Are you from Tennessee? ‘Cause you’re the only ten I see! Jokes like that are one of the many things you can look forward to if you’re looking into moving to Tennessee. When looking into moving to another state, no matter which one, it’s always important to research to see if it’s the right fit for you or you and your family.
Adjusting to Tennessee lifestyle should be a breeze as it has so much to offer; the country music capital, Nashville, aka Music City, is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the country. So, if you want to honky-tonk, look no further. Tennessee is also home to the Great Smoky Mountains, which are amazing for hiking and taking in the scenic views.
Is Tennessee for me?
Is Tennessee for me – let’s find out and discuss in more detail the following:
- Nashville
- Great Smoky Mountains
- Dollywood
- Average Temperature and Weather
The Music City, The Grand Ole Opry, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, to name a few. There’s plenty to do downtown, especially on Broadway, with bars like Eric Church’s Chiefs, Kid Rocks Big Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse, Ole Red, and Jason Aldeans bar Aldeans to name a couple. These are just a few highlights, but there are many more to explore, each with its own unique vibe and musical offerings.
Whether you’re a country music fan or just looking for a good time, Broadway has something for everyone. If bars aren’t your scene, dive into Nashville’s rich history at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where exhibits chronicle the genre’s evolution. For a taste of the outdoors, head to Centennial Park, home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, or explore the trails of Percy Warner Park.
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, you should check out quirky attractions like the Johnny Cash Museum or the Lane Motor Museum. Of course, no trip to Nashville is complete without sampling its famous whiskey at distilleries like Jack Daniel’s or Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery.
The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee offer a widely diverse array of different activities for all outdoorsmen and women. Suppose I were to start my Smokey experience. In that case, this is how I would do it: Start your adventure with a scenic drive along the Newfound Gap Road, which winds through the heart of the national park, offering breathtaking views of beautiful forests, impressive waterfalls, and majestic peaks.
From here, lace up your hiking boots and explore the park’s extensive trails, ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging treks like the Alum Cave Trail or the Appalachian Trail. For wildlife enthusiasts, Cades Cove provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including black bears, deer, and wild turkeys.
Lastly, one experience you can’t miss out on if you’re in the mountains is visiting Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies, for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
“Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, I’m begging you, please don’t pass up the opportunity to visit Dollywood.” Dolly Parton, the all-time queen of country music, has her theme park and museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Dollywood, nestled in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, is a beloved theme park that blends thrilling rides, live entertainment, and Appalachian culture for a taste of Tennessee.
Thrill-seekers can enjoy roller coasters like the “Thunderhead” and “Wild Eagle,” and families can splash around in the water rides of Splash Country or take a slow train ride through the scenic foothills. Finally, no visit to Dollywood is complete without indulging in some Southern comfort food, from hearty barbecue to sweet treats like cinnamon bread and funnel cakes, along with pecan pie and southern delicacies like grits and jambalaya.
Tennessee’s climate varies across the state, influenced by its extensive array of geography, like mountains, plateaus, and plains. Generally, Tennessee experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Perfect for the person who doesn’t want to experience the harsh winters but also doesn’t want to deal with the insane summer heat of the south.
In the western part of the state, summers are typically hot and humid, with average temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s. At the same time, winters are relatively mild, with temperatures averaging in the 40s and 50s. Eastern Tennessee, including the Great Smoky Mountains region, tends to be cooler due to its higher elevation, with temperatures moderated by the mountains.
Tennessee is the “Lake Boaters” absolute dream state. Unlike the north, the boating season is months longer. Some lakes to take note of are Norris Lake, Watts Bar Lake, and Guntersville Lake. Summers are warm but slightly more relaxed than in the west, while winters can be colder, with occasional snowfall in the higher elevations.
In spring and autumn, wildflowers in the spring and vibrant foliage in the fall, making them ideal times to visit the smokies. I’ve talked about the positives, but it’s also important to remember to take note of the negatives. Tennessee, a beautiful state, still has severe weather, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and occasional winter storms.
The western side is more susceptible to tornadoes, especially during the spring and summer months, while the eastern region can experience heavy rainfall and flooding, particularly in the valleys and low-lying areas.
Is it worth moving to Tennessee?
Tennessee, Tennessee, no place I’d rather be! With the heart of music, Nashville dives into it’s rich history at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where exhibits chronicle the genre’s evolution.
For a taste of the outdoors, head to Centennial Park, home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, or explore the trails of Percy Warner Park. The Great Smokies: Lace up your hiking boots and explore the park’s extensive network of trails, ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging treks like the Alum Cave Trail or the Appalachian Trail.
Dollywood, nestled in the picturesque Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, is a beloved theme park that seamlessly blends thrilling rides, live entertainment, and Appalachian culture. And, of course, the weather is perfect for the person who doesn’t wanna experience the harsh winters but also doesn’t wanna deal with the insane summer heat of the south. “Tennessee—America at Its Best.”
