The western saloon-style room is furnished with memorabilia from Manning's personal collection, including a retro jukebox with his favorite songs.Courtesy of Graduate Hotels
VOLUNTEER FOR A GREAT TIME
1. Graduate Knoxville
Settle into your cozy guest room, complete with native wildflower presses converted into gallery walls and custom-made restroom wallpaper inspired by the Bluetick Coonhound Smokey, the University of Tennessee's beloved mascot. Then walk down to Saloon 16, the on-site pub and restaurant designed by famed former university quarterback Peyton Manning (often referred to as "The Sheriff"). Named for his jersey number, the western saloon-style room is furnished with memorabilia from Manning's personal collection. A closer look reveals a retro jukebox filled with his favorite songs, his original recruiting letters, sheriff's badges honoring former teammates, jerseys and more. Manning himself designed the menu using some of his favorite dishes and drinks, so pick yours and enjoy a hearty meal before settling in for the night. The next morning, fuel up with a hearty cup of coffee and a freshly made pastry at Poindexter before setting off.
1706 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916
While the entire property is worth investigating, three main buildings house more than 250,000 artifacts, including furniture, tools, toys, folk art, musical instruments, and more.Courtesy Tennessee Department of Tourist Development/Andrew Saucier
KEEP MOVE
2. Museum of the Appalachians
Get a taste of local history at this 65-acre recreation of an Appalachian community with 35 log cabins (including Mark Twain's childhood home), churches, schools, gardens and farm animals. The non-profit museum was founded by John Rice Irwin in 1969 and is now a subsidiary of the Smithsonian. While the entire property is worth investigating, three main buildings house more than 250,000 artifacts, including furniture, tools, toys, folk art, musical instruments, and more. One of the most interesting of the series is inventor Asa Jackson's "perpetual motion machine," which is housed in the museum's Hall of Fame. Jackson began working on the design of wheels and gears in the mid-18th century, possibly to try to secure a purported $1 million reward from the US government for an inventor who could defy the laws of physics. The machine stopped running ages ago, but it's still a worthy example of Appalachian ingenuity.
2819 Andersonville Highway, Clinton, TN 37716
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Twelve life-size bronze statues stand in front of the former Green McAdoo School, the site where students attended elementary school.
DARING DOZEN
3. Green McAdoo Cultural Center
It's hard to imagine the courage it took for 12 black high school students to walk to an all-white high school on August 25, 1956, when this small east Tennessee town became the site of the first public school integration in the segregated South . On This Day Maurice Soles, Anna Theresser Caswell, Alfred Williams, Regina Turner Smith, William R. Latham, Gail Ann Epps Upton, Ronald Gordon "Poochie" Hayden, JoAnn Crozier Allen Boyce, Robert Thacker, Bobby Cain, Minnie Ann Dickey Jones and Alvah McSwain has earned a permanent place in history. Now visitors can see their stoic, life-size bronze statues and tour the museum, housed in the former Green McAdoo School, where the students attended elementary school. Inside highlights include a scale classroom, a poignant exhibit detailing the violence and bombing motivated by the students' presence, and archival photos and artifacts, including heartwarming stories of how community members became allies for equality.
101 School St, Clinton, TN 37716
To delve deep into the history of the community, take a guided tour focused on one of the best-preserved blocks, where you'll explore the library, Hughes' home, a schoolhouse, and a church.
UTOPIAN DREAM
4. Historic Rugby
The city of Rugby was founded in 1880 as a utopian planned city by British author Thomas Hughes, who wrote the classic novel Tom Brown's Schooldays. At its peak there lived about 300 people - many of them younger sons of English nobility whose inheritance under the British primogeniture system was sparse, and their families lived in the class-free agrarian community. Although the utopian ideal did not last, many of the buildings in the Victorian town, which sits on the scenic Cumberland Plateau, are beautifully preserved. To delve deep into the history of the community, take a guided tour focused on one of the best-preserved blocks, where you'll explore the library, Hughes' home, a schoolhouse, and a church. A popular stop is the Rugby Printing Works, which shows how The Rugbian newspaper was printed in the 19th century, including typesetting demonstrations.
1331 Rugby Pkwy, Rugby, TN 37733
Ozone Falls was used as a filming location for the 1994 live-action film adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book.
