When you think of the glitz and glamour of celebrity, you most likely conjure up images of sunny California and the Hollywood sign perched high atop the hills in Los Angeles. But, before you assume too much, Tennessee is churning out celebrities faster than you can imagine. There are quite a few famous people from Tennessee, some you might be familiar with and some that might surprise the heck out of you. Take a look at this list of radically talented celebrities in Tennessee, born and bred.
1. You may remember Justin Timberlake as the kid on “Mickey Mouse Club” or the musician bringing sexy back, but he’s actually put his name on over twenty films. Don’t be too quick to slough off this Memphis native – he’s credited with comedies such as, “Friends With Benefits” and the Oscar-winning film, “Trouble with the Curve.”
2) Before making sweet music on the hit TV show, “Glee,” Chord Overstreet was born and raised in good ol’ Nashville, Tennessee. The rugged blonde has since gone on to foster a solid career in television.
3. This southern beauty was born to a homemaker and small business owner in Memphis. The young Cybill Shepherd won “Miss Teenage Memphis” in 1966, which only proved to be the first notch in her award-winning belt. Shepherd has since modeled for major magazines and been credited as an actress both in movies and on television.
4. Known for her adorable pixie brunette mop and spin as Cinderella on the magical television show, “Once Upon a Time,” Ginnifer Goodwin found her start in west Tennessee. The Memphis darling paid her dues to her home state when she starred in the Oscar-winning film, “Walk the Line,” about country music star Johnny Cash.
5. If you’ve ever hummed along to that incredibly catchy, “Pirates of the Caribbean” score or hidden under your covers after a screening of, “The Ring,” then you have Gore Verbinski to thank. The quirky and adventurous director is a native of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
6. James Denton is a huge advocate for his hometown, as after his stint on, “Desperate Housewives” the Nashville boy moved right back home. He still works extensively in television and appeared in the religious-based film, “Grace Unplugged” in 2013.
7. Christina Hendricks didn’t spend a large amount of time in Tennessee, but her birth certificate reads, “Knoxville.” Her work as the character of Joan on “Mad Men” has given the east Tennessee beauty a whopping five Emmy nominations.
8. Academy Award winner Kathy Bates is most famous for her portrayal of Misery in the horror film by the same name, but the “Titanic” star breathed her first in Memphis. Her role in, “Fried Green Tomatoes” and in the more recent cult-hit, “American Horror Story” has garnered Bates a solid spot in the nation’s heart.
9. Memphis-born Lucy Hale is a budding country music star and well-known actress who is best known for her portrayal of quick-witted Aria on, “Pretty Little Liars.”
10. Megan Fox was born and spent the first half of her childhood in Rockwood, Tennessee. Although she continued her creative training in Florida, you can be sure this southern beauty has a special place in her heart for the homeland.
11. Before the success of the television show, “Hannah Montana,” and the infamous 2013 VMA’s, young Miley Cyrus spent her days on the family ranch outside of Nashville. She can still be spotted from time to time, visiting the place that her family still calls home.
12. Before making a name for himself with films such as, “Pulp Fiction” and “Kill Bill,” Quentin Tarantino was born to a nurse and actor in the East Tennessee city of Knoxville. The award-winning director has made quite a name for himself since his days spent in the south.
We'd like to thank the academy for Tennessee - it seems Hollywood owes quite a bit to this little state with big talent. Do you know more famous people from Tennessee that should be on this list? Share with us in the comments section!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
I love a good origin story but have you ever wondered what things invented in Tennessee do we use all the time? Tennessee may be known for hot chicken and country music, the best people you ever did meet, and the Smoky Mountains, but we bet you don't have these facts in your statehood arsenal. Even the staunchest Tennesseans find themselves scratching their heads, in awe of all the neat things that were spearheaded by the Volunteer State. Here are 10 things that Tennessee did first, from inventions to a new way of life; take a peek. How many do YOU know?
Memphis, 1886. Precisely where George K. Anderson coined the term "typewriter" and patented the ink ribbon. Years of clicking and clacking and streamlined business-ing followed. This invention not only forever changed the way we do business but the way we do life.
No one knows where Coke was first bottled. It's an insanely debated mystery. Chattanooga, technically, was the first 'franchised' bottling of coke, after purchasing the rights for $1. We shall take it. Score one for things from Tennessee! The polar bear wasn't from here, though; that belongs up north, way up north.
Nashville gave us cotton candy in 1897 and we shall forever be grateful. First known as 'Fairy Floss,' this sugary treat has become a carnival staple. The best part of the story? The man who invented cotton candy was a dentist. There is one place that has really upped the game when it comes to everyone's favorite puffy and fluffy treat. Make sure you pay a visit to Puffy Cotton Candy in Franklin.
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7. Birthplace of one of the FIRST American Heroes - Davy Crockett
Ah, yes. Tennessee gave the world Davy Crockett, one of the first American heroes who led a legendary life that haunts our history books today. He wasn't the only world-famous person born here; we've got some pretty notable people who grew up in Tennessee.
McKee Foods was founded in 1934 in lovely Chattanooga. All those sugary, perfect treats that melted in your lunchboxes (and in your mouth)? They were born from the genius brain of a Tennessee businessman. Not only do they taste delicious but Little Debbie Snacks are just one of the 10 foods that Tennesseeans just love.
Tom Thumb Golf, founded in 1927 in Chattanooga, was a tourist ploy that led to first date spots across the country. Well, it worked and we love mini golf! There is an amazing mini golf course you should try if you haven't already — Toy Box Mini Golf in Pigeon Forge. This classic toy-themed mini golf course is unlike anything you have seen before.
The early 1900s were good years for Tennessee. Chattanooga blessed the world with the Moon Pie, which was created for local coal miners with a sweet tooth. You can even check out The Annual RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival in Bell Buckle in early summer if you're looking to satisfy a sweet tooth of your own. RC Cola is another one of those Tennessee originals.
We bet you thought we were going to wax on about Nashville, huh? But Bristol is actually the home of country music. All the twang and sad, story songs can trace their roots here. This Eastern Tennesseean town is interesting for sure because Bristol is split right down the middle. One half Tennessee and the other half Virginia, so I guess you can say we both house the birthplace of country music.
Do you love Twix and Milky Way and Snickers? Well, Nashville in 1912 is precisely where you can trace the combination bar right back. Who knows what you would snack on at the theater, if not for Music City! Visit the original location The GooGoo Shop in Nashville and make sure you check out the story of how it all got started.
The Piggly-Wiggly was founded in good ol' Memphis in 1916, the first grocery store where you could peruse the aisles at your leisure. Since then we have done much of our grocery shopping the same way, except now we can even order it online and have it delivered to our door.
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Who knew that there were so many things invented in Tennessee? How many did YOU know? Let us know in the comments below! Are you proud to call Tennessee home like we are? Make sure you check out our friends over at Wear Your Roots for some cool Tennessee-specific merch so you can show off your state pride. Some of these inventions have made the Volunteer State what it is today; for more things that Tennesse is known, for please check out this OnlyInYourState video below.
