tennessee

Appalachia (Appa-latch-uh), an impoverished region of the eastern United States, is a time capsule: a place one can go to hear stories of old wonder and adventure that just don’t seem to exist anymore; to eat and drink the best American versions of jam, cinnamon bread, apple pie, and moonshine; and to momentarily forget what century it is. Dolly Parton, a world country star, holds this belief. She was born here, in Appalachia, in a one-room cottage tucked away in the forest of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Though departing to Hollywood when she was a young woman, Dolly never forsook her past, culture, or heritage and Appalachia is famously dear to her heart.

Travelers have long since sought out places associated with classic artists: Stratford to visit Shakespeare’s hometown, Giverny to tour Monet’s house, and Salzburg to bask where Mozart composed his music.

In autumn, the Tennessee hills blaze with color. Red, orange, and yellow leaves brighten the landscape. The air remains warm but is cooled by a pleasant breeze. It is an enchanting place, buzzing with creative energy. There is little wonder why this region is famous for attracting musicians.Think about it: so many musical genres have roots in Tennessee—blues, gospel, country, and rock and roll. Between Memphis and Nashville you can find memorials celebrating B. B. King, the Reverend Al Green, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the King himself—Elvis Presley.Locals relish their rich musical history. This pride is demonstrated by a state senate bill passed in 1999 that officially designated the region of Interstate 40 between Memphis and Nashville as the “Music Highway.” Today, there are signs along the road celebrating this title and directing travelers to musical landmarks such as murals, monuments, and museums. Just a sampling of sites includes a rich variety of destinations.

This spring, pack away your parachute, hang up your harness, and bind up your bungee, because the world of extreme sports can now offer you much more than the same old activities of jumping out of planes, hanging from cliffs, or diving off bridges with just a cord attached to you. Though this sport has been around for nearly 10 years, it is relatively new to the United States. The name? Globe-riding.