Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Cordova (Shelby County, Tennessee; pop. 68,779) sits at 110 m (361 ft) elevation near Goldsmith Civic Garden Center, with regional transit access via Shelby County Sheriffs Department Substation Airport (9.4 km). Visitors pair Cordova landmarks with signature Tennessee specialties including Nashville cayenne-spiced hot chicken with pickles and Memphis dry-rubbed hickory pork ribs & pulled pork.
Within Tennessee, Cordova (Cordova, TN) serves as a us city in tennessee. Travelers exploring Tennessee often combine a stop in Cordova with state highlights such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nashville Broadway Honky-Tonks, Ryman Auditorium & Grand Ole Opry, Memphis Graceland & Beale Street, and Chattanooga.
| Fact | Details for Cordova (Cordova, TN) |
|---|---|
| City & State | Cordova, TN |
| County & Role | US City in Tennessee |
| State & Major Hubs | Tennessee (Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga & Gatlinburg) |
| Population | 68,779 residents |
| Elevation | 110 m (361 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Airport / Transit Hub | Shelby County Sheriffs Department Substation Airport (9.4 km) |
| Coordinates | 35.1557°N, 89.7762°W |
Getting to Cordova & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Shelby County Sheriffs Department Substation Airport (9.4 km)): Nashville International Airport (BNA), Memphis Airport (MEM), Knoxville (TYS) for the Smokies, and I-40/I-65/I-24.
- Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
- Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into BNA Nashville & MEM Memphis Airports + Amtrak City of New Orleans? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
- Driving & National Parks: If your route from Cordova includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.
What Locals Eat in Cordova (Tennessee)
1. Signature Regional Dish
In Cordova (Shelby County, Tennessee), local tables feature: Signature Tennessee dishes—Nashville cayenne-spiced hot chicken with pickles, Memphis dry-rubbed hickory pork ribs & pulled pork, and Southern meat-and-three plates with mac & cheese and greens.
2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)
Around Cordova and across Tennessee, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Tennessee: Tennessee charcoal-mellowed sipping whiskey, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce
At farmers markets and specialty shops in Cordova (Tennessee), look for: Local specialties across Tennessee: Banana pudding & MoonPie with RC Cola, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)
Classic Tennessee dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In a mid-sized city like Cordova (pop. 68,779), visitors will find independent coffee roasters, craft taprooms, regional steakhouses or seafood shacks, and weekend growers markets showcasing Tennessee producers.
GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities
- Elevation: 110 m (361 ft) above sea level
- Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Shelby County Sheriffs Department Substation Airport (9.4 km)
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Goldsmith Civic Garden Center (13.8 km) · Chickasaw Gardens (17.0 km) · Memphis Museum (17.0 km) · Spanish War Memorial Park (19.3 km) · Fisher Memorial Garden (19.5 km)
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: River Oaks, The Village, Hedgemoor, Chickasaw Gardens
5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns
- Germantown, TN (8.3 km)
- Lakeland, TN (9.0 km)
- Ellendale, TN (9.5 km)
- Bartlett, TN (10.4 km)
- Collierville, TN (16.2 km)
Regional Specialties Across Tennessee
- Nashville cayenne-spiced hot chicken with pickles — a signature specialty across Tennessee.
- Memphis dry-rubbed hickory pork ribs & pulled pork — a signature specialty across Tennessee.
- Southern meat-and-three plates with mac & cheese and greens — a signature specialty across Tennessee.
- Banana pudding & MoonPie with RC Cola — a signature specialty across Tennessee.
- Tennessee charcoal-mellowed sipping whiskey — a signature specialty across Tennessee.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for Cordova
Best time to visit Tennessee: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov.
- Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in Cordova exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
- Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Cordova; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
- Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Cordova (Cordova, TN) located in the United States?
Cordova (Cordova, TN) is a us city in Tennessee, United States (coordinates: 35.1557°N, 89.7762°W, elevation: 110 m (361 ft)). It has a population of approximately 68,779.
How do I get to Cordova by plane, Amtrak, or car?
Most visitors reach Cordova via Shelby County Sheriffs Department Substation Airport (9.4 km). Nashville International Airport (BNA), Memphis Airport (MEM), Knoxville (TYS) for the Smokies, and I-40/I-65/I-24. You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).
What local food is Cordova and Tennessee known for?
In Cordova and across Tennessee, signature regional dishes include Nashville cayenne-spiced hot chicken with pickles, Memphis dry-rubbed hickory pork ribs & pulled pork, Southern meat-and-three plates with mac & cheese and greens, as well as Banana pudding & MoonPie with RC Cola and Tennessee charcoal-mellowed sipping whiskey. Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
When is the best time of year to visit Cordova?
Best time to visit Tennessee: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: