Nashville is often referred to as the “Athens of the South” thanks to the many colleges and universities that the city is home to. Nashville is best known across the world as the birthplace and capital of country music. The city was formed in 1779 and is an important financial centre in America. The city serves as an excellent drop-off point for exploring the entire state of Tennessee with many historical attractions worth visiting.
Sight-seeing in Nashville is more complex than you think. While you may have exhausted the options of things to see in the city area, there are so many day trips from Nashville that you can take in order to appreciate the city better. Even on a small budget, you will learn that there is a diverse selection of places to see, around the area.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Deep in the layers of Limestone are the world’s largest caves, aptly named the Mammoth caves. Established in 1941, these caves were turned into a National Park and have been a major tourist site for over 200 years. If you are not afraid of the dark, the Mammoth caves are ideal for you to spend a couple of hours and take one of the many cave tours for visitors. Some of the most interesting tours include the Grand Avenue, the Frozen Niagra and Fat Man’s misery.
The Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains are famous for being the most visited parks in America. With tall mountains reaching a maximum height of 6500 feet, and large expanses of forests, this national park is in Gatlinburg, almost 3 hours away from Nashville. But for adventure sports enthusiasts, it is a must visit. What makes it even more special is that it is nature at its best with beautiful flowers such as orchids and mountain magnolias that you can see at the visitors centre in the mountains.
Cummins Falls
If you love to hike in the backdrop of beautiful waters, than Cummins Falls is the place to be. Located at a distance of 80 miles from Nashville in the city of Cookville, the Cummins Falls are famous for being one of the ‘best swimming holes’ in all of US. The waterfall is 75 feet tall and flows into a pool which offers swimmers a tremendous view. But to get to the waterfall, one must go through a short hike which promises slippery rocks for you to encounter. Ensure you have the right footwear before going on this adventure
Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain is a tiny little town in Hamilton County, and just five miles to the south of Chattanooga. One of the best experiences one can have at Lookout Mountains is that of the Incline Railway which is famous for being the steepest passenger railway in the world. You can also get access to attractions such as Rock city and Ruby Falls. You can get the best bird-eye view of Chattanooga valley from the top of this attraction.
The Rock City Gardens
Close to the Lookout Mountain, the Rock City Gardens is a splendid creation of nature. Made up of enormous prehistoric rock-formations, the Rock City Gardens feature more than 400 native plants. On every step of the trail you will encounter something enchanting, whether it is the Fairyland Caverns, the beautiful blooms, or the magnificent waterfalls.
Cumberland Caverns
Located in McMinnville, at a distance of 90 minutes from Nashville, the Cumberland Caverns were discovered in 1810 but opened to the public only in 1956. The Cumberland Caverns are a treasure trove for adventure seekers with more than 32 miles of caves, and innumerable passageways, you can find underground waterfalls, underground rock formations and dark pools. You can opt for either day-time or overnight tours.
Knoxville
Knoxville is another day trip from Nashville that takes approximately 3 hours to reach, but for history aficionados, it is a must visit. Although Knoxville is most famous for the University of Tennessee, which has a splendid garden that is open to the public every day; it is also home to the iconic Sunsphere tower famous for its marvellous observation deck views. You can also visit the Confederate Memorial Hall, the East Tennessee Historical Society Museum, and the superb Market Square where you can catch some live entertainment as you shop and eat there.
Chattanooga
Chattanooga, located on the Tennessee River is just a two hours drive to the southwest of Nashville. If you are looking to spend a peaceful day to go on a paddle boat tour of the best views of the city and its surroundings, then you must take a day trip off to Chattanooga. You can also explore the city on foot. But perhaps, Chattanooga is best known for its railway. While in Chattanooga, make sure you visit the original 1909 Terminal Station of the city and experience the Chattanooga Choo-Choo experience. Also visit the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts and the Hunter Museum of Art.
There is no way that you can think of taking an off day while visiting Nashville, purely because the city and its surrounding areas have so much to see and so much more to do. A trip to Nashville would certainly demand a packed itinerary and one that is worth every minute and every penny. There is no dearth of what all you can explore on your visit to this historic city so are you ready to get on it yet?
Be the first to comment