Fun Friday

Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure.

Can you guess where we are going this week? We are going to visit the state of Tennessee

1.) Grand Ole Opry located in Nashville The Grand Ole Opry is an iconic live performance show that made country music famous. As Nashville's number one attraction, it is a must-see for anyone who truly wants to experience Music City. Starting off as a radio broadcast in 1925, each daily show today is a unique mix of legendary music superstars and rising talents performing music or staging comedy shows and skits.

Take a daytime tour of the theatre to walk in the footsteps of these stars and see what goes on behind the scenes. You can also upgrade your tickets to include guided post-show backstage passes and artist visits.

2.) Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum located in Nashville  hours of operation are 9-5pm  The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is the home of this popular American art form, safeguarding over 2.5 million artifacts, with two expansive floors of gallery space featuring permanent- and limited- engagement exhibits. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is also home to Historic RCA Studio B and Hatch Show Print. It offers three dining and four retail options, all open to the public. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Admission is about $28

3.) Ryman Auditorium located in Nashville hours of operation are 10-4pm   When you walk through the doors of historic Ryman Auditorium, one thing becomes clear right away: this isn’t just another nightly music venue, and it’s so much more than a daytime tourist stop. This place is hallowed ground. This is the exact spot where bluegrass was born—where Johnny Cash met June Carter, where souls were saved and a slice of history was nearly lost. It was right here that country music found an audience beyond its own back porch, and countless careers took off as deals were signed on napkins and paper scraps backstage. Open daily for tours and shows, right in the heart of Music City. Admission about $35

Weekends are the busiest, so consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter and more intimate experience. There's a timed entry to the aquarium, so plan ahead when booking your tickets. And don’t forget to make use of the city’s free shuttle to get there.4.) Andrew Jackson's Hermitage located in Nashville  hours of operation are 9-6pm The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson, is one of the largest and most visited presidential homes in the United States, and recently named the #1 historic house in Tennessee. Today, The Hermitage is a 1,120-acre National Historic Landmark with over 30 historic buildings that welcomes some 200,000 annual visitors, including 30,000 schoolchildren, from all 50 states and many foreign countries. Visit Andrew Jackson's Hermitage to witness "The Duel: The Art of the Southern Gentleman." This 30-minute visitor experience will answer questions about dueling followed by an ACTUAL demonstration by our historic re-enactors. “The Duel” takes place every Thursday through Sunday throughout the day, free with paid admission.5.) Sun Studio located in Memphis  Sun Studio - The place where an 18 year old Elvis Presley recorded his first song. It’s well-known in the music industry as "The Birthplace of Rock 'N' Roll" and the most famous recording studio in the world. Opened by rock pioneer Sam Phillips in 1950, this national Historic Landmark is where superstar musicians like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and countless others started their recording careers. Today, Sun Studio still serves as a recording studio in the evenings while hosting public tours during the daytime hours.6.) National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel located in Memphis hours of operation are 9-6pm  At the place of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'S died in 1968 in Memphis, TN, the National Civil Rights Museum is a renowned educational and cultural institution. The Museum chronicles the American Civil Rights Movement with compelling presentations of iconic exhibits, oral histories of lesser-known civil rights foot soldiers, and visceral, in-the-moment experiences. Visitors will learn through emotionally charged, multi-user, multi-touch interactives, and a visually engaging, contemporary exhibit design that guides you through five centuries of history. Bring the whole family. While in town also check out the Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum hours of operation are 10-4pm Visitors can tour the tunnels used by runaway slaves who stopped at this plantation, one of the stations of the Underground Railroad.7.) Memphis Zoo hours of operation are 9-5pm YaYa, a female Giant Panda that calls the Memphis Zoo home, enjoys a sunny day.8.) Stax Museum of American Soul Music located in Memphis hours of operation are 10-5pm The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, is a 17,000 square-foot museum offering interactive exhibits, videos, vintage musical instruments used to create the Stax sound, stage costumes, photographs, records, and approximately 3,000 other items of memorabilia that tell the unique story, from beginning to present, of American soul music, particularly that of Stax Records and the Memphis Sound.Artists highlighted include Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, the Staple Singers, the Bar-Kays, Booker T. & the MGs, Johnnie Taylor, Little Milton, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Ike & Tina Turner, James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and hundreds of others. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have special safety precautions in place, such as mandatory mask-wearing for all employees and guests, social distancing, no large groups, and, for now, cashless transactions only.9.) Titanic Museum located in Pigeon Forge Admission is about $39 Students of history certainly know about the tragic fate of the Titanic, but you can actually experience what it was like on the ship with a visit to the Titanic Museum, in Pigeon Forge. After entering a museum that's a replica of this historic vessel, you can follow the story of an actual passenger. You walk along sloped decks, touch an iceberg, and see hundreds of artifacts from the ship. Multilingual audio tours are available in English, Spanish, German & Mandarin. The original violin from Wallace Hartley is on display here.10.) Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster located in Pigeon Forge hours of operation are 10am-11pm  Come Ride the Hill and Feel the Thrill! The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is the LONGEST DOWNHILL TRACK IN THE UNITED STATES, with over 1 mile of track and the ORIGINAL ALPINE COASTER in the Smokies! So if you are looking for an unforgettable experience on your vacation here in the Great Smoky Mountains, this is a must do! The carts are designed to carry one or two visitors in comfort but can be handled easily by one alone. The riders are in control of the velocity (up to 27 mph) and this gives them a unique hands-on experience! Rain, we have rain shields, snow or sunshine, no problem, as the excellent braking effect is unchanged so you can ride year-round! Age restrictions, weight restrictions may apply, parents may need to ride with small children. Our track has colored LED lights so you can experience our awesome Night Rides! The great "Uber Ride" is HERE!11.) Rockin' Raceway Arcade located in Pigeon Forge hours of operation are 10-10pm From kart racing on the fastest slick track in The Smokies to bouncing through more than 150 games of every type, there’s plenty of excitement at Rockin’ Raceway! Check us out online to take advantage of our great deals on our Go-Karts and play cards! We have a deal for everyone!12.) Tennessee Aquarium located in Chattanooga hours of operation are 10-5pm This aquarium has two buildings: River Journey, which showcases freshwater habitats from around the globe, and Ocean Journey, where travelers can view magnificent sea creatures. We recommend spending at least three hours at the aquarium as there are over 10,000 animals here. The little ones will especially love the cute macaroni penguins and mesmerizing sea jellies.

