Happy birthday, Tennessee! Here's why we're better than literally every other state

When I turned 25 years old, I experienced a quarter-life crisis. I cannot imagine what Tennessee must be going through as it approaches its 225th birthday on June 1. 

Sure, the Volunteer State may be getting old, but it's still the best state in the nation.

Here's proof that no other state even comes close.

Alabama

Nick Saban. Need I say more? Go Big Orange, or go home! 

Alaska

Too far. Too cold. 

Arizona

Arizona is known as one of the best places in the country to gaze at the night sky. But if you're craving some real moonshine, just visit Tennessee. 

Arkansas

Arkansas is the Walmart of Southern states — literally. The store's headquarters is based in the "Toothpick State" (a real nickname). Meanwhile, Regal movie theaters, Bridgestone Americas, Pilot and many more major companies call Tennessee home.

California

The Kindergarten Cop vs. Kane. Which big-guy-turned-politician would win? My Money is on Knox County's massive mayor. 

Colorado

What's better than being a mile high? Being a half-mile round. The night race at Bristol Motor Speedway is one of the most exciting NASCAR events of the year. If you ain't first, you're last! ("That there is trademarked, not to be used without written permission of Ricky Bobby Inc.") 

Connecticut

Sure, the Constitution State is home to World Wrestling Entertainment's headquarters. But Tennessee is where wrestling stars are born, from Jerry "The King" Lawler in Memphis to Bianca Belair in Knoxville. 

Delaware

How did the country's first state become the last state to get a national park? Meanwhile, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park of Tennessee and North Carolina brought in the most visitors of any national park in 2020: a whopping 12.1 million. 

Florida

"Florida man" often appears in the headlines for experimenting with alligators and alcohol ... simultaneously. "Tennessee Man" is known for his Volunteer spirit. 

Georgia

Who would you rather pet: a meaty bulldog named Uga or Tennessee's one-and-only Smokey, an adorable bluetick coonhound? I rest my case. 

Hawaii

Hawaii doesn't even touch another state. Rude. We love our neighbors in Tennessee, tied with Missouri for bordering the most states with eight. 

Idaho

Take your potatoes. We will gladly enjoy our Moon Pies, Jack Daniel's and Memphis barbecue instead. 

Illinois

Who's more honest than Abraham Lincoln? Well, the legendary Dolly Parton is known to speak her mind every chance she gets. “I look totally artificial, but I am totally real, as a writer, as a professional, as a human being," the East Tennessee queen said in a 2019 interview with Elle. "A rhinestone shines just as good as a diamond.”

Indiana

Indiana is the "Crossroads of America," making it a great place to visit if you're trying to get to Tennessee. 

Iowa

Flat states = boring. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in Tennessee and the third-highest mountain east of the Mississippi. What a view! 

Kansas

In Tennessee, you're not in Kansas anymore. And that's a good thing. 

Kentucky 

Kentucky has the world's largest bat at the Louisville Slugger Museum, but doesn't even have a major league baseball team. Tennessee, on the other hand, is home to the world's largest basketball at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Pat Summitt changed the game forever, and Lady Vols basketball continues to give athletes the spotlight they deserve.

Louisiana

In Louisiana, you can drive on the world's longest over-water bridge and see seemingly nothing for 24 miles. Or, you can visit East Tennessee to walk among the clouds on Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.  

Maine

Maine is the easternmost state, which means it's the first to get sunlight in the morning. But the sun shines all day long in Knoxville thanks to the Sunsphere, which was built for the 1982 World's Fair. 

Maryland

Annapolis, Maryland, is considered the sailing capital of the United States. How pretentious. I like my boats 10-wide on the Tennessee River just outside Neyland Stadium, with a cooler full of six-packs on board. From dinghies to pontoons to yachts, the boats at Vol Navy make for one of the best traditions in college sports. 

Massachusetts

Why does it sound like Bostonians have a mouthful of clam chowder? I'd take Tennessee twang any day. 

Michigan  

Michigan's lakes are considered "great," but Tennessee's lakes are gnarly. Well, at least one. Reelfoot Lake was possibly created by a series of violent earthquakes on the New Madrid fault zone in late 1811 and early 1812, according to the state encyclopedia. 

Minnesota

Some claim Minnesota's Old Log Theatre is the oldest continuously running professional theater in the country. I don't know about oldest, but I do know the Tennessee Theatre in downtown Knoxville certainly is the nicest. And have you heard of the historic Ryman Auditorium? 

Mississippi

Take your double letters and get out of here, Mississippi. Tennessee did it first.

Missouri

Pronounced "misery," its official state mammal is a mule. Cute. But Tennessee walking horses put this mammal to shame, and our official wild animal, the raccoon, would easily come out of a barnyard fight victorious and unscathed. Although fireflies aren't intimidating, the Tennessee state insect (one of three) is still a sight to behold — especially the synchronous kind. Photinus carolinus fireflies are found at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and many say viewing them is a magical experience.

Montana

Montana-born Evel Knievel claimed to be a daredevil, but in reality, the bike did most of the work. East Tennessee's Johnny Knoxville, however, entered his rental car in a demolition derby, boarded a teeter-totter to taunt a bull and attempted to launch himself into orbit using a rocket. 

Nebraska

Nebraska claims to have more to offer than corn. Could have fooled me. 

Nevada

Nashville isn't called Nashvegas for nothing. In many ways, the Music City is the Las Vegas of the East, catering to bachelorette parties every night of the week. But who wants to gamble their money away when an expensive wedding is already on the books? Honky-tonkin' up and down Broadway is the way to go. 

New Hampshire

Didn't know there was an old one. Forgot there was a new one. 

New Jersey

New Jersey has the highest population density of any state. Like I said, we love our neighbors in Tennessee. But we also love our space. 

New Mexico

New Mexico has some pretty interesting rock formations, but Tennessee formed rock n' roll music. And I guarantee there are more Elvis Presley fans than fans of hard, naturally occurring masses. Although, Knoxville is proud of its Marble City nickname. 

New York

Imagine an entire state only known for a single city. If you're not from one of the Big Apple boroughs, no one seems to care. In Tennessee, there's an abundance of local and regional pride. Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis are the state's anchors from east to west, and each region has its own unique character. 

North Carolina

This one is tough to write, as North Carolina is my home state, but there's only one Tennessee. Unfortunately, the Tar Heel state has to share its Carolina culture with its siblings to the south. 

North Dakota

Lewis and Clark encountered their first grizzly bear in North Dakota. Don't worry, though, you won't find any in Tennessee, despite what the Memphis basketball team would have you think. We are home to the much cuter black bears. Don't get me wrong, they're dangerous. But boy, are they adorable!

Ohio

Tennessee waters don't catch on fire (looking at you, Cleveland) and are actually quite beautiful. The Tennessee River runs through downtown Knoxville, and Norris Lake is not too far away. Plus, there's Percy Priest in Middle Tennessee and Pickwick Lake to the west. 

Oklahoma

Sorry Sooners. Neyland Stadium is bigger than Owen Field, with a whopping 102,455-person capacity.

Oregon

Portland and Eugene have been named two of the best bicycling towns. Weird. I thought Knoxville was home to the USA Cycling Professional Road National Championships? 

Pennsylvania

Hershey Park is great if you're looking for a thrill. Dollywood is great if you are looking for a thrill, a relaxing train ride, a culture-driven show, incredible food, impeccable theming, unique souvenirs and a beautiful backdrop of the Smoky Mountains. 

Rhode Island

The first U.S. Open golf tournament was held in Rhode Island, setting the precedent for a sport that's incredibly hard for the average person to pick up. But we consider everyone's abilities in Tennessee. Although mini golf was not invented in the state, Tennessee resident Garnet Carter got the first mini golf patent in the 1920s for his Tom Thumb golf courses, according to the Smithsonian Magazine. It's an activity the whole family can enjoy!

South Carolina

See "North Carolina," but smaller. 

South Dakota

South Dakota is home to one of the longest caves in the world. But does it have live music? The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee, invites guests inside for one of the coolest concert venues in the country ... literally. The inside of The Caverns is roughly 59 degrees all year long. 

Texas

Why have a lone star when you can have three? Each star on the Tennessee flag represents one of the state's three regions. It's all about togetherness, and that's true state pride. 

Utah

The town of Levan, which is "navel" backwards, is in the center of Utah. We just named our state's center Murfreesboro, but a belly button reference is cool, I suppose? Murfreesboro is home to Middle Tennessee State University, where you can study concrete and the music industry. Simply put, MTSU rocks. 

Vermont

I wouldn't want to get stuck in Vermont. But with all that sticky maple syrup, it's bound to happen. What are you? Canada? Pass the sweet Tennessee sorghum please!

Virginia

Virginia may be for lovers, but you won't find love without a solid pickup line. If you're reading this, just know: You're the only "10" I see. 

Washington

Coffee shops are one of the most enjoyable ways to support local, and they can act as gathering places for entire neighborhoods. But Seattle is home to Starbucks, the largest coffee chain in the world. I'll take my K Brew in Knoxville, Bongo Java in Nashville and Rembrandt's Coffee Shop in Chattanooga any day. 

West Virginia

"Rocky Top" > "Take Me Home, Country Roads." Change my mind. 

Wisconsin

Wisconsin is known for its cheese, but East Tennessee embraces cheesiness with its Pigeon Forge attractions. There's the Hollywood Wax Museum, the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud and Crave Golf Club, a dream come true for mini golf fans with a sweet tooth. 

Wyoming

I knew I was forgetting a state!