Top 5 Things to See and Do in Tennessee 

Tennessee is all about authentic experiences. Whether in the major cities of Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville or Chattanooga, or in some of America’s most inspiring small towns. When it comes to music, Tennessee brings the foot-tapping, soul-saving kind - the blues, rock ‘n’ roll, soul, country, gospel and everything in between. Tennessee’s creative spirit is the stuff America was built on. It is infused into every sip of Jack Daniel’s oak-barrel-aged amber gold and every bite of “I’ve-died-and-gone-to-heaven” Memphis barbeque. The state’s beauty is highlighted by America’s No. 1 most visited national park - Great Smoky Mountains - and scenic rivers that sculpt the landscape.

1 Great Smoky Mountains National Park
There's no better place to begin your Great Smoky Mountains National Park adventure than in the small town of Gatlinburg with its many big-ticket attractions such as the excellent Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. From here, you can easily drive to the park's most popular areas or simply jump on the chairlift and head for the hills and the fun Ober Gatlinburg, a ski resort and amusement park offering year-round activities. Park highlights include a variety of flora and fauna, more than 900 miles of hiking trails, and the 6,643-foot-high Clingmans Dome, with its Observation Tower perched atop the mountain's summit and offering 360-degree views.

2 Elvis's Graceland
Elvis Presley’s Graceland has officially opened its new, $45 million, state-of-the-art entertainment complex, “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” –its largest and most significant expansion since first opening to the public in 1982. The largest entertainment complex of its kind -- exponentially larger than Graceland’s previous visitor centre -- “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” enables music fans, pop culture enthusiasts and visitors to follow the path that Elvis took, surround themselves with the things that he loved, and experience the sights and sounds of the city that inspired him. Guests will fully immerse themselves in his life and career like never before -- his roots, his influences and his artistry.

3 Memphis and Nashville
No US state can claim the rich musical tapestry that's evident everywhere in Tennessee. The centre of the nation's country music scene, Nashville is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame in the city's famous Music Row, as well as the Grand Ole Opry. Then, of course, there's Memphis, the home of gospel and blues, and famous for Beale Street where the greats like Elvis got his big break. Highlights include: the Memphis Music Hall of Fame; WC Handy's House where the "Father of the Blues" lived and worked; the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, highlighting musical pioneers from the 1930s through to the 1970s; the STAX Museum of American Soul with its replica of the original Stax Records studio; and Sun Studio, where stars such as Jerry Lee Lewis, BB King, and Roy Orbison began their careers.

4 Dollywood
Named after country singer Dolly Parton, Dollywood has long been Tennessee's most popular ticketed attraction, luring more than three million visitors per year. In the small town of Pigeon Forge, this always busy theme park provides family fun with its mix of folksy Smoky Mountains traditions and crafts, thrilling rides, and entertainment. The site boasts more than 40 rides - including the Tennessee Tornado roller coaster - spread across 10 themed areas such as Timber Canyon and Jukebox Junction. Other highlights include live concerts and festivals, as well as an old steam railway, the Dollywood Express, which circles the park.

5 Lookout Mountain
Overlooking Chattanooga and offering some of Tennessee's best views, Lookout Mountain makes for an excellent day or half-day outing. Getting there is half the fun, especially aboard the wonderful Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, a mile-long journey on trolley-style cars at an incline of 73%. Once at the top, you've got a number of excellent natural attractions to choose from, including Rock City with its dramatic cliffs and great views, and Ruby Falls, the deepest cave and largest underground waterfall in the US.

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