Bluegrass Country

Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia

Introduction & Brief History

Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia bridge several worlds, from the Appalachia Mountains to the east to the Mississippi River on the west. In between are the major cities of Knoxville, Louisville, Nashville, Charleston, Chattanooga and Memphis. Each has a unique flavor and good reasons for a visit.

Three Beautiful Family Friendly States

Many defining periods in the U.S. history are reflected in Bluegrass and Appalachian country—this was Cherokee country and the beginning of the Trail of Tears; the Appalachian and Smoky Mountains evoke the early settlers and pioneer days; Kentucky and Tennessee were major players in the Civil War and the site of far too many battlefields; the Tennessee Valet Authority epitomizes the country’s struggles to recover from the Great Depression; Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry are the heart of the 20th- and soon 21st-century. American country music; Memphis encompasses. Mississippi lifestyles with riverboats and muddy-water blues; while the Ohio Tiver bordering northern Kentucky was probably the strongest section of the Mason-Dixon Line and sported its own river life. Another sort of river life you’ll find in the region is whitewater rafting. Small companies are tucked here and there; so if this is a type of adventure you want to try out, check with the tourist departments.

West Virginia’s Main Family Attraction

Slow down when you’re driving with the kids through a quiet wooded area and come upon a marked historical site—you may have happened upon a cabin of Daniel Boone’s or a link in the Underground Railroad.

Tons of Family Fun In Tennessee

Translating all this into a family vacation is more fun than a challenge There’s great outdoor sporting in the mountains, as well as on the many rivers and lakes. Cultural and music events await you in the country and cities. Civil War buffs may choose to start their explorations in Chattanooga, where General Sherman began his own march. When you go to Nashville, you will want to include Nashville and at least do a little “star-gazing.”

Kentucky Highlights

And how can you go to Bluegrass Country and not enjoy a little horse racing—or the horserace—the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville. But even if you don’t make it to the big race, the vast expanses of bluegrass fields with young foals frolicking is a fine sight, and the power of the yearlings and two-year olds running their own races across meadows could turn anyone into a racing aficionado.

Dining in Bluegrass Country

Family travelers will enjoy indulging on a blend of Midwestern and southern cuisines in Blue Grass Country. Food is abundant and rich in culture in these welcoming states. The family can look forward to experiencing a little taste of Blue Grass Country within the cuisine itself. Branch out and try some delicious fried catfish, hush puppies, and a thirst quenching tall glass of sweet tea when visiting Kentucky. When in Tennessee, be sure to round up some delicious barbeque, and eat family style with all the “fixins”. Any local restaurant will provide the true southwest staple. West Virginia offers the family travelers the infamous pepperoni roll, delectable cornbread, fried chicken, and for dessert, to die for berry cobbler. Apple butter is also a West Virginia staple, and is raved about continuously. The family must give this yummy West Virginian favorite a try.

Wherever you go in Bluegrass Country you are likely to be struck by the natural beauty and be tempted to just kick back for a while to enjoy a refreshing pause. Which isn’t a bad choice for a vacation.

LINKS

• A Smoky Mountain Directory
  Bluegrass Country Useful contacts in Tennessee by G Ownsby
• Bluegrass country Tennesee, Kentucky and Virginia
  Bluegrass Country
• Dollywood - An article by Gary Ownsby
  Bluegrass Country Introduction to the theme park
• Golf in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains
  Bluegrass Country Article with listings by Gary Ownsby
• Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel, Nashville
  Bluegrass Country Family resort listing
• Outlet Shopping - Tennessee
  Bluegrass Country Brief description of outlet centers
• Parish Patch Farm & Inn, Normandy
  Bluegrass Country Working farm welcoming family guests
• Pigeon Forge - Dolly's Tennessee Home
  Bluegrass Country Article on the area
• Smoky Mountain Eateries
  Bluegrass Country Information from Gary Ownsby
• Smoky Mountain Shopping Spree
  Bluegrass Country Information from Gary Ownsby
• Smoky Mountain Travel Primer
  Bluegrass Country Full article by Gary Ownsby
• Spas in Missouri & Arkansas
  Bluegrass Country Brief listings
• The Hermitage, Nashville
  Bluegrass Country An elegant hotel & spa
• Find Pet Friendly Attractions in Blue Grass Country