Tennessee | Think Tennessee

The Tennessee Climate

Whether you’re looking to visit Tennessee or thinking about relocating there, Tennessee weather is sure to please you. Tennessee boasts mild weather and separate seasons, not-too-cold winters and beautiful summers. It’s the perfect state for outdoor fun, without the need for adt home security and such —head over to Tennessee today to enjoy that beautiful weather.

Four Seasons
Tennessee’s climate is generally mild, but the state’s weather still allows for clear-cut seasons. That truly is the best of both worlds, and everyone is sure to find a season they enjoy. Most precipitation takes place in the winter and the early days of spring. The winters are mild, with the temperate averaging about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and that season sees the occasional mild snow. Summers, on the other hand, are beautiful—the weather gives temperatures that average in the low 80s. July is Tennessee’s hottest month, and January is generally its coldest.

Notable Weather
As any resident of the state knows, travelers to Tennessee should look out for some notable weather there. Summer can be humid. At the same time, in the mountains, one day can see a big range of temperatures. Finally, Tennessee can be susceptible to tornadoes.

Regional Differences
In Tennessee, the climate can vary between the eastern and western borders of the state. Northeastern Tennessee is noteworthy as this region is mountainous and has lower temperatures than much of rest of the state. You can expect to see more snow there in the winter as a result. If you’re planning a trip out to Tennessee, you’ll want to check up on the local weather of wherever you plan to go.

Filed Under: Climate Tagged With: Tennessee, United States, Weather

The Grand Ole Opry and the 2010 Tennessee Floods

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The Grand Ole Opry is a country music stage show that began broadcasting weekly concerts on the radio in 1925. Over time, the Opry evolved – its running time increased, its audience grew, and its concerts featured more and more professional musicians.

Between 1940 and 1974, the Opry had a home in the Ryman Auditorium, but in 74, it moved most of its concerts to the larger, 4,400-seat Grand Ole Opry House. A circular piece of the Ryman Auditorium’s wooden stage was moved to the Opry House and became an iconic piece of the new stage.

In 2010, at the end of April and through the first few days of May, parts of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi experienced record breaking heavy rains and severe thunderstorms. During just two days, over a foot of rain fell, doubling most local rainfall records.

The Cumberland River in Nashville crested at over 50 feet – a level not seen for over seventy years – and caused significant flooding that damaged the Grand Ole Opry House and various other halls, malls, arenas, auditoriums, hotels, churches and schools in the area. The Federal Government declared over 30 Tennessee counties major disaster areas.

The Opry House stage and its iconic wooden circle were under several feet of water. Memorabilia was removed from the House and the effort to repair damage to the building began. The Grand Ole Opry was moved temporarily back to the Ryman while the Opry House was unusable.

In September 2010, the Opry moved back home to the repaired Opry House, showing that the landmark building is as timeless and enduring as the music performed within its walls.

Filed Under: Climate, News Tagged With: Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Tennessee

A Family Fun Vacation to Tennessee

Cost-effective family vacations–especially week long excursions that include lodging and meals–have become increasingly popular over the years as families try to figure out how to have fun without breaking the bank. Tennessee is a popular vacation destination because there are so many exciting things to see and do that don’t cost a fortune—and are perfect for families. If you decide to visit Tennessee, make sure you send your family and friends postcards so they can share in the experience. Here are just a couple places and activities to get you started.

The Memphis Rock N Soul Museum

The Memphis Rock N Soul Museum is dedicated to keeping rock ‘n roll and soul music alive for new generations. It’s also known for having a huge collection of rare Elvis memorabilia. A stop at the Memphis Rock N Soul Museum is essential for any music loving family that is traveling to the Tennessee area.

Various Food Festivals

Tennessee also has a wide range of food festivals that are available throughout the year. Check on the Internet and plan your vacation to include at least one of these amazing taste-fest events. Some of the most common food festivals include the Blackberry Farm: Taste of South event that is held every January, the Turkey Hunt in April for a huge banquet meal and even the Cornbread Festival at the end of April.

The Spooky Side of Tennessee

Families who love sharing ghost stories will enjoy taking a tour of several supposedly haunted Tennessee sites offered by the Appalachian Ghost Tours. These tours–which take place at night–are informational walking tours that offer a historical look at Tennessee in a spooky and frightening way.

This is just a small sample, but with all the wonderful things to do in Tennessee it’s hard to imagine why more families aren’t vacationing there. In fact, you’ll have so much fun that your friends and family back home will be jealous when they see the postcards you send them while on vacation!

Filed Under: Entertainment, General Tagged With: Elvis Presley, Memphis Tennessee, Tennessee

Enjoy Open Spaces, Forests, Lakes In Parks As Big As Huge Cities – Visit Tennessee

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If you live in a highly urbanized environment, then a visit to the state of Tennessee can be a fantastic experience. You can visit various state parks and hiking trails in the state and enjoy close communion with nature that you never thought possible. For starters, Tennessee is a great mix of mountains, open spaces and urban areas. Secondly, there is a lot of emphasis on physical exertion and activity in the state. The state has not joined the rat race and is not out to become the most developed and urbanized region in the world.

