Tennessee's most scenic getaways are in the eastern part of the state, nestled in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains, near Knoxville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge. For a rustic but romantic getaway that does not require "roughing it" in a tent, try A Cabin in the Woods. This is a complex of cabins with featherbeds, fireplaces, and hot tubs "designed for those seeking a private hideaway...near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Dollywood."
A Cabin in the Woods
3412 Householder Street
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
800-962-2246
acabininthewoods.biz
According to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, over 10 million people a year visit this country music capital that is home to The Grand Ole Opry, which celebrated its 85th anniversary in 2010. Although it moved to its present location in 1974, the Opry still keeps a six-foot-diameter portion of the original oak stage from the Ryman Auditorium as a tribute to the country-music superstars who performed there over the years. Among the talent appearing there in fall 2010 are Dolly Parton, Crystal Gale, The Gatlin Brothers, and The Oak Ridge Boys.
Grand Ole Opry
2804 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
615-871-6779
opry.com
Memphis is a study in diversity. Attractions there range from the bluesy, boozy nightclubs of Beale Street to the National Civil Rights Museum, Elvis Presley's Graceland, and theatres that were the birthplace of American rock 'n' roll. To get a taste of it all, try Backbeat Tours. When you board the bus you will be given tambourines or noisemakers and expected to play backup to your musical guide as you tour the city.
Backbeat Tours
140 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38103
901-272-2328
backbeattours.com
Tennessee was a secessionist state with a large population of Union sympathizers. Its Civil War National Heritage Area is highlighted in a guide published by the Tennesse Department of Tourist Development. Touring all of them would take many weeks, but choosing a few at a time will provide interesting, yet inexpensive, weekend getaways. The Tourist Development website also provides many other vacation ideas, using the slogan "The Stage Is Set For You."
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 25th Floor
Nashville TN 37243
615-741-2159
state.tn.us/tourdev
tnvacation.com
