Sally Walker Davies - Explorers Guide Tennessee

In the beginning of the book, you will find an alphabetical listing of special highlights, with important information and advice on everything from antiques to zoos.

LODGING

Tennessee offers an exquisite array of lodging possibilities, from rustic yet lush mountain lodges to historic inns and ultraplush historic hotels. Thats why you will find few references to chain hotels throughout the lodging sections in each chapter. Where theres no local alternative, or if a local version of a chain hotel is the most convenient or particularly good optionor the only game in townyou will find a listing. But as with the restaurant listings, the goal in the hotel listings is to provide information on hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts, and rentals that are unique to Tennessee and offer the best atmosphere and experience.

Rates: Prices are per night and range from low, off-season rates to higher summer and holiday weekend rates. Please note that prices (and price ranges) were accurate at press time in 2010, and dont hold it against us or the innkeepers if those prices have fluctuated.

RESTAURANTS

A few things to note about the restaurant listings in this book: First, theres a difference between Dining Out and Eating Out. The establishments listed under Dining Out are fine-dining establishments, some more casual than others but still with the air (and price tag) of fine dining. Eating Out listings showcase less-expensive dining options.

Secondly, you will find very few references to any kind of chain restaurant here, whether fast-food or casual dining. Why? Because you can find those restaurants anywhere, and they dont add anything unique or local to a Tennessee experience. So our recommendations focus on local eateries (with a few local chains thrown in), owned by local restaurateurs, whether a white-tablecloth restaurant or a lunch counter in a local pharmacy.

Rates: Average prices refer to a per-person price for dinner consisting of an entre, appetizer or dessert, and a glass of beer or wine (taxes and gratuities not included).

KEY TO SYMBOLS

The kid-friendly symbol appears next to establishments that appeal directly to kids, if not already obvious.

The special value symbol appears next to those establishments that offer an extra value, over-the-top service, or are considered a worth-the-splurge experience.

The pet-friendly symbol appears next to hotels, campgrounds, and parks that allow pets. Remember, most lodgings will charge a surcharge for pets, and if pets are accepted, they are expected to be leashed and as well behaved as their owners.

The ecofriendly symbol appears next to accommodations, restaurants, and bars that are especially environmentally friendly and/or use local and natural products.

S o many people across Tennesseeand beyondplayed a part in helping me with this book.

Tons of thanks to the Countryman Press team, especially Kim Grant and Justine Rathbun, for excellent guidance and amazing patience.

Stephanie Jones has gone from dear friend to partner in crime in the last year, and her photographs and research assistance have been invaluable.

Tom Adkinson, Heather Middleton, and the Geiger team went out of their respective ways to get me where I needed to go.

Marlene Shaw, Leanne Kleinmann, Susan Mahoney, Gigi Gould, Leanne Owens, Anca Marr, Shelby Terry, and Angie Gardner at St. Marys Episcopal School in Memphis were more supportive and encouraging than I ever thought possiblethank you all.

Finally, Sheryl, Linda, Julia, Kim, Stephanie, and Kristiwhat can I say? I couldnt have made it through without you all.

T his book is based on multiple trips I have taken since 2002, as I have had the good fortune to roam Tennessee in search of its delights for a variety of media outlets since becoming a resident that year.

From lodging to dining to exploring, everything in this guide was chosen for its worthiness and written for an audience that appreciates the unique characteristics of local business while experiencing some of the countrys best attractions, both natural and man-made.

In this book, you will find very little mention of chain anything, whether hotel or restaurant. I am a huge believer in experiencing the unique flavors of every city or town, so the usual suspects get little coverage here. Rest assured, the inclusion of any hotel, restaurant, or attraction in this guide was not paid for with assurances of coverage.