Oh, Tennessee. Land of orange football colors and biscuits and Jack Daniel’s. It’s a state that’s firmly ensconced in the southern history of the United States, but it has also managed to finagle its way into the hearts of Americans everywhere – becoming pretty dang cool in the last couple of years, if we do say so ourselves. Take a look at how the Volunteer State has made its mark on our great country, and leave your thoughts in the comments below. Did we miss something neat?

Let us know.

We can’t wait to hear!

15. We're home to the Grand Ole Opry.
dslrnovice - Flickr
Aaaaand the Ryman Auditorium. Both are a must for musician's everywhere, and attending a show at either venue is beautiful and historic.
14. Memphis is home to the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contenst.
Nicolas Henderson - Flickr
It's considered the largest barbecue cooking contest in the United States, and it really puts Memphis on another level.
13. East Tennessee boasts the most visited national park.
Steve Harwood - Flickr
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beautiful place that's well-worth all of its visitors and docents. We're in love with just the PICTURES, not to mention the actual experience.
12. The state's coffee culture has shattered quite a few expectations.
Sean Davis - Flickr
Barista Parlor and Crema began the 3rd wave coffee movement in Nashville, and it has since exploded into a full-blown local coffee culture. Ride the caffeinated wave, folks - it's well worth it.
11. Elvis adopted the state as his own.
Natalie Curtiss - Flickr
And you can still visit Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.
10. The world just started to notice Tennessee's personal grand canyon.
Charlene N Simmons - Flickr
The Tennessee River Gorge was carved out of the Middle Tennessee plateau by - you guessed it - the Tennessee River, and it's perfect for an autumnal hike.
9. Tennessee has the oldest intentional community in the United States.
The Farm Community
It's true - The Farm is located in Summertown, Tennessee and it is the oldest commune in the United States.

Related Stories

I Wandered Off The Beaten Path On This Iconic Tennessee Location To See One Of The Best Cabins In The Smokies

I Wandered Off The Beaten Path On This Iconic Tennessee Location To See One Of The Best Cabins In The Smokies

 This Speakeasy Hidden In An Old Bank In Tennessee Is Perfect For A Date Night

This Speakeasy Hidden In An Old Bank In Tennessee Is Perfect For A Date Night

 The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Tennessee Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Tennessee Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure
8. And Moon Pies. And Little Debbies.
Joanne Morton - Flickr
Your childhood lunchbox just wouldn't have been the same without us.
7. Did you know that Nashville gave us the combination candy bar…?
Brent Moore - Flickr
Yep, it was the GooGoo Cluster. It set the foundation for all the Snickers and Reeses and Twix bars to come.
6. AND we're home to the birthplace of country music.
Brent Moore - Flickr
It's Bristol, in case you're over there thinking it was Nashville.
5. Franklin is known as one of the best small towns in the country.
Michael Noirot - Flickr
Franklin is a sweet step back in time in Middle Tennessee, and it is located in one of the wealthiest counties in the nation. With folks like Billy Ray Cyrus and Tim McGraw calling it home, we're not surprised.
4. The Loveless Café has been listed as one the necessary go-to eateries in the whole south.
jshuyan - Flickr
Because of the biscuits. And the service and the vibe. But mostly the ultra-secret biscuit recipe.
3. And we have the fastest internet in the US. Just sayin'.
James Cridland - Flickr
Yeah, isn't that crazy?! Chattanooga technically has the fastest internet in the entire United States, thanks to the local installation of a high speed fiber optics network. It steams along at fifty times the national average!
2. We're home to our very own whiskey trail.
GT Photos - Flickr
As of 2017, Tennessee has a whiskey trail that's on par with the famed bourbon trail of our neighbor, Kentucky. We know which once is better, though. Cough WHISKEY cough.
1. Tennessee boasts four beautiful, distinct seasons.
DM - Flickr
We will always love how varied the seasons are here in Tennessee. It's beautiful all times of the year, and you can always count on stunning scenery and beautiful views whether it's spring or wintertime.

Continue your exploration of our great state with this stunning rural museum – it’s such a sweet place!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles