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The Volunteer State appeals to all kinds of travelers, from history buffs to nature lovers to music enthusiasts. With so many things to see and do here, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why iSupport Local TN took into account a variety of factors – including diversity of attractions, accessibility, affordability and culinary options – to determine the best places to visit in Tennessee. Want to have a say in next year's list? Vote for your favorite destination below. Tell us your favorite places in Tennessee. Gatlinburg, Tennessee #1 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee Gatlinburg makes a great base for travelers looking to spend their vacation outdoors. Nestled within eastern Tennessee's section of the Great Smoky Mountains, this town boasts proximity to multiple hiking trails and ski slopes. Plus, Gatlinburg features several parks ideal for picnics and leisurely strolls. For some of the town's best panoramas, climb aboard the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, head to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle or walk across Gatlinburg SkyLift Park's suspension bridge. No visit would be complete without checking out Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Why Go To Gatlinburg With three entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, it's no surprise that visiting the park is the most popular attraction in this eastern Tennessee town. In fact, it's such a hit that Gatlinburg's population balloons during peak tourist season from less than 4,000 residents to more than 40,000. With miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, as well as historical exhibits and cabins, and the opportunity to view black bears, elk, deer and other wildlife in their natural habitat, it's easy to see why the park is such a hot spot. When you're not in the park enjoying its natural wonders, you'll likely spend time admiring it from several of Gatlinburg's top attractions, including the Gatlinburg Space Needleand the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. But Gatlinburg isn't just a gateway to the Smokies. This small mountain town is a destination in its own right, and one that's particularly popular with families thanks to kid-friendly diversions like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre. To get a taste of local Gatlinburg culture, skip the kitschy souvenir shops and visit one of several local galleries, including the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, to watch local artists and craftsmen create everything from paintings and pottery to handmade brooms and jewelry. Memphis, Tennessee #2 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee Memphis played a significant role in developing the blues, soul and rock 'n' roll musical genres, so much so that artists like Elvis Presley, W.C. Handy and Otis Redding recorded songs here. Today, the musical city offers a taste of this history at many of its top attractions, including Graceland, Sun Studio and the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Memphis is also known for its ties to the civil rights movement. Visit the National Civil Rights Museum, which occupies the former Lorraine Motel (where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated), to learn more about this important period in American history. Why Go To Memphis Memphis is constantly grooving, either to the songs of Elvis echoing throughout the city or to the tunes of up-and-coming musicians along Beale Street. Graceland is the major draw for many; however, audiophiles who come only for Elvis will be pleased to find out that Memphis has much more to offer. Johnny Cash, Isaac Hayes and B.B. King also nurtured their unique sounds in Memphis bars and recording studios. Along with the significant role Memphis played in music history, this city also serves as a poignant reminder of the civil rights movement. It was here that Martin Luther King Jr. petitioned for the equal rights of Black sanitation workers in 1968. After leading a peaceful protest in March, King returned to the city on April 3 only to be assassinated a day later at the Lorraine Motel, now the site of the National Civil Rights Museum. There's a third, sometimes overlooked reason to plan a Memphis visit. The "Cradle of American Music" delivers good eats, as well as good tunes and good history lessons. Consider a spring or fall trip (the summer heat here is staggering) to try out a few culinary – and distinctly Southern – favorites. The region's finger-lickin' barbecue and buttery grits should be at the top of any aspiring foodie's list. For more information on the city's history, food and tunes, sign up for one of the best Memphis tours. Great Smokey Mountain National Park #3 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee Situated south of Gatlinburg on the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers 800-plus miles of hiking trails, including some that take you to breathtaking waterfalls like Abrams, Grotto and Laurel falls. America's most-visited national park also provides ample opportunities to fish, bike, ride horses and camp (weather permitting). But remember, the Smokies are home to approximately 1,500 wild black bears, so stay alert, keep your distance and properly store your food at all times. Why Go To Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans both Tennessee and North Carolina, with the border running through the center of the 522,427-acre tract. The mountains have a long history of human settlers from the prehistoric Paleo Indians to 19th-century European settlers. Today, more than 10 million people visit the park each year – it's one of the few free national parks in America – to enjoy scenic drives to Cades Cove or along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and outdoor activities like hiking, biking and fishing. Pack a picnic for stunning hikes to Abrams or Rainbow Falls, or bike the Cades Cove Loop on Wednesday and Saturday mornings when the road is closed to traffic. Learn the history of the park at the Cades Cove Visitor Center and explore the historic gristmill and Cable Mill or stop by Sugarlands Visitor Center to see wildlife exhibits, view a film on the park and pick up unique souvenirs at the gift shop. Knoxville, Tennessee #4 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee Tennessee's third-largest city perfectly blends outdoor recreation with urban amenities. In the 1,000-acre plot of forested land that comprises Knoxville's Urban Wilderness, visitors can explore 50-plus miles of trails, swim in pristine lakes and get an adrenaline rush while zip lining, among other activities. For a more leisurely dose of nature, head to the University of Tennessee Gardens. Additional must-dos include visiting the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Zoo Knoxville and the Knoxville Museum of Art. Why Go To Knoxville Tennessee's third-largest city, and the site of its first capital, often flies under the radar, but once visitors get acquainted with the historic and charming Knoxville and its accessible downtown, as well as its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, they often become fans. One of Knoxville's most famous landmarks is the gleaming Sunsphere, a 266-foot-tall, gold-tinted tower built for the 1982 World's Fair. Now an observatory, located in the World's Fair Park, it's just one of the city's many attractions. Downtown Knoxville is full of interesting independent shops and restaurants, many radiating out from popular Market Square. The Tennessee River runs alongside downtown, so many locals and visitors get out on the water by kayak, canoe or river boat cruise. Historic attractions abound, especially Civil War sites, battlegrounds and homes. Furthermore, friendly residents with a genuine welcoming attitude, lots of green spaces, tasty southern cuisine and an-easy-to-navigate downtown make Knoxville an appealing city to visit. Chattanooga, Tennessee #5 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee Chattanooga's most well-known attribute may perhaps be Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, the oldest and largest Civil War park in the country. But there's more to this city than its rich history. Travelers can enjoy incredible views of the Scenic City from Ruby Falls (which is home to America's tallest underground waterfall accessible to the public) and Rock City Gardens (where visitors can see seven states from a platform located 1,700 feet above the ground). Plus, families will find kid-friendly attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium – the world's largest freshwater aquarium – and the Chattanooga Zoo within city limits. Why Go To Chattanooga Situated along the Tennessee River and nestled among the mountains of Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga has truly earned its nickname as the "Scenic City." Once named the most polluted city in America by the Department of Health, Chattanooga has experienced an urban revitalization over the past few decades, making sustainability a priority and giving the city a much-needed boost of diversity without losing touch of its small-town charm. Chattanooga is known as a historical hub, having served as a Civil War battlefield and the grand central station for southern railway travel in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the city is a pioneer of different sorts, as one of the first cities in the U.S. to offer its citizens 2 gigabits per second (read: extremely speedy) internet service, and the first American city to have its own typeface, appropriately named "Chatype." Silicon Valley better watch its back. Technological advancements aside, travelers of all types could spend days enjoying Chattanooga's diverse array of attractions. Adventurers can explore the nooks and crannies that lie within Lookout Mountain, history buffs can traverse terrain once inhabited by Civil War troops at Chickamauga, engineers can marvel at restored trains (several of which are over 100 years old) at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and foodies can eat their way through the delectable North Shore district. Or, you can simply take a stroll along the city's riverwalk and catch a sunset atop the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee #6 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee If you want your next vacation to be