Explore Tennessee United States

Explore Tennessee United States

What is the best time to travel to Tennessee

The best time to travel to Tennessee depends on your preferences and what you plan to do during your visit. Here is a breakdown of the seasons in Tennessee and what to expect during each:

Spring (March to May): Spring is a great time to visit Tennessee, particularly in April and May when the weather is mild and the trees and flowers are in bloom. It’s also a great time to visit the Smoky Mountains National Park as the wildflowers are in full bloom.

Summer (June to August): Summers in Tennessee can be hot and humid, but it’s still a popular time to visit due to school holidays and summer festivals. It’s a great time to visit the state’s many lakes, rivers, and water parks.

Fall (September to November): Fall is a beautiful time to visit Tennessee as the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. The weather is mild, making it a great time to hike and explore the outdoors. It’s also a great time to visit the state’s many wineries and breweries.

Winter (December to February): Winters in Tennessee can be cold and snowy, particularly in the mountains. However, it’s a great time to visit if you enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. It’s also a great time to visit the state’s many Christmas festivals and events.

Overall, the best time to visit Tennessee depends on your interests and what you want to do during your trip. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, spring and fall are the best times to visit. If you’re looking for summer festivals or winter sports, then summer and winter are great times to visit respectively.

How to get to Tennessee

Tennessee is a popular tourist destination in the southern United States, so there are several transportation options available to get there.

By air: There are several airports in Tennessee, including Nashville International Airport (BNA), Memphis International Airport (MEM), and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA), among others. These airports are served by many major airlines, making it easy to find a flight to Tennessee from anywhere in the world.

By car: Tennessee is easily accessible by car, as it is located at the intersection of several major highways, including Interstate 40, Interstate 24, and Interstate 65. If you are driving from nearby states like Kentucky, Georgia, or Alabama, you can reach Tennessee easily by car.

By bus: Greyhound and Megabus offer bus services to Tennessee from many major cities in the United States, including Atlanta, Chicago, and New York City.

By train: Amtrak offers train services to Tennessee from several cities, including New Orleans, Atlanta, and Chicago. The main train station in Tennessee is located in Memphis.

Once you have arrived in Tennessee, you can use a rental car, taxi, or rideshare service to get around, as public transportation options within the state are limited.

How to get around Tennessee

There are several options for getting around Tennessee, depending on your preferences and the location you’re visiting. Here are some of the most popular options:

Car: Renting a car is a great option if you’re planning to visit multiple destinations in Tennessee, particularly if you’re visiting rural areas or national parks. Major car rental companies like Enterprise, Avis, and Hertz have locations throughout the state.

Public transportation: Several cities in Tennessee have public transportation systems, including buses and light rail. Nashville, for example, has a bus system called the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), and Memphis has the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA). However, public transportation may not be as convenient for rural areas or smaller towns.

Uber/Lyft: Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are available throughout Tennessee and can be a convenient option for getting around cities or shorter distances.

Bike: Many cities in Tennessee have bike-sharing programs, which can be a great way to explore the city while getting some exercise. Additionally, several cities have bike-friendly infrastructure like bike lanes and trails.

Walking: Depending on where you’re staying and what you’re doing, walking may be a convenient and enjoyable option for getting around. Many of Tennessee’s cities have walkable downtown areas with shops, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance.

Overall, the best way to get around Tennessee depends on your itinerary and personal preferences. If you’re planning to visit multiple destinations, renting a car may be the most convenient option. However, if you’re only staying in one city or want to explore a specific area, walking or public transportation may be sufficient.

National Airports

Tennessee has several major airports that serve domestic and international flights. The major airports in Tennessee are:

Nashville International Airport (BNA) – located in Nashville, Tennessee, and serves the Nashville metropolitan area. It is the primary airport in the state and serves as a hub for several airlines.

Memphis International Airport (MEM) – located in Memphis, Tennessee, and serves the Memphis metropolitan area. It is the second busiest airport in the state and is a hub for FedEx Express.

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) – located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and serves the Knoxville metropolitan area. It is the third busiest airport in the state and offers nonstop flights to several major cities in the United States.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) – located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and serves the Chattanooga metropolitan area. It is a small airport that offers nonstop flights to several major cities in the United States.

Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) – located in Blountville, Tennessee, and serves the Tri-Cities region of northeastern Tennessee. It is a small airport that offers nonstop flights to several major cities in the United States.

Trains in Tennessee

Tennessee has two major passenger rail services that run through the state: the Amtrak’s City of New Orleans and the Amtrak’s Crescent. Both of these services connect Tennessee with other states in the region and beyond.

The City of New Orleans line stops in Memphis, Tennessee, with connections to Chicago to the north and New Orleans to the south. The Crescent line runs from New York City to New Orleans and stops in Tennessee in the cities of Memphis and Newbern-Dyersburg.

There are also several tourist trains that operate in Tennessee, including the Tennessee Valley Railroad, which offers scenic rides on restored vintage trains in the Chattanooga area.

Buses in Tennessee

Tennessee has an extensive bus network that connects major cities and smaller towns throughout the state. The following are some of the bus companies operating in Tennessee:

Greyhound: Greyhound is the largest intercity bus company in the United States, and it operates several bus routes in Tennessee, connecting major cities like Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.

Megabus: Megabus is a low-cost bus company that operates in Tennessee, offering services to and from cities like Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Memphis.

Amtrak Thruway: Amtrak Thruway is a bus service operated by Amtrak that connects several cities in Tennessee to the Amtrak train network. The service connects Memphis to New Orleans, and Nashville to Chicago.

Southeastern Stages: Southeastern Stages is a regional bus company that operates several bus routes in Georgia and Tennessee, connecting cities like Chattanooga, Atlanta, and Knoxville.

Martz Trailways: Martz Trailways is a bus company that operates bus routes between several cities in Tennessee and Virginia, including Nashville, Knoxville, and Bristol.

Additionally, several other regional bus companies operate in Tennessee, connecting smaller towns and cities throughout the state.

Accommodations in Tennessee

There are a variety of accommodations available in Tennessee to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the most common options:

Hotels and Motels: Tennessee has many hotels and motels throughout the state, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. Some of the most popular hotel chains in Tennessee include Marriott, Hilton, and Holiday Inn.

Vacation Rentals: Vacation rentals, such as Airbnb or VRBO, are also popular options in Tennessee, particularly in the more rural areas of the state. You can find vacation homes, cabins, and condos in popular tourist destinations like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Nashville.

Bed and Breakfasts: If you’re looking for a more unique and personal experience, consider staying at a bed and breakfast. Tennessee has many charming and historic bed and breakfasts throughout the state.

Camping and RV Parks: Tennessee has several state and national parks, which offer camping and RV sites. You can also find private campgrounds throughout the state.

Resorts and Spas: For a more luxurious stay, Tennessee has many resorts and spas throughout the state, particularly in the Smoky Mountains area.

When choosing accommodations in Tennessee, consider factors such as location, amenities, and budget. Many of the popular tourist destinations can get crowded during peak travel seasons, so it’s important to book in advance if you’re traveling during those times.