Living in Tennessee brings surprises around every corner—and not just the famous ones. Here are eight quirky and unusual things no one tells you about life in the Volunteer State.
1. People Eat Their Meals With At Least Three Sides
No matter where you’re dining, expect your main dish to come with a generous spread of side options—think beans, greens, cornbread, and macaroni, making every meal feel hearty and communal.
2. MoonPie and Other Southern Treats Began Here
The iconic MoonPie was born in Chattanooga in 1917, and local lore treats it not just as dessert but as a part of state identity. Tennessee also claims credit for the Goo Goo Cluster and cotton candy.
3. The State Has More Caves Than Anywhere Else
Tennessee is a spelunker’s paradise, boasting over 9,200 documented caves and the country’s largest underground lake, The Lost Sea, in Sweetwater.
4. Wild Laws Still On The Books
Local laws are delightfully eccentric—from it technically being illegal for a woman to ask a man out on a date in some places to bans on carrying skunks across state lines or selling hollow logs.
5. College Football Is Practically A Religion
Game day in Tennessee means the world slows down. Vols fans treat Saturdays like sacred holidays, rivaling church attendance for importance and ritual.
6. Paradise For Turtle Lovers
Tennessee is genuinely the turtle capital of the world—thousands of different types of turtles call the state home, including mud sliders, snapping turtles, and box turtles.
7. The Parthenon and Athens Connection
Nashville features a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, a nod to the city’s nickname, “Athens of the South,” reflecting its early commitment to education and culture.
8. Hot Chicken Is Serious Business
The invention of Nashville hot chicken isn’t just a rumor—it’s a rite of passage, and locals warn the heat will catch you off guard. Prince’s Hot Chicken is the original staple for the uninitiated.
Tennessee’s charm lies in its side dishes, deep traditions, odd laws, and the love for music, nature, and spicy chicken—quirks that make living here an experience you’ll never forget.
Sources
(https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/tennessee/weird-tn-habits)
(https://groveliving.com/fun-facts-about-tennessee/)
(https://www.nashvillesmls.com/blog/fun-facts-tennessee.html)
(https://thesoutherntravelista.com/facts-about-tennessee/)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpF8fi5i63Y)
