From great music to beautiful mountains, Tennessee has it all. There are many things Tennessee is known for that make it unique from other states, and whether you’re interested in Tennessee history or some of the most well-known foods in this state, we’ve covered 20 of the most famous parts of Tennessee.
To compile this detailed compilation, 24/7 Tempo consulted several lifestyle and major news publications, including U.S. News Travel and National Geographic. Here are 20 things Tennessee is known for.
Dollywood
- Fact: Dollywood, which opened in 1986, has been ranked as one of the best theme parks in the world
Fans of Dolly Parton are often familiar with the Dollywood Theme Park, but just because it’s named after Dolly doesn’t mean you have to be a die-hard fan to enjoy this park. Dollywood first opened in 1986 and it’s one of Tennessee’s most famous places. It has also consistently ranked as one of the top theme parks in the world. This park sits on over 165 acres and has plenty of rides and attractions for people of all ages.
Vanderbilt
- Fact: Vanderbilt University has ranked in the top 20 universities in the country
Even though Vanderbilt University isn’t an Ivy League school, it has ranked in the top 20 universities in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. This private university was founded over 150 years ago and has ten different schools and colleges. Vanderbilt University has a 333-acre campus in Nashville and an enrollment of about 13,000 students.
National Civil Rights Museum
- Fact: The National Civil Rights Museum opened in 1991 where the famous Lorraine Motel used to be
If you’re looking for a way to learn about history during your time in Tennessee, the National Civil Rights Museum is a great place to visit. This museum in Memphis is located in the former Lorraine Motel, the motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The National Civil Rights Museum has numerous exhibits where you can learn about the history of the civil rights movement.
Agriculture
- Fact: Tennessee produces a number of crops including soybeans, corn, wheat, and tobacco
Agriculture is an important part of the culture and economy of Tennessee. While soybeans are the most common crop produced in Tennessee, many other crops such as corn, and wheat are also an important part of the economy. However, Tennessee is usually known for producing tobacco. Out of all the states in the country that produce tobacco, Tennessee ranks in the top five for tobacco production.
Volunteering
- Fact: Tennessee’s nickname is the Volunteer State because of how many men volunteered to fight in the War of 1812
With a nickname like the Volunteer State, you have to imagine that residents of Tennessee are incredibly generous in serving their community. However, people in Tennessee did more than just community service to gain the state’s nickname. Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State because of the number of citizens who volunteered to fight in the War of 1812. By 1846, 30,000 volunteers from Tennessee had signed up for military service.
Country Music
- Fact: Nashville is considered the home of country music and many of the most famous country music stars got their start in this state
Tennessee is often considered the home of country music, especially with cities like Nashville and Bristol. While country music has been a part of Southern culture for a long time, some of the most popular country musicians got their start in Tennessee. This includes musicians like Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, and Johnny Cash.
Hot Chicken
- Fact: Although fried chicken is a staple in Tennessee, the state is specifically known for hot chicken, which comes with a unique blend of spices
Nashville hot chicken is something you have to order when you visit Tennessee. While fried chicken is a staple in most Southern states, Nashville hot chicken is a Tennessee staple. This type of fried chicken comes with a unique blend of spices that generally includes cayenne pepper, garlic and onion powder, and paprika.
Tennessee Whiskey
- Fact: Tennessee whiskey is a unique type of whiskey that is filtered through maple charcoal
One of the most popular spirits to come out of Tennessee is Tennessee whiskey, with the most popular brand being Jack Daniels. While there are many types of whiskey out there, the difference with Tennessee whiskey is that it’s filtered through maple charcoal and aged in white oak barrels. Jack Daniels, which was first established in the late 1800s, has become the most popular brand of Tennessee whiskey.
Moonpies
Homemade Chocolate Whoopie PIe with Cream Filling
- Fact: Moonpies are a popular treat that originated in Tennessee’s Chattanooga Bakery back in the early 1900s
Moonpies are still a classic treat today and they’re one of the snacks Tennessee is known for. This unique cookie was first created in Tennessee by Earl Mitchell. The cookie got its name because Earl asked the coal miners what size cookie they wanted, and they said “as big as the moon.” The Chattanooga Bakery in Tennessee was the first to sell this snack and while Moonpes are no longer sold for 5 cents, you can still find them in most grocery stores.