13.) Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga This mountain ridge is home to three scenic attractions: Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Incline Railway. Ruby Falls is the country’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall at 260 feet, while Rock City is where you can supposedly see seven states at the iconic Lover’s Leap. Then, brace yourself as you hop on the Incline Railway—the steepest passenger railway in the world. We recommend you spend at least 4 hours at Lookout Mountain to experience the highlights. Each attraction is priced separately and tickets sell out fast, so book early to secure your spot.

14.) Raccoon Mountain Caverns located in Chattanooga hours of operation are 9-5pm Raccoon Mountain Caverns is located just 1.3 miles off of I-24 at the Lookout Valley exit (#174), and is less than ten minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Visitors are presented with a cave in its natural state and our 45-minute (+/-) Crystal Palace Walking Tour allows them to view thousands of diverse formations - stalactites, stalagmites, delicate soda straws, flowstone, rimstone pools, draperies, columns, natural bridges, and a rare shield formation. We also offer a variety of wild cave "spelunking" expeditions for those who want to view beyond the lighted pathways and explore deeper into the mountain. Our Waterfall Dome expedition permits visitors to view the area's tallest underground, natural (unassisted) flowing waterfall.

15.) Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum located in Chattanooga  hours of operation are 9-5pm As you embark on this nostalgic train ride, you'll discover beautifully restored vintage locomotives and passenger cars that showcase the craftsmanship of a bygone era. The journey takes you through the picturesque Tennessee countryside, offering breathtaking views and a chance to reflect on simpler times. Within the museum's exhibit building, you'll find an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that bring the history of railroading to life.  The knowledgeable staff, dressed in period attire, are eager to share their passion for railroad history, answering questions and providing fascinating insights into the stories behind the exhibits. They'll help transport you to a time when steam engines ruled the rails and connected people from all walks of life.

16.) Creative Discovery Museum located in Chattanooga  hours of operation are 10-5pm Creative Discovery Museum is a hands-on children's museum in the heart of downtown Chattanooga that inspires all children to explore, innovate, create, and play. Our exhibits are designed to both entertain and educate as children discover the world around them and all it has to offer including art, music, dinosaur digging, water exploration, and science. Rated the #7 children's museum in the U.S. by Trekaroo in 2015.

