Tennessee Vacation PackageKathryn Hoyt2023-06-19T11:10:51-05:00
LET TRAVELKATZ PLAN YOUR TENNESSEE VACATION PACKAGE
Travelkatz will put together a Tennessee Vacation Package custom tailored just for you. We handle all aspects of your trip so you can sit back, relax and enjoy. We provide two options for every state in the USA consisting of the state capital and the Natural Wonder. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate in contacting us.
MILITARY
Alabama Military: Alabama is a southeastern U.S. state that’s home to significant military landmarks and events from the Civil War, World War I and World War II, all the way through history to space travel.
U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum: This Museum is operated by the Alabama Center of Military History and is dedicated to promoting and disseminating the accomplishments of American military men and women. The emphasis is on participants of World War I and subsequent conflicts. The survivors and families can use the Museum facilities to reminisce on their own experiences and those of parents, grandparents, and other close relatives. There are displays – more than 30 historical military vehicles from World War I to the present, as well as tableaus, artifacts, and other memorabilia dating back to the Revolutionary War. Supporting organizations include the 19th Alabama Infantry which sponsors exhibits from 18th and 19th Century conflicts, and the 8th Air Force Historical Society, which sponsors a Bomb Group briefing room. Both organizations support ‘living history’ presentations on many Saturdays. At the Museum is a reference library, in addition to published material such as the Seventh Army After Action Report from World War II. The library offers written and oral reminiscences of Alabama veterans. In this vein, veterans and their families are invited to send written material or audio cassette tapes to the Museum for inclusion in the library. A narrative by the veteran, or an interview by a relative, will provide a legacy of the contribution. The Museum welcomes the participation of military and veterans’ groups and individuals in making this a valued educational piece of history in Huntsville.
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park: At this Battleship Memorial Park, you don’t have to look very far to find heroes. From the Battleship USS ALABAMA to the Submarine USS DRUM and over 25 aircraft, the spirit of military pride is alive and well. Aboard the battleship you will be able to explore 12 decks. Among those, you can climb inside gun turrets, get locked in the Brig, man a 12mm gun and much more. Also at the park, you will be able to go below and explore the oldest Submarine on display, the USS DRUM. In the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion as well as in the park, you will be able to view many rare and historic aircraft. A few in the collection include a A-12 Blackbird Spy Plane, OS2U Kingfisher, F-86L Sabre Jet, and B-52 Bomber, just to name a few. While in the pavilion, don’t forget to take a ride on the Flight Simulator and experience flight without ever leaving the ground. It’s an unforgettable experience for the entire family. All tours are self-guided. Allow approx. 2.5 hours to really see what it was like to be on this battleship when on active duty in Mobile.
United States Army Aviation Museum: The U.S. Army Aviation Museum maintains a collection of over 160 military aircraft, including one of the largest collections of military helicopters in the world. Approximately 50 beautifully restored, historic, and one-of-a-kind aircraft are proudly displayed both inside the Museum exhibit space and outside on the grounds. The collection includes many significant examples of early research efforts and developments in rotary wing technology and the evolution of the helicopter. Represented is the Army’s involvement in military aviation from the Wright brothers, the early combat aircraft of WW I, and today’s technological machines such as the AH-64 Apache and the UH-60 Blackhawk. You’ll find this in Ft Rucker.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC): This is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. On Display, they have one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia anywhere in the world. Guests journey through America’s Space Race and NASA’s plan to put man on the moon. Witness the development of the space shuttle program and the International Space Station, get a glimpse of the future in commercial space ventures, and the latest technological innovations. The Rocket Center regularly features traveling exhibits from around the world. Also, enjoy daily films on the 67-foot screen in Huntsville’s only full-dome IMAX® Theater or in the 52-foot, high-definition screen in the National Geographic Theater. Finally, plan a ride on the motorcoach tour of Redstone Arsenal, headquarters to the Army Material Command and home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Travel to Huntsville to enjoy.
Crooked Creek Civil War Museum: This is a must see if you are a Civil War buff. It’s small but it makes this time in our history come alive in Vinemont.
Travelkatz is waiting to hear from you so we can make the history of our country come alive. Call us at 352-277-7300.