unlike any you've had before, visit Pigeon Forge. This mountain town 8 miles northwest of Gatlinburg is home to some of Tennessee's most unique attractions. You can roll down a hill in a giant inflatable ball at Outdoor Gravity Park or buy sweets and souvenirs, mine for gems, feed goats and more at Goats On The Roof. Additionally, Pigeon Forge is where you'll find Dolly Parton's Dollywood theme park, WonderWorks and Hollywood Wax Museum outposts and the interactive Titanic Pigeon Forge museum. Why Go To Pigeon Forge Pigeon Forge is famously known for being home to the Dollywood theme park and Splash Country water park. However, you may be surprised by how much else there is to discover in this charming small town in eastern Tennessee. Actors, comedians and musicians put on larger-than-life performances at The Comedy Barn and Country Tonite Theatre. There are numerous educational, engaging and family-friendly museums located here, including WonderWorks, the Titanic Museum Attraction and Beyond the Lens!. What's more, the scenic outdoors beckon to travelers: Visitors to Pigeon Forge can enjoy parks, admire the landscape via zip line or alpine coaster, and go camping and hiking nearby. Be sure to check out the Outdoor Gravity Park, the only Zorbing park in the USA! You should of course spend some time at Dollywood (it's home to an impressive number of roller coasters, attractions and shows) and Splash Country (the 35-acre water park is packed with slides and rides). But don't forget to slow down and take a stroll through town, check out the shops and eateries at The Island in Pigeon Forge, and maybe stop in to visit a winery or brewery. One thing's for certain: There's no doubt you'll appreciate everything to see, do and experience in Dolly Parton's "Tennessee mountain home." Nashville, Tennessee #7 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee Nashville's ties to the Fisk Jubilee Singers (the first musical group to go on an international tour) and its prevalence of honky-tonks are only two reasons why the destination is called Music City. Country music fans flock to the Country Music Capital of the World to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and see big-name musicians perform at the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium. The city also boasts an excellent dining scene featuring Southern staples and Nashville hot chicken (a local favorite), so save time for a food tour. Why Go To Nashville Nashville has evolved over the years and has become a city of a lot of things for a lot of different people. It's a popular weekend getaway for those based on the East Coast and in the Midwest. It's a foodie retreat for those who love affordable Southern cooking and international fusion cuisine. And it's a fun bachelor and bachelorette spot for friends looking to bond before taking the big leap into marriage. But Nashville at its core is a haven for country music fans. The bars lining Broadway (plus the famous Bluebird Cafe, which is about 5 miles south) host some of the most talented undiscovered artists in the country. In fact, Nashville is where many musicians – including Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line and Sam Hunt – were discovered or launched their careers. The best way to soak up Nashville's country scene is to enjoy the free live tunes at establishments throughout the city. You should also visit the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, tour Belle Meade Historic Site and ogle The Parthenon. And plan to spend some time just hanging out in the growing number of boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants downtown. Or, let a local show you around with a guided tour. Bristol, Tennessee #8 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee Although images of Nashville may first come to mind when you think of country music, Bristol should also be on your radar. This northeastern Tennessee city – which is a twin city of neighboring Bristol, Virginia – is where the musical genre was born. Bristol celebrates its musical history at The Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The city is also known for its world-famous Bristol Motor Speedway, a sprawling sports venue that hosts multiple racing events throughout the year. Plus, it features several parks and lakes where outdoor enthusiasts can hike, bike, camp and go fly-fishing. Murfreesboro, Tennessee #9 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee Murfreesboro attracts history buffs in droves thanks to its collection of historical sights. At Stones River National Battlefield, visitors can learn more about one of the Civil War's bloodiest battles. Meanwhile, Oaklands Mansion and Cannonsburgh Village offer vacationers a firsthand look at what life was like in Tennessee during the 19th century. When travelers need a break from Murfreesboro's historical locations, they can check out other popular attractions like the Discovery Center, Go USA Fun Park and Climb Murfreesboro. The latter is Tennessee's largest indoor rock climbing gym. Clarksville, Tennessee #10 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee Overlooking the Cumberland River, bustling Clarksville is one of Tennessee's oldest cities. Visitors can follow the Civil War Trail to four informative markers or learn more about the war at Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center. The city also features multiple parks with areas for hiking and bird-watching, such as Dunbar Cave State Park, plus life-size statues of some of Clarksville's most famous former residents, including Olympic gold medalist Wilma Rudolph and city founder John Montgomery. Travelers who are at least 21 years old should also check out Clarksville's blossoming brewery scene. Johnson City, Tennessee #11 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee Johnson City is packed with amenities to entertain travelers young and old. Nestled in northeastern Tennessee's mountains, this city is home to Eastern Tennessee State University, as well as a multitude of restaurants, bars, art galleries, museums, shops and live music venues. But the main reason to visit Johnson City is to reconnect with nature. Vacationers can fish at Boone Lake, hit the links at one of two golf courses or hike Buffalo Mountain Park's trails. For impressive scenery without a workout, take a scenic drive on one of the area's byways. Lynchburg, Tennessee #12 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee Adults ages 21 and older who like whiskey should consider vacationing in Lynchburg. This small southern Tennessee town's claim to fame is the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Visitors flock here every year to tour the distillery and learn how whiskey is made. Most tours offer tastings, but keep in mind that Lynchburg sits in a dry county, so alcohol cannot be purchased on-site or anywhere within town limits. After touring the Jack Daniel's facility, walk around Lynchburg's historic square to see its shops, restaurants and 19th-century structures, including a courthouse and the Moore County Jail Museum. Did we get it right? Let us know what Cities you feel should be on this list. We would love to hear from you.

BY BROOKE BARNETT, UPDATED BY LINDSAY CUOMO When asked to name her favorite local business, local retail consultant Allison Barta Bailey likens it to a parent being asked to choose a favorite child. Bailey simply explains, “I have too many favorites to name!” In addition to being her passion, Bailey says that local shopping is crucial to the growth and expansion of our city. “If we want our community to continue to develop, we have to offer something that other communities don’t,” she says. “Our local business scene is something that’s unique to our city for travelers, and provides quality and convenience for residents.” Bryce Bandy, co-founder of Keep It Local OK (keepitlocalok.com) agrees. “Since local businesses are not tied to any national sales or marketing strategies, we will get a wider variety of products and services from Tennesseans for Tennesseans. This also means you won’t run into the exact same mix of restaurant and retail anywhere else.” Not to mention the economic benefits of shopping locally, a fact to which Bandy is quick to attest. “Local shopping is crucial to our continued growth because the success of local businesses attracts and encourages other entrepreneurs to start local businesses, which leads to more jobs and revenue re-circulating throughout our community.” Doing the Math The math for buying close to home is compelling—for every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $73 remains in the local economy. Compare that to the same $100 spent at a non-locally owned business, where only $43 remains in the local economy. Recent research from Civic Economics (civiceconomics.com) indicates that local eateries return nearly 79 percent of revenues to the community, compared to just over 30 percent for chain restaurants. “When profits stay local, it increases the community’s wealth, tax revenue and standard of living,” Dr. Sue Lynn Sasser, professor of economics at the University of Central Oklahoma, says. “Small businesses and local businesses are still the backbone of our economy,” Sasser adds. “They are local people serving local people and are generally committed to staying there, raising their families. After all, most businesses started out as a small, local business and earned the success of growing and expanding. It’s the American Dream.” Here are 15 reasons to keep your cash close to home: Keep Money Local—Sales taxes fund our communities and provide vital services such as police and fire protection, street repairs and trash collection. “Local businesses are more likely to shop with other local businesses, keeping money moving in our local economy even longer,” explains Morgan Harris, owner of Green Bambino (www.green-bambino.com), a full-service baby store offering functional and earth-friendly products. Local Investment—Local businesses are less susceptible to national downturns and more likely to work harder to stay open. “Local ownership means that important decisions are made by people who live in our community and feel the impact of those decisions,” explains Chris Branson, co-founder of Keep It Local OK. Locally-Made Products—Local business owners often sell local products, which helps preserve the community’s distinction and creates more jobs locally, as well. Support for Nonprofits—Local businesses support good work in our community. “Studies show that nonprofits receive 250 percent more support from small businesses than large ones,” explains Dr. Sue Lynn Sasser, professor of economics at the University of Central Oklahoma. Discover Interesting Things and People—“One-of-a-kind shops and restaurants are part of what makes our city a great place to live,” Branson adds. Personal Connection—Getting to know the store owners is a great reason to shop local. “It’s their business, they are the decision-makers and they build a personal relationship with their customers,” Sasser says. Product Knowledge—Local business owners are well informed about their products and know what they are selling. “Because they know their customers, they can easily adjust their inventories to include the goods and services local people want to buy,” Sasser explains. Diverse Products—Local stores carry inventory you might not find at national chain stores. “Local business owners choose products based on what their customers want and often carry unique items from local artists and farmers,” Branson says. Cost Effective—“Sometimes prices at local businesses are better because they don’t have the overhead that larger stores may have and they may be more willing to negotiate to meet your price needs,” Sasser says. Better Experience—Local shopping can translate to more convenient retail experiences. Less “Leakage”—Local businesses tend to buy and sell with other local businesses. “With national or multi-national firms, a percentage of that profit ‘leaks’ out of the community, the state or even the nation,” Sasser notes. Increased Expertise—Shopping at a local store means you can get an expert opinion about the products that you’re purchasing. “Local shop owners have to be experts in their field to compete. Use them—ask them questions and get advice about products,” Bailey encourages. Create Community—“We are a transitory society so people don’t always have a connection with the communities where they live. I would encourage people new to an area to ask the locals where they shop,” Sasser says. Better Service—Local business owners do what they do because they are passionate about their products and typically take more time to get to know their customers. “They’ll often go the extra mile to help you and to ensure you’re a satisfied customer,” Sasser says. Support Future Growth—Our experts agree on the last reason—shopping locally is the best way to show pride in your city and help protect the businesses that make our city unique. “We can’t simply say ‘Shop Locally!’ and keep our economy vibrant and healthy,” Harris explains. “We have to take the time and spend the money to support local businesses with our presence and our dollars. You really do vote with your wallet, and shopping locally casts your vote for Nashville. As a local business owner, it makes me immensely happy to have the opportunity to help shape what Nashville City becomes.” “Shopping locally is a big part of what our family is,” Harris concludes. “Not just because we own a small business, but because we feel it is such a big part of helping to create a great city for our son to grow up in.”

DECEMBER 17, 2020 BY BRYSON EDGAR Starting out on Instagram can be a disheartening experience. Even with the flood of users accessing it every day, attracting new followers can feel like an agonizingly slow drip. Don’t despair, though. With the right approach, you can turn your luck around. This article will give you 50 tips to help boost your follower count in no time. 1. Improve your Instagram experience with iSupportLocalTN. Follow us on Instagram so you can be linked into the Tennessee Network. 2. Follow other users. You can’t expect people to follow you if you don’t do the same for others. Use the Explore tab to find accounts whose personalities and interests align with your brand. Don’t hesitate in following users who don’t have many followers. They might appreciate the attention. There’s also a list of “Suggested Users,” which you can find by clicking the icon in the upper right on your profile and choosing “Find and invite friends.” 3. Give out likes and comments. Feel free to like as many posts as you want. Give them to anything that catches your eye, or to any user who you think might enjoy your brand. Furthermore, leave a positive comment on these posts as well. Compliment them on their photography skills, or their choice of subject. You might just make somebody’s day and earn a follower in return. 4. Have conversations. If somebody leaves a thoughtful comment on your post, you should write a reply back to them. Instagram is a social platform first and foremost. It thrives on connecting people and fostering meaningful interactions. So, get out there and make some friends! 5. Use hashtags. Hashtags are an absolute necessity on Instagram. Without them, nobody would be able to find your posts if they didn’t already know your username. Hashtags are the primary way of searching for content. Take a look at the most popular hashtags on any given day. Consider which ones you could contribute to in a relevant way. You can add up to 30 hashtags to a single post, although I wouldn’t suggest going any higher than a dozen. You don’t want your captions to get cluttered. Take it one step further and use a smart Instagram Bot to automatically engage with users within your target hashtag audience and convert them into followers. 6. Create branded hashtags. If you have enough followers, you could get your own hashtags trending. Just ask them to add the tag to their content. Doing this will extend your reach out further than before. You can also connect the hashtags to any campaigns you are currently running. 7. Make high-quality content. Content should be your primary focus on Instagram. It is the key to gaining followers. If you aren’t putting out visually pleasing photos and videos, then you won’t get anywhere on the platform. Socializing isn’t enough. You need to put in the time, money, and resources to make your content look professional. 8. Develop a recognizable style. Your aesthetics should reflect your brand’s identity. Think about what you want to convey with your content. Are you serious and committed to your customers? Relaxed and fun-loving? Humorous and irreverent? You can communicate these things through the compositions and colors of your content. This will give viewers a better understanding of the brand while viewing your page. If they like the image that you project, then you might win them over as a follower. 9. Light your photos well. There are too many poorly lit photos on Instagram. Some are downright incomprehensible in how dark they are. Avoid this by making sure that your photos are bright enough to be clear. Just make sure that you don’t overcompensate and wash it out with too much light. This is where Instagram editing apps can really make you shine. 10. Feature faces often. According to recent studies, people tend to enjoy pictures more if they have faces in them. In fact, Instagram posts with faces tend to get 38% more likes than those without. This makes sense when you think about it. Our brains are hardwired to recognize faces and interpret their expressions. So when somebody is browsing through a feed, faces are more likely to stand out to them. 11. Write fitting captions. Don’t neglect the captions section of your posts. Some brands do the bare minimum with them, which is a mistake. A good caption can complement your content and even enhance it. The most impactful captions either provide contextual information, entertain the viewers, or provoke thoughts and feelings. 12. Ask viewers questions. Instagram is filled with people who want to be seen and heard. One way you can provide this to your audience is by asking them questions. You can solicit their personal opinions and preferences, or get their thoughts on the direction on your content. Who knows, they might even provide some valuable insight that you could use in the future. 13. Post frequently. If you aren’t active on Instagram, then not enough people will be able to discover your account. Try to post at least a couple times each day. Be sure to space out your posts if you post more than that, though. You don’t want to dump all of your content at once and clog people’s feeds. 14. Post at the right times. Another thing to keep in mind is the times at which you are posting. Some studies have shown that posting at 5 p.m. and 2 a.m. EST tended to yield the most engagement on average. However, there are some days in which other times are better. Overall it seems to vary depending on which day of the week it is. The best thing to do here is do research and pay attention to your intended audience. Take note of when they seem to be the most active, and when they are more dormant. 15. Incorporate your username on printed materials. If your business makes fliers, pamphlets, signs, decals, or any other physical marketing, then you might want to include your Instagram handle somewhere. All you need is some space for the Instagram logo and then your username next to it. That should be enough to guide curious viewers to your account. 16. Call your audience into action. If you want something, then you should try asking for it. Put a call to action in your captions to encourage interaction with your posts. A CTA can be a short phrase such as “tell us your thoughts in the comments,” “tag a friend who this reminds you of,” or “visit the link in our bio for more information.” 17. Keep consistent. Viewers enjoy consistency. They like knowing what they’re going to get before they commit to it. It also gives your brand a sense of identity and reliability. Try to maintain a similar tone across your posts. Find an attitude that fits your brand and stick with it. Come up with unifying themes across your posts, and follow them for awhile. Think about how your content flows together as a whole. 18. Be authentic. Authenticity is one of the most respected traits that anybody could have online. It’s easy to understand why, as the internet is filled with phonies, imposters, and scam artists. Honesty and openness feels rare in comparison. Be truthful and sincere with your audience. Don’t pretend to be somebody that you’re not. Address criticisms and admit when you are wrong. Viewers will find this refreshing and will be more likely to follow you. 19. Make an emotional appeal. The strongest connection you can make with a viewer is an emotional one. If you can evoke joy, sadness, awe, inspiration, or wistfulness, then you will have accomplished something noteworthy. It will make you stand out in the vast sea of boring, dry marketing around you. 20. Be a storyteller. Storytelling is ingrained in every culture. We tell stories to communicate information, entertain audiences, and make deeper connections with others. A well-told story can captivate people and bring them back for more. Instagram has endless opportunities to tell stories. You can tell it in a single image, or in the captions of a post. A narrative can be formed between multiple pictures, or within the span of a short video. 21. Hold contests and giveaways. Who doesn’t like free stuff? You can get hundreds, possibly thousands, of Instagram users to flock to your page with a contest or a giveaway. To ensure that you gain followers, you can ask them to follow your account in order to qualify. You can also ask them to use branded hashtags or like certain posts to help spread brand awareness. 22. Have limited-time sales. What’s the next best thing after free stuff? Discounts, of course. Occasionally holding limited-time sales is an easy way to get more followers. You could make a post with a special coupon code, or put it in an Instagram Story. The latter will disappear within 24 hours, so it gives viewers more incentive to closely monitor your activity. 23. Geotag your photos. If you are a business with a main store or central location, then geotagging is the way to go. Any images that you tag will appear on that region’s Instagram page, and consequently will be visible to anybody from that area who visits it. 24. Tag any relevant people. Locations aren’t the only thing that you can tag. You can also tag other Instagram users. Do this whenever it is relevant to the content of your photo, such as if you take a snapshot of an influencer at an event. This will make it show up in their feed. Hopefully they’ll share your post in return. 25. Work with influencers. Influencers are an essential part of any marketing plan. The reason they are so effective is because people trust them. They are seen as dependable, influential people within their communities, so their opinions about brands are valued. Find an influencer that meshes well with your brand’s image. If they have an actual passion for your products, then it will shine through. Work out a deal that benefits both parties, such as sending them products for review. Just don’t try to control their content if you form a partnership. It’s important that they maintain their authenticity and don’t seem like “sell-outs” to their fans. 26. Host a takeover. A takeover is a particularly fun event that you can do with an influencer. This is where you give the reigns to your account to another user for awhile. It can really spice up your content and attract lots of new visitors. 27. Exchange shoutouts for shoutouts. You’ve probably seen the #s4s hashtag if you’ve browsed Instagram long enough. It stands for “shoutout-for-shoutout.” This means they’re looking to trade mentions with other people. You can’t really lose when you participate in a #s4s agreement. Both parties involved get exposure to each other’s follower base, which will hopefully result in a crossover between them. 28. Share user-generated content. Sometimes you’ll see incredible content from followers that features your brand. If you’d like to share it on your page, then try asking the user for permission to do so. Most of the time they’ll likely say yes. Putting a spotlight on UGC will motivate others to make content for you, in the hope that you’ll showcase their work too. 29. Cut down on filters. When Instagram was first introduced, filters were a staple on the platform. However, in recent years, people seem to be using them less and less. Now it’s common for most posts to have no filter at all. So consider using them less, or not at all. 30. Spend extra time on editing. Even if you don’t use filters, it’s still a wise idea to tidy up pictures before publishing them. You want your content to look the best it possibly can. So if you need to tweak the brightness or contrast levels, or crop the photo just right, then go ahead. It’ll be worth the effort if it results in a more appealing image. 31. Give viewers a peek behind the scenes. People are always intrigued about what goes on behind the scenes of businesses. Need proof? Check out the countless television shows and web series that cover this topic. One of the benefits of sharing behind the scenes photos and images is that it humanizes the brand. It shows your audience that there are real people working to make the products that they own. 32. Cross-promote your Instagram on other platforms. Are you already established on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, or any other network? Then don’t forget to let your followers on those websites know that you’re on Instagram too. Some of them might be unaware of your account, or never thought to look up if you have one. 33. Approach everything with a plan. It’s never advised to dive in and improvise on Instagram. In almost every case, having a clear strategy has proven to be a better idea. Create a list of goals that you hope to achieve, starting with the smallest and most practical ones. Figure out ways to accomplish them, and come up with backup plans if something doesn’t work out. Schedule your posts weeks or months in advance if you can. Aimlessness is the central reason why so many accounts flounder and fail to see stable growth. 34. Team up with other brands. Not everything has to be a competition. In fact, brands tend to prosper when they pool their resources and work together. Perhaps there’s some sort of promotion you can run cooperatively with another brand, like a charity event or fundraiser. Maybe there’s a uniquely visual way that your products connect that would make for a neat campaign. Either way, you’re sure to reach a wider audience than you would alone. 35. Hide unwelcome tagged photos. The internet is filled with trolls and haters. Anybody who has been on it for longer than a day can tell you that. Instagram isn’t unlike every other website in that regard. You will eventually run into some unsavory users who will try to drag you down and scare away your followers. One way these types will mess with you is through abusing the tagging system. They might tag your username to some content you wouldn’t want associated with your brand. If this happens, don’t worry. It’s easy to hide these posts so people can’t view them from your profile. Go to your profile. There should be an icon that looks like a person on a box, somewhere beneath your bio next to the bookmark icon. Tapping it will bring you to Photos of You. From there, tap on the settings icon in the upper right corner. It will give you a scroll-down menu of options, including Hide Photos. Then you can select the photos you want to hide and hit Hide from Profile to confirm. Additionally, under settings, you can also choose Tagging Options. If you tap Add Manually, then all tagged photos of you will need your approval first. 36. Remove inappropriate comments. Another thing that could be turning away potential followers are the comments sections on your posts. Nobody wants to join a community that seems hostile and contentious. You can take care of this problem by deleting the offending messages. Tap the speech bubble beneath the comment, swipe left on it, and then click the trash icon. It’s as simple as that. Don’t be afraid to curate a comments section when necessary. It’ll turn it into a more inviting place for newcomers. 37. Participate in local events. The internet isn’t the only place that you can make your Instagram presence know. You can even promote it in your own backyard. Get involved in your local community. Hold events and gatherings that are exclusive to your area. These can be great opportunities to distribute materials that mention your Instagram account. 38. Share Instagram Stories. Instagram Stories is a lot like Snapchat, but with more features. It’s been gaining in popularity lately and has surpassed its competitor in terms of users. That’s why it would be a shame not to use it. The biggest advantage to Stories is that they can be discovered by users other than your follower base. Another upside is their temporary nature, which means you can spend less time fussing over them. Also, you can do live streaming video through Stories. 39. Produce lots of video content. It wasn’t until last year that Instagram expanded its video capabilities. The maximum video length was expanded from 15 seconds to a full minute. Ever since then, video content has swelled in prevalence on the platform. While photography is still the most favored medium on Instagram, that shouldn’t dissuade you from making videos. Some brands have found enormous success in making it their primary form of content, such as Red Bull. 40. Include some emojis. A recent study found that adding emojis in your captions often leads to a higher rate of engagement. Think of them as colorful splashes of emotion that liven up your writing. Not only do emojis save you character space, but they can also convey tone and ideas. 41. Optimize your profile. Every part of your profile should be optimized for maximum appeal. This includes your profile picture, name, and bio. Make certain that everything looks good, reads well, and represents the brand. 42. Make sure your account is public. If your account is private, then nobody will be see your content. Rectify this by going into the settings on your profile and disabling Photos are Private. 43. Invest in Instagram ads. Instagram offers a variety of advertising options. Your ads can come in the form of photos, videos, or carousels of multiple images. You can also buy ads for Instagram Stories. 44. Review with analytics. Utilizing an analytics tool can assist you in figuring out what works and what doesn’t. Hootsuite, for instance, can tell you which posts resonate with your audience the most. It can also give you detailed information about your followers. 45. Don’t be pushy about sales. On Instagram, it’s better to blend in than stand out. Nothing makes you stand out more than being blatantly promotional. Viewers generally don’t like it when brands are overly pushy, as it feels like an intrusion into their casual browsing. 46. Pay attention to trends. Keep track of the latest trends and styles. Capitalize on them whenever it fits with the brand, so that you can remain fresh and current. 47. Keep an eye on the competition. Carefully observe your competitors. What are they doing to get followers? What mistakes are they making? Knowing these things can aid you in formulating your Instagram strategies. 48. Use apps to create collages. A beautiful collage can make for an alluring piece of content. Try using Instagram’s own Layout app to make your own. It’s intuitive, totally free, and available for both iOS and Android. 49. Carefully curate your feed. Always have a bigger picture in mind. Think about how each post will look alongside each other in your feed. If your page has visual cohesion, it will draw more followers in. 50. Find a niche and fill it. Some brands try to be everything for everyone. They go for the widest market possible and end up stretching themselves too thin in the process. Remember that it’s perfectly fine to occupy a specific niche. The audience may be smaller, but they are more enthusiastic. This usually results in greater levels of engagement, especially with groups that feel ignored or underrepresented.

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Welcome to the iSupport Local TN Facebook Groups iSupport was started with a passion to help local businesses thrive and succeed in our local town of Nashville, TN. We decided to take that passion and care and spread it all over the great state of Tennessee. Here you will find all our local chapters Facebook Groups. Feel free to join any that you care to support. Please be active and support the local businesses in the town you love. We look forward to seeing you grow along with our groups. Business owners, please be sure to post about your business in your local chapter and surrounding chapters. Make sure you include all your social media, and website information and best ways to contact you. Enjoy your stay and let's help each other grow! West Tennessee Middle Tennessee East Tennessee West Tennessee Our West TN Groups We support all the local businesses of all major cities and towns of the great state of Tennessee. Feel free to browse all our local chapters of iSupport Facebook Groups. iSupport Local Businesses of Jackson, Tennessee The City of Jackson, known as "The Hub City," is the 8th largest city in the state of Tennessee. While the nickname "Hub City" is a nod to Jackson's history as a railroad town, the city's location halfway between Nashville and Memphis along Interstate 40, as well as its rail access, being located an hour from each major river in Tennessee, and its regional airport make it a modern day, multi-modal hub. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportjacksontn iSupport Local Businesses of Germantown, Tennessee Germantown is a city in Shelby County, Tennessee, a suburb of Memphis. The city is known for hosting numerous horse shows and horse competitions. The most popular show is the Germantown Charity Horse Show in June. September is another good month for visiting Germantown, during the arts and craft fair. Oaklawn Garden is a magnificent botanical garden, museum and park famous for fields of beautiful daffodils blooming every spring. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportgermantowntn iSupport Local Businesses of Memphis, Tennessee Memphis is an urban playground of music, history and world-class attractions. Its home to a wealth of talented musicians and singers across all genres. A revered musical past and present. True soul food. Come and feel the passion for music, BBQ and a unique culture that pulses throughout the city. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportmemphistn iSupport Local Businesses of Dyersburg, Tennessee Unlike its railroad town neighbors, Dyersburg predates the Civil War. Established by some of West Tennessee’s first white settlers in the 1820s, Dyersburg was a steamboat town with economic growth coming down the North Forked Deer River from the Mississippi River. Today, the town’s history is well preserved in homes and historic buildings along Troy Avenue and lining the square. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportgermantowntn Middle Tennessee Our Middle TN Groups We support all the local businesses of all major cities and towns of the great state of Tennessee. Feel free to browse all our local chapters of iSupport Facebook Groups. iSupport Local Businesses of Brentwood, Tennessee Brentwood is One of the Wealthiest Cities in the Country Take a drive through Brentwood and you’ll see well-manicured lawns and stately homes. It’s no secret that this prized Nashville suburb is one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. According to Livability, the median home price in Brentwood is $500,000 and the median household income is $135,000. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportbrentwoodtn iSupport Local Businesses of Columbia, Tennessee If you are looking to experience a true southern small town, you are in the right place! Columbia, Tennessee, also known as 'Muletown', is just south of Nashville, TN with a trendy town square and vibrant main street in a classic downtown. You might also want to explore the emerging Columbia arts district, outdoor recreation, and our presidential history. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportcolumbiatn iSupport Local Businesses of Murfreesboro, Tennessee Approximately 34 minutes south along I-24 from Nashville, Murfreesboro sits as the Rutherford County seat with the Stones River snaking its way right through the heart of this mid-sized city. It's also home to the state's largest college, Middle Tennessee State University which puts on some of the most entertaining sports games in the region. If you're not ready to be around others, there are more than 40 miles of greenway trails throughout Murfreesboro and Rutherford County. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportmurfreesborotn iSupport Local Businesses of Cookeville, Tennessee Nestled among the hills and mountainous terrain of the Cumberland Plateau, Cookeville, Tennessee is a charming, outdoor oasis conveniently located on Interstate 40 between Nashville and Knoxville, north of Chattanooga on Highway 111. With more than 150 area waterfalls, 1,200 miles of nearby lake shoreline and world-renowned sports/fitness opportunities, Cookeville is "A Natural Fit" for your next escape from everyday life. Home to Tennessee Tech University’s Bryan Symphony Orchestra and Appalachian Center for Craft, along with famous donut shops, world chefs, barbecue grillmasters, winemakers, moonshiners, brewmasters, artists, woodworkers, historians and musicians, culinary and cultural experiences round out your journey, creating memories to be savored for a lifetime. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportcookevilletn iSupport Local Businesses of Hendersonville, Tennessee Hendersonville, famously known as the “city by the lake,” draws that moniker due to its close proximity to Old Hickory Lake, which provides ample opportunity for fishing, boating, kayaking, and other water-related recreation. Many celebrities such as Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Roy Orbison, and Marty Stuart were so drawn to Old Hickory Lake that they settled into homes situated along the lake’s banks. In fact, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash called Hendersonville home for over 35 years and one can still see Johnny’s “House of Cash” located on Johnny Cash Parkway; Johnny and June are laid to rest in Hendersonville Memory Gardens, also located on Johnny Cash Parkway. Other famous residents included Conway Twitty and his “Twitty City” that is now operated by Trinity Music City, USA, and Taylor Swift. Hendersonville was founded in the late 1780s and a visit to Historic Rock Castle explores the history of the city. Hendersonville also has great parks and greenways to enjoy, an array of shopping and dining options at The Streets of Indian Lake, and many locally owned boutiques and restaurants that will make Hendersonville a must-see during your Tennessee vacation! www.facebook.com/groups/isupporthendersonvilletn iSupport Local Businesses of Smyrna, Tennessee This small town traces its name back to a little square log Presbyterian church built by its first settlers on the banks of Hart's Branch of the Stone River. These settlers were Revolutionary War veterans from North Carolina and Virginia. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s turned the small community into a town, and the new stationmaster took the town's name from the church, which is named for a Bible passage in the Book of Revelation. The town remained heavily agricultural until the establishment of the Sewart Air Force Base in 1941, when over 10,000 military personnel and their families called Smyrna home. When it closed in the 1970s, the town's population plummeted. Despite the economic blow, this resourceful town survived and came back stronger, converting military structures into industrial space and an airport. The impoundment of Percy Priest Lake in the 1960s brought tourists and visitors, and the arrival of Nissan North America in the 1980s made Smyrna the home of the first Japanese auto maker to open a plant in the U.S. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportsmyrnatn iSupport Local Businesses of Hermitage, Tennessee Named for the home of the seventh President of the United States, Andrew Jackson, the Hermitage area is full of rich heritage mixed with unique music venues and great restaurants. Come and enjoy the Gateway to Music City! Between two recreational lakes and on the banks of two rivers, the Donelson and Hermitage communities are the gateway to Music City. Whether it is from our Nashville hot chicken or a meat & 3 to the Grand Ole Opry, the Nashville International Airport or historic homes like Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, the Donelson Hermitage Chamber of Commerce prides itself on connecting diverse people and businesses while continuing to nurture family-oriented neighborhoods with activities ranging from waterparks and greenways to shopping at Opry Mills or taking in the nightlife in Music Valley. www.facebook.com/groups/isupporthermitagetn iSupport Local Businesses of Belle Meade, Tennessee Belle Meade started as a log cabin and 250 acres and grew into a beautiful Greek Revival Mansion and one of the largest thoroughbred horse farms in the South with over 5400 acres. Tour options today include Mansion Tours, Journey to Jubilee Tours which focus on the African American experience, to Food and Wine Pairings and Bourbon Tastings. Between the many tour options, on-site Winery, Gift Shops, Game Court, Walking Paths, and Ice Cream and Homemade Fudge Shop, your whole family will enjoy this Nashville treasure. Come for the history, but stay for the hospitality! www.facebook.com/groups/isupportbellemeadetn iSupport Local Businesses of Manchester, Tennessee Manchester… the spirit of Tennessee. Flowing through the heart of the Volunteer State, rooted in the soul of America. It doesn't take long after hitting the back roads to realize that you are in “God’s Country” as we call it. Beautiful rolling hills, a magical history, and the sweet ripe taste southern hospitality at every stop along the way. From the 2,000 year old history of the Old Stone Fort to hundreds of musicians that have graced the stages of the Bonnaroo music and arts festival. A community of history woven in the fabric of cloth pages that tell a story of artisan or pride, sprinkled with the subtle smell of sour mash and Tennessee Whiskey. It's easy for one to lose themselves in the casted shadows of mountains or on river guided trails that lead to deep caves and even deeper into adventure. Be it sippin’ the wines of beans creek, the radiated positivity in six hundred acres of fellowship, or walking in the footsteps of Jack and George. Experience those feelings, make those connections. Manchester is… made in Tennessee. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportmanchestertn iSupport Local Businesses of Madison, Tennessee Madison Station post office was opened in 1857, when Madison Station was about eight miles from Nashville proper, roughly half way between Nashville and Goodlettsville. In the 20th century, Madison acted as a connecting suburb until being annexed into Nashville in 1963 due to the consolidation with Davidson County. Madison funnels traffic to Goodlettsville, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Inglewood, and downtown Nashville. Madison was once home to the "Hillbilly Day" festival. This festival was created as a fundraiser to benefit schools within the area. This fundraising festival included costumes, school events, and a parade. Madison's first "Hillbilly Day" was in 1952.[8] Madison is also home to Amqui train station that was built by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad and serviced by the company until 1979. After L&N Railroad vacated the station, country music legend Johnny Cash purchased it and moved it from Madison to his home in nearby Sumner County . The station was later returned to Madison after the passing of Cash and his wife June Carter Cash . Today, it houses a museum and visitor center for the town. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportmadisontn iSupport Local Businesses of Donelson, Tennessee Donelson is a neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee about 6 mi (10 km) east of downtown Nashville along U.S. Route 70. It is named in honor of John Donelson, co-founder of Nashville and father-in-law of Andrew Jackson, Nashvillian and seventh President of the United States. It is now incorporated as part of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. In the 1880s Donelson was a station on the Tennessee and Pacific Railroad just south of the former village of McWhirtersville on the Lebanon Pike. It began its modern development shortly after World War II, and its location next to Nashville's airport led to much of its later growth. It was also the site of an early example of what would later be called a shopping center or "strip mall", Donelson Plaza. Donelson is now an example of an early postwar suburb with a stock of mostly half-century old, red brick, detached ranch-style homes. However, there has been some tendency for infill in recent years, largely tied into the expansion of sewers. The area's desirability was increased somewhat by the impoundment of Percy Priest Lake on the Stones River in the late 1960s which increased summertime recreational opportunities. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportdonelsontn iSupport Local Businesses of Springfield, Tennessee Springfield is the county seat of Robertson County, one of the most beautiful agricultural counties in the southeastern United States. Springfield is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Nashville and all of the varied artistic, cultural, educational, historic, restaurant, and sports attractions available in a large city. Nashville is also the state capital and “Music City USA.” Springfield is the home of NorthCrest Medical Center, a 109 bed state of the art hospital and medical arts campus. Springfield’s proximity to Nashville also provides easy access to some of the nation’s best hospitals. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportspringfieldtn iSupport Local Businesses of Crossville, Tennessee Crossville and Cumberland County easily lay claim to being called the “Golf Capital of Tennessee.” Situated on Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, 10 championship golf courses await golfers of all skill levels. From Wyndham at Fairfield Glade, Tennessee’s famous vacation and retirement resort featuring 90 holes of golf, to the Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain State Park, Tennessee’s first Jack Nicklaus-designed course, the best spot for golf in Tennessee is Crossville and Cumberland County. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportcrossvilletn iSupport Local Businesses of Winchester, Tennessee Whether you're soaking up some rays, reeling in a trophy bass or shopping for a great bargain, you'll discover more by the lakeshore in Winchester, TN. A stone's throw away from Nashville, Chattanooga, and Huntsville, Winchester is the perfect destination to lose the world and find yourself. From outdoor recreation to shopping, dining and more, you'll find fun with a southern accent in Winchester. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportwinchestertn iSupport Local Businesses of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee Lawrenceburg was once home to David Crockett, who served as justice of the peace, a colonel of the militia and state representative. A prominent bronze statue of the colorful hero stands on the public square, and is a remembrance that he gave this city its charter. Get a sense of the pioneer at David Crockett Cherokee Museum , and visit a replica of his office. Shop for antiques and gifts as well as sightsee in the town square , which dates to 1836. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Lawrenceburg’s 1950s art deco Crockett Theater is one of the few theaters from this era operating in the U.S. Dine and shop along Main Street . www.facebook.com/groups/isupportlawrenceburgtn iSupport Local Businesses of Lynchburg, Tennessee Nestled within the beautiful hills of south central Tennessee, Lynchburg is dripping with small-town charm and world-renowned whiskey. Home of Jack Daniels distillery, Lynchburg welcomes visitors from all over the world who take delight in experiencing Tennessee hospitality and whiskey in a town that feels like home. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportlawrenceburgtn iSupport Local Businesses of Nashville, Tennessee Nashville is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Tennessee. The city is the county seat of Davidson County and is located on the Cumberland River. ... Named for Francis Nash, a general of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, the city was founded in 1779. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportnashvilletn iSupport Local Businesses of Clarksville, Tennessee Clarksville, Tennessee is a legendary place. Our rich history permeates our riverfront and gorgeous downtown architecture, but it's also prevalent in our people. Home to two Olympic athletes - both of whom were trailblazers, champions, and indisputable legends - Clarksville is also home to an Army division filled with some of the bravest men and women on the planet. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportclarksvilletn iSupport Local Businesses of Franklin, Tennessee Franklin, Tennessee is home to modern amenities and rich history, mixed with a healthy dose of Southern charm. With a Great American Main Street that runs through the heart fo a 16-block historic downtown, Franklin offers a getaway from the expected. It is a place you'll find transformative music experiences at world-class festivals and intimate writers rounds, world-class art next to restaurants where you eat BBQ on a paper plate, local distilleries that have transformed Tennessee whiskey, and a world of colorful memories that are not soon forgotten. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportfranklintn iSupport Local Businesses of Mount Juliet, Tennessee A suburb of Nashville , it is approximately 17 miles (27 km) east of downtown Nashville. Also known as City Between the Lakes Mt. Juliet is located mostly between two major national east-west routes, Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 70. Just 15 miles East of Nashville's city center, Mt. Juliet is full of shopping and dining experiences like not other. Mount Juliet has an endless supply of shopping, dining and entertainment! Mount Juliet offers modern hotels and the largest shopping complex between Nashville and Knoxville. Enjoy our award-winning cuisine sure to please any palate to top off your shopping excursion! Long Hunter State Park offers a wide array of nature activities whether you like to kayak, hike, or bird watch. