The Epic Adventure Bucket List Every Tennessean Must Complete
Here's the thing: Tennessee is full of adventures. From the quietest hike to the most beautiful drive, there are adventures around every corner. You don't need to go rock climbing to get an adrenaline boost, it's not necessary to jump out of a plane or strap your ankles to bungee cords. We've found a bunch of spots for you to enjoy (safely). Curious? Click the links in the captions below for more information.
1. Visit this little known grotto in Memphis.
The Crystal Shrine Grotto in Memphis has a quirky history, one rife with religious overtones and self-imposed creativity. The manmade grotto is crafted completed out of semi-precious stones and rock quartz.
2. There's one epic slide you should probably try...
The Alpine Slide is located at the Ober Gatlinburg theme park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the fifth most visited tourist spot in the state. How crazy is that?! Great for kids and adults alike, you'll feel like a true Olympian.
3. Visit the Eiffel Tower!
Yep, Paris, Tennessee has a replica of the famed tower in France. There's a neat story, so you may want to click above to read the whole of it. Did you know the idea came from college students?
4. Find yourself in the most romantic city in Tennessee.
Do you have any guesses? You may know from the Sunsphere up there, but there's a whole lot more to this east Tennessee gem than meets the eye.
5. Take a weekend to yourself...
We've found the best cabins in the mountains, each one of them more beautiful than the last. Great for couples or families alike, you can find the weekend home that's best for you.
We've put together a list of the scariest haunted places in Tennessee, and you could give yourself quite the scare by visiting every single of 'em.
7. Walk behind a waterfall...
But really - you can. You'll have to take a bit of a hike, but it's one of the most exciting experiences in the state. Perfect for you outdoorsy folks.
8. Experience a Tennessee natural phenomenon.
The fire rainbow is one of the most amazing things to see out here in Tennessee, and we've put together a guide that not only explains what it is, but where you're most likely to see it. Great for the curious adventurer!
9. Visit the most pristine lake in the state.
Not looking to do anything TOO crazy? That's alright - you can visit the most pristine lake in Tennessee. And we even did all the hard work for you.
10. Enjoy a meal at the oldest restaurant in the state.
Varallo's is located in Nashville and has been open since 1907. The family-run spot is great for a weekday lunch, and we'd recommend visiting when you're not on a diet. But really. Get all the details from us!
11. Find yourself at the steepest railway IN THE WORLD.
Did you know it was in Tennessee? Chattanooga, to be exact.The Incline Railways has a 72.7% grade, making it the steepest in the world - and you can ride it!
12. Explore a tiny town where something BIG happened.
We have five places you really should visit if you're looking to be shocked or surprised or just dang floored. Tennessee is chock full of stories, and these tiny towns take the cake.
Tired of Tennessee? Check out Nashville!
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