STATE PARKS
Tennessee State Parks:
Tennessee State Parks – This midwestern state boasts of having 31 State Parks, 10 State Forests, 3 State Scenic Rivers,3 State Natural Areas, and 3 State Wildlife Management Areas. Tennessee is also the Country and Gospel Music Capital of the World. Opryland’s home is in Nashville alongside the General Jackson paddle wheel dinner boat. And don’t forget to visit the Gaylord Hotel at Opryland. It is spectacular!
Booker T. Washington State Park: The park has facilities to accommodate all its visitors: three separate picnic shelters that can accommodate up to 60 people, 30 individual picnic sites equipped with grills and water spigots, one group lodge, two bath houses, one wash house, restrooms that are handicap accessible, two floating docks that accommodates several boats, a single lane boat ramp, fishing pier with two shelters at the ends, with an array of fish species being available. The Olympic size swimming pool is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, there are three different mountain biking trails, and a basketball court. This Park is found in Harrison and all its facilities are open year-round.
David Crockett State Park: This Park was dedicated in May of 1959, in honor of one of Tennessee’s most famous native sons. David Crockett was a pioneer, soldier, politician, industrialist and was born near the little town of Limestone in northeast Tennessee in 1786. In 1817, he moved to Lawrence County and served as a justice of the peace, a colonel of the militia, and as state representative. Along the banks of Shoal Creek, in what is now his namesake park, he established a diversified industry consisting of a powder mill, a gristmill and a distillery. All three operations were washed away in a flood in September 1821. Financial difficulties from this loss caused Crockett to move to West Tennessee where he was elected to Congress. While in Washington, he fought for his people’s right to keep land they had settled on the new frontier of West Tennessee. Crockett died at the Alamo Mission in March of 1836 while aiding the Texans in their fight for independence from Mexico. The park’s two campgrounds contain a total of 107 sites, each equipped with a table and grill plus electrical and water hookups. Bathhouses provide hot showers, commodes and lavatories. A dump station for RVs is available. Campsites are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a scout camp area with primitive camping that can accommodate up to 30 campers. This Park is near Lawrenceburg.
Fort Pillow State Historic Park: The rustic campground has 38 campsites and is designed primarily for tent camping. No RV specific sites. Water is available at water stations. Tent camp sites will accommodate small popups and R.V.’s may park in front of the site. Each campsite has a grill/campfire pad, a picnic table, and pea gravel for tent set-up, a roomy forest setting, and full-service bathhouse. Campers may register at the office or staff will come by. There are 2 bathhouses (one being accessible) and a small laundry. Firewood is available from dead fallen limbs and trees. Total trail is five miles long. From the Visitor Center parking lot to the campground is 1/2 mile. A boat ramp is available but there are no rental boats. Only fishing boats and canoes are allowed. Electric trolling motors are allowed on the 15-acre lake; gas motors must adhere to a “No Wake” policy. Fort Pillow Lake is stocked with bass, bream, crappie and catfish. A valid Tennessee Fishing License is required. If this park appeals to you it’s found near Covington.
Old Stone Fort State Park: This Old Fort is a 2000-year-old American Indian ceremonial site. It consists of mounds and walls that combine with cliffs and rivers to form an enclosure measuring 1-1/4 miles around. The 50-acre hilltop enclosure mound site is believed to have served as a central ceremonial gathering place for some 500 years. The Park offers educational and entertaining programs which increase understanding of the Old Stone Fort, archaeology, and Native American cultures. The Visitor Center and exhibit hall complex includes exhibits relating to the history, archaeology, and legends surrounding the Old Stone Fort and its builders. The Golf Course is the only 9-hole course within the 8 courses operated by the State of Tennessee and is very popular. Found near Manchester.
TravelKatz is looking forward to helping you a have a great vacation to Tennessee. Call 352-277-7300 or visit www.travelkatz.com to chat.
