TENNESSEE,  The State that dips its feet in the mighty Mississippi and rests its head on the Great Smoky Mountains.  The Volunteer state is blessed with three distinct cultural and geographic regions, West, Middle and East that offer a variety of scenery and attractions wrapped in an atmosphere of spectacular friendliness and hospitality always associated with the South.

WEST TENNESSEE is anchored by Memphis on the Mississippi River and is known for its legendary Rock ’n’ Roll and Blues histories including the Stax Museum of American Soul and contribution to America’s popular music as well. West Tennessee is also the home of legends, like Elvis Presley and his beloved Graceland, Casey Jones, Loretta Lynn, Dixie Carter and Tina Turner. Memphis is rich in history including the National Civil Rights Museum.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE is anchored by Nashville, Music City USA, and country music’s influence is apparent in small town festivals, like the Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree, and in major attractions, like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Grand Ole Opry. Middle Tennessee is also antebellum heaven, with plenty of majestic 1800’s mansions like The Hermitage: Home of Andrew Jackson and Belle Meade Plantation.

EAST TENNESSEE is flavored by Appalachian music, history and crafts. From Bristol to Knoxville and from Chattanooga to Cumberland Gap, there is much to see and do. From the excitement of Dollywood and Gatlinburg, to the Great Smoky Mountains, Civil War and pioneer homes, old-time music festivals and spectacular mountains are just part of the experiences that draw travelers year round.

AND ALL THREE REGIONS are famous for food! There’s BBQ (jerked, pulled, steamed and sliced), fried catfish, rainbow trout, chicken (hot spiced, fried or stewed with dumplin’s), our "meat and threes" with heaping bowls of garden fresh vegetables and a variety of orchard fruits to delight the most seasoned travelers. Don’t forget our vineyards all across Tennessee, where award-winning wines take top honors!

WHAT’S NEW IN 2006? Plenty! Chattanooga's new 21st Century Waterfront Revitalization includes an increased expansion of the Tennessee Aquarium and new parklands, retail and restaurant space along the riverfront.   The Hunter Museum of Art in the Bluff View Art District has also just gone though a major renovation.   The Northwest Passage at the Memphis Zoo boasts a $23 million dollar exhibit with polar bears, black bears, bald eagles, seals and sea lions.   Also, in Memphis the Cotton Museum shares the story of the cotton industry and its impact on American.   The fascinating exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame which has been named one of the Top 20 events by the Southeast Tourism Society runs through the end of December.  Widow of the South tours, based on the novel listed on the New York Times bestseller list is set at Franklin's Carnton Plantation.   In the Great Smoky Mountains, the new Heritage Center in Townsend has opened and highlights the history of the Native Americans and mountain life.   Fixin' to Rain, a new Broadway style production set in the 1930's Appalachia opens at the Governor's Palace and The Miracle, a new show at the Miracle Theatre (formerly Louis Mandrells) features and impressive cast with more than 100 performers portraying the greatest story ever told. 

Additional information can be found on the Web at www.tnvacation.com or by contacting the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development at 615-741-2159 or Lee.curtis@state.tn.us