Tennessee’s 6 Strangest Roadside Attractions

Country music and barbecue might rightly dominate your visit to Tennessee. However, keep an open mind, and consider some other activities. The Volunteer State has many strange, and fun, attractions that are well worth the visit.

concrete parthenon in nashville

In the capital city of Nashville, you can find a taste of ancient Greece. A full-size replica of Athens’ famous Parthenon was constructed in 1897 for Tennessee’s Centennial Celebration. Inside the concrete structure, you’ll find a 42-foot replica of a statue of Athena that once stood in the original Parthenon. It’s a grand destination with plenty of photo-ops.

silky o’sullivan’s in memphis

A great spot for a drink and some dueling pianos entertainment, Silky O’Sullivan’s is a classic Beale Street bar in Memphis. However, step out back and spend some time in the pen with the friendly goats that will happily chug your beer and delight you with their climbing skills. It’s a truly strange and one-of-a-kind experience.

crystal shrine grotto in memphis

The Memphis Memorial Park Cemetery commissioned artist Dionicio Rodriguez for a beautification project for the park, and the result was truly stunning. Sixty feet below ground, a quartz-crystal-lined grotto glows in the sunlight. Past the grotto is the Cave of Machpelah, where Rodriguez showcased his unique talent for creating lifelike wood structures, trees in this case, out of concrete. The distinctive atmosphere is quite remarkable.

backyard terror’s dinosaur park in bluff city

Take a stroll through exhibits of homemade dinosaur replicas deep in the woods of Tennessee. Once you’ve finished exploring the self-guided path, check out the faux fossil dig site or the Mesozoic walking trail. No detail left out, be sure you appreciate the dedication put into the accuracy of the models and the facts on the information signs. If you’re driving through Cherokee National Forest, you’ll want to make sure to visit this charming attraction.

issac hayes’ gold plated cadillac in memphis

Have you ever seen a car with gold windshield wipers? It’s quite a sight. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music houses many interesting objects, but Issac Hayes’ gold-plated Cadillac Eldorado is definitely the showpiece. Hayes was incredibly proud of his custom ride and was often seen cruising the Memphis streets. Now, the luxe low rider with the fur-lined interior, refrigerator, and 24-karat gold trim is a must-see artifact from the musician’s hay day.

salt & pepper shaker museum in gatlinburg

Often used, but hardly appreciated, salt and pepper shakers have quite a history. Housing more than 20,000 shakers and pepper mills, this museum provides answers to questions you never knew you had about the evolution and advancements in shaker history. Full of kitsch and cuteness, the impressive wealth of detail will make every bit of your $3 entrance fee worth it.

Music lovers, dinosaur fans, and history buffs will all find something on this list to suit their tastes. Take a chance off the beaten path, and visit one of these unique sites for a truly memorable experience.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/tensafefrogs/3433334474/sizes/l