MUSEUMS
Tennessee Museums:
Tennessee Museums – This landlocked state is in the U.S. South. Its capital, centrally located Nashville, is the heart of the country-music scene, with the long-running Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. ‘Elvis has left the building…’
Graceland: This museum is the home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Elvis Presley’s Graceland is open daily with tours, Elvis’ custom jets and our new entertainment and exhibit complex, Elvis Presley’s Memphis. The complex includes a new automobile museum, Presley Motors, and Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, the world’s largest and most comprehensive Elvis museum in the world, as well as many more exhibits, restaurants and shops. The tour of Graceland Mansion features an interactive, iPad tour with additional enhancements including photos, video and more. Continue your experience with the all-new Graceland Exhibition Center. This museum has been renovated to help you get a real look into the life and times of Elvis. Visit this museum and the home of Elvis in Memphis.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Studio B: Take a guided tour of RCA Studio B birthplace of “Nashville Sound”. See Elvis Presley’s favorite studio, where he recorded 200 songs. Take your time exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum where you will see the costumes, instruments, gold records, cars and photographs that are a country music lovers dream spread over three floors. You will want to allow yourself plenty of time to thoroughly explore this wonderful music museum. Located in the city of Nashville.
National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel: At the place of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death in 1968 in Memphis, TN, the National Civil Rights Museum is a renowned educational and cultural institution. The Museum chronicles the American Civil Rights Movement with compelling presentations of iconic exhibits, oral histories of lesser-known civil rights foot soldiers, and visceral, in-the-moment experiences. Visitors will learn through emotionally charged, multi-user, multi-touch interactives, and a visually engaging, contemporary exhibit design that guides you through five centuries of history. There is something for the whole family when you visit Memphis.
Bush’s Beans Visitor Center: This was such a cute place to visit with kids! The best part: it’s FREE! Favorites: the little paw print clues for the kids, the interactive exhibits, the short movie made me want beans and I don’t even like beans, the free photo with ‘Duke’, and every single staff member we spoke to was more than courteous and friendly. This was a fun stop on your way to Gatlinburg. The video you can watch is so well done …you see what you would see if going through the plant. But this way you are not trying to listen over loud equipment. The story and history of the company is quite interesting and at the end, you can have your photo made with Duke the dog. The people here are very welcoming! The gift shop at the end had a few Bush novelty items, some canned beans you could buy, and several other nice gift items. We spent about an hour here. There is a cafe here that is open 11 to 3… some locals were dropping by just to eat there which is a good recommendation for the food. Great stop in the town of Chestnut Hill.
Fowler’s Clay Works: Handmade pottery studio, featuring the works of Mike, Cheryl, Ava and the Fowler’s Clay Works crew. All pieces are one of a kind, functional and decorative. Also offering pottery classes for visitors and locals. I would recommend taking a pottery class and make your own coffee mugs that will be custom glazed and shipped to your house. The instructor was awesome and very patient. A must do in Gatlinburg!
Don’t forget to venture to Chattanooga for a visit to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, a train ride and a scenic drive up to Lookout Mountain where you can just about see forever…Give us a call at 352-277-7300 or “chat” with us so we can make the most memorable vacation in Tennessee for your family and friends.
FESTIVALS
Tennessee Festivals:
Tennessee Festivals are musically inclined and centered around Music City and the eastern part of Tennessee. You’ll be amazed at all the fun you’ll have celebrating with the locals at these festivals; some in 2020!
36th Annual Pumpkinfest: This fest is Middle Tennessee’s largest family fall festival that will return this year on the last weekend in October. With over 65,000 people in attendance, the festival stretches along Main Street in downtown Franklin, and its avenues, and offers tons of festive fun for families!
Made South Holiday Market: Do all your holiday shopping with some of the finest makers in all the South, all while eating delicious food, and experiencing wonderful music and art! Antiques at The Factory, Franklin; Nov 15 – Nov 16
Big Ears Festival: Effortlessly crossing the boundaries of musical genres as well as artistic disciplines, the Big Ears Festival features an array of world-class artists, including GRAMMY Award winners, Pulitzer Prize recipients, and MacArthur “Genius Grant” winners. Join us in March to experience 100+ performances along with a film festival, 12-hour drone, and an array of panels, workshops, and exhibitions – all in Knoxville’s extraordinary concert halls, listening rooms, clubs, churches, and galleries. The Big Ears Festival, a nonprofit cultural organization, reaches thousands of people each year through free community programming and educational expenses. Knoxville; Mar 26 – 29, 2020.
