12 Hidden Attractions Locals Keep To Themselves In Tennessee
Tennessee is full of classic places to visit: The Loveless Cafe, The Lost Sea, the ever-epic Bell Witch Cave, but what we’re really interested in is what the locals tend to keep to themselves. These twelve places are scattered all over the state, some better known than others, but all held tight to the chest by those that love their Tennessee home. Have you visited any? Did we miss a few?
Let us know in the comments! We’re dying to visit YOUR favorite places.
Marcy Jo's is known for being a small, quaint restaurant in the middle of the country. It's everything you'd want from a country restaurant including the family atmosphere and the delicious down-home food. Don't leave without getting dessert!
Butterfly Hollow is the perfect Bed and Breakfast for those looking to get away from it all. Their rustic accommodations located in a secluded valley near Gordonsville makes it one of the most popular spots among locals.
The Pinson Mounds in West Tennessee are a group of at least 15 Native American mounds that were once used as burial grounds and ceremonial sites. The park might be one of Tennessee's lesser-visited parks, but it's chock full of some of the oldest history our state has to offer.
Everyone knows Meriwether Lewis's connection to the Western United States, but did you know that he had a strong connection with Tennessee as well? In fact, he's buried along the Natchez Trace Parkway where he died in 1809.
It's a shame that this is the only museum in the world dedicated to the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll." The museum is housed in the original school building of the town in which she grew up, and it contains memorabilia and outfits from her entire career.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws visitors year round. It is by far the most visited National Park in the country, but one of the most unique (and seasonal) attractions is the synchronous fireflies. They all flash in unison during firefly season, and it's one of the most beautiful and surreal things in the world.
The Tuckalechee Caverns in Townsend, just outside of the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is full of surprises. Not only does it boast the largest cavern room open to the public in the Eastern US (you can nearly fit a football field inside), it's also home to the tallest underground waterfall in the Eastern US.
Memphis is known for their barbecue and their brews, but Mud Island on the waterfront is an absolutely must-visit when you're in town. The park features a scale model of the Mississippi River as it winds from Minnesota to the Gulf.
Raccoon Mountain Caverns are one of Tennessee's most underrated natural wonders. Not only can you take the generic public tour, but you can also take personalized tours in to the deep, undeveloped parts of the caves where the only light is from your headlamps.
Hatchshow Print has gained a more prominent location since their move in to the Country Music Hall of Fame, but the history that you can find in this place is incredible. They've been printing posters in Nashville since 1879!
Did you know Tennessee has its own mini Jurassic Park? Ok, so the dinosaurs aren't real in this one, but they sure do look like it. Backyard Terrors is aptly named since it is in the owner's backyard, but the experience is truly once-in-a-lifetime.
You might think it's strange that a bathroom made it on this list, but this is no ordinary bathroom. It's actually award-winning. The Hermitage Hotel's originally decorated art deco men's bathroom draws tourists of its own, and it's definitely a spot to see if you're in downtown and looking for something local and hidden.
Continue the fun with these last-minute adventures to top off your summer. Have fun!
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