Wonder and Adventure Await Spring Break Guests to Tennessee
Nashville, Tenn. (PRWEB) February 28, 2014 -- It’s almost time for Spring Break and Tennessee has travelers covered with special events and attractions that are highly recommended. From the nation’s first dual-launch coaster to beautiful blooming cherry tree festival to attractions that celebrate curiosity and history, the state is a must-see. To start planning an unforgettable spring vacation, visit http://www.tnvacation.com.
East
Explore and recharge during Spring Break Safari March 15-April 20 in Chattanooga. The city, built along the Tennessee River transforms into a place where kids rule and adventure is sought around every corner. Kids can feed sharks and hang out with sea turtles and penguins at the Tennessee Aquarium, spelunk through the caverns at Ruby Falls, navigate a boat along the Tennessee River as a pirate, and find enchantment as a sword fighter or archer along Rock City’s Enchanted Trail during Fairytale Nights 5-8 p.m. nightly March 28-April 20.
Celebrate the joys of warm weather and sunshine days at the countywide Smoky Mountain Springfest March 19-June 8 in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Gatlinburg. Events include the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, a five-day event in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and features art classes, natural walks and indoor seminars; and the Dolly Parade 6 p.m. May 2 when entertainment icon Dolly Parton leads the parade as Grand Marshal.
Experience an eclectic blend of entertaining shows, heritage and rides at Dollywood, hailed as Amusement Today’s “Friendliest Park in 2013” and hosts approx. 2.5 million visitors annually. The park will reopen March 22 to offer visitors a Spring Break worth repeating, especially when the park unveils its newest attraction FireChaser Express, the nation’s first dual-launch coaster that transports riders forward from zero to 16 mph in 1.1 seconds and backward from zero to 20 mph in 2 seconds filling the 2-minue-and-19-second ride with thrills and excitement.
Middle
Nashville Zoo will have some prehistoric creatures living in the forest beginning March 15. “DinoTrek,” featuring 15 robotic, life-sized dinosaurs like the Baryonyx, Tyrannosaurus Rex, and Stegosaurus will be on display to hiss, spit, move and roar. Mini-excavation fossil digs will be conducted and special dinosaur-themed birthday parties and education programs will be offered. Admission to DinoTrek is $3 for zoo members and $4 for non-members.
Hear the rumble of 10,000-ton freight trains as they travel through the heart of Wartrace during Dixie Line Days April 26. See iron horses weighing from 4 ounces to 425,000 pounds. The railroad locomotives will be on display in various shapes and sizes at the Walking Horse Hotel and other downtown venues. Model trains, dealer swap tables, a Q&A with a steam locomotive engineer, live bluegrass music, food and contests will be included in the day’s festivities.
Spring comes with new blooms and opportunities to celebrate, especially in Music City with the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival April 12 at the Public Square at Metro Courthouse. The mission is to plant 1,000 cherry trees throughout Nashville within 10 years, symbolizing the friendship between Japan and the U.S. Arts and crafts, the Cherry Blossom Walk, an experience of modern Japan culture at J-Pop Land, a Taste of Japan and more events will take place.
West
Reconnect with the natural world with a stroll through gardens with wildflowers, trees and a variety of creatures at Lichterman Nature Center at the Pink Palace Family of Museums in Memphis. Take a nature walk; or learn something new at a wildlife program, festival and other entertaining activities. Wander through The Pink Palace Museum, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the Southeast, to find cultural and natural history, dinosaurs, fossils and more.
Guests can uncover a multitude of surprises at the world-class Pink Palace Family of Museums in Memphis. Take a nature walk; or learn something new at a wildlife program, festival and other entertaining activities. Wander through The Pink Palace Museum, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the Southeast, to find cultural and natural history, dinosaurs, fossils and more.
Guests can uncover a multitude of surprises at the world-class Discovery Park of America in Union City. With more than 70,000 square-feet of exhibits which include an interactive starship theater where guests can launch and steer a spaceship through planets and stars; a human slide; a mysterious gallery filled with swords, instruments, and a life-size replica of the Ark of the Covenant. Take a stroll outside where more than 40 acres of outside experiences await guests including daily pottery, wood carving and milling demonstrations.
If outdoor adventure is what guests are craving, they can pack up and drive along the Tennessee River Trail, one of the 16 trails on the Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways that take visitors on a journey to discover the authentic treasures tucked away in the state’s 95 counties. Happen upon deer and wild turkey along the winding Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway through the Land Between The Lakes; have some fishing fun at Paris Landing State Park; and make memories by kayaking, canoeing and camping along the Buffalo River.
# # #
Explore more at tnvacation.com and join other Tennessee travelers by following “TNVacation” on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube.
Amanda Stravinsky, Tennessee Dept. of Tourist Development, http://press.tnvacation.com/, +1 615-532-7822, [email protected]
Share this article