WHAT A RUSH
5. Ozone Falls State Natural Area
This rather ordinary-looking country road offers no hint of the spectacular sight you'll see just a short hike away: the 110-foot waterfall that gave this 43-acre preserve its name. Formed by wind, water and erosion, the rocky amphitheater is surrounded by dense trees. Beneath the falls are the remnants of an Appalachian mixed mesophytic forest (eastern hemlock, white pine, magnolia, yellow birch, sugar maple, tulip poplar, and red oak) that give the scene a primal feel, so much so that Ozone was used as a location for scenes for the 1994 live-action film adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. While it's possible to get a nice view of the falls from the top — within walking distance of the parking lot — the real money shot is at the bottom. If you're not ready to channel your inner Mowgli, bring your walking shoes and check the weather forecast. The sheer cliffs leading to the base of the falls can be treacherous when wet, although the reward for spectacular views is worth the hike. Cool off with a dip in the pristine pool below.
14563 TN-1, Rockwood, TN 37854
The artisan bakers make 40 types of donuts, but a must-try is their delicious apple fritters.Courtesy of the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development
WINNER CIRCLE
6. Ralphs Donut-Laden
When World War II Army veteran Ralph Smith opened his hometown donut shop in what was once a bus stop building in 1962, he probably had no idea that he would be successful more than half a century later. The shop, now run by Smith's daughter Cynthia and her husband Mark Pullum, makes more than 5,000 cakes and yeast donuts a day (that's about 1.5 million a year), all made by hand the old-fashioned way using the same family recipes passed down through five generations. Every day — except Sundays, when the staff takes a breather — the artisan bakers make 40 styles of donuts, including butter twists, traditional glazed, chocolate glazed, and more. Pop in for a pastry and a cup of coffee and you'll likely find that the counter is filled with regulars, some of whom have been coming daily since the 1960s.
59 S Cedar Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501
Located in Cedars of Lebanon State Park, the lodge is set amongst 1,139 acres of Eastern Red Cedar.Courtesy of the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development
FOREST GREAT
7. Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Get out and stretch your legs at this lush state park, named for the proliferation of eastern red cedars that grow on its 1,139 acres. The trees reminded the settlers of the cedar forests on Mount Lebanon as mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. Despite being called "eastern red cedars," the irony is that the evergreens are actually junipers, a close relative of cedars. Officially made a state park in 1955, the area is full of unique natural ecosystems, including limestone clearings that resemble rock gardens, and 19 rare or endangered plant species grow here (look out for TennesseeConeflower, Limestone Phlox and Yellow Sunbell). While there are many hiking trails to choose from, the Cedar Glades Trail is a perennial favorite. Accessible year-round, the gentle half-mile loop takes visitors through forests where moss and lichen cover the forest floor. As you hike, keep an eye out for deer, fox, wild turkey and rabbits that make their home in the forest.
328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090
The rolling hills of the 55-acre complex are a riot of color, including giant hand-blown glass sculptures by artist Dale Chihuly.Courtesy of Cheekwood Estates and Gardens
IN FLOWER
8. Cheekwood Estates and Gardens
When Leslie and Mabel Cheek built their sprawling American Country Place Era-style estate in 1929, they probably had no idea it would become a destination for architecture buffs and people-lovers alike. Now the rolling hills of the 55-acre complex are a riot of colorful blooms, trees and shrubs with various types of gardens. Explore what interests you most and choose from the Herbal Study Garden, Japanese Garden and more, including native plants such as azaleas, trilliums, trout lilies, ferns and a colony of papaya trees. Explore the 36-room house with its 11 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a hidden staircase and a library housing a collection of 2,000 books. Depending on when you visit, you can see the spectacular bloom of 150,000 bulbs (spring), a full mile of Christmas lights (winter), or any number of dynamic art installations, such as: B. Giant blown glass sculptures by artist Dale Chihuly positioned between the foliage.
