Welcome to Tennessee!
Tennessee is bound along its eastern border by the Blue Ridge Mountains
and on its western border by the wide, muddy waters of the mighty Mississippi
River.
A somewhat wild, densely forested land inhabited by Cherokee and
Chickasaw Indians, it must have intrigued early explorers like Hernando de
Soto. In the 1700s, settlers attempted to establish law and order in the
wilderness cut off from the colonies by vast rugged mountains.
Entering Tennessee from the east, travelers will wonder at the mysterious
mountains cloaked in a blue haze. Imagine the first settlers—the lonely
pioneer, wearing a coonskin cap and armed with a flintlock rifle—making their
way over the misty ridges into dense forests filled with panthers and bears, oh
my! The smoky haze is also reminiscent of the many battles, like the Battle of
Shiloh, fought here during the Civil War (second only to Virginia in number of
battles). In fact, Tennessee is called the Volunteer
State because of its great military traditions (think Davy Crockett and Sam
Houston).
Tennessee’s rugged landscape and natural beauty make it a paradise for
outdoor sports and camping. Lose yourself for a day in the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or
satisfy your inner music-lover by attending an outstanding performance of
bluegrass, Blues, or country music. Memphis
in May is one such opportunity; if you can’t make the festival, just stroll
down Beale Street and enjoy the
sultry sounds of live Blues floating out into the street.
TN websites worth exploring:
I-40 out of Knoxville has a
real American heartland feel. Golden fields and farmlands, treed ridges and
rolling hills, mountains and lakes…
If you enjoy being out on the water, rent a pontoon boat
for the afternoon at Watts Bar Lake.
A little further
west, keep an eye out for the stunning views of the southern valley below as
I-40 (near Exit 347) clings to the side of Crab
Orchard Mountains.
You’ll find that the rocky bluffs and meandering creeks
invite a little rock-climbing rendezvous!
In the area: Stop to eat at a Rockwood, TN staple in
the quaint downtown district. From BBQ ribs to Southern comfort food, the Rockwood
Street Grill has it all. www.rockwoodstreetgrill.com
Mt. Roosevelt Scenic Overlook
From
I-40, take Exit 338 (Westel) and travel south on Westel Rd. for 2.7 miles to US
70. Turn left and travel east on US 70 for 1.1 miles towards Rockwood. Tower
Rd. will be on the left just before entering the town of Rockwood. From
Rockwood, travel 2.1 miles west on US 70 to entrance. Follow signs for Mt.
Roosevelt Scenic Overlook, which is located at the end of the road.
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As I-40 continues on through hazy blue ridges,
take the opportunity to roll your windows down and enjoy the cool,
forest-scented mountain air. Stop and pick a few roadside wildflowers or search
for treasures at the one of the many FLEA MARKETS advertised along the
interstate.
From
Crossville to Cookeville, TN:
-
Autumn
Acres: (exit
311). Provides 50 acres of family fun and adventure—from a petting zoo to
tunnel slides and a magnificent maze carved into a 12-acre cornfield. (Open Sept.
to Nov.). www.autumnacres.net
-
Monterey, TN. Stunning; enjoy mountain scenery, hiking trails and gardens perched at the edge of the Cumberland Plateau. Literally! www.thegardeninnbb.com Rates from $135, #931-839-1400
Cane Creek
Park: Cookeville, TN. The ideal place to stop and
stretch your legs. With a 56-acre lake, fishing piers, paddleboats, walking
trails, basketball and volleyball courts, and an 18-hole Disc Golf course, the
options are endless.
www.cookeville-tn.org/ls/cane-creek-park
For a canoe water adventure,
stop in at Caney
Fork Canoe Rental, and they’ll set you up with everything you need for
the trip, including a riverside box lunch! (exit 268)
www.caneyforkcanoerental.com
Spankies: Cookeville, TN. For
the best meal in town, go no further than Spankies. Lunch, dinner, or a drink
with atmosphere reminiscent of Cheers
pairs well with live entertainment (you’re close enough to Nashville to sample
some of the best!). Try the Jack Daniels Chicken or crab stuffed tilapia. www.spankiesrestaurant.com
Downtown
Cookeville: Antiques,
coffeeshops and the coolest historic downtown. Visit the Cookeville Depot Museum, walk the square and grab a cup of
personality before heading on down the road.
www.mustseecookeville.com
TIME IT RIGHT:
Old
Time Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Crafts Festival—Smithville, first weekend
in July. It’s the real thing! For some good old-fashioned fun and music, head
to:
Smithville,
southeast of Nashville
(just south of
I-40 at exit 273)
