Tennessee Travel Guide

Tennessee is a US state in the South.

Tennessee Travel Guide - Regions

Tennessee is often described as having three regions: the west, central, and eastern parts of the state. The west is bordered by the Mississippi River and is generally considered the extreme northern boundary of Mississippi Delta cultural influence. Central Tennessee is the state's most prosperous area, including cities such as Nashville, against a backdrop of rolling hills. The eastern region, home to Chattanooga and Knoxville, is mountainous and reflects an Appalachian cultural influence. Oddly, each region is known for its distinctive musical heritage (blues, country-western, and bluegrass respectively).

Tennessee Travel Guide - Cities

* Nashville - Country music capital of the world and the state capital.
* Memphis - First city of the blues and the home of rock 'n' roll.
* Knoxville - Home of the Tennessee Volunteers football!
* Greeneville- One of America’s Most Charming Towns & Villages
* Chattanooga - Home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.
* Gatlinburg - Gateway to the Smokies
* Pigeon Forge - Home of Dollywood - Country Legend Dolly Parton's amusement park.
* Cookeville - Home of Tennessee Tech University
* White House
* Kingsport - The Model City

Tennessee Travel Guide - Other Destinations

* Appalachian National Scenic Trail
* Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
* Great Smoky Mountains National Park
* Obed Wild and Scenic River

Tennessee Travel Guide - Talk

Native Tennesseans speak in the dialect of the American South. This dialect changes slightly as you cross through each region, and will be especially pronounced in rural areas. Also, be aware that there are noticeable differences in pronunciation according to the race of the speaker; Caucasians and African-Americans will typically employ distinctive accents and vocabulary.

Generally speaking, it is accepted that people in the South speak more slowly and carefully than those from the North. In particular, visitors from larger cities will have to adjust to the different pace of speech if they visit Tennessee's smaller towns; speaking quickly and bluntly is perceived as inconsiderate and will likely gather a negative response.

Tennessee Travel Guide - Getting There

Interstate 40 criss-crosses the state from west to east, connecting Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville and the Smoky Mountain Region. Interstate 55 is entirely situated in Memphis. Interstate 155 crosses from Missouri into northwest Tennessee, ending in Dyersburg. Interstate 24 enters from Kentucky near Clarksville, passes through Nashville and ends in Chattanooga (but not before briefly dipping into Georgia for about three miles). Interstate 65 runs through Nashville in its trek from Kentucky to Alabama. Interstate 75, coming from Kentucky, links Knoxville with Chattanooga before heading into Georgia. Interstate 81 starts at Interstate 40 just east of Knoxville and heads northeast to Bristol before moving into Virginia. In the Kingsport area, Interstate 26 runs south from Interstate 81 into North Carolina (towards Asheville), while Interstate 181 heads toward Kingsport and the Virginia state line.

There are several airports in the state. Memphis International Airport is a hub for Northwest Airlines and is served by several other airlines. Nashville International Airport is also served by many other airlines. There is air service at smaller airports at Maryville (Knoxville), Chattanooga and Bristol. Southern Tennessee is easily accessible to the Huntsville, AL, airport.

Tennessee Travel Guide - Getting Around

As in most American states, automobiles are the primary form of travel. In larger cities you will find public bus systems, and Grayhound buses are an option for travel in between cities. There are also major airports in all large cities (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and the Tri-Cities) and many smaller airports scattered across the state.

Unfortunately there is no option for rail travel to the central or eastern parts of the state. However, Amtrak runs the fabled "City of New Orleans" line through Memphis and Newbern. This is certainly worth considering if you are planning to visit those areas, especially if you are heading along the Mississippi River. Also, the city of Nashville operates a commuter rail from the suburbs to the downtown area.

Tennessee Travel Guide - Places Nearby

To the west is Arkansas, home of former President Bill Clinton (who chose Tennessee Senator Al Gore as his vice presidental running mate) and Hot Springs National Park. Across from northwest Tennessee is Missouri, where you'll find Branson, a music mecca similiar to Nashville (but nowhere near as large).

To the north is the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby, Mammoth Cave National Park and Corvette Museum are located here. Virginia is across Tennessee's northeast corner. Here you'll find the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park.

To the east is North Carolina, where you'll find Chimney Rock, Biltmore Estate and Grandfather Mountain.

Three states border Tennessee to the south. Mississippi lies south of Memphis and boasts several riverboat casinos. Alabama has the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ava Maria Grotto in Cullman and Birmingham, home of American Idol winners Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks and finalist Bo Bice. Georgia is across the border from Chattanooga. Located here are Rock City, the historic village of Helen, and the vibrant city of Atlanta.

Tennessee Travel Guide - Transportation

Interstate highways

Interstate 40 crosses nearly the entire state in an east-west orientation. Its branch interstate highways include I-240 in Memphis; I-440 and I-840 in Nashville; and I-140 and I-640 in Knoxville. I-26, although technically an east-west interstate, runs from the North Carolina border below Johnson City to its terminus at Kingsport. I-24 is the other east-west interstate crossing Tennessee.

In a north-south orientation are highways I-55, I-65, I-75, and I-81. Interstate 65 crosses the state through Nashville, while Interstate 75 serves Knoxville and Interstate 55 serves Memphis. Interstate 81 enters the state at Bristol and terminates at its junction with I-40 near Jefferson City. I-155 is a branch highway from I-55.

Airports

Major airports within the state include Nashville International Airport (BNA), Memphis International Airport (MEM), McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA), and Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI).

Article Source: Wikipedia