Day Trips from Tennessee

• What is The American Museum of Science and Energy?
  • The American Museum of Science and Energy is a family-friendly science museum in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
  • The museum originally opened in 1949 as the American Museum of Atomic Energy following World War II.
  • It is now a Smithsonian-affiliated museum located in an 18,000-square-foot facility on Main Street.
• What exhibits are featured at the museum?
  • The museum offers a variety of interactive, hands-on science and nuclear technology exhibits.
  • Permanent exhibits include:
    • A Van de Graaff generator.
    • A full interactive NOAA weather station.
    • An exhibit about Oak Ridge’s "secret" history as a nuclear testing facility for the Manhattan Project.
• What historical elements can visitors explore?
  • Visitors can walk through a WWII-era vintage flat-top house preserved from the Manhattan Project era.
  • The museum also displays photography from noted Manhattan Project photographer Ed Wescott.
• Are there guided tours available?
  • Yes! Bus tours take visitors to sites connected to the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
  • Tour stops include the East Tennessee Technology Park and the Y-12 National Security Complex.

The American Museum of Science and Energy, 115 E Main St, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, Phone: 865-294-4531

• Where is Asheville located?
  • Asheville is one of the most beautiful cities in North Carolina.
  • It is located in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, less than two hours from the Tennessee-North Carolina state border at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• What is Asheville best known for?
  • Asheville is best known as the home of the stunning Biltmore Estate.
  • The estate was commissioned by George Washington Vanderbilt II and is one of the greatest examples of Gilded Age architecture.
• Can visitors tour the Biltmore Estate?
  • Yes! Visitors can explore the Biltmore Estate as part of guided tours.
  • Guests can also enjoy a full afternoon tea service at the elegant Biltmore Estate Dining Room.
• What is Asheville’s downtown district known for?
  • Asheville's historic downtown district was master-planned by George Washington Vanderbilt II.
  • It is known for its excellent gourmet dining scene, offering:
    • Elevated New American fare.
    • Creative gastropubs.
    • Global fusion cuisine.

• What is Atlanta known for?
  • Atlanta is the most populous urban area in Georgia and one of the top 10 largest metropolitan regions in the U.S.
  • It is best known today for its attractions connected to the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.
• What Olympic-themed attractions can visitors explore?
  • Visitors can explore a variety of Olympics-themed attractions throughout the city.
  • The most famous is Centennial Olympic Park, which features:
    • A pavilion of international flags.
    • The 200-foot-tall SkyView Ferris wheel.
• What historic sites are related to the Civil Rights Movement?
  • Atlanta preserves several historic sites connected to the American Civil Rights Movement.
  • A major highlight is the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, which includes free-admission historic buildings.
• Why is Atlanta called the "City in a Forest"?
  • Atlanta is known for its stunning parks and green spaces.
  • The city features the newly-developed Atlanta BeltLine, which transforms a former railway corridor into an urban greenway.
• What are some must-visit attractions in Atlanta?
  • Georgia Aquarium - One of the largest aquariums in the world.
  • Atlanta Ballet - One of the nation's premier ballet companies.
  • World of Coca-Cola Museum - Showcasing the history of Coca-Cola and its impact on global culture.

• What is The Bourbon Heritage Center?
  • The Bourbon Heritage Center is the official visitor center and museum of Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky.
  • Heaven Hill Distillery has been producing high-quality whiskies and liquors since 1935.
• What can visitors experience at The Bourbon Heritage Center?
  • Guests can explore the Heritage Center and tasting room as part of tours along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
  • The center offers insights into the history and legacy of American whiskey production.
• What types of tours are available?
  • Mashbill Tours - These tours take visitors through the facility’s Rickhouse Y production facility.
  • Whiskey Connoisseur Experience - A 40-minute guided tasting of four premium and limited-release whiskeys.
• What can visitors expect from the Whiskey Connoisseur Experience?
  • This experience includes a tasting of four premium and limited-release whiskeys.
  • The tour elaborates on color, aroma, and finish tasting notes.
• What whiskeys can visitors sample at the tasting room?
  • Rittenhouse Rye - A well-known, award-winning rye whiskey.
  • Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond - A classic bourbon adhering to the Bottled-in-Bond Act regulations.
  • Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey - A smooth wheat whiskey with a unique flavor profile.

