Lightning Rod, Dollywood, Pigeon Forge
Tennessee is expanding and enhancing its attractions, while paying homage to those long-withstanding entities that have proven the Made in Tennessee spirit can’t be copied, only experienced. Discover what’s new for Spring Break in Tennessee.
In 1929 and 1930, there was a collection of recordings created known as the Knoxville Sessions. Today, they have been re-mastered and released, and Knoxville is celebrating its lost musical history with the inaugural Knoxville STOMP: Festival of Lost Music May 5-8.
Dom Flemons headlines the wealth of performers that include the ETSU Old Time Pride Band, John Myers Band, Knox County Jug Stompers and more.
Lightning Rod, the world’s fastest and first launching wooden roller coaster opens March 18. The $22 million ride is the largest attraction investment in the park’s history. Themed after a 1950s-era hot rod, Lightning Rod launches riders from zero to 45 mph to a point 20 stories high, reaching a top speed of 73 mph.
The Nashville Zoo is under an ongoing expansion with Phase I of the project, which includes a Spider Monkey exhibit, Andean Bear exhibit, Tiger exhibit, and a new Veterinary Center, to be completed by 2017. This spring, visitors can experience the new Entry Village which has a larger ticket booth, gift shop, security, restrooms stroller rental facility and more. See the two new male white rhinoceros from a Florida animal reserve make their home in the Rhino Exhibit as well.
Make a toast to Jack Daniel’s 150th Anniversary, America’s oldest registered distiller and the best-selling whiskey in the world. The anniversary is celebrated throughout the year and around the world. Stop in for a tour, a tasting and learn the history of this world-class attraction. The distillery is also going under a $140 million expansion which includes two new barrelhouses, and a modification on the bottling factory, expanding the bottling and shipping capabilities.
The Beale Street Music Festival takes place April 29-May 1 at Tom Lee Park in downtown Memphis. The festival commemorates 40 years in 2016, part of the annual Memphis in May month-long celebration. Neil Young + Promise of the Real, Beck, Meghan Trainor, Paul Simon, Jason Derulo, Yo Gotti, Panic! At the Disco, Moon Taxi, and Bastille are just some of the more than 60 artists scheduled to perform.
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, one of the largest urban parks in America, is undergoing renovations throughout 2016. This spring, enjoy the new hiking and biking trails, native trees lining Farm Road, new buffalo location and pasture. Other updates throughout the year include a new restaurant, The Kitchen, LEED-certified First Tennessee Foundation Visitor Center, event stage, expanded Patriot Lake and more.