1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205
The 12th-floor rooftop restaurant, White Limozeen, is named after country luminary Dolly Parton's 29th studio album.Courtesy of Graduate Hotels
MOMENTS OF THE MUSIC CITY
9. Graduate Nashville
Adjacent to Vanderbilt University, this hotel is a feast for the eyes and a true wonderland, especially for art and music lovers. Walk straight up to the 12th floor rooftop restaurant White Limozeen, named for country music luminary Dolly Parton's 29th studio album. It's a glamorous fantasy of florals and pinks, with glittering chandeliers and plush seating inside and an outdoor plunge pool and lounge chairs begging for a dip and a frozen Aperol Spritz. Don't miss the must-see shot of the Tennessee-based artist's 9-foot pink chicken-wire Dolly Parton sculptureRicky Pittman in front of the Midtown skyline.Can't get enough of the Nashville grad's muse (who can?)? For a truly special stay, choose Suite 9 to 5, the over-the-top tribute to the beloved singer. Above the waterbed you'll find a pink neon installation proclaiming "it costs a lot of money to look this cheap" (an oft-quoted Dolly-ism), custom wallpaper with nods to her most famous songs, and ultra-glamorous dress-twisted art attached to hangs on the walls of the cozy living room. It's the perfect, comfortable, music-centric home base for exploring Music City.
101 20th Avenue N, Nashville, TN 37203
Graduate Hotels is a handcrafted collection of hotels located in the most vibrant college cities across the country.
FAQs
What is there to see between Knoxville and Nashville? ›
- Treetop Adventure Park.
- Hermitage Golf Course.
- Lane Motor Museum.
- Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort.
- Opry Mills Mall.
- SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland.
- Treetop Adventure Park.
- Hermitage Golf Course.
The Great Smoky Mountains is a wonderful place to explore on your Nashville to Knoxville RV road trip, however. The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Mount Le Conte, and you can stand on top of it after a short hike and see for miles.
Is 5 days too long in Nashville? ›If you have 4 to 5 days for your stay in Nashville, then you can explore much more beyond the highlights of Grand Ole Opry, State Capitol, and the music scene. You can enjoy many interesting day trips from the Nashville area.
How far apart are Knoxville and Nashville? ›A: Knoxville is about 180 miles from Nashville when traveling along I-40. It takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to travel between the two cities along the most direct route.
How many days in Nashville is enough? ›Most visitors plan to spend 2 to 3 days in Nashville. This is enough time to get a sense of the city. Depending on what you want to do in Nashville, you might consider spending 4 or 5 days.
What is the number 1 attraction in Tennessee? ›1: The Smokies: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This is the country's most visited national park – over 11 million people visit the park every year. The park is a destination for sightseeing and recreation.
Elevations range from just over 800 feet (240 m) along the riverfront to just over 1,000 feet (300 m) on various hilltops in West Knoxville, with the downtown area resting at just over 900 feet (270 m).
Are the Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge the same? ›The Great Smoky Mountains are a subrange of the Blue Ridge Mountain System. Thus, the Great Smokies are the Blue Ridge Mountains, but not all of the Blue Ridge Mountains are Great Smoky Mountains.
Are the Great Smoky Mountains near Nashville? ›The nearest big cities to the Smoky Mountains are Nashville, Tennessee; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Atlanta, Georgia, all of which are just two to three hours away by car.
What is best month to visit Nashville? ›The best time to visit Nashville is from April through October, when the warm weather brings this music city to life. Although December is quite charming with Christmas decorations at the Opryland Hotel and the Belle Meade Historic Site, winter is low season.
What is the cheapest month to go to Nashville? ›
The cheapest time to visit Nashville is from November to March, when you will find deep discounts on hotel rooms and airfare. This is a great time to score big discounts at top hotels and resorts that may be out of reach during the booming tourist season, when rates are highly inflated.
How do I not look like a tourist in Nashville? ›- #1 – We Don't All Wear Cowboy Boots. ...
- #2 – Leave the Stetson at Home, Unless You're Going to the Wild Horse Saloon. ...
- #3 – Don't Be Afraid of East Nashville. ...
- #4 – Don't Try to Speak Our Language… ...
- #5 – Order Sweet Tea the Right Way.
Halfway between Knoxville, TN and Nashville, TN
The town that marks the exact halfway point is actually Pinhook, Tennessee. The closest zip code to the midpoint is 38574. The exact latitude and longitude coordinates are 36° 8' 7" N and 85° 19' 6" W.
Knoxville is also the largest city in East Tennessee and the third-largest in the state (after Nashville and Memphis), and the city's nicknames include K-town, Knox Vegas, Marble City and Scruffy City.
Is Knoxville cheaper than Nashville? ›The cost of living in Knoxville, TN is -5.7% lower than in Nashville, TN.