The Bourbon Heritage Centre, 1311 Gilkey Run Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004, Phone: 502-337-1000

• Where is Chattanooga located?
  • Chattanooga is a vibrant metropolis in southeastern Tennessee, located along the Tennessee River at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
  • The city sits on Tennessee’s southern border with Georgia.
• What is Chattanooga known for?
  • Chattanooga is famous for its outdoor recreational opportunities and scenic attractions.
  • A major highlight is Lookout Mountain, where visitors can see seven states from its summit on clear days.
• What can visitors see at Lookout Mountain?
  • Rock City Gardens - Whimsical, landscaped rock gardens with scenic overlooks.
  • Ruby Falls - An underground waterfall with a romantic origin story as a tourist attraction.
• What are some family-friendly attractions in Chattanooga?
  • Tennessee Aquarium - A highly acclaimed aquarium featuring diverse marine life.
  • Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum - Preserving the rich history of rail transport.
  • Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park - Home to a variety of exotic animals.
  • Historic Tivoli Theatre - A beautifully restored 1921 performing arts venue.
• What is the Tennessee Riverwalk?
  • The 13-mile Tennessee Riverwalk spans the river throughout the city.
  • It provides easy access to many attractions along a scenic greenway.

• Where is Franklin, Tennessee located?
  • Franklin is a historic city located in Williamson County, Tennessee.
  • It is situated less than 20 minutes south of Nashville.
• Why is Franklin historically significant?
  • Franklin is best known for its connection to the American Civil War.
  • The city preserves key sites related to the 1864 Battle of Franklin, including the Carter House and Carnton Plantation.
• What historic sites can visitors explore in Franklin?
  • Carter House - A preserved Civil War home with guided tours.
  • Carnton Plantation - Features the McGavock Confederate Cemetery and beautifully landscaped gardens.
  • Lotz House - A living history museum fully stocked with 19th-century furnishings.
• What is special about Franklin’s Main Street?
  • Franklin’s Main Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • It is lined with restored Victorian-era buildings, trendy boutiques, art galleries, and gift shops.
• What is The Factory at Franklin?
  • The Factory at Franklin is a newly-developed shopping and dining destination.
  • It transforms 11 Depression-era factory buildings into a multi-use space with:
    • Global fusion eateries.
    • Working artisan shops.

• Where is Gatlinburg located?
  • Gatlinburg is a popular resort city in Tennessee, located at the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • It is nestled in the foothills of the Smokies and is easily accessible from Knoxville.
• What is Gatlinburg best known for?
  • Gatlinburg is known as a family-friendly tourist destination with a variety of attractions.
  • It is home to the acclaimed Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, consistently voted as one of America’s top aquariums.
• What are the best scenic viewpoints in Gatlinburg?
  • Gatlinburg SkyLift - Takes visitors to the top of Crockett Mountain for breathtaking views.
  • Gatlinburg Space Needle - A 360-degree observation deck with panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.
  • Ober Gatlinburg - Visitors can take a two-mile aerial cable car up to a ski resort and amusement park.
• What are some unique attractions in Gatlinburg?
  • Hollywood Star Cars Museum - Showcases famous movie and TV cars.
  • Anakeesta - A mountaintop theme park with attractions, dining, and adventure experiences.
• What special events take place in Gatlinburg?
  • During the winter months, the city transforms into a magical display of lights as part of the annual Winterfest celebration.

• What is Jack Daniel’s Distillery?
  • Jack Daniel’s Distillery is the official production facility for the famed Tennessee whiskey brand, located in Lynchburg, Tennessee since 1956.
  • The company is best known for its iconic "Black Label" whiskey, which sells more than 12.5 million cases worldwide each year.
• Can visitors tour the Jack Daniel’s Distillery?
  • Yes! Visitors can explore the distillery through guided tours available daily during business hours, except on major national holidays.
  • More than a quarter-million visitors take part in tours each year.
• What types of tours are available?
  • Dry County Tour - A 70-minute tour offering behind-the-scenes insights into the whiskey-making process.
  • Flight of Jack Daniel’s Tour - Includes a tasting of five Jack Daniel’s products.
  • Angel’s Share Tour - Offers exclusive reserve tastings.
  • Taste of Lynchburg Tour - A three-hour experience featuring a two-course Southern-style dinner at Miss Mary Bobo’s.
• Where is Jack Daniel’s Distillery located?
  • 133 Lynchburg Hwy, Lynchburg, TN, 37352
  • Phone: 931-759-6357

• Where is Knoxville located?
  • Knoxville is a lovely eastern Tennessee metropolitan area located approximately 45 minutes from the state's eastern border at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• What is Knoxville best known for?
  • The charming city is best known as the home of the University of Tennessee, whose Tennessee Volunteers sporting teams play home games in the city throughout the season.
• What cultural attractions can visitors explore?
  • Visitors can explore cultural attractions like the interactive Museum of East Tennessee History, which showcases Civil War artifacts and regional artwork.
• What historical sites are preserved in Knoxville?
  • The reconstructed 1786 James White's Fort preserves a Revolutionary War-era structure that was the city's first permanent structure, open today as a living history museum.
  • Nearby, Blount Mansion preserves the 18th-century residence of Constitution signer William Blount.
  • The World's Fair Park preserves attractions related to the 1982 World's Fair, including the Sunsphere observation tower.
• Where can I find a map of Knoxville?
  • You can view a detailed map of Knoxville here.