7th Annual Music City Yoga Festival: This festival is an annual celebration of yoga, fitness, and wellness in the Nashville area. All proceeds from the event support Small World Yoga, a Nashville nonprofit inspiring growth connection, and by increasing access to yoga throughout Middle Tennessee. This event is open to all ages and yoga levels. Bring your yoga mat and come ready to connect and grow! Nashville; Feb. 15, 2020 – all day
Zoolumination: Chinese Festival of Lights: Come see the Zoo in a whole new light and enjoy the country’s largest Chinese lantern festival. Over 500 custom-made silk lanterns will be spread across 60 acres, creating elaborate displays with some of your favorite Zoo animals, holiday-themed scenes and even a 200-foot-long dragon! This event takes place nightly from Nov. 15 to Dec. 30 in the evening and is closed Nov. 28, Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. From Jan 2 – Feb 2, the event takes place Thursday – Sunday in Nashville in the evening.
Chattanooga Water Lantern Festival: This festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone. Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people that you haven’t met come together along the river to create a peaceful, memorable experience. Chester Frost Park, Hixson; on Apr 4, in the evening.
38th Annual Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games: Originally founded in 1981 as the Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games, this festival is one of the oldest Scottish Festivals in the country. In 2010, it was established in a new home in the City of Maryville on the grounds of historic Maryville College, home of “The Scots”. You don’t have to be Scottish in order to enjoy this unique Festival! Our location in the foothills of The Great Smoky Mountains is the perfect backdrop for you and your family to get a wee glimpse of Scotland -and to discover and appreciate the rich traditions and history of the Scottish and Scots-Irish settlers of our local area. Townsend, May 16 – 17, 2020
Call TravelKatz at 352-277-7300 if Tennessee is where you want to go to celebrate these festivals and more. We can send you packing for some real family fun and adventure.
Tennessee State Capital: NASHVILLE
Nashville, Tennessee is named after Revolutionary War General Francis Nash. Originally called Nashborough, it was deemed too English-sounding in the wake of the Revolutionary War, and was renamed Nashville in honor of the French in 1784.
The Grand Ole Opry, an American Icon and Nashville’s number one attraction, is known for creating one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences for audiences of all ages. It’s where unforgettable moments happen every week…moments like the night Trace Adkins revealed a tweet inviting his pal Blake Shelton to become a member of the Opry. With country music’s new stars, superstars, and legends live on stage, you never know what’ll happen next. See the show that made country music famous. You can watch a video intro and then have a great tour guide who takes you backstage and through the history of the building. We recommend this tour to anyone who comes to Nashville- it was very informative and fun! Of course, staying for the show only adds to your enjoyment.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is the home of this popular American art form, safeguarding over 2.5 million artifacts, with two expansive floors of gallery space featuring permanent- and limited- engagement exhibits. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is also home to Historic RCA Studio B and Hatch Show Print. Unbelievable, amazing museum, full of music, clothing, cars, records, history, all pertaining to Country Music. They recommend 4 hours and we used every bit of that time.
The Johnny Cash Museum features the world’s largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in the world. Walk through the life of the Man in Black depicted in interactive exhibits, films and much more. We feature a Bongo Java Coffee Shop and Museum Cafe. Officially endorsed by the Cash Family. There is a lot to see in this small museum and any Johnny Cash fan should stop while in town. It tells the story of his life from beginning to end with everything in between.
Belle Meade Plantation is a non-profit historic site located in Nashville, TN. Established in 1807, Belle Meade was revered as the greatest thoroughbred stud farm in the United States. It was home to Iroquois, the first American bred horse to win the Epsom Derby and the great foundation sire, Bonnie Scotland, whose descendants include Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Native Dancer, Big Brown and California Chrome. Belle Meade was owned and operated by the Harding-Jackson family for nearly a century from 1807 until 1906. Today their home is restored to its turn of the century appearance along with several original outbuildings. Lunch is a fun, delicious experience too. It was so interesting learning the history of the area and touring the beautiful mansion and grounds. You also can enjoy the wine and cheese tasting.
The General Jackson River Cruise: Begin your showboat cruise with convenient pickup at your Nashville hotel 30 minutes prior to departure time; the lunch cruise departs at 11am and the dinner cruise departs at 6pm. Board the historically recreated General Jackson Showboat, one of the country’s largest paddle-wheel boats, and set off down the Cumberland River. Find a spot on one of the outdoor or indoor decks to enjoy the riverside scenery, then make your way to the boat’s onboard Victorian theater to be seated for your meal. Dig in to a traditional Southern meal, then sit back and enjoy a show featuring live comedy and music. The dinner show includes a live orchestra and talented dancers.
