Although Tennessee is home to some vibrant cities and stunning natural beauty, there are also a few unusual and bizarre roadside attractions that you can only see in this state. Whether you live here or you’re visiting, when you want an unforgettable experience, make sure you check out these top odd attractions.
Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
The Ludden family started their salt and pepper collection by accident. In the mid-1980s, Andrea Ludden was in search of a pepper mill that worked. Whenever she would end up with one that stopped working, she just placed it on the window ledge in her kitchen. Her neighbors thought she was starting a collection, so they would buy her salt and pepper shakers as gifts. Today you can view her collection of almost 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from ancient times to present day at the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg.
Geographic Center of Tennessee
In 1834, some politicians wanted the capital moved to the geographic center of the state so everyone could easily to get it. Professor James Hamilton did a survey of the state and determined its mid-point was in Murfreesboro. While politics and other circumstances left the capital in Nashville, there’s still a monument in Murfreesboro marking the geographic center of Tennessee. To stand in the middle of the state, simply head a half-mile northeast on Old Lascassas Road to find an obelisk placed there by the Rutherford County Historical Society.
Men’s Bathroom at Hermitage Hotel
From its grand lobby to its 2,000-square-foot presidential suite, the Hermitage Hotel in downtown Nashville is known for its stunning and original decorations from when it opened in 1910. However, perhaps its most famous room is the men’s bathroom. With green and black glass terrazzo floor and shiny two-seat shoeshine station, this men’s room is so beautiful it has been awarded “Restroom of the Year” multiple times. Don’t worry ladies – even you’re allowed to walk in and take a look at the grand bathroom.
Carter House
Franklin, Tennessee, wasn’t a safe place during the Civil War. In 1864, U.S. General D. Jacob Cox commandeered the Carter House to use as his command post. When the Battle of Franklin broke out on November 30, the Carter family sought shelter in their basement with their slaves and a neighboring family. When the battle was over, they walked out to discover over 1,000 bullet holes in their home and outbuildings. Today you can take a tour of the house and put your finger in a piece of history.
Jack Daniel’s Grave
When you go on a tour of the Jack Daniel’s distillery, you can view the safe the businessman kicked that eventually led to his death. After the tour, head to the Lynchburg City Cemetery in Lynchburg to view his grave. There are even two iron chairs where you can sit down and toast the man with his whiskey.
When you’re interested in checking out the unusual side of Tennessee, take some time to stop by these bizarre roadside attractions.
This photo, “Nun Salt and Pepper Shakers” by Clyde Robinson used under CC BY 2.o. “Nun Salt and Pepper Shakers” is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Wyatt Johnson Ford.
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