Tennessee is a beautiful state with a rich history dating back over two hundred years from when it joined first joined the Union. Other than Missouri, it borders more states than any other—eight to be exact! The Tennessee River, one of the main topographical features, divides the state into three sections: East, Middle, and West. In the eastern part are Tennessee’s share of the great Appalachian Mountains—home to the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in America—and Clingman’s Dome, the highest elevation in the state at over 6,600 feet. Its lowest point is farthest west, at the Mississippi River which separates it from its neighbor, Mississippi. The Middle section is strewn with green valleys separated by woodland ridges and also contains a large plateau region. It’s in this portion of the state where you’ll find Nashville, the state’s capital, which also happens to be the country music capital of the world. But Nashville has more than just country music—other than Austin, TX, Nashville averages more live music venues than any other US city. The western protion of the state is known as the Great Valley, where the ridges are more subdued and valleys become broader. To the far west of this portion of the state you’ll find Memphis, Tennessee’s most populous city, which is always bustling with energy. For sports, there’s Memphis Grizzlies basketball, Tennessee Titans football, Nashville Predators hockey, and plenty of minor league baseball. And of course, Tennessee is also home to the Jack Daniel’s distillery, Dollywood, and the ever-enticing Graceland, home of the King of Rock himself, Elvis Presley.

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