17.)  Lotz House Museum located in Franklin hours of operation are 9-5pm  The compelling story of the times, the family, and the fine antiques of the Civil War era. The Lotz House, which has been on the National Historic Register since 1976, is located in the heart of downtown historic Franklin, Tennessee, at “the epicenter” of the Battle of Franklin, which was a pivotal battle of the Civil War on November 30, 1864. The House was the most heavily damaged structure on the Franklin battlefield. Walk in to witness the damage from the cannon balls that crash through the house and numerous bloodstains on all the floors. Plus on this tour, you will learn about the family, the Master WoodWorker who built the home by himself, how the family survived and how the bloody battle affected them for the balance of their lives! Reservations are not required for Guided tours of the historic home. In addition, walking battlefield tours and archeological tours are also available, but please call for reservations. Please join us as we step back into Civil War history.

While you're here in town check out the Carter House it was built around 1830 by Fountain Branch Carter. By the time of the Civil War it was a large agricultural operation. In the years leading up to the Civil War nearly thirty enslaved people lived and worked on the farm. The Carter home and property was consumed by the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864. The house served as headquarters for the United States Army during the battle. One of the Carter sons was mortally wounded during the terrible fighting and died in the house two days later. Sixty minute Classic house tours are offered as well as Battlefield, Slavery, and Extended tours.

Carnton was built around 1826 by Randal McGavock, an early settler in Middle Tennessee. By the time of the Civil War, Carnton was home to John and Carrie McGavock and it was a large working farm. Over forty enslaved people lived and worked at Carnton in the years leading up to the Civil War. On November 30, 1864, the site was witness to the Battle of Franklin. Carnton became the largest field hospital in the area following the terrible battle, and in 1866 the McGavock Confederate Cemetery was established nearby. Today the cemetery holds the remains of nearly 1,500 Southern soldiers. The family and enslaved cemeteries are also on site. Sixty minutes Classic house tours are offered as well as Extended, Slavery, Battlefield, and Behind the Scenes tours.

18.) Tuckaleechee Caverns located in Townsend  Tuckaleechee Caverns is a massive cave / cavern system and tourist attraction located in Townsend, Tennessee awarded 5 stars by AAA. Tuckaleechee Caverns is a short drive from Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Townsend, Cades Cove, Knoxville and Chattanooga. Tuckaleechee Caverns is the Highest rated cave or cavern in the Eastern US awarded 5 star "GEM" attraction by AAA. The "Big Room" is the largest cave/cavern room that is open to the public in the eastern United States and could almost fit a football stadium. Many stalagmites reach over 24 feet tall with flow-stone formations over hundreds of feet in length and width. Tuckaleechee Caverns is proud to have the tallest underground waterfall in the eastern United States, named "Silver Falls", a 210 foot two-tier waterfall. OPEN - MARCH 1 to NOVEMBER 30.

19.) Great Smoky Mountains National Park located in Gatlinburg Sugarlands Visitors Center is a great wealth of information before you go out on any adventures while you're here make sure to visit  Clingmans Dome which is the highest peak in the park. While you're in town make sure you check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum  and see all your favorite cars from your favorite shows like Mash, Andy Griffin, Batman, and General Lee just to name a few.

20.) Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo located in Sevierville hours of operation are 10-5:30pm Welcome to the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo & Deer Farm Riding Stables. You’re going to love our unique barnyard environment, nestled on 143 acres of a beautiful mountain property. Bring the family to meet, pet and feed our friendly animals, including goats, deer, camels, elk, reindeer, emu, zebra, exotic cattle, watusi, zonkeys, and so much more! You can even walk amongst our tame fallow deer. After the zoo, the little ones can enjoy a ride on one of our gentle ponies, led by Mom or Dad. Or, the whole family can take a relaxing horseback ride through our wooded Smoky Mountain home, led by our courteous and experienced guides. We hope to see you soon!

