While Tennessee was more of a wide-open state for most of its existence, population demographics have shifted. Now, the majority of Tennessee's citizens reside in urban areas like Nashville and Memphis. With this population shift came a shift in the Volunteer State's economy, as now Tennessee has a heavy industrial manufacturing imprint. For one, the rich mountainsides in the Appalachians contribute to the healthy production of zinc, pyrite, marble, and ball clay.
Other extremely important manufacturing sectors to Tennessee’s economy include electrical equipment, chemicals, textiles, leather products, furniture, apparel, metal parts, primary metals, lumber, and food processing. Tennessee also regularly ranks among the industry leaders in manufacturing and exporting transportation equipment. If you’re looking for a job somewhere in manufacturing, you’ve got a good chance to find one in the Volunteer State.
Agriculture also contributes greatly to the bottom line in Tennessee. While the state's most profitable agricultural export is soybeans, Tennessee also ranks among the most profitable tobacco cultivators and producers in the nation. Tennessee's farms also bring in strong gains through different livestock and dairy receipts. Other products such as cotton provide a significant boost to the Volunteer State's economy.
Tourism is also a major source of income for the state. Not only is Tennessee rife with places of historic interest, but it's also one of the prettiest states in the Union for those looking for a taste of the Great Outdoors. The Volunteer State has 54 different state parks, countless hiking and biking trails, and 15 different state forests which cover a whopping 162,371 acres. Whether you want to fish in the Mississippi River or go game hunting at the foot of the Appalachians, Tennessee will scratch your itch for nature.
Other tourist attractions you need to circle on your Tennessee to-do list include the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Greeneville, the extremely interesting American Museum of Atomic Energy in Oak Ridge, the home of Andrew Jackson just outside of Nashville (the Hermitage), and the Rock City Gardens just outside of Chattanooga. And for the aforementioned lovers of nature, you will find nothing but gorgeous views and photo opportunities galore at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
If you’re planning on moving to Tennessee and travel a lot for work or pleasure, you’ll be happy to know that Tennessee is home to two major international airports – Memphis International Airport and Nashville International Airport. Amtrak also passes through Memphis and Newbern with its Amtrak City of New Orleans line. This picturesque train line connects Chicago, Illinois in the north with New Orleans, Louisiana in the south.
However, the best way to get around Tennessee is still by a passenger vehicle. Shipping your car or truck to your spot in the Volunteer State will not only give you access to main in-state roads and thoroughfares, but Tennessee also serves as a hub for several interstate highways and byways that get you to the eight different bordering states and other states around the country.
All that driving will likely make you hungry, and you'll be happy to know that Tennessee is home to some of the tastiest barbecue in the entire world. The sweet sauces emblematic of Tennessean barbecue are slathered all over different cuts of meat for a taste that just pops in your mouth. Other regional influences have brought different barbecue styles to the state, but proper Tennessee barbecues are a foodie's dream.
That’s just the tip of the culinary iceberg in Tennessee, though. There are soul food staples aplenty at both major restaurants and small diners all around the state. From mouthwatering cornbread to collard greens cooked up just right with herbs and spices, you’re going to have a full stomach from the hearty goodness of Tennessee’s Southern cooking. And if you’re in one of Tennessee’s urban areas, you’ll also see a growing international influence bringing flavors from around the world to your plate.
Are you a sports fan? Tennessee is worth your time, especially with three professional sports teams in the four major American sports – the Tennessee Titans (National Football League), Memphis Grizzlies (National Basketball Association), and Nashville Predators (National Hockey League). Tennessee also plays host to several racing events, rodeos, and a host of other semi-professional contests throughout the calendar. Tennessee is probably most known for its collegiate and high-school sports thanks to some of the most passionate fans in the country.
Speaking of collegiate athletics, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is well known for excellence in many different sports. But that's the only choice of school for those looking at higher education in the state. Other notable universities to choose from in the Volunteer State include Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Belmont University in Nashville, the University of Memphis in Memphis, East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, and Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.
And if you want to supplement your learning with a bit of exploration on your own accord, you’re definitely in luck in the Volunteer State. Tennessee is home to over 250 different private and public museums for you to experience. Some of the best of the bunch include the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, the Brooks Museum in Memphis, the Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium in Memphis, and the Discovery Park of America in Union City.
Now that you’ve got a solid understanding of what the Volunteer State is all about, it’s time to beef your trivia knowledge! Let’s start with a look at the official living and inanimate symbols of the State of Tennessee.
We've barely scratched the surface when it comes to interesting Tennessee trivia. Here are some other juicy trivia nuggets for you to use at your next (or first) dinner party in the Volunteer State:
Shipping your vehicle to Tennessee through Nexus Auto Transport isn’t just a smart idea. It’s your gateway to all of the cool things that the Volunteer State has to offer! Whether you want to catch a Grizzlies game in Memphis or immerse yourself in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, your car is the best way for you to get a taste of what Tennessee is cooking up.
