Carefree Operation, The Sunny Side of Life, With Added Doses of Fun

Make a run for the border! Tennessee's borders offers a rich variety of choices for getaway fun, whether it's for a day or a week. Our border cities, like Memphis, Union City, Clarksville, the Tri-Cities, Chattanooga and the interesting, small towns in between, are fertile ground for music, motion and more.

Bristol Motor Speedway
Since 1961, the Bristol Motor Speedway has been all about excitement. A who's who of racing greats, from Fireball Roberts to Richard Petty to Dale Earnhart Jr., has blistered the track at the World's Fastest Half Mile. Don't miss out on the fun when Bristol Motor Speedway celebrates its 50th anniversary this summer. It's "Racin'—the way it oughta be!"

Bristol: Birthplace of Country Music
Since Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family first put mountain music on record at the Bristol Sessions of 1927, Tri-Cities has been a center for Appalachian music. Celebrate the musical history of border cities at Birthplace of Country Music Alliance Museum. Follow it up with a stop on State Street to see the Country Music Mural and sample some live music at the famous Down Home in Johnson City or enjoy the Kingsport Twilight Alive and Bluegrass on Broad series on Thursday and Friday nights. Don't forget the Pickin' Porch, well known to fans of traditional mountain music, and be sure to check out the Border Bash, with live music from May to August.

Our music heritage stretches from east to west, with the roots of country, Americana, early rock, soul and blues all firmly planted in Tennessee soil. Take a musical tour from bluegrass to the blues as you visit musical landmarks and live music venues like Chattanooga's Bessie Smith Hall, Grand Ole Opry, Sun Studios and Stax Records. See who's playing "On the Porch" at the Sleepy John Estes home in Brownsville, or take in some traditional mountain music at Chattanooga's Mountain Opry.

Travel by car, or take a train ride through picturesque countryside of mountains, farms, rivers, plateaus and plains. To get a taste of Tennessee hospitality, stay at relaxing bed and breakfast inns with beautiful views and delicious food.