What is the rainiest month in Nashville? ›May is the wettest month in Nashville and June is far from the dryest.
What is the number one thing to do in Nashville? ›- Nashville Zoo. ...
- Frist Art Museum. ...
- The Hermitage. ...
- Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. ...
- Bluebird Cafe. ...
- Grand Ole Opry. ...
- John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. ...
- Ryman Auditorium.
The overall Nashville vibe is, country and the general attire is casual wear. During the daytime, what to wear to Nashville bars and honky tonks is indeed very casual, and truly, 'anything goes'.
What is the prettiest place in Tennessee? ›Tennessee is home to countless trails, state and national parks, but Cherokee National Forest in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in East Tennessee is considered to be the most beautiful place in the state.
What is the most famous food in Tennessee? ›Country ham is arguably Tennessee's most famous delicacy. The hams are salt-cured and served boiled, broiled or fried, and give Virginia's Smithfield hams a run for their money.
What is the prettiest area of Tennessee? ›
Tennessee is home to countless trails, state and national parks, but Cherokee National Forest in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in East Tennessee is considered to be the most beautiful place in the state.
Is Knoxville Tennessee worth visiting? ›Even though Knoxville is the third-largest city in Tennessee (after Nashville and Memphis), it maintains a small-town feel. Historic attractions, museums, theaters, parks and shopping are among the most popular activities, and because many of them are located near each other, Knoxville is a walkable destination, too.
What is there to see between Gatlinburg and Nashville? ›The top stops along the way from Nashville to Gatlinburg (with short detours) are Sugarlands Distilling Company, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, and Market Square. Other popular stops include The Island in Pigeon Forge, The Lost Sea Adventure, and Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
What is Knoxville Tennessee best known for? ›The University of Tennessee Volunteers. Knoxville is the home of the University of Tennessee. If you ask a random stranger what they think of when they hear the word Knoxville, you'll likely hear “the Vols” as the most common answer.
How do I not look like a tourist in Tennessee? ›- #1 – We Don't All Wear Cowboy Boots. ...
- #2 – Leave the Stetson at Home, Unless You're Going to the Wild Horse Saloon. ...
- #3 – Don't Be Afraid of East Nashville. ...
- #4 – Don't Try to Speak Our Language… ...
- #5 – Order Sweet Tea the Right Way.
The Grand Ole Opry began as a radio show in 1925, and it put Nashville on the map as the "Country Music Capital of the World." Throughout its history, the Grand Ole Opry has called several different places home (including the Ryman Auditorium.
What is the nicest neighborhood in Knoxville? ›- Oakwood. ...
- Fourth and Gill. ...
- Old North Knoxville. ...
- Oak Ridge. ...
- Alcoa. ...
- Maryville. ...
- Farragut. Farragut is a desirable suburb of Knoxville located in Knox County. ...
- Best Neighborhoods in Knoxville. These are just a few of the best places to live in Knoxville!
Walkable. Downtown Knoxville is officially the most walkable neighborhood in Knoxville, earning 84 points on Walk Score®. You can get almost anywhere you need to go on foot.
What is the safest part of Knoxville? ›- Downtown Knoxville.
- Fourth and Gill.
- Oakwood.
- Old North Knoxville.
- South Knoxville.
It only takes about 3.5 hours to drive from Nashville in middle Tennessee to Dollywood in East Tennessee.
How many days are enough for Smoky Mountains? ›
How many days should you spend in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? This park is full of scenic drives and hikes, and I recommend spending at least four full days in the park if you want to see the can't-miss sights.
Is it hard to drive through the Smoky Mountains? ›There are 384 miles of road in the Smokies. Most are paved, and even the gravel roads are maintained in suitable condition for standard passenger cars. But driving in the mountains presents new challenges for many drivers. Roads in the park are narrow and winding with blind curves and low shoulders.
What percent of Knoxville is white? ›Knoxville Demographics
White: 75.63% Black or African American: 16.94% Two or more races: 3.86%
The largest Knoxville racial/ethnic groups are White (72.4%) followed by Black (16.9%) and Hispanic (5.4%).
Is Knoxville bigger than Nashville? ›Knoxville is also the largest city in East Tennessee and the third-largest in the state (after Nashville and Memphis), and the city's nicknames include K-town, Knox Vegas, Marble City and Scruffy City.