8 ways to experience Tennessee like a local, according to National Geographic
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – From music blasting on Broadway and Beale Street to picturesque scenery in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee has something to offer for everyone and is considered a must visit destination for many people.
The Volunteer State gets more than 100 million visitors every year. In fact, in 2022 the state saw over 141 million visitors and broke a record by raking in nearly $28.8 billion in direct tourism spending.
To help navigate the state, National Geographic asked travel experts for their tips on how to experience Tennessee like a true local.
“Take a stroll on Beale Street”
If you’re searching for live music accompanied by good food, look no further than Beale Street in downtown Memphis. According to the national magazine, Beale Street is lined with Black-owned businesses and “has an atmosphere that’s from another era.”
B.B. King’s Blues Club and the Rum Boogie Café are just a few of the establishments on the strip recommended by travel experts.
“Paddle down the Mississippi River”
The Mississippi River the third-longest river in North America and runs along the western side of Tennessee.
According to National Geographic, the Mississippi River is “one of the best destinations for paddling adventures in America.”
The channel suggested taking a guided tour with Mississippi River Expeditions. Another suggested location was renting a kayak, or taking a guided tour with Kayak Memphis to see beautiful views of the Memphis skyline.
“Explore the cypress forests on Reelfoot Lake”
The results of the earthquakes that hit in 1811 and 1812 are visible in today’s landscape of Tennessee.
In fact, the New Madrid Earthquakes were so powerful that it created a new lake known as Reelfoot Lake.
‘The Great ShakeOut’ and earthquakes in Middle TN and South KY
National Graphic said the lake is a shallow sea of “cypress knees, cattail reeds, egret colonies, and blue heron rookeries,” which makes it a great area for travelers to fish.
In fact, a record bowfin weighing 15 pounds and 7 ounces was caught in the lake in 1983.
“Experience Nashville beyond Broadway”
Broadway is an iconic landmark in Nashville and one of the first destinations tourists embark upon when visiting Music City.
The stretch of road is known for its live music on every corner, bustling honky tonks and lines of party buses.
However, the travel channel says Nashville is much more than Broadway, and suggests indulging in the food scene in Music City.
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Specifically mentioned were Attaboy and Tiger Bar for cocktails, Bastion for their menu and International Market for their award-winning Thai food.
Several Nashville eateries have earned national recognition in the past few months. In fact, Noko earned a spot on OpenTable’s top 100 restaurants list for 2023.
Meanwhile, Locust was recently named on USA Today’s 2024 Restaurants of the Year list.
“Hike the Great Smokies”
The popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park was the third-most visited park in 2023, according to National Park Service (NPS) data.
National Geographic spoke to a travel expert who suggested walking Cade’s Cove and trekking a much more remote area such as Mount Sterling, near North Carolina.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles Tennessee and North Carolina. Travelers can enter the park through three main entrances: Gatlinburg, TN; Townsend, TN and Cherokee, NC.
To learn more about the park, click here.
“Seek out songwriters”
They don’t call it Music City for nothing. In fact, several big name artists got their start in Nashville including Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan and more.
The travel channel suggests checking out new artists at venues like The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Bowery Vault.
“Try samples from the godfather of TN whiskey”
In need of a drink? National Geographic suggest visiting Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey located in Shelbyville. The distillery pays homage to African American master distiller, Nearest Green, who is also known as the “Godfather of Tennessee Whiskey.”
In 2023, Green’s role in Tennessee whiskey history was memorialized with a historical marker at Dan Call Farm, which is where Jasper “Jack” Daniel learned the craft from a slave named Nathan Green, also known as Uncle Nearest.
Distilling industry generates billions for Tennessee tourism economy
During an interview with News 2 in 2023, Victoria Eady Butler, great-great granddaughter of Green, explained many local residents know that Green is responsible for the taste Tennessee Whiskey has today.
“The townspeople of Lynchburg knew their relationship and that Nearest was responsible for making whiskey for Jack Daniel and teaching him how to make whiskey,” said Butler.
“Go back in time at Knoxville’s Gilded Age theaters”
The Bijou Theatre, which began as The Lamar House, is believed to be the oldest commercially active property in Knoxville. Travel experts at National Geographic said besides movies, the theater is also known for hosting “concerts and comedy nights.”
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To see events being held at the Bijou Theatre this month, click here.
For those looking for tips on what to do in Tennessee, visit National Geographic’s Explorer’s Guide.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
