Become a Home Based Travel Agent

Tennessee Weekend Get-a-ways
by Jan Shaughnessy

I would hope most everyone knows by now that on the weekend of May 1, 2010, heavy rainstorms flooded the city of Nashville, TN and towns South and West between Nashville, and Memphis. Nineteen lives were lost. One woman watched as her husband and daughter were swept away by neck deep waters. I can not imagine that pain. Whole neighborhoods were devastated. In downtown Nashville the famous "Honky tonk" bars were silenced. To the East of Nashville the iconic Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Opry Mills Mall, and the Grand Ole Opry, became ghost towns as flood waters ravished them.

Fast forward five weeks. Nashville is surviving. It is amazing how the community has come together, and the outpouring of generosity from everyone. The neighborhoods that were devastated are cleaning up. Many await word if they will rebuild or be bought out by flood relief. The doors of the Opryland Hotel, and Opry Mills Mall will remain closed until late this year. The Grand Ole Opry is alive and well, albeit, in a different venue in downtown Nashville. The General Jackson steamboat, stoked up the fire last week and is ready to entertain your clients with a dinner and show on the Cumberland River.

Travel Agents we need you. We need you to let your clients know that Nashville has survived, and we are up and running. This week the CMA festival, formerly known as Fan Fair Fest, kicks off in downtown on June 10th. Proceeds will benefit music education and flood relief. This is the cities test to bring tourism back to Nashville and reports are already promising. Downtown hotels are waiting for your clients. The restaurants, bars, and honky tonks are calling your clients to "Come to Nashville".

Nashville, TN is a ideal location for a long weekend get-a-way. It's centrally located and a comfortable drive from many states. Even for those that need to fly in, low cost carrier Southwest services Nashville. Nashville is also serviced by all the major airlines.

Tennessee has more to offer your clients. Three hours East, South, and West of Nashville, are Knoxville/Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountains, Chattanooga, and Memphis respectively. Any of these three cities would make excellent long weekend get-a-ways.

Gatlinburg, TN is a playground mecca. Amongst the plethora of souvenir shops, fudge shops, amusement and arcades, and miniature golf, you'll find Ripley's Believe it or not museum and the Ripley's Aquarium. Pigeon Forge, TN; home of Dolly Parton's "Dollywood" theme park and "Splash Country"; is right up the road. In fact; one might mistake Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg as one town. You'll also find Dolly's "Dixie Stampede" in Pigeon Forge, along with numerous other dinner and music shows. All cruise fanatics will delight in seeing the brand new Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge. You'll be able to walk an actual size replica of the Titanic's Grand staircase and be able to touch an iceberg. You'll be greeted by actors in costume of the period. Upon entrance guests receive a boarding pass of an actual passenger. After a self-guided two hour tour you'll learn the fate of your passenger. If clients are looking for quieter activity in the area, then they can pack a lunch and head to the beautiful Smoky Mountain National Park. Hiking trails, waterfalls, and lazy rivers will await them.

Chattanooga, TN - Surrounded by the beautiful mountains, visitors enjoy the top three activities of Chattanooga; Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, and the Tennessee Aquarium. While your clients are taking in the vistas chugging up Lookout mountain by rail, they'll be thinking of the 145 ft waterfall they just saw below inside the mountain at the Ruby Falls cavern. Chattanooga offers more than the big three though. Your clients will find plenty of arts, history, and culture with Civil War museums, an IMAX, open markets, and museums like the Model Railroad Museum. The whole family will enjoy the 85 year old amusement park Lake Winnepesaukah. (Say that three times fast). Enjoy true Southern hospitality as you sip tea on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Ever wonder what happened to the grand old Delta Queen that graced the mighty Mississippi? Well, she's waiting for guest to partake in her new role as Chattanooga's newest boutique hotel. Clients can enjoy the night listening to live music and dining on the Tennessee River.

Memphis, TN - Who hasn't heard about Memphis, Tennessee barbeque? Well, if you don't know Memphis for that, then you surely know it's the home of Elvis' Graceland. Each year thousands flock to Memphis on the anniversaries of Elvis' birthday and his death. Exploring the famous Beale street in search of delicious BBQ or a great Blues Bar like BB King's, should keep you busy. If not; then you can check out one of the numerous other attractions in Memphis. An IMAX, flower gardens, Children's Museum, Chucalissa Indian Museum, Cotton Museum, and the Center for Southern Folklore are all other options. The Memphis Zoo is one of the few in the nation to be home to Panda Bears. Much to the delight of Panda lovers. No visit to Memphis would be complete without a visit (if not a stay), at the legendary, charming, and elegant Peabody Hotel. The magnificent four star hotel is where you'll enjoy the grand march of the Peabody Ducks. A tradition since 1933, the Peabody Ducks march to and from the Grand Lobby daily at 11:00AM and 5:00PM. A delightful treat not to be missed.