Mountain Back Roads: Radiant Roan Mountain

Today on American Nomad, we’re taking to the backroads of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains to explore one of my favorite retreats: Roan Mountain. Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, Roan Mountain is a wonderland of majestic scenery and diverse ecosystems. Here, you’ll find everything from rich Fraser Fir and mixed forests to […]

Elizabethton, TN: A Historic Gem in the Appalachian Highlands

Sheltered by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and cut by the Doe and Watauga Rivers, Elizabethton, Tennessee, is a charming mountain community with a deep history. From the prehistoric Native American tribes that lived and hunted here to being home to the first permanent settlement in Tennessee and the first constitutional American government […]

America 250-Overmountain Victory Trail: Sycamore Shoals

Today we’re continuing our Overmountain Victory Trail adventures from our last stop in Abingdon to a visit to Sycamore Shoals and Fort Watauga State Park in Elizabethton, Tennessee. Known for its fertile lands and a strategic location on the rocky shoals of the Watauga River, Sycamore Shoals is truly a crossroads of history. For centuries, […]

Captivating Chattanooga: Your Guide to the Scenic City

Today on American Nomad we’re exploring one of my favorite cities to visit repeatedly: Scenic Chattanooga. Located in southeastern Tennessee on the banks of the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. From its river city roots to its railroad ‘choo-choo’ heritage and vibrant downtown districts, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a destination […]

20 Fun Things to Do in Knoxville, TN

Twenty Fun Things to Do in Knoxville TN: Knoxville is the heartbeat of East Tennessee; a city that pulsates with mountain vibes, history and of course that Rocky Top Volunteer spirit. The city has so much to offer – from college town vibes, history to the arts, a zoo, cool museums and ready access to […]

Waterfall Wandering in Middle Tennessee

Did you know that Middle Tennessee is home to over 150 waterfalls? Some reports even estimate as many as 500 across the entire region! If you’re a waterfall wanderer like me, who loves hiking scenic trails to majestic cascades (or even just checking out roadside falls), then this area is a must-add destination for your […]

A Walk Through Time: Columbia Tennessee

In today’s edition of American Nomad Traveler, we’re continuing our Tennessee adventures with a stop in historic Columbia Tennessee. Only forty-five minutes south of Nashville off I-65, Columbia is the perfect getaway for a day trip or overnight excursion. Located near the banks of the beautiful Duck River, in the middle of Maury County’s ambling […]

Discover Historic Franklin TN

Today on American Nomad, our Tennessee adventures continue as we explore Franklin, the charming historic town located just twenty minutes south of Nashville. This vibrant community truly has it all: from beautifully preserved historic houses and cool local shops to delicious eateries and, of course, incredible music. Franklin offers a welcome calmer pace compared to […]

Must-See Nashville Historic Homes

In this edition of American Nomad we’ll continue our time traveling adventures through Nashville’s history. In our last post we spent a jam-packed day in downtown Nashville learning about the city’s founding to the Civil War and beyond at the Tennessee State Museum, State Capitol and Fort Nashborough. In today’s journey we have a flexible […]

Beyond the Music City: Discovering Downtown Nashville’s Historical Roots

In today’s American Nomad Adventures – we’re continuing our travels in Nashville TN. In our last post we spent three days getting into the rhythm of Nashville music sites from Country Music Hall of Fame to iconic venues like The Ryman, Grand Ole Opry, Bluebird Cafe and more. In our next series of posts, we’re […]