As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, AARP of Tennessee asked its volunteers to vote on their 50 favorite places to visit within the state.

“We travel in the summer,” said AARP spokeswoman Karen Miller about Tennesseans. “But with gas prices (so high), we thought why not put out a list for staying close to home. Here are some great places to visit when you don’t want to go too far.”

More than 300 volunteers voted on their favorite day trips in the state. Those lists were submitted to regional AARP offices, where they were compiled and top choices forwarded to the 50th anniversary committee for final selection on AARP’s 50 Favorite Places in Tennessee.

Pat Miller, regional impact team leader for AARP in Chattanooga, helped compile local nominations. She also was a member of the anniversary committee that chose the winners. Ten regional attractions made the final cut.

“It felt great that so many of our Chattanooga and regional sites ended up on the list, which meant that many other AARP members thought we had a lot to offer in our area,” Ms. Miller said.

The list is anchored with expected attractions such as Dollywood, Graceland and Rock City. But you’ll find surprises as well: The Teapot Museum in the West Tennessee town of Trenton, Gray Fossil Site in Washington County and Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, the studio where the careers of singers Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes and Booker T & the MGs were launched.

Comments