Off Limits Season 1 Episode 5 Tennessee
- TVPG
- June 20, 2011
- 42 min
Off Limits season 1 episode 5 takes us to the southern state of Tennessee, where host Don Wildman explores some of the lesser-known and often restricted areas of the state. Known for its natural beauty and rich music history, this episode takes us on a journey to some of the hidden gems that make Tennessee unique.
The episode begins with Don venturing into a mysterious cave system that sits beneath Lookout Mountain in Rock City. The vast and eerie cave network is home to an underground waterfall and a natural sculpture garden that was created over millions of years. Don explores the natural artistry of stunning stalactites and stalagmites with an expert guide, who explains the geological formation of the cave. Inside the cave, Don also discovers a graffiti signature from the early 1900s, giving insight into visitors who have come before him.
Don next heads to Sprewell Bluff State Park, a beautiful conservation area that’s only accessible to hikers and climbers. Here, he meets a group of experienced rock climbers who teach him the ropes on the challenging rock formations of the park. Even for an experienced hiker like Don, the heights and challenges of rock climbing are no easy feat. He learns the sport's fundamental skills, then joins the team for a climb to the top of the rock face. The climb provides an adrenaline-fueled and breathtaking view of the park's beautiful surroundings in Georgia.
The Tennessee episode also takes Don to the world-famous Andrew Jackson Hermitage, the beautiful home of the country’s seventh president. This historic home features guided tours that offer guests insight into the life and world of Andrew Jackson. Don steps back in time in the estate's world-class museum, which houses over a thousand historical artifacts that tell the story of Andrew Jackson. From vintage pistols to beautifully crafted furniture to personal mementos, the museum is a treasure trove of Jackson family history. Even with the vast knowledge that exists about Andrew Jackson, Don discovers little-known facts about the enigmatic president and his home.
The music of Tennessee is considered an integral part of the state’s heritage and culture. Don heads to the city of Nashville, which is known as the country music capital of the world. Don takes a tour of historic RCA Studio B, which has served as the recording ground for numerous legendary musicians from Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton to Waylon Jennings. Studio B has been a vital player in shaping the sound of music for decades, and Don gains an appreciation for the technological advances that made its recording prowess possible.
For his final stop, Don heads to the beautiful city of Chattanooga on a quest to find the city's secret underground history. The city is known for the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo and was an essential hub of commerce and transportation during the civil war. He travels to Alton Park, an area that was once a bustling suburb but now mostly abandoned. As Don explores the area's dilapidated streets, he uncovers the Alton Park coal processing plant and explores the abandoned building and machinery that once powered the region.
Off Limits Season 1 Episode 5 is a thrilling adventure that explores the lesser-known aspects of one of America's most exquisite states. With Don's trademark curiosity and a spirit of exploration, the episode offers viewers a glimpse into Tennessee's hidden treasures. The episode's exploration of natural wonders, music, history, and the state's off-limits areas makes it one of the series' standout episodes.