Our world is ever-changing and fluid, a place that pivots on a dime with every new technological break and political upheaval. Sometimes, we just need someplace to go that's beautiful and good and exactly how we remembered it - you know? We're looking for comfort, something that is the same, something that is good and sweet and precisely the way we experienced it before. Here are 12 places in Tennessee that have dug their heels in for good, places that were the same yesterday as they are today as they will be tomorrow. They're a part of our state fabric.
12. Lookout Mountain
Lover's Leap on Lookout Mountain provides one of the most beautiful views in the state of Tennessee. Rumored to be one of the most romantic spots around, it's truly one of the best ways to feel at home.
11. Big Muddy in Memphis
Will the Mississippi River ever change? It's that ever constant rush on the west side of our state, a beautiful place to visit when days get rough or the world seems crazy. There's just something calming about the way it moves, over and onward, forever.
10. The Nashville Parthenon
The crown of the "Athens of the South," the Parthenon is a beautiful place for tourists and locals alike. Built to last, this one ain't never goin' down.
9. The Tennessee River Gorge
The Grand Canyon of the South runs deep in the heart of our state. We will never see it change in our lifetime, in the lifetimes of our children, our grandchildren. This beautiful curve cuts into the heart of our state like a soft smile.
8. The Loveless Cafe
If you can no longer hide away in your grandmother's kitchen when the days get rough, you may just want to head over to The Loveless Cafe. Although some find it touristy (yes, it kind of is), it's a place where you can indulge in the same delicious meals, over and over, and they'll forever taste just like you remembered them.
7. Watauga Lake
Built over the original town of Butler, Watauga Lake has a story and a meaning. A ghost story, maybe - but its beauty goes unsurpassed, and it is protected by the state.
6. The Cherohala Skyway
The Cherohala Skyway is beautiful anytime of year but we'd recommend going during the autumn. The changing of the leaves is therapeutic and beautiful.
5. The Tip of the Dragon's Tail
Drive this sportsman's road anytime you feel the need for a thrill - there will always be motorcyclists looking to run its turns raw, always another sports car looking to corner like it's on rails. Nope, we did not come up with that last line.
4. The Lost Sea
The second largest underwater lake in the world and first largest in the United States is located in Tennessee, and with a lack of weather erosion and zero exposure to the elements you'll be able to take glass-bottomed boat tours for years to come.
3. Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls has been epitomized in movies and branded on the whole of our childhoods. It's where you would go with your parents, moaning and groaning the whole way, until you caught sight of its magnificence and suddenly understood everything they were trying to teach you. Maybe? Maybe not, but either way it's a nice thought.
2. Ruby Falls
This underground waterfall under Lookout Mountain is precisely the opposite of Lover's Leap, instead providing you with a view of the the underbelly of Ol' Rocky Top.
1. The Great Smoky Mountains
Our great crown jewel to the east. May she never change.
Continue to experience the state with this strange story...it'll make you think.
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