Attractions in West Tennessee
West Tennessee is a super fun place to visit because it has so many cool things to see and do! It’s famous for its music, like blues and rock ‘n’ roll, its yummy barbecue food, and its interesting history. The biggest city is Memphis, but there are also smaller towns and beautiful nature spots that make this area special. Whether you like listening to music, learning about the past, or exploring outdoors, West Tennessee has something for you. Let’s check out the best places to visit.
Memphis: The Heart of West Tennessee
Memphis is the biggest city in West Tennessee, and it’s packed with exciting places to explore. It’s known for its music, history, and super tasty food.
Here are the top spots you should visit in Memphis:
1] Graceland – Graceland is the home of Elvis Presley, who was called the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. It’s not just a house—it’s like a big museum where you can see Elvis’s fancy cars, his sparkly clothes, and even a room decorated like a jungle! It’s one of the most famous places in Tennessee, and lots of people visit to learn about Elvis’s life. You can book tickets online at Tiqets to skip the lines.
2] Beale Street – Beale Street is a super fun street in Memphis where you can hear live music all the time, especially blues and jazz. At night, it lights up with colorful signs, and there are tons of restaurants where you can try barbecue. Barbecue is meat cooked slowly over a fire, and it’s a big deal in Memphis. You might even want to grab some ribs at a place like Blues City Cafe!
3] National Civil Rights Museum – This museum is in a special place called the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. stayed. It tells the story of how people in America worked hard to make sure everyone was treated equally. It’s a great place to learn about important history, and it might make you feel inspired. The museum is both educational and moving, so it’s a must-visit.
4] Sun Studio – Sun Studio is a small building where some of the biggest music stars, like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, recorded their songs. It’s like the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll! You can take a tour and see where these famous musicians worked. It’s a cool spot for anyone who loves music.
Other Towns in West Tennessee
1] Jackson – Jackson is a smaller city with a relaxed vibe and some fun places to visit. One cool spot is the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame, which is all about rockabilly music. Rockabilly is a mix of rock and country music, and this museum tells its story. Another great place is Casey Jones Village, where you can learn about trains and see an old train station. There’s even a museum about a famous train driver named Casey Jones!
2] Paris, Tennessee – Yes, there’s a town in Tennessee called Paris! It has a small version of the Eiffel Tower, just like the one in France, but this one is only 60 feet tall. The downtown area is really cute, with shops and restaurants, and the people there are super friendly. It’s a great place to visit if you want to see something a little different.
3] Savannah – Savannah is a quiet town with a cool attraction called the Tennessee River Freshwater Discovery Center. This place is perfect for learning about the animals and plants that live in the Tennessee River. If you’re traveling with your family, kids will love the interactive exhibits here.
Nature Spots in West Tennessee
1] Reelfoot Lake – Reelfoot Lake is a big, beautiful lake that was created by earthquakes a long time ago. It’s a great place to see birds, like bald eagles, and it has tall cypress trees that grow right out of the water, which looks really cool. You can go kayaking, fishing, or just enjoy the peaceful views. It’s a favorite spot for people who love nature.
2] Big Hill Pond State Park – Big Hill Pond State Park is perfect for hiking. It has lots of trails where you can walk and see pretty lakes and forests. It’s a great place to spend a day outdoors with your family or friends.
Planning Your Visit
If you want to visit West Tennessee, it’s easy to get around by car. You can fly into Memphis International Airport and rent a car through Economybookings to explore the region. Memphis is a great place to start, and you can take day trips to places like Jackson, Paris, or Reelfoot Lake. For places to stay, check out Booking.com for hotels, cozy inns, or bed-and-breakfasts.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are magical in West Tennessee. The weather’s perfect for exploring, the trees are putting on a show, and the outdoor festivals are in full swing.
Local Events Not to Miss
1] Memphis in May (music festival and barbecue competition)
2] Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival (winter birdwatching)
3] Paris Fish Fry (small-town charm at its finest)
For international visitors, staying connected is crucial for navigation and sharing those Instagram-worthy moments. Airalo offers excellent eSIM options for seamless connectivity throughout your trip.
Simple plan for a West Tennessee road trip
| Day | Destination | Must See Attractions | Where to Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1-2
|
Memphis
|
Graceland, Beale Street, Sun Studio, National Civil Rights Museum
|
Downtown Memphis hotels
|
|
3 |
Jackson |
Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame, Casey Jones Village
|
Local B&B
|
|
4
|
Reelfoot Lake
|
Birdwatching, kayaking
|
Lakeside Lodge
|
|
5
|
Paris |
Eiffel Tower, downtown square
|
Historic Inn
|
|
6 |
Savannah
|
Tennessee River Freshwater Discovery Center
|
Local Hotel
|
For hassle-free accommodations, I always check Booking.com first – they’ve got everything from boutique hotels to charming B&Bs that capture the local flavor.
Fun Facts About West Tennessee
- Memphis is the biggest city in West Tennessee, but Nashville, which is in Middle Tennessee, is the most visited city in the state.
- Tennessee is famous for music, barbecue, and whiskey, but West Tennessee is especially known for blues and rock ‘n’ roll.
- Reelfoot Lake was formed by earthquakes in the early 1800s, which makes it a unique natural wonder.
- The National Civil Rights Museum is located at the Lorraine Motel, a historically significant site.
The Famous Landmarks You Can't Miss
1] The Peabody Hotel Ducks – Yes, actual ducks that march through the lobby daily
2] Mud Island River Park – Offering stunning views of the Mississippi
3] The Pyramid – Now a Bass Pro Shops, but architecturally striking
4] Historic Beale Street – A living landmark of American music
Accommodation Strategies
| Location | Best For | Booking Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
|
Downtown Memphis
|
First Time Visitors
|
|
|
Midtown Memphis
|
Music Enthusiastics
|
|
|
Sub urban Area
|
Families
|
|
|
Rural Area
|
Nature Lovers
|
Local B&Bs through regional sites
|
FAQs
What is the biggest city in West Tennessee?
Memphis takes the top spot as the largest city in West Tennessee (and the second-largest city in the whole state). No surprise—it’s the beating heart of music culture.
Is Nashville in West Tennessee?
No. Nashville’s charm lies in Middle Tennessee. But hey, it’s worth the drive to experience the best of both regions.
What’s the most famous landmark in Tennessee?
Graceland in Memphis likely tops the list for West Tennessee, while the Great Smoky Mountains National Park wins statewide fame.
Is there a bus from Nashville to Dollywood?
Conclusion
West Tennessee is an awesome place to visit because it has something for everyone. You can explore the music and history of Memphis, check out quirky attractions in small towns like Jackson and Paris, or enjoy the beauty of nature at Reelfoot Lake and Big Hill Pond State Park. The region’s mix of city excitement, small-town charm, and outdoor adventures makes it a great destination for a family trip, a road trip with friends, or even a solo adventure.
So, pack your bags, bring your appetite for barbecue, and get ready to have a blast in West Tennessee! You’ll leave with tons of fun memories and maybe even a new favorite song or two.