Tennessee Car Rental

Guide to Tennessee

Geography

The Tennessee and Mississippi rivers pass through the state, as do the awe-inspiring Blue Ridge Mountains. The largest cities in Tennessee are Nashville and Memphis.

Climate

The climate of Tennessee is technically classified as humid subtropical but it’s actually quite moderate, thanks to winds from the Gulf of Mexico. The best time to visit is either spring or autumn.

Tennessee Culture

Heavily influenced by British and African roots, Tennessee boasts such a vibrant music scene. Bristol is famously called the ‘birthplace of country music.’ Jazz, the blues, soul, and gospel are also quite popular here.

Things to do in Tennessee

Immerse yourself in local history

To learn more about the growth of Tennessee’s musical traditions, visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol and the Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum in Memphis. Together, they tell the stories of the many aspiring artists who fought racism and poverty through their music. While you’re in Memphis, make sure to visit the Clayborn Temple, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr delivered a number of his speeches.

Muse in the mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, divided between North Carolina and Tennessee, is the country’s most visited national park. Head here for some scenic drives, stunning views of the foliage from a high observation tower, and sequestered valleys like the Sugarlands.

Go boating in the Lost Sea

Located near Sweetwater, the Lost Sea is a gigantic subterranean lake connected to a cave system. Prepare to be awed as you paddle past spectacular rock columns.

Eating out in Tennessee

Barbecue is one of Tennessee’s specialties, and where better to eat it than at Jim Neely’s Interstate B-B-Q in Memphis? No one’s been able to puzzle out the secret ingredient of their legendary sauce, but maybe you’ll be lucky. Another state delicacy is hot chicken. Party Fowl in Nashville makes it so well that Lay’s was inspired to create a whole new flavor of potato chips.

For some of that famous Tennessee wine, catch up with friends at The Fox Bar and Restaurant in Nashville. You’ll also find some lovely candies at The Goo Goo Shop.

Tennessee Transport

Airports

The largest and best-connected airports in Tennessee are Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Memphis International Airport (MEM).

Public transport in Tennessee

Most counties in Tennessee have their own internal transit systems. For inter-city travel, take Megabus or Greyhound. Amtrak has two stations in Tennessee (Newburn-Dyersburg and Memphis) and it connects to Chicago and New Orleans.

Driving in Tennessee

Driving is the most common mode of transport in Tennessee. If you do not have your own vehicle, consider renting one from reputable car rental agencies like Enterprise, National, or Alamo.