Map Of Tennessee North Carolina And South Carolina
If you’re planning a trip to the southern part of the United States, then Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina are must-visit destinations. These three states offer a diverse range of attractions that cater to all types of travelers, from history buffs and nature lovers to foodies and adventure seekers. In this travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
Tennessee is home to some of the most popular attractions in the country, such as Graceland, Dollywood, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. North Carolina is famous for the Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Outer Banks. South Carolina has its own share of attractions, including Myrtle Beach, Charleston Historic District, and the Fort Sumter National Monument. Be sure to add these to your itinerary.
Hidden Gems
While the popular attractions are a must-visit, there are also plenty of hidden gems that are worth exploring. In Tennessee, visit the hidden gem of Rock Island State Park. In North Carolina, stop by the charming town of Blowing Rock. And in South Carolina, take a trip to the Congaree National Park, which is home to the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States.
Food Scene
The southern states are known for their delicious cuisine, and Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina are no exception. Be sure to try the barbecue, fried chicken, and biscuits and gravy. In Tennessee, try the hot chicken at Hattie B’s in Nashville. In North Carolina, try the Lexington-style barbecue at Lexington Barbecue in Lexington. And in South Carolina, try the shrimp and grits at Husk in Charleston.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget? No problem. There are plenty of ways to save money in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Look for free attractions, such as parks and beaches. Eat at local diners and cafes instead of expensive restaurants. And book your accommodations in advance to get the best deals.
Outdoor Adventures
The southern states are blessed with beautiful natural landscapes, which makes them perfect for outdoor adventures. In Tennessee, hike the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In North Carolina, go whitewater rafting in the Nantahala River. And in South Carolina, go kayaking in the Congaree River.
Historical Landmarks
If you’re a history buff, then you’ll love the historical landmarks in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In Tennessee, visit the Andrew Jackson Hermitage and the Belle Meade Plantation. In North Carolina, visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial and the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. And in South Carolina, visit the Fort Moultrie National Monument and the Middleton Place.
Family-Friendly Activities
The southern states are also great for family-friendly activities. In Tennessee, take your kids to the Nashville Zoo and the Adventure Science Center. In North Carolina, visit the North Carolina Zoo and the Great Wolf Lodge. And in South Carolina, take your kids to the Children’s Museum of the Upstate and the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
For those who want to get off the beaten path, there are plenty of unique experiences to be had in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In Tennessee, explore the abandoned town of Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In North Carolina, go gem mining in Franklin. And in South Carolina, take a ghost tour in Charleston.
Natural Wonders
The southern states are home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country. In Tennessee, visit the Ruby Falls and the Lost Sea Adventure. In North Carolina, see the Linville Gorge and the Chimney Rock State Park. And in South Carolina, visit the Table Rock State Park and the Hunting Island State Park.
Vibrant Nightlife
Looking for a night out on the town? Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina have plenty of options. In Tennessee, head to the Broadway strip in Nashville for live music and dancing. In North Carolina, check out the bars and clubs in Raleigh. And in South Carolina, go bar hopping in Charleston.
Local Markets
If you’re a fan of shopping, then you’ll love the local markets in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In Tennessee, visit the Nashville Farmers’ Market and the Chattanooga Market. In North Carolina, check out the Asheville City Market and the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. And in South Carolina, visit the Charleston City Market and the Greenville State Farmers Market.
Beaches and Mountains
The southern states have it all, from beautiful beaches to majestic mountains. In Tennessee, visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In North Carolina, go to the Outer Banks for some beach time. And in South Carolina, visit the Charleston Beaches and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Cultural Immersion
The southern states are rich in culture and history, and there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in it. In Tennessee, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. In North Carolina, check out the North Carolina Museum of Art and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. And in South Carolina, visit the South Carolina State Museum and the Gibbes Museum of Art.
Art and Music Scene
The southern states are also known for their vibrant art and music scene. In Tennessee, visit the Ryman Auditorium and the Frist Art Museum. In North Carolina, check out the North Carolina Symphony and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. And in South Carolina, visit the Spoleto Festival USA and the Greenville Symphony Orchestra.
Walking Tours
One of the best ways to explore the southern states is on foot. In Tennessee, take a walking tour of downtown Nashville. In North Carolina, explore the historic district of Wilmington. And in South Carolina, take a guided tour of Charleston’s Battery and Rainbow Row.
Architectural Marvels
The southern states are home to some of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the country. In Tennessee, visit the Belle Meade Plantation and the Hermitage Mansion. In North Carolina, see the Biltmore Estate and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. And in South Carolina, visit the Magnolia Plantation and the Drayton Hall.
Historical Sites
For those who love history, there are plenty of historical sites to visit in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In Tennessee, visit the Shiloh National Military Park and the Stones River National Battlefield. In North Carolina, see the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and the Tryon Palace. And in South Carolina, visit the Fort Sumter National Monument and the Kings Mountain National Military Park.
Biking Routes
The southern states are also great for biking enthusiasts. In Tennessee, take a ride on the Shelby Farms Greenline. In North Carolina, explore the Blue Ridge Parkway. And in South Carolina, bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Wellness Retreats
For those looking for a wellness retreat, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina have plenty of options. In Tennessee, visit the Isha Institute of Inner Sciences for yoga and meditation. In North Carolina, check out the Art of Living Retreat Center for wellness workshops and programs. And in South Carolina, visit the Wild Dunes Resort for fitness classes and spa treatments.
Adventure Sports
Finally, for those who love adventure sports, there are plenty of options in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In Tennessee, go ziplining at the Ocoee River Basin Canopy Tour. In North Carolina, go rock climbing at Chimney Rock State Park. And in South Carolina, go parasailing in Myrtle Beach.
With so much to see and do in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip. Use this guide to plan your itinerary and make the most of your time in the southern states.