6 reasons to explore Tennessee beyond Nashville
We reveal six spots outside of Tennessee’s famous capital that should definitely be on your travel list, from Knoxville to Memphis.
With the Great Smoky Mountains rising in the hazy distance, the I-40 highway dips and sways into eastern Tennessee, to the will of an evolving landscape. And amid these forested hills, Nashville’s gaudy neon signs and thumping music bars feel further away than ever.
But while the jaunty Americana of Dollywood and the panoramas from Anakeesta theme park’s hilltop summit are seductive, there are jewels to be found out west too. Here, blues and whiskey flow into the night in Chattanooga and Memphis.
Here are six spots outside of Nashville that should definitely be on your travel list.
1. Sample great craft beer in Knoxville
Knoxville is more than a gateway to the Smokies – it’s a charming city with elegant architecture, a splash of street art and a whole host of laidback craft beer joints. In fact, Knoxville now offers more than 20 breweries serving beers of every conceivable style, hue and strength – impressive given its small size.
None are cooler than Xul Beer Co. This airy taproom just north of downtown specialises in creative sour beers and is set in a former 1960s car showroom and decorated with old retro movie posters. Back downtown, stop for a drink in the amusingly named Pretentious Beer Co, before taking a stroll down Strong Alley (‘Artists Alley’ to locals) to admire its bright and bold street art.
If you’re after something a little stronger, the whiskey bar at the Tennessean Hotel’s Drawing Room restaurant is ideal for a nightcap (ask for their magnificent smoked Old Fashioned).
2. Take in Smoky Mountain panoramas at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg
Anakeesta is one of eastern Tennessee's more unique attractions. A mountaintop smorgasbord of indulgent restaurants, artisan shopping, treetop skywalks and panoramic views, this lofty theme park sits on a dense green summit almost 2,000-feet (610m) high.
The resort town of Gatlinburg and its colourful streets begin to fade the moment you’re scooped up by the chairlift. Once at the top, you'll discover more than 10,000 plants flanking Anakeesta’s winding paths.
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To make the most of the location, make the walk up the striking AnaVista Tower and enjoy magical 360 panoramas of the Great Smoky Mountains, including wonderfully clear views of the 6,593-foot (2,010m) high Mount Leconte. If you’re lucky enough to be here during winter, don’t miss the shimmering neons and angular lasers of Anakeesta’s evening light show Astra Lumina.
READ MORE: 6 reasons to visit Franklin, Tennessee's coolest small city
3. Enjoy slow-cooked barbecue flavours in Memphis
Memphis is best known as a hotbed for music (blues and rock ‘n’ roll in particular), but it’s also a city with a deep tradition in sizzling (and often family-owned) BBQ joints. So if you’re in town to see a few live shows, make sure to get a good fill of Memphis’ famous barbecued pork ribs first (drizzling them in Memphis hot sauce is optional). With meat typically slow-cooked and coated with dry-rub seasoning, the Memphis BBQ style is showcased at plenty of lively spots around the city.
Serving up Memphis-style ribs since 1948, Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous on 2nd Street is an iconic spot and black-and-white photos and old posters on the wall pay homage to that history. Though if you’d prefer sloppy skyscraper sandwiches generously packed with tender meat and sweety sticky sauce, then Payne's Bar-B-Q is for you.
4. Feel the beat of live music in Chattanooga
Hugging the Tenessee River as it snakes back into the Volunteer State from Alabama, Chattanooga is a city with a spring in its step and its live music scene is one of the finest outside of Nashville. Though before seeing any shows, it’s worth spending an afternoon at the Songbirds Guitar and Pop Culture Museum and revelling in its collection of rare vintage guitars including classic Gibsons and Fenders.
When evening falls, the historic Tivoli Theatre is where you’ll find bigger acts playing, though for a more relaxed setting with great southern food head to HiFi Clyde’s or Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant. A more ramshackle but just as lovable venue is JJ’s Bohemia further north in downtown.
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5. Embrace Americana in Pigeon Forge
If the enormous WonderWorks upside-down house didn’t convince you of Pigeon Forge’s absurdity, then the gigantic roadside Titanic replica (with an accompanying iceberg – yes, really) should seal the deal. But for all of Pigeon Forge’s bombastic silliness, there’s some delightful Americana here too and it starts nearby at iconic theme park Dollywood. The 1950s-themed Jukebox Junction neighbourhood is a charming throwback to Dolly Parton’s childhood, full of colourful drive-ins, retro car garages and tempting sweet shops.
READ MORE: All aboard Tennessee's ship-shaped Titanic museum
Want a real slice of history? Take a trip to the Old Mill Restaurant in the heart of Pigeon Forge and sample its hearty southern cooking. Dating back to 1830, the mill still works to this day and is one of the most photographed heritage mills in the country. For a more unique link to Dolly, head over to Shine Girl where her niece Danielle crafts distinct and delicious varieties of moonshine (don’t miss the bestselling Red Velvet Moonshine).
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6. Sip a few historic drams in Lynchburg
With their own unique taste derived from a specific filtration process, Tennessee whiskies have a distinct flavour profile. The area surrounding the small town of Lynchburg is the epicentre of that famous style and it’s where Jack Daniel first started selling his whiskey back in 1875.
Jack Daniel’s Distillery offers a variety of different tours, offering a window into how, from humble beginnings, Daniel managed to lay down the blueprint for what would eventually become the world’s biggest-selling whiskey (there's the chance to sample a few fresh drams too).
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Make time too for the Uncle Nearest Distillery, 30 minutes north. Dedicated to the life of former slave, master distiller and mentor of Jack Daniel himself, the story of Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green is as alluring as the fantastic whiskey they produce here.
For more info and plan your visit to Tennessee, please visit tnvacation.com.
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Lead image: Drone Trekkers/Shutterstock
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