Centertown TennesseeATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Centertown, Tennessee.
1. Rock City
BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Rock City is a stunning natural landmark located just six miles from downtown Chattanooga, standing 1700 feet above sea level with a 100-foot waterfall cascading down the mountain. Visitors can explore trails winding through gardens offering panoramic views and fascinating geological features like Lover's Leap and Fat Man's Squeeze. The attraction also features the enchanting Fairyland Caverns, a series of caves showcasing scenes from classic fairy tales illuminated by blacklight.
2. National Civil Rights Museum
HISTORIC CIVIL RIGHTS LEGACY
The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis is housed in the Lorraine Motel, the historic site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in April 1968. The museum's self-guided tour covers five centuries of civil rights history through hundreds of artifacts, 40 short videos, oral histories, and interactive media. Visitors should plan to spend at least two to three hours exploring this educational and inspirational attraction that chronicles slavery, reconstruction, segregation, and the civil rights movement.
3. Tennessee Aquarium
RIVER AND OCEAN JOURNEY
The Tennessee Aquarium, situated on the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, has been educating visitors about aquatic creatures and ecosystems for over 30 years. The aquarium immerses visitors in two distinct experiences: The River Journey and Ocean Journey, housed in enormous tanks with the largest holding 618,000 gallons. Featuring approximately 800 species, it is the largest aquarium in Tennessee and offers hands-on experiences like touching stingrays in open tanks.
4. Centertown Harvest Festival
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The Centertown Harvest Festival is one of the key attractions in this small Tennessee town, celebrating the community's agricultural heritage. The festival features local food vendors, craft booths showcasing regional artisans, and family-friendly activities that highlight the town's traditions. Visitors can enjoy live music, seasonal treats, and connect with the warm, welcoming spirit of rural Tennessee during this annual event.
5. Sun Studio
BIRTHPLACE OF ROCK 'N' ROLL
Sun Studio, known as the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll, is where legendary artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis launched their careers. Visitors can take guided tours through the original recording studio where the first rock 'n' roll single was recorded in the 1950s. The studio maintains much of its vintage equipment and memorabilia, allowing guests to experience the authentic atmosphere where music history was made.
6. Downtown Nashville
MUSIC CITY CENTRAL
Downtown Nashville serves as the vibrant heart of Music City with its iconic honky-tonks, live music venues, and the renowned Broadway strip. Visitors can explore attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, and the Johnny Cash Museum all within walking distance. The area comes alive day and night with street performers, diverse dining options, and shops selling everything from custom cowboy boots to Nashville souvenirs.
7. Lookout Mountain
PANORAMIC THREE-STATE VIEWS
Lookout Mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views spanning three states: Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. The mountain is home to several attractions including Rock City Gardens, Ruby Falls (an underground waterfall), and the Incline Railway, one of the world's steepest passenger railways. History buffs will appreciate the mountain's significance during the Civil War, where the "Battle Above the Clouds" was fought in 1863.
8. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
MOUNTAIN-TOP SCENIC EXPERIENCE
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park offers visitors a scenic chairlift ride to the top of Crockett Mountain with spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The park features the SkyBridge, North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge spanning 680 feet across a deep valley with a glass-floor section at its center. Visitors can also enjoy the SkyDeck observation area, SkyTrail walking path, and SkyCenter where refreshments are available while taking in the panoramic mountain vistas.
9. Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
SOUTHERN PLANTATION LEGACY
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery preserves a beautiful Greek Revival mansion that was once the centerpiece of a 5,400-acre thoroughbred horse farm and plantation. Visitors can tour the 1853 mansion with its original furnishings and learn about the influential Jackson family who raised prize-winning horses that influenced bloodlines of modern thoroughbreds. The experience concludes with a complimentary wine tasting from the on-site winery, allowing guests to sample wines while learning about Tennessee's viticultural history.
10. Andrew Jackson's Hermitage
PRESIDENTIAL HOME AND GARDENS
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage is the preserved plantation home of the seventh President of the United States, spanning 1,120 acres of stunning grounds and historic buildings. Visitors can tour the Greek Revival mansion filled with original furnishings and personal items belonging to President Jackson and his family. The site also features beautiful gardens, Jackson's tomb, a museum with interactive exhibits, and educational programs that explore the complex legacy of Jackson's presidency and life.
11. Great Smoky Mountains Scenic Drive
NATURAL MOUNTAIN BEAUTY
The Great Smoky Mountains Scenic Drive offers travelers breathtaking vistas, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to numerous short hiking trails leading to waterfalls like Grotto Falls. Visitors can easily spot black bears, deer, and other wildlife while enjoying one of America's most visited national parks. The drive features multiple overlooks where the mountains appear to smoke with the natural fog that gave the range its name.
12. Beale Street Historic District
BLUES MUSIC HERITAGE
Beale Street Historic District is the entertainment hub of Memphis, known worldwide as the "Home of the Blues" where legends like B.B. King and Louis Armstrong performed. The vibrant three-block stretch features historic clubs, restaurants, and shops that come alive with the sounds of blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll, and gospel music every night. Visitors can enjoy distinctive cuisine like Memphis barbecue while experiencing the street's unique atmosphere, complete with neon signs and live performances.
13. Saturday Market
LOCAL ARTISANS AND FOOD
Nashville's Saturday Market offers a great variety of items from local vendors, artisans, and farmers in a vibrant community setting. Visitors can browse handmade crafts, fresh produce, unique gifts, and sample delicious food from diverse culinary traditions. The market provides a perfect opportunity to experience local culture, meet Tennessee makers, and discover unique treasures while supporting small businesses.
14. The Peabody Hotel
FAMOUS DUCK MARCH TRADITION
The Peabody Hotel in Memphis is famous for its unique daily Duck March tradition where five mallard ducks march to and from the grand lobby fountain along a red carpet. Visitors can watch this charming spectacle that dates back to the 1930s and has become one of the city's most beloved traditions, occurring twice daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. The historic hotel also features spectacular rooftop views overlooking the Memphis area and a glimpse of the ducks' special rooftop living quarters.
15. Incline Railway
WORLD'S STEEPEST PASSENGER RAILWAY
The Incline Railway in Chattanooga is one of the world's steepest passenger railways, climbing an impressive 72.7% grade up the side of Lookout Mountain. Passengers enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys through the large windows of vintage-style railcars during the mile-long journey. At the top, visitors can explore Point Park, a Civil War battle site, and other Lookout Mountain attractions that partner with the railway for combined experiences.