I Like It, I Love It, I Want Some More of It: Tennessee

There is something truly special about Tennessee that keeps me wanting to visit more and more. In the past three years, I have gone to Tennessee five times, driving twice in my RV and flying the other times. So what is it about Tennessee that keeps luring me back again and again? Is it Tennessee whiskey? Country music? The Great Smoky Mountains, stunning backdrops, or just a bit of all of the above….

JACK DANIELS — THE ONE THAT PUT TENNESSEE WHISKEY ON THE MAP

The Jack Daniels Distillery produces all of the Jack Daniels worldwide, distributing to over 170 countries. Each barrel house contains a million gallons of whiskey and there are 90 barrel houses in Lynchburg. 

For good whiskey, the water has to be perfect. This cave here, called Cave Spring Hollow, holds a temperature of 56 degrees Fahrenheit- which is the first key in making this whiskey as perfect as it is. Jack Daniels bought the land, water, cave, and natural springs in 1881. Talk about a man with a vision!

This distillery has over 300,000 visitors a year, so if you’re a whiskey lover, I highly recommend a tasting and tour here. Don’t miss the gift shop!

BLACKBERRY FARM AND BLACKBERRY MOUNTAIN: OFF THE GRID LUXURY

Nestled right outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies an incredible place where you can clearly understand where the lyrics “for purple mountain majesties” come from. Blackberry Farms and Blackberry Mountain are just about 15 minutes from each other, overlooking some of the most beautiful topography. They have been voted as the best hotels in the U.S. time and time again thanks to their amazing hospitality, excellent food, wonderful excursions (think hiking, fishing, skeet shooting, and more), as well as extensive wine offerings (Blackberry Farms holds the second largest wine collection in the country). 

Although I’ve visited in spring and fall, every season here has something to offer. The changing of the leaves, however, is my all-time favorite. This is something you must experience- they change so quickly that they were completely different on the day we arrived than on the day we left. In other words, add at least one of these hotels to your bucket list asap!

THE CAPITAL OF COUNTRY MUSIC

I have been to Nashville twice now. It just makes me want to come back for more. The stores have boots, cowboy hats, and accessories galore. There is a casual yet elegant sense of style in the retail shops and a vibrant energy all around. One thing we can all agree on is that people visit Nashville because they want to have a good time and it never disappoints. I vote it the most fun capital city in the U.S.

The Country Music Hall of Fame walks you through its history and pays homage to the many country singers who have made this genre what it is today. It also traces the influence of Country on R&B, Rock, Folk, and more.

The sheer talent you see in Nashville is incredible. At the Listening Room, watching the inspiration for a song and the full story behind the lyrics was pure magic. Being a part of a songwriter showcase in the Country Music Hall of Fame was just as enjoyable. We saw a live performance by Don Schlitz who wrote the lyrics to “The Gambler” and “When You Say Nothing at All.” But the accessibility to talent and great music doesn’t end with people who have already made it big. The live music scene all over the city is unparalleled. 

You haven’t truly experienced country music until you have visited the Broadway bar scene known for its Honky Tonks. There is always country music, and a lively atmosphere, sometimes even a dance floor. Some of the honky tonks have 3 separate floors, with a different live band on each. Songs are taken upon request, but the performers are just so good. Our favorite was a female electric fiddle player. She was charismatic, and such a talented musician and entertainer!

The party buses and pedal bikes in Nashville are a common sight. They drive all around town with their own games and music, sometimes even bringing pedestrians in on the fun! Take your pick- there are fire trucks, school buses, and the one we did which was the tractor. Riding on one of these is all about having a good time as long as you don’t take yourself too seriously. 

NASHVILLE AS THE STATE’S CAPITAL

Further from Broadway, and the whiskey, this city serving as the state capital has a whole other beautiful side to it. The historic buildings like the State Capitol, Bicentennial Park, the World War II Memorial, and the courthouse feature architectural significance.

With Vanderbilt University’s campus in view, in the heart of Centennial Park, sits an actual full-scale replica of the Parthenon as its centerpiece. It was built for Tennessee’s Centennial Exposition in 1897. It was made as a temporary structure and meant to represent Nashville as the Athens of the South, and was such a hit that it was redone as a permanent structure.  

The food scene is excellent as well- Butcher and Bee, Rolf and Daughters, Biscuit Love, Sixty Six Vines, Five Daughters Bakery, Assembly Food Hall- from morning to night, the food all over this city (and the service) is top notch. Ice cream with whiskey mixed inside of it just makes it even better. There are also many excellent coffee shops. 

One thing is for sure, when you leave Tennessee, you'll be thinking about the next time you can come back, and who you want to bring along for the adventure! I promise you'll be listening to country music nonstop when you get back home. 

So, have you booked your trip to Tennessee yet? If not, let me help you create a unique itinerary just for you! 

This state has some of the most incredible and diverse architecture, music, food, culture, art, topography and more. Step out of your comfort zone, head to a state your friends have never been to, and plan a course for discovery. You will always find something impressive, inspiring, and memorable.

Is this still a bit too overwhelming? Piecing small cute places together is “Camp Lisa's” specialty. Customizing the stops along the way or creating an itinerary just for you is what Camp Lisa’s all about.

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