Caves
- Fact: Tennessee has over 10,000 caves, which is more than any other state
If you’re a fan of exploring caves and caverns, you’ll love visiting Tennessee. Tennessee has more caves than any other state, with over 10,000 of them in total. The largest cave in the state is the Blue Spring Cave, which is also the 9th longest cave in the country. Some of the other popular caves in the state include Tuckaleechee Caverns, Raccoon Mountain Caverns, and Forbidden Caverns.
Gatlinburg
- Fact: There is plenty to see in Gatlinburg, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If you’re planning on visiting the most well-known national park in Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you might make your way to Gatlinburg. This mountain town has three park entrances and it’s also well-known for hiking, whitewater rafting, and golfing. Even though millions of people visit Gatlinburg every year, there are only about 4,000 permanent residents in the town.
Mountain Dew
- Fact: Mountain Dew was originally created in Tennessee by Barney and Ally Hartman
If you’re not a fan of Tennessee whiskey, there’s another popular drink from Tennessee that you might be a fan of. Looking at the history of food and drink in Tennessee means discovering the origins of the popular soda Mountain Dew. This drink was originally created in Tennessee by Barney and Ally Hartman. They first marketed the formula across the state before Pepsi bought the rights to it in 1964.
Memphis
- Fact: Memphis is the second largest city in Tennessee and is known as the “home of the blues and birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll”
Memphis is the place to be if you’re a fan of blues, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, and other great music. This city, the second largest in Tennessee behind Nashville, is known as the “home of the blues” and “birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll.” Aside from the incredible music scene, Memphis is also home to numerous other attractions and other sights. Memphis is such a memorable place that it’s mentioned in more songs than any other city.
Borders
- Fact: Tennessee and Missouri are tied for the state that borders most other states
Among many of the other interesting aspects of Tennessee, another thing it’s known for is how many states it borders. Tennessee borders eight other states in the country which is more than any other state except for Missouri. Missouri and Tennessee are tied since they both border eight other states.
Cotton Candy
- Fact: Cotton candy was first created in Tennessee in 1897
Of all the sweet treats in the world, cotton candy is one of the most well-loved. This sugary treat has origins in Nashville, where William Morrison first created it along with John C. Wharton. William Morrison was a dentist and John C. Wharton was a candy maker–the two men came together to create a sugary treat kids and adults still enjoy today.
Graceland
- Fact: In Memphis, you can visit Graceland, a mansion once owned by Elvis Presley
It’s no surprise that Tennessee was home to many of the best musicians in the world. One of these musicians was Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll. A famous place in Tennessee worth visiting is Graceland Mansion, the previous home of Elvis Presley. There are 120 acres to explore at Graceland. You can visit everything from the Graceland mansion to the numerous exhibits.
Tin Pan South
Group of young friends partying and celebrating at summer music festival. They are dancing in front of stage. Wearing casual clothing
- Fact: Tin Pan South is the world’s largest songwriters festival and takes place in Nashville every year
Most states have their own unique festival or event that the state is known for. It’s no surprise that a place like Nashville has a major music festival, but Tin Pan South is the world’s largest songwriter’s festival and it happens every year in Nashville. Tin Pan South is a place for fans to enjoy the music of their favorite songwriters.
The Great Smoky Mountains
- Fact: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect place to visit the Smoky Mountains and is one of the most visited places in Tennessee
One of the things that Tennessee is most known for is the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and you can view this mountain range at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This beautiful park was first established in 1934 and is on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. 244,000 acres of the park are in Tennessee. During a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, you can visit incredible sites such as Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the park.
Nashville
- Fact: Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and the largest city in the state with a population of nearly 700,000
You can’t visit Tennessee without spending some time in the incredible city of Nashville. Whether you know it as the Athens of the South or another nickname, this city is known for its music scene, food scene, and many of its attractions. During your time there, you can visit places like the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Ryman Auditorium.
Tennessee Barbecue
- Fact: Tennessee is known for delicious barbecue, although the flavors may vary in different parts of the state
When it comes to famous Tennessee food, barbecue is one of the most popular. This is especially true in certain parts of the states, including Memphis and the western parts of Tennessee. But Tennessee barbecue takes on more than one flavor–you’ll find different spices and sauces across the state depending on what region you visit. (Check out iconic drinks from every state everyone should try.)