Spring 2025
Tennessee To-Do List: Spring Festivals
Spring in Tennessee means it’s festival season! From Cheekwood in Bloom in Nashville to the World’s Biggest Fish Fry in Paris, this guide covers the best spring festivals across the state in 2025. Discover local food, music, flowers, crafts, and unforgettable small-town charm all season long.
Plant It and They Will Come
Bees just want what they want—flowers. New research from a University of Tennessee professor shows that pollinators aren’t picky about location. Whether your garden is in the city or the countryside, planting a variety of native flowers can make a big difference for bee populations.
The Tanks of Boone Lake
Thirty-pound braid ripped from my reel as a striper towed my jon boat through Boone Lake. These East Tennessee “tanks” are addictive. I fish them year-round, relying on a quiet, minimalist setup and years of refined rigging. Here’s how I hook—and land—giant stripers in one of the South’s most underrated fisheries.
Loving (and Hating) Golf
Golf seems simple: swing the club, hit the ball. But inside Lang Whitaker’s head, it’s chaos. In this funny and honest reflection, he chronicles his journey from struggling beginner to obsessed mid-80s shooter, all on Memphis’s public courses. Along the way, he finds community, therapy, and the perfect excuse to buy new clubs.
Shinin’ On the Upper Cumberland
Chad Hunt carries on a generations-old tradition of moonshining — only now, it’s all above board. At Roaring River Distillery in Gainesboro, Tennessee, Hunt distills legal moonshine the old-fashioned way, using homemade stills and local white corn. With 20 flavors ranging from apple to dill pickle, there’s something for every curious palate.
Flying High
From soaring over NFL stadiums to soaring above the Smokies, Lincoln the bald eagle represents more than just team spirit — he’s part of a Tennessee-based legacy. The American Eagle Foundation in Kodak is home to nearly 50 non-releasable bald eagles, including Lincoln and Challenger. Executive Director Jessica Hall shares how the organization started at Dollywood, grew into the country’s largest eagle sanctuary, and trains eagles to inspire crowds across the nation.
Through the Roof
Spring in Tennessee is made for rooftop bars — and we’ve got the best spots for elevated sipping and city views. In Memphis, party atop the Peabody. In Nashville, enjoy skyline cocktails at L.A. Jackson. Chattanooga’s Pickle Barrel serves up vintage vibes, and LUMAC in Bristol blends mountain views with bluegrass charm. From chic lounges to classic patios, these rooftop retreats offer unforgettable Tennessee nights.
The Opry at 100
The Grand Ole Opry marks 100 years this fall — a century of Saturday night shows, unforgettable debuts, and country music legends. From its humble radio beginnings on WSM to a cultural institution that shaped the genre, the Opry celebrates with a year-long series of concerts and reflections. This is the story of the show that made country music famous.
Letter from the Editor
In this summer’s letter, Editor Toby Sells reflects on meeting the people behind two of Tennessee’s most unexpected treasures — a moonshiner who honors generations of tradition and a bald eagle sanctuary that’s the largest in the U.S. Read on to discover what makes this state so special.
Stuff We Want
Whether it’s a floating cooler, some state flag socks, or a locally made cap with Masters flair, we rounded up some great finds for your Tennessee summer. These are the little indulgences that make the ride more fun—and a lot more local.
Tenn-e-Secrets
In 1809, famed explorer Meriwether Lewis died under mysterious circumstances in Tennessee. Was it suicide or something more sinister? More than two centuries later, the story still raises eyebrows—and conspiracy theories.
County Profile: Benton
Benton County, Tennessee, is shaped by rivers and steeped in history. Home to Kentucky Lake, state parks, freshwater pearls, and a tribute to country legend Patsy Cline, it’s a must-visit for outdoor lovers and music fans alike.