There is emphasis on development and money but there is equal emphasis on protecting the natural flora and fauna in the state. This is the reason why a visit to state parks like the Radnor Lake State Park will be a life changing experience. You can enjoy access to diverse natural habitats within the same park. You can check out lakes, streams, forests and hiking trails all in the same place.

From passive recreation by simply sitting on the edge of the lake when the sun is setting to active recreation by hiking up a hill or spending time in a tree house-the state park offers fantastic options.

You will never be short of choices because the Radnor Lake State Park is as big as Nashville. The only difference is that the entire park is filled with nature and all her bounties.

This state park is situated in Davidson County in Tennessee close to Nashville. The park is open all round the year except on major holidays and you can walk into the park without paying anything for admission.

Make sure you incorporate a visit to at least one of the state park in the state when you are planning a trip to Tennessee. You will come back longing for more as nature envelops you in her firm grasp.

Filed Under: Events, Travel Tagged With: Hiking, State park, Tennessee, Trail

Tennessee – The Grand State Of Open Spaces, Mountains And Lots Of Country Music.

Any person who has spent many years in United States of America will have a general idea about the state of Tennessee, its location and its characteristics. However, simply knowing that Tennessee is situated towards the eastern side and is placed near the center of the country is not going to help you enjoy your vacation there, right?

Tennessee is a great place for travel and tourism. However, too much of a good thing can also be bad. People get so excited with the various sites and attractions that the Tennessee has to offer that they end up planning their attention as if they are running a long marathon.

By the time they finish the first two days, they discover that they are so tired that they cancel the entire plan and relax in a hotel and go back home. Well, you can plan your travel and tourism vacation in Tennessee provided you are not too greedy.

The first and the most important step is to identify which attraction would you want to visit without fail in the state of Tennessee. If you are a lover of country music, then it is obvious that skipping Nashville will be a very big mistake.

The state of Tennessee is well known for being the home of country music. It has a very rich cultural heritage as far as music and arts are concerned. If you want to explore the artistic side of your personality, then perhaps you can give the hiking trails and the beautiful mountains a skip and focus on the capital of country music.

On the other hand, if you are a fitness buff and if you want to enjoy the Appalachian mountains and if you want to hike in all the trails in the state, then you better be prepared for a tiresome vacation. There are trails that are open during winter as well and you can hike to your heart’s content.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Events, News Tagged With: Nashville Tennessee, Ohio Valley Conference, Tennessee, Trail

Planning A Holiday In Tennessee? Sports Hall Of Fame Is A Must See For Kids

: Image by jakintza_ikastola via Flickr

What is the point of spending your holidays in the state of Tennessee if you are going to visit malls, eat in restaurants and stay in hotels all the time? You can do this even in your home city and be none the wiser for the same. Don’t you think your travel plans should include something that helps you know more about the state that you are visiting?

Of course, taking your kids to the museum to know more about civil war history may lead to a rebellion right in your house. Your kids may just not be interested in attending an extended history class during their vacation. Well, why don’t you start the educational aspect of the trip by proposing a visit to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and Museum?

Kids love sports and they would definitely be interested in knowing more about the history of sports in the grand state of Tennessee. This is a huge museum that comes with the latest technological devices that help children interact with various exhibits to know more about it.

Rather than employing a guide, you can simply spend time at each and every exhibit knowing more about the text and content attached to it. The history of sports in the state of Tennessee is chronicled since the early 1800s.

While this information may not seem of any practical value for your child, this certainly could suggest incorporating this aspect in the school report that he or she will prepare on the vacation.

As far as contemporary stars are concerned, your child will probably excited to know more about his or her favorite star in basketball, baseball or other such sports. You can plan your trip anytime you want because this museum is open all over the years and the admission fee is as low as just three dollars.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Events, Travel Tagged With: Museum, Sport, Tennessee, United States

Planning A Trip In Tennessee-Online And Offline Resources Make It A Simple Task

There was a time when arranging a trip to another state like Tennessee would require a lot of organization and administration. If you are traveling as a group, then you would need an individual appointed as the head of the group who will be in charge of all such logistical activities.

Well, the internet has simplified the task of travel and tourism to different states like Tennessee, Michigan etc. Further, the state governments have come up with numerous facilities that help travelers enjoy their trip better. The state of Tennessee operates 14 welcome centers in the state. The administration has also set up 19 rest areas across the state and maintains updated brochures on each and every travel attraction in the state in such rest areas.

Hence, your online research and plans apart, you can make use of the welcome centers to get updated information about the various attractions. The biggest advantage of contacting such welcome centers is that the initial part of your trip is implemented very smoothly.

Once you get settled and comfortable in good accommodation, you will find it easier to plan your trip and execute your existing plans. The welcome centers will also give you sufficient options to make suitable changes to your itinerary if you feel it is not the best one.