21.) Bush's Visitor Center located in Dandridge A small but informative museum on the history of the Bush family business. The staff are friendly and will answer any questions. Most of the videos are narrated by 3rd & 4th generation family members. Their homestead is still there, next to the plant. As a bonus, it’s free. Definitely worth a stop to check it out. The tour starts and ends in the small store. A stop at Bush's is sure to be fun, educational and to create unique memories.

22.) Stones River National Battlefield located in Murfreesboro hours of operation are 10-5pm Scene of a significant 1862 Civil War battle fought by 81,000 soldiers for control of middle Tennessee. While in town check out Oaklands Mansion hours of operation are 10-4pm Oaklands Mansion was a symbol of wealth and prosperity in pre-civil war Middle Tennessee. From approximately 1815, until its completion just before the war, Oaklands was built in four distinct phases by two generations of the Maney family and their enslaved workforce. Later, sold at auction to cover debts incurred as a result of the war, the mansion’s evolution is a demonstration of the adaptive reuse of a structure by multiple families over an extended period. By the 1950s the derelict mansion was abandoned and scheduled for demolition. Ultimately, it was restored and transformed into a house museum that serves the community as a cultural and heritage tourism destination. Book your self-guided tour today and experience the unusual evolution of this nationally registered historic structure. The home's collection of furnishings, artwork and personal items are as unique as the building itself. Museum staff will be available to answer your questions.

23.) Point Park - Lookout Mountain Battlefield's hours of operation are 9-5pm Part of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park, these grounds commemorate the "Battle Above the Clouds" that was fought on Lookout Mountain in 1863.

24.) Loretta Lynn's Ranch located in Hurricane Mills Visit the gift shop to purchase your tickets tours are given at the top of every hour admission is about $35 Walking into her plantation home was like stepping back in time. When they moved into the new house behind the old one, they left things as they were so her fans could see it and how she lived. Very modest actually. So neat! It smelled like she had just finished cooking for her family. Reminded me of my grandmother’s house. Getting to tour the replica of the Butcher Holler house gave you a really good look at where she came from and how far she had come, yet she never forgot her roots or the fans that helped her get there. If you have the time, take a trip to Hurricane Mills. You don’t have to be a huge fan to appreciate it and the story it tells. You will enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and the learning about the beautiful coal miner’s daughter from Kentucky.

25.) Museum of Appalachia located in Clinton hours of operation are 9-6pm The Museum of Appalachia is a living history museum--a pioneer mountain farm-village that lends voice to the people of Southern Appalachia through the artifacts and stories they left behind. Roam the 65-acre complex and experience a recreated Appalachian community complete with: -36 authentic log structures (including Mark Twain's Family Cabin) -Farm animals -Over 250,000 artifacts in 3 buildings, with vast collections of folk art, music memorabilia, baskets, quilts, Native American artifacts, and much more. The Museum hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including Sheep Shearing Days, July 4th Anvil Shoot, "Days of the Pioneer" Antique Show, and A Candlelight Christmas.

26.) Discovery Park of America located in Union City hours of operation are 10-5pm Discovery Park of America is a world-class educational experience with a 100,000-square-foot museum and 50-acre heritage park nestled in the beautiful and scenic Reelfoot Lake Region in northwest Tennessee. Explore dinosaurs, vintage cars and military vehicles as well as experience space science and engineering. At our heritage park, take a step back in time to the old 1800s Settlement, walk among lush gardens and board our vintage trains near the Train Depot. There is something for everyone of all ages to enjoy while visiting the hidden gem of the South - Discovery Park of America. Plan your visit today.

27.) Andrew Johnson National Historic Site located in Greenville  Excellent spot to study a time in history as Greeneville is all about Andrew Johnson.  Two different homes lived in by Andrew Johnson and his family and a replica of his birthplace are all here along with his Tailor shop which is inside the visitor center. After hours we were still able to walk around the grounds and read all the historical plaques. If you love US history, make a visit to Greeneville.

28.) Historic Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary  located in Petros  the paranormal tour  happens from 10pm to 2am. There is only one group at a time of up to 6 people. It was four of my family. The guides opened it up, gave us some information, and after we signed the waiver, turned us loose in this fantastic old prison with just our whits and flashlights. The buildings are completely falling apart and while it's definitely fun to tour something in a state of ruin (we've toured other penitentiaries like this), it honestly looked like there was no care taken to preserve anything. he informational placards around the penitentiary (though the museum was done well). The mine nearby actually looks just as interesting as the penitentiary and we wished there was more information about it.

