Nashville is the only place I've been. BIL worked at Vanderbilt and they lived in Franklin. Pretty countryside and the city is fun, especially if you like music ( and not just country-we heard lots of blues, too).

We did a driving trip through Tenn a few years back- went from Knoxville to Memphis with Nashville of course in between. loved everything and every place. I regret not having seen Chattanooga- which might be on your route. It was a bit too south of where we were heading and we were limited somewhat in time. I have heard wonderful things about Chattanooga.(and Nashville is delightful)

Thanks cyn and sheilaaus,

I forgot to edit my post and now I am too late.

I wanted to say I would be starting out driving thru Alabama and then Tennessee.

So if anyone has recommendations gor Alabama that would interest me also.

Looking forward to Nashville.

Thanks

Avoid the Pigeon Forge area unless you are into touristy kitsch.

I like Mobile, Alabama but that's probably not on your itinerary.

You don't mention your route so I can't tell if these things will be out of your way at all.

There are many things in Birmingham AL. The Southern Museum of Flight would be an interesting stop midway through the state. If you're coming up via Pensacola, there are many things to do there. In Orange Beach, there is the National Museum of Naval Aviation to visit.

In TN just north of the MS border close to AL, Shiloh National Military Park is listed as one of the top 10 Civil War monuments to visit.

Nashville has lots to offer and is easy to navigate. Just do a search for something that interests you and I'm sure you'll find it!

If you're heading through the NW corner or TN, a visit to Reelfoot Lake State Park is a must see! The visitors center has many birds that are unable to be released but give you an opportunity to see them up close, including several Bald Eagles. The drive around the lake is beautiful and you may catch some eagles out hunting.

Have a safe trip!

Oh and I forgot to mention that TN is a long state from east to west. Nashville to Memphis is about 3 hours. North to south is about 2 hours on a main highway.

I live in Tennessee. Quite near the PF/Gatlinburg area, actually. We avoid PF mostly but do enjoy Gatlinburg occasionally. If you like to shop, there are tons of outlet stores in PF. Also many theatres (comedy/musical, etc.) and home of DOLLYWOOD! LOL!! Gatlinburg is not as cheesy, a bit more upscale. Both have some good restaurants. But the main attraction in that area is the Great Smoky Mountain National Park! Cades Cove where early settlers lives. Gorgeous scenery. There is really too much about TN to post here. I would google, go to a travel site, or TN's homepage. The state of TN has many lakes and some beautiful state parks. I'm a fan of the little towns and the backroads more than the bigger cities and interstates. Chattanooga is a great little town - we were there last weekend. The riverfront revitalization is great! If you have any questions about specific areas of TN, I'd be happy to try to answer.

We're just outside of Huntsville. If you're on I-65 traveling south to north, the Space & Rocket Center is just off I-565 coming into Huntsville. Interesting space and aviation museum with lots of static displays outside & inside. If you have time to spend a day, go to downtown Huntsville and visit the old Harrison Brothers hardware store on the square. Part museum, hardware-type items & sundries for sale, and part local art on display for sale. Just fun to visit and browse. And several good restaurants around the square I can recommend. Two hours away from Huntsville is Nashville. Franklin is a little community just south and if you want to spend a little time strolling in a small town, stop there. Downtown Nashville's don't miss tourist stops are Tootsie's Orchid Lounge near Printer's Alley, the Ryman Auditorium (the original Grand Ole Opry), to name a few. If you are going thru Chattanooga there is the TN Aquarium and several other spots to recommend. Almost forgot. About 30 minutes north of Nashville just across the state line in KY is the Corvette museum. I'd highly recommend stopping and going thru the museum. We had passed by this several times and finally stopped. It will take a couple of hours at least to go through the museum, however, you can take a tour of the production facility which takes longer. There is also a 50's style diner (burgers, milkshakes, etc) in the lobby). Fun, and great cars on display. Another 30 minutes north of this is Mammoth Cave. Another thing we did on our last trip. We stayed overnight and went on a couple of the tours. Amazing.

Rosestinks, thanks for the tip on pidgeon forge. We will be driving up from Pensacola,fl so might be able to see mobile.

Dees1, reel foot lake state park sounds great , my husband would love too se all the eagles, but might be too far out of the way for us.

Tinam61, thank you , I think we might try to stop in Chattanooga depending on our timing.

Outside playing, great info. Thank you, funny that you mention franklin that is one place I had wanted to stay for one night as I used to have a friend living their many years ago whom has since passed away. Anything special in the town I should see or a good restaurant.

I know I am all over the place but I have never travelled in this area of country and would like to see it . This might be my only opportunity. I really have to get the maps online and try to figure out mileage and routes.

I was just there on a college trip and highly recommend Nashville, Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame. A highlight for us was a trip to the Loveless Cafe (technically in Nashville but far out of town). Prepare to wait 90 minutes but boy was it worth it, for food and ambiance.

Sorry, I am just now getting back to this thread.

Thanks again outside playing. You have given me good ideas, I will be in area around first week of April.

Tfitz,thanks also. Loveless cafe sounds interesting. We will see if we are around there.