Travel

[ScrapHappy]

My husband would really like to go to Tennessee.  Just 3 or 4 days.  But I'm hesitant.  Besides all the country music stuff (which we don't listen to), what else is there to do?  Our daughter is 12 and I can't see her enjoying it either.  I know Graceland is in Tennessee, but the is far from Nashville, right?

[CinNC]

The most fun I've had has been in Chattanooga TN - the aquarium, underground caverns and the incline railroad. 

[drizzellla]

We went to Nashville last year. Had a wonderful time. It was with my husband's army buddies reunion. One guy scouted Nashville out before we arrived. So we ate at some very nice restaurants.

And we don't know much about Country Music BUT we went to the Grand Old Opry. The show was so much fun. I think it was a Tuesday. They had a wide variety of people entertaining. There was a guy (Bill Anderson) he was so much fun and so good. There was a lady (Connie Smith) that was good too. There were lots of new talent too. The show was well worth it. Even if you aren't a Country Music fan.

There are tons of clubs. And entertainment in every one.

We also went to the Country Music Museum. It was interesting. We knew most of the people, even had some Rock and Roll groups too. Just to see some of the displays and all there was in the museum, I though it was worth it.

I must say, I had lots of fun on the trip. And didn't know what to expect before we left but I am glad I went.

[Catlady Nicole]

Hi @ScrapHappy I'm so glad you posted this!  TN is at the top of my list to retire to (a dozen years from now) and I've been trying to decide what areas to visit and explore as potential new hometowns.  I look forward to the responses you get.

I can offer a little insight on Nashville as I visited there several years ago and really enjoyed it.  I am not a country music fan either, but I did do all the "typical" touristy Nashville things like visit the Reiman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame, etc and really enjoyed them, much to my surprise.  There is so much history there.  We also toured, but did not stay at, the Gaylord Opryland Resort, that place is a wonder, truly amazing to see.  

Have you looked into Pigeon Forge?  That seems to be a very popular area to visit in TN as well.  And yes, Graceland is in Memphis, the west end of the state, whereas Nashvile is more Central, and Knoxville to the east.

Hope you have a wonderful trip when the time comes 

[SandPiper]

@ScrapHappy DH and I have been to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area. Pigeon Forge has Dollywood, countless shows (many suited for a 12 year old), many activities, arcades, games, etc. Gatlinburg has an aquarium, with a penguin house, an arts and craft loop, miniature golf and other activities. 

Check out the area online for more details. 

[JCF]

@ScrapHappy

Memphis is about three to four hours from Nashville. 

Besides Graceland, Jazz Music is big in Memphis

Sites near Nashville:  Andrew Jackson's Hermitage home (if you like history) Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, etc., Distillaries, if your interested, Smokie Mountain National Park in Gatlinburg, Train Excursions through the mountains, Chattanooga (Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, Tennessee Aquarium, and White Water Rafting).

Nashville area shopping: Opry Mills Mall, Green Hills

Franklin/Brentwood area shopping:  CoolSprings Galleria.

I hope this helps.  Obviously, you can get additional details of these on the internet.

[BettyNewbie]

Memphis is about 4 hours....Memphis is the birthplace  of the Blues so the Blues is whats it's known for.....Be careful if you go here....Beale Street used to be a safe place but not so much the last few years....graceland is in a rundown part 

[software]

With that attitude, you will not enjoy your vacation.

You've already made up your mind.

I would recommend Chattanooga as well.    Rock City, aquarium

Nashville is a very sophisticated city with different kinds of music/entertaiinment.  There's the Nashville Zoo.

Most people think Pigeon Forge/Gatlnburg area is charming but I don't care for it, too crowded.

Memphis is OK if you want that Blues experience but it's a rough town.   Great food tho.   Unless you are a big Elvis fan, Graceland will be a disappointment.   

What do you like to do?  Not knowing what you enjoy in your spare time makes it hard to recommend something.  If you are the outdoorsy type there are some gorgeous outdoor things to do.  If you go in the fall, the Smokey Mountains are to die for.   TN has some gorgeous state parks, particularly in the Cumberland Plateau area.

[loisp]

My husband and I retired and wanted to move out of NJ.  We tried southern Delaware for a year and didn't like it at all.  Our next move was to Knoxville.  We have been here about 6 months and couldn't be happier.  We are taking advantage of museums, culture, including theatre and opera, street fairs and markets.  There seems to be something going on almost every week.  You can choose to be as city oriented or as country oriented as you please. Also it is just a 2 - 3 hours from other major Tennessee cities and states.  So happy we made this move.

[Fiero Woman]

When we lived in Kentucky Pigeon Forge was a place we visited 3 to 4 times a year.  Plenty for young "folks" and for other folks.  So many wonderful choices.  Nice. people, great cuisine, gorgeous accommodations, all around super.   As for Nashville, 40 miles from us, we would go to the fantastic restaurants and of course Printer's Alley. If go to Nashville, don't forget The Loveless Cafe.  No telling who you will find there.  Have fun.