We love this great state, from one side to the other, whether we’re hiking the craggy slopes of Eastern Tennessee or wandering the expansive farmland to the west. Tennessee is a long and skinny state, running strong and narrow across the southern United States. As you can expect, with that wide of geographical region, there are a few differences from one side of the state to the other. Did we get them all right? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

10. The landscape, for one.
Bill Showalter - Flickr
You'll find rolling farmland to the west, gorgeous mountains to the east.
10. Plus those cities.
Sean Davis - Flickr
To the east you'll find the biggest city to be Knoxville, whereas western Tennessee boasts the much bigger metropolis of Memphis.
8. The music scene tends to differ quite a bit.
Tim Smythe - Flickr
Think bluegrass to the east, blues to the west.
7. As do the music legends.
Counselman Connection - Flickr
Dolly Parton belongs solidly in the Great Smoky Mountains, and Elvis will always be Memphis.
6. Industry work is wildly obtuse as well.
Bill Showalter - Flickr
You'll find a medical and agricultural emphasis to the west, and the eastern side of the state subsists on more granola tourist opportunities, like hiking and running the ever fabulous Ober Gatlinburg.

Related Stories

We Enjoyed A Relaxing Hike Near Gatlinburg On This Year-Round Trail

We Enjoyed A Relaxing Hike Near Gatlinburg On This Year-Round Trail

 The Magnificent Lakefront Airbnb In Tennessee That Is Perfect For A Spring Retreat

The Magnificent Lakefront Airbnb In Tennessee That Is Perfect For A Spring Retreat

 You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Status Dough In Tennessee

You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Status Dough In Tennessee
5. Would you rather small farm towns, or small mountain towns?
lucianvenutian - Flickr
We're sure you can guess which one's which.
4. Eastern Tennessee has mountain streams, whereas...
Brent Moore - Flickr
...Western Tennessee boasts the great Mississippi.
3. Unfortunately, crime is a little higher on one side than the other.
Bill Showalter - Flickr
Mainly because Memphis is a sprawling, massive town with quite a few tourists and newbies filtering in and out. It's not a reason to bash the city, though - we'll love it either way.
2. The dialect is different on both sides of the state.
Jeremy Sorrells - Flickr
In Memphis, you're bound to hear a more classic southern accent like that of neighboring Mississippi, but in the mountains the twang is reedy, solid pronunciation.
1. But we all belong right here...
Bill Showalter - Flickr
...in our great Tennessee. And for that, we will always be thankful.

Pretty true, wouldn’t you say? If you can’t choose a side, check out this gorgeous middle Tennessee town!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles