10 Undeniable Differences Between The Eastern And Western Parts of Tennessee

Tennessee offers diverse landscapes, music scenes, and cultural experiences from east to west.

We love this great state, from one side to the other, whether we're hiking the craggy slopes of Eastern Tennessee or wandering the expansive farmland to the west. Tennessee is a long and skinny state, running strong and narrow across the southern United States. As you can expect, with that wide of geographical region, there are a few differences from one side of the state to the other. Did we get them all right? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

10. The landscape, for one.

You'll find rolling farmland to the west, gorgeous mountains to the east.

10. Plus those cities.

To the east you'll find the biggest city to be Knoxville, whereas western Tennessee boasts the much bigger metropolis of Memphis.

8. The music scene tends to differ quite a bit.

Think bluegrass to the east, blues to the west.

7. As do the music legends.

Dolly Parton belongs solidly in the Great Smoky Mountains, and Elvis will always be Memphis.

6. Industry work is wildly obtuse as well.

You'll find a medical and agricultural emphasis to the west, and the eastern side of the state subsists on more granola tourist opportunities, like hiking and running the ever fabulous Ober Gatlinburg.

5. Would you rather small farm towns, or small mountain towns?

We're sure you can guess which one's which.

4. Eastern Tennessee has mountain streams, whereas...

...Western Tennessee boasts the great Mississippi.

3. Unfortunately, crime is a little higher on one side than the other.

Mainly because Memphis is a sprawling, massive town with quite a few tourists and newbies filtering in and out. It's not a reason to bash the city, though - we'll love it either way.

2. The dialect is different on both sides of the state.

In Memphis, you're bound to hear a more classic southern accent like that of neighboring Mississippi, but in the mountains the twang is reedy, solid pronunciation.

1. But we all belong right here...

...in our great Tennessee. And for that, we will always be thankful.

Pretty true, wouldn't you say? If you can't choose a side, check out this gorgeous middle Tennessee town!

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