"In loving memory of my uncle Lester Lyon, passed a" Tennessee by Don_Wright

Tennessee Travel Guide: 4,153 reviews and 6,482 photos

My Mother was born and raised in a little town called Hornbeak, Tennessee. It is in the Northwest corner of the state, a few miles from Reelfoot Lake State Park (photo above is of Reelfoot Lake, taken on my recent trip, Easter Sunday, 4/15/01 ).

I have made many trips to Tennesee, with my parents when I was younger, and recently on my own. I have a lot of memories and thoughts to share with you, as I have time to add them.

Go to Tennessee, experience it, enjoy it, and eat some great food!

So, come now with me, and I will take you to some great places in this beautiful state. We'll go visit the Reelfoot Lake State park area, the Smoky Mountains, and Nashville attractions! Hope you brought a good appetite, as we'll have some great meals, and if your heart is heavy, from the burdens and routines of everday life and work, you will be refreshed after your visit to Tennessee!

P.S. I recently added a travelogue on Reelfoot Lake State Park, with many photos. Enjoy!

4/16/01: Hey Y'all, 'scuse the drawl, I just got back from my Easter weekend trip to Tennessee!

4/21/01: Got my photos developed and I am updating this page this week, adding photos of Bar-B-Cutie and Reelfoot Lake restaurants, also a few more photos of Reelfoot Lake. I took a whole roll of film in the Opryland Hotel, so I will create a separate travelogue on that. I'll indicate which of these photos are new from my trip, so that previous visitors to this page will know which ones they are. Hope you enjoy, see y'all!

4/25/01: This is the only way I can say good bye now, my dear uncle. I'm sorry I can't be at your funeral tomorrow. I just heard of your passing a few hours ago. I am trying to deal with it spiritually, so I came here to this Tennessee page. I had been pouring so much love, time, and energy into this page lately, especially since I got back from my trip Easter weekend. It was like my soul was racing the clock, like I felt I was about to lose something. Now I know why. Subconciously, I was already creating a tribute for you, while you were still alive. The world will never get to meet you in person now, but your soul is now in these photos of Reelfoot Lake for the world to see! I know you will get a kick out of this now, even though you didn't quite understand the Internet and this website when I tried to explain it to you Easter Sunday! At age 91, you lived to be the oldest of the Lyon family, and don't worry, I'll take care of mom for you, I love her and cherish her!

Your loving nephew,

Don

2/14/04: I don't know how to thank you all, but I thank you so much for stopping by this page and your wonderful comments. It's been a few years since my uncle passed away, and I can't explain my emotiveness on that day, except I was so excited in building this page after getting back from my trip to Tennessee, then devastated upon hearing my uncles death and knowing I wouldn't be able to get back there for the funeral. I just remember that day, sitting here looking out my window, typing my memorial to him on VT.

anyway, thanks again, and I want to make this a happy page, I know my uncle appreciates everything you have said!

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Also please visit these travelogues! Enjoy!

<a href="http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/.128484/article/1713/6/">Reelfoot Lake State Park (2001)</a>
<a href="http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/.128484/article/1713/9/">Opryland Hotel</a>
<a href="http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/.128484/article/1713/10/">Tour Nashville</a>

Last visit to Tennessee: Apr 2001
Intro Updated Feb 14, 2004
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Reviews (22)

Bar-B-Cutie (new photo from... - Tennessee

Bar-B-Cutie (new photo from... Restaurants (5)

Bar-B-Cutie (new photo from recent trip). When you fly into to Nashville, this is your lunch stop after you pick up your... more travel advice

The Silverado Dance Hall and... - Tennessee

The Silverado Dance Hall and... Nightlife (2)

The Silverado Dance Hall and Saloon (new photo from recent trip). Very cool. Sight for sore Michgan eyes. Good crowd on... more travel advice

Motels, and cabins on Reelfoot... - Tennessee

Motels, and cabins on Reelfoot... Hotels (1)

Motels, and cabins on Reelfoot Lake. This is the Eagle's Nest Resort (new photo from recent trip). Get away, and stay... more travel advice

See the Smoky Mountains, and... - Tennessee

See the Smoky Mountains, and... Favorites (1)

See the Smoky Mountains, and drive through to Cherokee, NC. Cades Cove is a beautiful little area in the Smoky's. It has... more travel advice

What to Pack (1)
Packing List
Local Customs (1)
(New photo from my recent...
Transportation (1)
(New photo from my recent...
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Comments (63)

nomad7890 Jul 7, 2009 at 2:51 PM Report Abuse

Tennesee!? My best friend just came to visit. She lives in the north of Memphis (Millington) but was born in Paris (TN). She introduced me to my husband, and now that he's very ill has been a source of emotional support. Very nice roots to have! Martha
Little_Lou_Lou Mar 12, 2005 at 12:53 AM Report Abuse

GREAT local customs tip! Really appreciated by a southern gal!!!
Elena_007 Feb 10, 2005 at 4:45 PM Report Abuse

Great tips on my hometown state, Don! It is apparent Tennessee is close to your heart. I have learned a lot from your insights. Thanks. :-) ~Elaine~
soundsgoodtome Feb 24, 2004 at 7:44 PM Report Abuse

Excellent TN page! Its a crime that I still haven't ever seen Reel Foot Lake, but hopefully will soon. You should definitely make it down to Chattanooga one day, you'll like it too.
unravelau Feb 14, 2004 at 6:08 PM Report Abuse

Well, this is an eye-opener for me and I thoroughly enjoyed sharing the journey through Tennessee with you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom.
deecat Feb 13, 2004 at 6:23 PM Report Abuse

Brilliant! Your introduction is amazing and touching. The photographs are excellent, and the text is intelligent, informative, interesting, and, from my experience, correct.
ettenaj Nov 23, 2003 at 11:25 AM Report Abuse

Brilliant page with some useful tips cheers for sharing them
nada1712 May 26, 2003 at 1:21 PM Report Abuse

What a fantastic page.! I really would luurrrve to 'drive the State'. What a place!!! :)) Best wishes Nada
lolzipopz Apr 7, 2003 at 3:47 PM Report Abuse

Your pages are really great and nice tips, lovely photos popperz
craic Feb 25, 2003 at 1:44 AM Report Abuse

Even your restaurant tips are great! I don't think I have ever eaten anything you mention.