Bristol, Tennessee

Bristol Farmer's Market

Known as the birthplace of country music Bristol, Tennessee is a quiet place for a one night stop. Bordering both Tennessee and Virginia and in the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains Bristol is a small community with an amazing atmosphere.

Made popular by sports’ fan because of the Bristol Motor Speedway this community has a lot to more to offer than just a NASCAR race. The State Street Farmer’s Market is open from May to October. Find recipes, buy fresh locally grown produce or just experience the atmosphere of this unique stop.

The Bristol Caverns gives you a one hour tour beneath the earth’s surface. This is one of the oldest attractions in the northeast and definitely worth the admission. The highlight of the tour is walking along an underground river that is 180 feet below the earth’s surface.

There’s more to Bristol than what I’ve mentioned, the Appalachian Caverns and the Rocky Mount Museum got my attention, but like I said it was a one night stop and we were on the road again. Our next stop, Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Memphis, Tennessee

Let me just start by saying that one night in Memphis isn’t enough! There is so much to see and do there that a traveler could easily become over stimulated trying to pack everything into a short visit. So here is a quick guide to a quick stop in Tennessee’s largest city.

Graceland – Every first timer to the city of Memphis must stop here regardless of if you love, hate or don’t even know who Elvis is. Graceland is the second most visited house in the United States and if you missed the era of shag carpet you’ll enjoy this blast from the past as the home is preserved exactly as it was when Elvis Presley lived there.

The Bar-B-Q Shop Restaurant – You can’t go to Memphis and not have Bar-B-Q. With sauces made from scratch and meat cooked in a real Bar-B-Q pit it doesn’t get any better than the Bar-B-Q Shop.

Embassy Suites Hotel – Conveniently located off of I-240 and directly across from the Regalia Shopping Center. The Embassy Suites gives you a luxury room and a great breakfast at a modest price.

National Civil Rights Museum – Relive the Civil Rights movement through several multimedia and visual aid displays as well as see the room that Dr. Martin Luther King was staying in and the balcony where he was shot. This museum takes you into some of America’s darkest hours but also our countries greatest triumphs.

Believe me, there is plenty more to do in this great city but if time doesn’t allow you’ll be very pleased with these selections.