Where should we go in Kentucky/Tennessee?
December 25, 2007 10:06 PM 
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Within 5 days, where should we take a roadtrip in Kentucky/Tennessee/other close-ish areas?
So. A very good friend of mine lives in Texas, and I live in Cincinnati, OH. We have not been able to see each other since she moved to Texas two and a half years ago. This year, for Christmas, my mom and her dad got in cahoots back in October and secretly arranged, for both of our Christmas presents, to plan a trip for us to go on together in June of 2008. Her parents are flying her in and out of Lexington, KY, and we'll have 5 days 4 nights in the time that she's here.
Now, they picked Nashville, TN as a tenative place for us to go, but also left this mostly unplanned so we can pick what we want to do. At least one day should be spent in Nashville, but 5 days is a lot to spend in Nashville, so we're interested in a mini-road trip around the Kentucky/Tennesee area or anywhere else within, say, a 4 hour radius or so.
Of interest: hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting (we REALLY REALLY want to do this. where's the best place? West Virginia? is that feasible?), general exploring, the mountains, pretty scenery, other adventures, maybe a museum or two, etc. Not necessarily of interest: sporting events/things, pricey restaurants or hotels. We've got some time to save some money, but we're also both college students, so cheaper is defientely better.
Where are your favorite places in this neck of the woods? If it were you, what would you go and see? We're both female and will both be 21 at that time (though, I should add, neither of us drink much).
Thanks in advance!
posted by Quidam to travel & transportation (10 comments total)
2 users marked this as a favorite
If you're already in the Chattanooga neighborhood, Rock City/Ruby Falls/Lookout Mountain is a touristy spot, but one that's pretty enjoyable, since the attraction is still built out of some awesome natural formations, both above and below ground.
In between Nashville and Chattanooga you cross over Monteagle, part of the Cumberland Rim - driving Hwy 41 over the mountain is a great spot for just checking out the views - it's twisty and slow going at times, but again, worth the drive if you're in the area. Don't try it your first time in a driving rain or at night, you'll miss the view, and the road can be a lot more dangerous then.
Just north of Monteagle you're into Tennessee Whiskey Country, home to both Jack Daniels and George Dickel, both historic tours.
This area is also Tennessee Walking Horse country.
From there back into Nashville you pass through my hometown area - Murfreesboro is an old southern town that's grown over the years, is home to a large University, and lots of shopping options, as well as the Stones River National Battlefield and National Cemetary. Also not a bad potential home base for exploring the area.
Nashville itself gives you all the usual music themed stuff, the Parthenon, some pretty good museums, and lots of tourist opportunities.
You could easily spend a day around Lexington (check to see if Keeneland is in session, an afternoon at the races is actually pretty cheap if you watch the betting), exploring Lexington Cemetary (strange as it sounds, it's really a beautiful place when all the trees and flowers are filled out), lots of historic buildings downtown and a couple of blocks up at Transyvlania U.
I don;t live in the area anymore, but if you want to shoot a MeMail, I'll come up with anything else I can.
posted by pupdog at 10:32 PM on December 25, 2007 [1 favorite has favorites]