee barbecue is famous for its legendary flavor.
MoonPies
MoonPies are a beloved Southern snack. A MoonPie consists of two chocolate-coated Graham crackers with marshmallow filling squished in between. While the ingredients might make you think of s’mores, MoonPies have a different flavor profile. The marshmallowy, chocolatey treat is more similar to Whoopie Pies.
This soft and chewy snack has been made by the Chattanooga Bakery since the MoonPie’s creation in 1917. It has become so integrated into Tennessee culture that Bell Buckle celebrates a MoonPie Festival every year.
Apart from Tennessee, MoonPies have also become popular in the South and the rest of the country. In Mobile, Alabama, for example, MoonPies are an integral part of the Mardi Gras festivities. During parades, participants throw MoonPies at parade-goers.
Great Smoky Mountains
Tennessee possesses a natural beauty that can’t be argued with. Its rolling hills, rural forests, rivers and lakes, and green grassy mountains present a picture-perfect vision that has visitors in awe and residents in love.
The most famous of the state’s natural wonders is the Great Smoky Mountains. The national park is situated near Gatlinburg and sees millions of visitors annually. It is one of the most visited national parks in the country.
Here, you’ll find not only scenic landscapes but also diverse wildlife and a chance to immerse in nature via hundreds of miles of hiking trails and viewing spots. Visit in the spring to see the park’s vibrant display in full bloom.