29.) President James K. Polk Home & Museum located in Columbia hours of operation are 9-5pm  The only surviving residence of James K. Polk other than the White House. Samuel Polk, a prosperous farmer and surveyor, built the house in 1816 while his oldest son James was attending the University of North Carolina. When the future President graduated in 1818, he returned to Tennessee and stayed here with his parents until his marriage to Sarah Childress in 1824. While living in his family’s Columbia home, James practiced law and began his political career by successfully running for the state legislature. Visitors today get to see original possessions of President and Mrs. Polk including furniture, paintings, clothing, documents and White House china.

30.) Rusty's TV and Movie Car Museum located in Jackson  At Rusty's TV & Movie Car Museum we have two buildings and over 50 vehicles that have been used in movies and TV as well as TV and movie memorabilia. There's something for all ages! Many of the cars are the actual cars used in the shows and can only be seen here. The last tour starts at 4:30 so you have time to enjoy the museum. Thanks to rusty admission is 10 for adults and 5 for kids 12 and under... under 5 is free

31.) Fort Loudoun State Park located in Vonore  This historic state park was one of the first British fortifications on the western frontier. It has been restored and is open for the historical education and enjoyment of the public. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.

32.) Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park located in Pall Mall  This park memorializes the life of Sergeant Alvin C York, for his heroic actions and bravery during WWI. This park has plenty of history to be explored, but also offers some beautiful scenery and opportunities to experience nature. WWI trench battle reenactments are also held here.

33.) Fort Donelson National Battlefield located in Dover  This marks the site where Confederate general Simon B. Buckner surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant, Union general.

34.) Rocky Mount State Historic Site & Museum located in Piney Flats hours of operation are 10-4pm  Take a step back in time and experience Tennessee history in a gorgeous and peaceful setting. Rocky Mount State Historic Site is home of the famous Cobb house and other historic structures and is well-known for its service as the capital of the Southwest Territory in the late 1700s. On Rocky Mount’s 40 acres, visitors will also find a flock of authentic Cotswold sheep, a blacksmith shop and a garden maintained by master gardeners. On the grounds, passionate costumed interpreters, educators, museum guides and many volunteers share their expertise with guests, who will leave with greater knowledge of the history of Northeast Tennessee and the state. The site also features a beautiful, state-of-the-art museum filled with 18th and 19th century artifacts and valuable historical information. For a more immersive experience, check out the many programs and events offered at Rocky Mount. We’re glad you have joined us!

35.) Storytellers Hideaway Farm and Museum located in Bon Aqua  Located a short drive west of Nashville on I-40, this was the place Johnny Cash used to escape from public life. Now the Storytellers Hideaway Farm and Museum in Bon Aqua, TN is a must-stop for anyone interested in knowing more about the man behind the country music legend, as well as the region’s rich history. We have an extensive collection of Johnny Cash and classic country photos and memorabilia, including the famous One-Piece-At-A-Time Cadillac, created from Johnny’s own song of the same name. The Hideaway Farm belonged to Johnny for over thirty years. Come see the house where he lived, and the land that he loved, the place he called “the center of my universe.” Visitors are welcome to savor the peace and serenity of the 8 acres that surround the house.

36.) Backyard Terrors Dinosaur Park located in Bluff City  hours of operation are 9-9pm As a fan of roadside attractions, I've been to my share of dino parks across the country. This is by far the best dino park in the country and easily beats the gated admission dino parks on quality. You'll find this one not too far off the main roads around Bristol. You just pull in and explore. This park is so much bigger than you would think when you hear of a backyard dino park. It wanders through sets and wooded trails. The quality of dinos is really special. If you've been to any traditional dino park, they are usually hard statues that fade over time. These are wrapped in a realistic exterior that blends into the woods nicely. As you wander the park, Jurassic Park tunes and dino roars play in the background. This is well worth a detour from far and wide. While it may be free, leave them a donation because it is well deserved. I can only imagine the October haunt has the same creativity as this operation. Go check out the best dino park in the country and enjoy. A+

With just over 1100 things to do in the state you really can find many interesting things to do to get back in touch with nature and spend time with family and friends.

I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious.

Written by: BeautifulChaos318