There are flights from Tampa to Nashville with just one stop involved. Let TravelKatz help you get the best connections and tours to make your vacation a special experience. Call 352-277-7300 for all your travel needs.
TENNESSEE VACATION PACKAGE MADE EASY
Another option for our Tennessee Vacation Package is the Natural Wonder. See our selection of choice below to see if it fancies your style. Please don’t hesitate in contacting us with any questions or concerns.
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GARDENS
Alabama Gardens- Come witness the beautiful colors and varieties of flowers and plants as we travel to Alabama for a look. There are 13 varieties of gardens located all over the state. Call us to help you create that springtime Alabama adventure! Or maybe you would rather witness the fall colors instead.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens: A cherished place of respite and inspiration since 1962, these Gardens promote a passion for plants, gardens, and the natural world. Located in the heart of Birmingham, this 67-acre urban oasis offers beautiful blooms, glorious specialty gardens, and opportunities to grow your green thumb throughout the year. The Gardens are free and open to the public every day of the year. A facility of the Parks and Recreation Board, these Botanical Gardens are the result of a public-private partnership between the city the nonprofit Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Beautiful gardens with lots of incredible plants and water features and benches to sit and take it all in and it’s also right across from the zoo. It’s a beautiful place to take a walk, read a book, have a picnic, or take photos. The gift shop is lovely as well. Found in the city of Birmingham.
Dunn Formal Rose Garden: This Rose Garden is an official All-America Rose Selection Display Garden. It features tea roses, floribundas, grandifloras, climbers, miniatures and shrub types that bloom in glorious colors from late April until frost. You’ll see old favorites such as ‘Peace’, ‘Chrysler Imperial’, and ‘John F. Kennedy’ mingle with newcomers like ‘All That Jazz’, ‘Dolly Parton’ and ‘Fourth of July’; our bounty of roses has made this spot a mainstay attraction since The Gardens first opened in Birmingham.
Hess Camellia Garden: Another beautiful site, this Shade Garden and the Japanese Garden are found at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Come and enjoy the diversity these gardens offer.
Huntsville Botanical Garden: The 112-acre Botanical Garden is open year-round and contains a diverse ecosystem of meadows, upland and bottomland forest, and wetlands, as well as a variety of specialty gardens and native plant collections. The Mathews Nature Trail contains the largest accredited trillium collection in the U.S. and the Anderson Education Center is home to the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. The Native Plants Teaching Garden is a public space that highlights the way local plants, soil, pollinators, and birds create distinct communities and how they interact to form a diverse, sustainable, and attractive landscape. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Garden is a member of the American Public Gardens Association of North America. Discover this garden in Huntsville.
Dothan Area Botanical Gardens: Serene retreat featuring 50 acres of lush, manicured gardens with ponds & shady walking trails. It is on the smaller side but for $5 a person it was well worth the money! There is a gorgeous Asian garden and tropical plant house. You can see a good variety of roses, camellias, and herbs, too. There are paved walkways for a very peaceful and quiet stroll on a Sunday morning. For the children, there is a kid zone which everyone loves. Found in town Dothan north of Atlanta.
Aldridge Gardens: This spot is amazing. Wonderful accessible walking trails, a hands-on bonsai educational opportunity, a Veterans Memorial Arbor and Pentagon Plaza with beautiful views of the lake, also a great place to take a run in the park – and just adorable geese or ducks! They also have a venue you can rent for events. Come experience the beauty and hospitality the city of Hoover has to offer.
Cornerstone Gardens: This garden is a beautiful hidden gem! You might very well love all the Bible verses throughout the garden! Cornerstone Gardens and Arboretum was created as a place of meditation, rest, and reflection for Carriage House Repose & Restore, Inc., a Christian support ministry for ministers, missionaries, and evangelists. The Carriage House is situated on the property close to the gardens, and the pastors and others come to stay there as a short-term respite. The caretakers and stewards of the Carriage House ministry have opened the gardens to the general public to share the natural beauty and wonder of over 5,000 plants and trees comprised of over 150 different species. Travel to Mobile to enjoy this garden.
TravelKatz is looking forward to helping you and yours have a special vacation in Alabama where you will get to see beautiful gardens. Just call us at 352-277-7300 or chat at www.travelkatz.com.
