Tennessee
ABOUT TENNESSEE
Tennessee is located in the Southeastern United States, bordered by Kentucky and Virginia to the north, North Carolina to the east, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi to the south, and Arkansas and Missouri to the west. The state covers about 42,143 square miles and has a population of around 7.35 million people (2026 estimate), with Nashville as the capital and Memphis as the largest city.
Known as the Volunteer State, Tennessee is famous for its rich music heritage, scenic mountains, and historic landmarks. Visitors can enjoy Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the lively Nashville music scene, and historic sites in Memphis. Thanks to its extensive highway network, travelers often rely on driving directions to explore rivers, mountains, and cultural hotspots across the Volunteer State.
Major Cities to Discover
- Nashville: Known as the “Music City”, famous for country music, live entertainment venues, and cultural attractions like the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium.
- Memphis: Home of the blues, rock ’n’ roll history, and iconic barbecue; major attractions include Beale Street and Graceland.
- Knoxville: A gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, known for its riverfront, outdoor activities, and University of Tennessee campus.
- Chattanooga: Famous for the Tennessee River, Lookout Mountain, and outdoor adventure sports.
- Clarksville: A growing city with historic sites, riverside parks, and access to nearby natural attractions.
Annual Celebrations & Festivals
- CMA Music Festival (June, Nashville): The world’s largest country music festival, featuring top artist performances, fan meet-and-greets, and outdoor activities.
- Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival (June, Manchester): A huge music and arts festival featuring rock, indie, hip-hop, and creative arts, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors.
- Memphis in May (May, Memphis): Features events like the Beale Street Music Festival, World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, and international cultural celebrations.
- Mule Day (April, Columbia): Celebrates rural life and mules with parades, fairs, contests, and traditional activities.