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportmountjuliettn iSupport Local Businesses of Gallatin, Tennessee Located in the center of Sumner County and just 23 minutes from Nashville, Gallatin lives up to its motto, “True Grit. Amazing Grace.” The city is nestled next to Old Hickory Lake, a popular destination for fishing and watersports, and offers a variety natural landscapes for visitors to explore. Gallatin is steeped in history, given that the city was founded in 1802 and touts famous faces who have walked Gallatin’s streets such as President Andrew Jackson, Sam Houston, and Governor William Trousdale. During the Civil War, Gallatin was captured in February 1862 by Union forces due to the city’s important location on the Cumberland River. Today Gallatin is thriving with unique shopping boutiques, delicious dining options, family-friendly festivals, and a memorable historic downtown square that is sure to make you glad you visited Gallatin! www.facebook.com/groups/isupportgallatintn iSupport Local Businesses of Goodlettsville, Tennessee Intersected by I-65 on the northern edge of Metro Nashville, Goodlettsville is strategically located just 15 minutes from Nashville International Airport, 10 minutes from a major retail shopping district, 12 miles from Downtown Nashville, yet still surrounded by rolling wooded hills and farmland. Major corporations have made Goodlettsville their headquarters, enjoying all the benefits and quality of life to be found in this Southern hometown community. The area is known for its thriving antique district, parks, wineries, bed and breakfast and historic sites. It is also home to the 2012 Goodlettsville Little League World Series U.S. Champions and the 2016 Goodlettsville Little League World Series U.S. Runner Up Team. Goodlettsville is an attractive blend of small-town charm and big city amenities. Its Main Street district is filled with antique stores, specialty shops, art and craft studios and family-owned restaurants. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportgoodlettsvilletn iSupport Local Businesses of La Vergne, Tennessee Bumping right up against Nashville's city limits is La Vergne, a rapidly growing community. Its first settlers were French, and historians speculate that "La Vergne" loosely translates to "the green," referring to the area's lush, green pastures. Like much of Middle Tennessee, La Vergne alternated between Union and Confederate occupation during the Civil War. There were at least seven documented battles and skirmishes fought here, and most of the buildings were burned in 1862. So little was left of the town that it became unincorporated--there were simply not enough people left living here to lead and organize a town. For the next century, La Vergne was a quiet, unincorporated agricultural community. As Nashville's metropolitan area grew in the 1960s, La Vergne saw its population increase, officially re-incorporating in the 1970s and reporting a 149% population increase in the 1990s alone. Today, it is home to the largest industrial park in the state, and has become a smart choice for international companies to set up headquarters, including Bridgestone, Ingram Books, Whirlpool Corporation and Singer Sewing Company. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportlavergnetn iSupport Local Businesses of Shelbyville, Tennessee Shelbyville is located 50 miles southeast of Nashville in the hills of Tennessee. Rich in both cultural history and natural beauty, the town is known worldwide for the annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, a prestigious equestrian event dating back to 1939. Located along the Duck River in southern Middle Tennessee, you can choose to fish or float, enjoy a long bike ride through the scenic countryside, ride a horse, enjoy one of our numerous festivals, or explore our beautiful historic downtown. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportshelbyvilletn iSupport Local Businesses of Spring Hill, Tennessee In 1980, industry turned the primarily agricultural town to one of manufacturing with the impact of the General Motors, Saturn Plant.New people, in great numbers, changed the small town into a city. The people whose families lived here for generations were troubled with the residents.However, the energy and vitality of these newcomers allowed the town to move forward in the arts, business, and education. The Saturn Plant became an anchor to Spring Hill’s economy. Spring Hill’s population grew to 29,036 in 2010, an increase of 276% between 2000 and 2010. The population now stands at 40,436 as of the 2018 Special Census. Likewise, Spring Hill is projected to grow by another 78% from 2010 to 2030. While growth presents great challenges for Spring Hill, it also generates new opportunities for economic expansion, community development, and quality of life improvements for current and future residents. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportspringhilltn iSupport Local Businesses of Old Hickory, Tennessee Old Hickory is a neighborhood of metropolitan Nashville named in honor of President Andrew Jackson who was nicknamed "Old Hickory." The area is probably best known for being a former company town as the site of a large DuPont plant. Many of the houses in Old Hickory were built to house DuPont employees and supervisors in the early days of the factory's existence. Old Hickory is bordered by the Cumberland River on the north and west, Old Hickory Lake to the east, and the former city of Lakewood to the south. To the north of the area is also the location of Old Hickory Lock and Dam. The main street through the area is Tennessee State Route 45 (Old Hickory Boulevard/Robinson Road). www.facebook.com/groups/isupportoldhickorytn iSupport Local Businesses of Westmoreland, Tennessee Westmoreland is best known as the hometown of famed music producer Owen Bradley, who later created Music Row in Nashville. The historic downtown buildings of Westmoreland harken back to olden days and amid these buildings are unique shopping boutiques, antiques stores, restaurants, and a music store called Grandpa’s Music, where the popular “Grandpa’s Opry” showcases local musical talent most days of the week. A stop in Westmoreland is the perfect place to experience the charms of a small southern community nestled in the countryside of Tennessee. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportwestmorelandtn iSupport Local Businesses of Sparta, Tennessee Founded in 1806, Sparta was named after Laconia, Greece, because both were built on small rivers. The region was sparsely settled in the early 1800s. Soon, pioneers who came across the Cumberland Mountains were astonished by its beauty and at once began building settlements. Throughout its 200-year history, Sparta has continued to grow, proudly preserving and sharing its story with those who visit. This “Land of Falling Water” offers amazing hiking, Virgin Falls , Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness , Burgess Falls State Park , antiques and local eateries, bluegrass heritage , Hwy 111 and scenic Hwy. 70, the Historic “Broadway of America.” www.facebook.com/groups/isupportspartatn iSupport Local Businesses of Lebanon , Tennessee Named to the carnival industry’s list of top 50 fairs in the U.S., Lebanon’s award-winning Wilson County Fair is nine days of thrills and live music every August. Bring your inner child to the pure fun of prize animals, strains of bluegrass, the whirl of carnival rides and a sugary dusting of sweet funnel cake on your nose. Lebanon is rich in history and culture. The town square, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is home to many antique, gift and collectible stores. During the Civil War, General Robert H. Hatton called for volunteers. More than one thousand from Wilson County responded, becoming part of the 7th Tennessee Infantry. In 1912, a statue of General Hatton was erected in Lebanon’s square. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportlebanontn iSupport Local Businesses of Lewisburg, Tennessee The town of Lewisburg dates back to the early 1800s, named for frontier explorer Meriwether Lewis of the famed duo Lewis and Clark, a prominent figure on the Nashville's Trace: Backstage to Backroads Trail. Until the early 1900s, this was a trading and shipping center for livestock and farm goods produced here in Marshall County. Today, it's known as the home to the World Headquarters of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' & Exhibitors' Association and also as the host of one of Tennessee's most unique festivals: Goats, Music & More held each fall. The celebration features the "fainting" goat, an unusual breed brought to the area by a settler in the mid-1800s. Due to a rare genetic (and painless) condition, the goats become stiff, lose their balance and often fall over when startled. The breed nearly faced extinction in the 1980s, but today the quirky goats are thriving worldwide, thanks to places like Lewisburg that celebrate their novelty. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportlewisburgtn iSupport Local Businesses of Fayetteville, Tennessee Fayetteville became the county seat at Lincoln County's founding in 1809, named for Revolutionary War Officer General Benjamin Lincoln. It was possibly only the second county seat in the U.S. with a mandatory layout that featured a courthouse square in its center. The first courthouse here was a small log structure that cost just $35 to build. Fayetteville was occupied by Union troops for much of the Civil War, and they even built a "bomb-proof" wall in what was to be the second of four courthouses to anchor the town square. In the late 1800s, this town and several of its neighbors organized "city bands," and built a bandstand on the courthouse lawn to showcase their talents; it is still used today for festivals and community events. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportfayettevilletn East Tennessee Our East TN Groups We support all the local businesses of all major cities and towns of the great state of Tennessee. Feel free to browse all our local chapters of iSupport Facebook Groups. iSupport Local Businesses of Knoxville, Tennessee Knoxville is a city on the Tennessee River in eastern Tennessee. Downtown, the Market Square district has 19th-century buildings with shops and restaurants. The Museum of East Tennessee History has interactive exhibits plus regional art, textiles and Civil War artifacts. James White’s Fort, built by the Revolutionary War captain, includes the reconstructed 1786 log cabin that was Knoxville’s first permanent building. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportknoxvilletn iSupport Local Businesses of Sevierville, Tennessee Sometimes it just comes easy. The getaway that fits you like a glove. A fit for the whole family. A place you know that still surprises you with every visit. Theme parks and national parks. Big adventure, hidden gems, great deals, great times and plenty of elbow room. Even an authentic downtown. The excitement starts long before you get in the car. It starts the second you explore this website. The minute you browse our vacation guide. The instant you hop in the car. Dolly Parton's Hometown, and your Hometown in the Smokies as well! www.facebook.com/groups/isupportseviervilletn iSupport Local Businesses of Gatlinburg, Tennessee Gatlinburg is a charming destination nestled at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It fills with millions of visitors each year, though the town’s population is just under 4,000, giving it a nice mix of tourist destination and small-town charisma. Come experience soaring mountains, Appalachian hospitality and local shops that reflect true mountain living. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportgatlinburgtn iSupport Local Businesses of Maryville, Tennessee The city of Maryville was established on July 11, 1795, and named in honor of Mary Grainger Blount, the wife of Governor William Blount. Maryville is a city in and the county seat of Blount County, Tennessee, and is a suburb of Knoxville. Its population was 27,465 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Knoxville Metropolitan Area and a short distance from popular tourist destinations such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge. With its close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, some might mistake Maryville as simply a gateway to the Blount County side of the national park. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportmaryvilletn iSupport Local Businesses of Dayton, Tennessee Dayton was settled in 1820 as Smith’s Crossroads; in 1877, the town was renamed after Dayton, Ohio. This historic town is famous for hosting the Scopes Trial – also called the Scopes Monkey Trail – in July 1925 at the Rhea County Courthouse. The trial began when a Rhea County high school teacher, John T. Scopes, was was accused of violating Tennessee’s Butler Act, which made it unlawful to teach human evolution in state-funded schools. Truth be told, the trial was actually deliberately staged in order to attract publicity for the small town of Dayton. Each July, the town highlights its storied past with professional productions and live music events that celebrate both the past and present. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportdaytontn iSupport Local Businesses of Newport, Tennessee In 1799, John Gilleland donated land along the French Broad River (the area now referred to as "Old Town") to create the town of Newport. In 1834, Newport had a population of 150, two general stores, two doctors, three blacksmiths, two tailors, two hatters, two churches and two taverns. The town of Newport relocated to nearby railroad tracks when the Cincinnati, Cumberland Gap and Charleston Railroad was constructed between 1866 and 1869. The Newport Milling Company and Stokely Brothers & Company canning factory contributed to the town's growth. Though Stokely Brothers eventually operated 34 factories in 14 states, the headquarters remained in Newport. Today, Newport has a population of 33,000 and four state and national forests. Though much has changed over the years, the centuries-old town has never lost its small town appeal. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportnewporttn iSupport Local Businesses of Cleaveland, Tennessee Situated just outside of bustling Chattanooga, Cleveland, Tennessee, is the premier destination for anyone looking for breathtaking beauty, heart-pounding adventure and rich history. Grab a raft and take a wild ride down the Ocoee River. Head out to Morris Vineyard and Winery and treat yourself to incredible wines and amazing vistas. Bring the map and explore the numerous historical sites spotted throughout the city. No matter how you choose to spend your days in Cleveland you are guaranteed to not be disappointed. Spend a day in downtown Cleveland, where unique shops and local boutiques abound. Here, you will find antiques, gifts, furniture, original art and name brand clothing. Take a break at one of the many charming eateries or simply relax as you watch the people go by. History enthusiasts will love this city steeped in rich heritage. Visit one of the many Civil War sites located here, or learn more about the Cherokee Nation that once thrived here. For adventure, look no further than the Ocoee. America's only Olympic river, the Ocoee is one of the South's most popular rafting destinations. One ride down its fast paced rapids and you will understand why. One visit to Cleveland and you will appreciate why this city is truly "In the Middle of it All." www.facebook.com/groups/isupportcleavelandtn iSupport Local Businesses of Bristol, Tennessee Bristol is a place where majestic mountains, rolling hills and some of the country’s top lakes and rivers converge in one easily accessible location. It’s also where you can feel the indescribable rush of famed Bristol Motor Speedway while enjoying the sounds of country music legends at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Bristol is a city bursting with history and unforgettable experiences. Come discover Bristol and make some memories! www.facebook.com/groups/isupportbristoltn iSupport Local Businesses of Chattanooga, Tennessee Framed by scenic mountains and dotted with rushing rivers, Chattanooga is a nature lover’s paradise – not to mention our downtown district that’s brimming with museums, galleries, shops and more. There are plenty of things to do in Chattanooga, whether you’re looking to catch a live show or dine at an eclectic new restaurant. Friendly neighbors embody our city’s warm and welcoming spirit, and will have you feeling like a local as soon as you arrive. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportchattanoogatn iSupport Local Businesses of Johnson City, Tennessee Whether you’re looking for a city scene or a country setting for your next home, Johnson City has it all! We think Northeast Tennessee is one of the most beautiful places in the world and so do hundreds of thousands who have caught a glimpse of our part of the Appalachian Mountains. Come be a part of a community that boasts a variety of opportunities and activities to enjoy your retirement. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportjohnsoncitytn iSupport Local Businesses of Kingsport, Tennessee Situated in the northeast corner of Tennessee and privileged to possess one of the richest historic grounds in America, Kingsport is an exceptional treasure. Chartered in 1917, it became America’s first “Model City.” Known as “Salt Lick” in the late 1700s, the area later called King’s Port has been part of five different counties in Virginia and North Carolina. In the mid-18th century, Daniel Boone and his axe men left an area known as the Boatyard District and Long Island on the Holston River to mark a trail through the unexplored Cumberland Gap. This was America’s frontier, a bustling center of activity and a source of relaxation for three American presidents, Daniel Boone, David Crockett and other frontiersmen. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportkingsporttn iSupport Local Businesses of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Pigeon Forge, a mountain town and vacation area in eastern Tennessee, is the home of Dollywood, country singer Dolly Parton’s Appalachian-themed park consisting of rides, an adjoining water park and a museum of her costumes and memorabilia. The city’s other attractions include country music revues like the Smoky Mountain Opry, dinner theaters such as Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede and outlet malls. Pigeon Forge is located at the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America's most visited national park, one of the top vacation destinations in the country. Packed with dozens of ways to have fun, including unique attractions, Dollywood, museums, family-friendly shows, waterparks and more, there are an abundance of ways to make every vacation the best ever. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportpigeonforgetn iSupport Local Businesses of Morristown, Tennessee Located midway between Bristol and Knoxville, Morristown is home to beautiful Cherokee Lake, Panther Creek State Park, Crockett Tavern Museum, Rose Center for the Arts, the General Longstreet Museum, and the Sky Mart the only second-story sidewalk system in the US. Known as Tennessee’s Disc Golf Capital, Morristown offers a unique mix of experiences for folks of all ages. Whether it's playing one of the four championship caliber disc golf courses, camping, hiking, boating and fishing at Panther Creek State Park, or strolling through the city’s National Register historic district, visitors will experience Southern hospitality at its best while in Morristown. Just a short drive from Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the south and Cumberland Gap National Historic Park to the north, Morristown is waiting to show you experiences that can only be made in Morristown. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportmorristowntn iSupport Local Businesses of Greenville, Tennessee Named in honor of Nathanael Greene, a Revolutionary War General, the town of Greeneville was settled in 1783. Technically a part of what was then North Carolina, the surrounding mountains isolated the town from other communities. As a result, the people of Greeneville were a fiercely independent bunch, self-sufficient and self-reliant. Greeneville’s most famous resident was certainly Andrew Johnson, though Davy Crockett was also born nearby. Johnson was a quiet tailor who never attended school, but rose to hold every political position along the route to becoming the 17th U.S. president, charged with the task of succeeding Abraham Lincoln and leading the country in its post-Civil War reconstruction efforts. His home, tailor shop and burial place are preserved today. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportgreenevilletn iSupport Local Businesses of Athens, Tennessee Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Athens began as a small agricultural center. Over the years, Athens has grown industrially but has maintained the attitude that gained it the nickname of "The Friendly City." Athens retains a certain amount of charm, which has been a part of its heritage through the years. There are a number of historic homes scattered about the city; a constant reminder of bygone days. The downtown business area, with its quaint buildings and shops, also offers a glimpse of yesteryear when things were simpler and life was less hectic. www.facebook.com/groups/isupportathenstn