Best place for Armenians to vacation in the US

We’ve already written about what makes the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee such a great place for Armenians to live, remote work, and retire to. Many of these same reasons make it an ideal vacation destination as well.

Pristine Armenia-esque Nature

The first thing that you notice about the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee is that it resembles the north of Armenia. The place looks and feels like Dilijan. It has similar climate, the same plants, and the same geographic features of mountains, hills, rivers, and forests.

Accessibility

Traveling to central Tennessee is easy and affordable via Nashville or Knoxville airports. A flight to Nashville from LA can be had for less than $100. From Boston or New York, the flight is closer to $200.

Health and Well-being

It is hard to explain or quantify. When you’re in Armenia you feel different. There is a certain resonance that happens when you step onto your ancestral land. Surprisingly, this resonance also rhymes. With the Upper Cumberland being physically so similar to the land in Armenia, you amazingly have that same feeling.

Supposing you don’t have this metaphysical comforting feeling, the nature and activities you experience while visiting the Upper Cumberland certainly do contribute to an improved sense of well-being.The scenic landscapes are conducive to relaxation and stress relieve and spending time out in nature is known to have positive effects on mental health, anxiety, and depression. It’s not just clean air and water here either, there are wellness retreats and spa centers in the region that focus on holistic health, offering services such as yoga, meditation, and massage therapy. Historically, the Cumberland Plateau has been known for its healing springs, which were believed to have therapeutic properties.

Activities

The Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee offers a variety of vacation activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can explore the numerous state parks, such as Fall Creek Falls State Park and Burgess Falls State Park, which provide opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and viewing stunning waterfalls. Water activities are popular, with options for boating, fishing, and swimming in lakes like Dale Hollow Lake and Center Hill Lake. The area also boasts beautiful scenic drives, particularly along the Cumberland Plateau, and opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. For those interested in history and culture, the Upper Cumberland region features historical sites and small towns with local shops, restaurants, and museums that reflect the rich heritage of the area.

Affordability

The cost of a vacation in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee is generally lower than vacations in destinations like Rocky Mountain National Park or Yosemite National Park due to several factors. Accommodations in Upper Cumberland, including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds, tend to be more affordable. Additionally, the cost of activities and entry fees to state parks are lower compared to national parks like Yosemite and Rocky Mountain, which have higher entrance fees and more expensive guided tours. The cost of living and doing business in Tennessee is also generally lower, which translates to more affordable dining and transportation costs for visitors. This combination of lower accommodation, activity, and overall living costs makes the Upper Cumberland a more budget-friendly vacation destination.

The Food

For visitors to the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee, the local food scene offers a delightful mix of Southern comfort food, fresh farm-to-table options, and unique regional specialties. You can enjoy traditional Southern dishes such as fried chicken, barbecue, and catfish at local eateries, often served with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread. The region also boasts a variety of locally-owned restaurants that emphasize fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, showcasing the area’s agricultural bounty. Farmers’ markets are abundant, providing access to fresh produce, homemade jams, and artisanal goods. Additionally, the region features charming cafes and bakeries where you can savor homemade pies, biscuits, and other Southern desserts. This combination of hearty, flavorful cuisine and fresh, local ingredients makes dining in the Upper Cumberland a delicious and authentic experience. The Mexican food is also excellent.

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It really is no surprise that some place that is a great place to live would also be a great place to vacation. When you combine all the different reasons Armenian-Americans are being drawn to the Upper Cumberland, it starts to feel highly likely that the Tennessee Hyeland Project will be successful in its goals of forming an Armenian community.