Most of these welcome centers are open throughout the day and are active all round the year. This means that you can land in the state of Tennessee whenever you want and you will still get a warm welcome with suitable information about arrangements and logistics.

These facilities are apart from the travel and tourism facilities offered by private individuals all over the country. Hence, you certainly need not take the risk of ending up with an unsatisfactory vacation as long as you travel to Tennessee.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Michigan, Tennessee, Travel, United States

Catch Sight Of The Baldheaded Eagle In Tennessee – The Bird That Symbolizes America.

: Image via Wikipedia

If you are planning on some bird watching, make sure you arrange trips close to the low elevation lakes in the state of Tennessee. Surprised? What does low elevation has to do with your desire to watch birds?

Well, you would improve your chances of being the lucky individual to watch the bird that symbolizes the United States of America if you plan your trip around low elevation lakes. During winter, the baldheaded eagle is commonly found nesting in and around such lakes. The baldheaded eagle is a major tourist attraction for all travelers to the state of Tennessee.

The government has recognized this and has come up with numerous laws to protect the baldheaded eagle. Although this eagle is no longer in the list of endangered species, there still are laws that protect the eagle and its habitat. These eagles are found nesting in very tall trees that are situated close to water bodies.

Hence, you can combine your trip to observe the baldheaded eagle in its natural habitat with some wonderful water sports as well. All it takes is a lake, kids and lots of enthusiasm to have fun. You can also snatch a couple of romantic moments with your spouse during sunrise or sunset.

Make sure you collect sufficient information about the baldheaded eagle and have the information in your hand so that your child can learn even as if he or she sees the eagle in its natural setup. The nest of a meted pair can weigh as much as a ton. All these trivial information should be recorded carefully and should become part of your child’s fun filled vacation.

Accessing such habitats is not difficult as you can book a spot at any popular state park or mountain retreat. Not only will you enjoy site of the eagle, you can also check out other animals like elves and even fireflies on your trip.

Filed Under: News, Travel Tagged With: Bird, Eagle, Tennessee, United States

Knoxville Zoo-A Great Place To Help Your Kid Enjoy Animals From Close Quarters

: Image by SeeMidTN.com (aka Brent) via Flickr

Your kid maybe all in favor of spending time in the five star hotel and enjoying shopping in the mall during the holidays in Tennessee. However, you can introduce your child to real fun by taking him or her to Knoxville zoo. Many kids are unimpressed with zoos because they just get to see those animals that they have seen before.

However, Knoxville zoo is different because it helps kids come in close contact with more than 800 animals. Secondly, the zoo has come up with a very new and novel idea of encouraging kids to run their own zoo. The kids will be made in charge of a very small zoo where the child will be responsible for proper care of the animal.

Watching your child take responsibility of maintaining an animal under zoo conditions is certainly going to be a fun experience. Not only will it make a great photo opportunity, it will also help you find out whether your kid is prepared to have his or her own pet yet.

Knoxville zoo also offers an animal encounter village where children can observe animals at very close quarters. Making arrangements for trip to the zoo is not a difficult task as it is centrally located and is easily accessible no matter where you are during your holidays. Once you take your child to the zoo, you better be prepared for coming up with more such interesting attractions in your itinerary.

As long as your kid is satisfied and fascinated with the past experience, you will have no problem in attending even supposedly boring attractions like musical shows and country music events in the state of Tennessee. Make sure you capture sufficient snaps of the experience and encourage your child to write about it in his or her blog or social networking profile.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Knoxville Tennessee, Knoxville Zoo, Tennessee, Zoo

High Hazard Dams in Tennessee Exempt From Inspection-A Peculiar Problem

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The administration in Tennessee is facing a peculiar problem as far as unregulated farm ponds are concerned. Under an Act set up in 1973, a dam fulfilling certain conditions and requirements was specified as farm pond and was exempt from inspection by the state authorities.

As on date, there are close to 86 dams in the state that are exempt from inspection. Water bodies that are not available to the public and dams which have been constructed on such waters more than 50 years ago are treated as exempt from inspection. State government decided to inspect such dams and found that most of them were in good condition.

However, there were instances where dams were in need of immediate repair. The government is dependent on the permission from the dam owner to allow inspectors into the property. This is the reason why they are facing problems in convincing the owners that their dam is in need of repair. One owner has denied that the dam is leaking and has stated that the supposedly leakage was water from a stream. This can be dangerous because just one broken dam can wreak havoc with the ecology.

There is a proposal to strengthen the power of the state government to inspect such dams and require immediate repairs in case of high hazard status for such dams in the State of Tennessee. However, it is yet to become a law. High hazard dams are those dams which will cause huge losses to property and life in the event of destruction.

With close to 58,000 acres of reservoir space in Tennessee, it is obvious that regulation of such dams should improve. This is currently a topic of discussion between various political parties as pros and cons of improving the power of the state government to inspect hazardous dams is under contemplation.

Filed Under: Events, Government, News Tagged With: Dam, Structural Engineering, Technology, Tennessee