Tennessee And Virginia Travel Guide
Introduction
Tennessee and Virginia are two states that offer visitors a unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure. From the Great Smoky Mountains to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and from the rolling hills of Tennessee to the beaches of Virginia, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this part of the country.
Top Attractions
One of the top attractions in Tennessee is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Visitors can hike, bike, camp, and fish in the park, or simply take in the breathtaking views. Other popular attractions in the state include Graceland, Dollywood, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Virginia is known for its historical landmarks, including Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, and Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum that brings the colonial era to life. For outdoor enthusiasts, Shenandoah National Park offers hiking and camping opportunities, while Virginia Beach is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.
Hidden Gems
One of the hidden gems in Tennessee is the town of Gatlinburg, located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This charming mountain town offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions, as well as access to some of the best hiking trails in the area. Another hidden gem is the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, where visitors can tour the famous whiskey-making facility and sample the product.
In Virginia, one of the hidden gems is the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34-mile trail that winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Another hidden gem is Chincoteague Island, a small barrier island off the coast of Virginia that is known for its wild ponies and pristine beaches.
Food Scene
The food scene in Tennessee is a mix of southern comfort food and international cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include hot chicken, barbecue, and biscuits and gravy. Nashville is known for its hot chicken, while Memphis is famous for its barbecue. For a taste of international cuisine, head to Knoxville, which has a thriving food scene that includes Thai, Vietnamese, and sushi restaurants.
In Virginia, the food scene is heavily influenced by the state’s history and geography. Seafood is a popular choice, with the Chesapeake Bay area producing some of the best seafood in the country. Virginia ham is also a must-try, as is the state’s famous peanut soup. For a taste of southern cuisine, head to Richmond, which is known for its fried chicken and biscuits.
Budget-Friendly Tips
There are plenty of budget-friendly activities to enjoy in Tennessee and Virginia. In Tennessee, many of the state’s top attractions, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, are free to enter. For a budget-friendly meal, head to a local barbecue joint or food truck, which offer delicious food at affordable prices. In Virginia, many of the state’s beaches and state parks are free to enter, and there are plenty of free museums and historical sites to explore.
Outdoor Adventures
Tennessee and Virginia are both known for their outdoor adventure opportunities. In Tennessee, visitors can hike the Appalachian Trail, go whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River, or take a scenic drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway. In Virginia, visitors can hike the Shenandoah National Park, go kayaking on the James River, or take a bike tour of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Family-Friendly Activities
Both Tennessee and Virginia offer plenty of family-friendly activities. In Tennessee, families can visit Dollywood, an amusement park that offers rides, shows, and attractions for all ages. The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is another popular attraction for families, as is the Nashville Zoo. In Virginia, families can visit Busch Gardens, an amusement park that offers roller coasters, shows, and attractions, or the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
For those looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, Tennessee and Virginia have plenty to offer. In Tennessee, visitors can explore the Lost Sea, the largest underground lake in the country, or visit the abandoned town of Elkmont, which was once a thriving logging community. In Virginia, visitors can take a ghost tour of Williamsburg, or visit the Natural Bridge, a stunning rock formation that is over 200 feet tall.
Natural Wonders
Tennessee and Virginia are home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country. In Tennessee, visitors can explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is home to over 800 miles of hiking trails and some of the most diverse plant and animal life in the country. In Virginia, visitors can explore Shenandoah National Park, which offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or visit Natural Bridge, a stunning rock formation that is over 200 feet tall.
Vibrant Nightlife
Both Tennessee and Virginia offer vibrant nightlife scenes. In Tennessee, Nashville is known for its live music venues, including the Grand Ole Opry and the Bluebird Cafe. Memphis is also famous for its music scene, with plenty of blues and jazz clubs to choose from. In Virginia, Richmond has a thriving nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.
Local Markets
Both Tennessee and Virginia are home to a variety of local markets, where visitors can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. In Tennessee, the Nashville Farmers’ Market is a popular spot for fresh produce and local artisanal products. The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop is another popular spot for handmade crafts and gifts. In Virginia, the Charlottesville City Market is a popular spot for fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
Beaches and Mountains
Tennessee and Virginia offer visitors a unique blend of beaches and mountains. In Tennessee, visitors can explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, or head to the beaches of East Tennessee, which offer swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. In Virginia, visitors can explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, which offer hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities, or head to the beaches of Virginia Beach, which offer swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.
Cultural Immersion
Both Tennessee and Virginia offer plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion. In Tennessee, visitors can explore the state’s rich musical history by visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame or attending a live music event in Nashville. In Virginia, visitors can explore the state’s colonial history by visiting Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum that brings the colonial era to life. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond is also a must-visit for art lovers.
Art and Music Scene
Both Tennessee and Virginia have thriving art and music scenes. In Tennessee, Nashville is known for its live music venues, while Memphis is famous for its blues and jazz clubs. The Knoxville Museum of Art is also a must-visit for art lovers. In Virginia, Richmond has a thriving art scene, with plenty of galleries and museums to explore. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is also a must-see for music lovers.
Walking Tours
Walking tours are a great way to explore the history and culture of Tennessee and Virginia. In Tennessee, visitors can take a walking tour of Nashville’s historic district, or explore the historic town of Jonesborough, which is the oldest town in Tennessee. In Virginia, visitors can take a walking tour of Richmond’s historic district, or explore the historic town of Williamsburg.
Architectural Marvels
Tennessee and Virginia are home to some impressive architectural marvels. In Tennessee, visitors can explore the Biltmore Estate, a stunning mansion that was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 19th century. In Virginia, visitors can explore Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, or the Virginia State Capitol, which was designed by Thomas Jefferson himself.
Historical Sites
Both Tennessee and Virginia are rich in history, and there are plenty of historical sites to explore. In Tennessee, visitors can explore the Civil War battlefields of Shiloh and Chickamauga, or visit the Andrew Jackson Hermitage, the home of the seventh president of the United States. In Virginia, visitors can explore Colonial Williamsburg, or visit the Jamestown Settlement, the first permanent English settlement in North America.
Biking Routes
Tennessee and Virginia offer plenty of scenic biking routes for cyclists of all levels. In Tennessee, visitors can bike the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile scenic route that winds through the state. In Virginia, visitors can bike the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34-mile trail that winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Virginia Capital Trail is also a popular biking route, offering stunning views of the James River.
Wellness Retreats
Tennessee and Virginia offer plenty of wellness retreats for those looking to relax and recharge. In Tennessee, visitors can visit the Isha Institute of Inner Sciences, which offers yoga and meditation retreats, or the Blackberry Farm, a luxury resort that offers spa