East Tennessee Map With Counties: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
East Tennessee is a beautiful region that offers visitors a rich combination of natural wonders, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, cultural immersion, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or an adrenaline junkie, East Tennessee has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and much more. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the best of East Tennessee.
Top Attractions
When it comes to top attractions in East Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park tops the list. This national park is home to some of the most stunning natural beauty in the country, including cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and breathtaking mountain views. Other must-see attractions include Dollywood, the Titanic Museum, and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, which offers panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path and discover some hidden gems in East Tennessee, head to the charming town of Jonesborough. This historic town is home to the International Storytelling Center, where you can hear tales from some of the best storytellers in the world. Another hidden gem is the Lost Sea Adventure, which offers visitors the chance to explore an underground lake and cave system.
Food Scene
East Tennessee is known for its Southern cuisine, and there are plenty of delicious restaurants to choose from. For a taste of traditional Southern cooking, head to the Copper Cellar or Calhoun’s. If you’re in the mood for something more upscale, try the Chesapeake’s Seafood House or the Oliver Royale. And don’t forget to sample some of the region’s famous moonshine at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget? East Tennessee has plenty of affordable attractions and activities. Take a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit the Knoxville Museum of Art, or explore the historic town of Jonesborough. You can also save money on food by visiting local farmers’ markets and cooking your own meals.
Outdoor Adventures
If you love the great outdoors, East Tennessee is the perfect destination. From hiking and biking to fishing and kayaking, there are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Explore the Appalachian Trail, go white-water rafting on the Ocoee River, or take a scenic drive along the Cherohala Skyway.
Historical Landmarks
East Tennessee is rich in history, and there are plenty of historical landmarks to explore. Visit the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, the Museum of Appalachia, or the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. You can also take a walking tour of historic downtown Knoxville or visit the Battle of Franklin Civil War Museum.
Family-Friendly Activities
East Tennessee is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities that kids will love. Visit the Knoxville Zoo, ride the roller coasters at Dollywood, or explore the interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge. You can also take a family-friendly hike in the Great Smoky Mountains or go tubing on the Little River.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
For a truly unique East Tennessee experience, try one of these off-the-beaten-path activities. Take a scenic drive on the Tail of the Dragon, a winding road that offers stunning views of the mountains. Visit the Forbidden Caverns, an underground cave system that is home to a stunning collection of stalactites and stalagmites. Or, take a ghost tour of historic downtown Knoxville and learn about the city’s haunted past.
Natural Wonders
East Tennessee is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the country. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and breathtaking mountain views. Explore the Cumberland Plateau, a natural wonderland that features stunning rock formations and waterfalls. Or, take a scenic drive along the Foothills Parkway and enjoy panoramic views of the mountains.
Vibrant Nightlife
East Tennessee may be known for its natural beauty, but it also has a vibrant nightlife scene. Visit the Market Square in Knoxville, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants, bars, and live music venues. Or, head to the Old City, a historic district that is home to some of the city’s best nightlife. You can also check out the nightlife scene in Gatlinburg, which offers everything from karaoke bars to rooftop lounges.
Local Markets
If you’re looking for locally-made crafts and goods, East Tennessee has plenty of markets to choose from. Visit the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, where you can see artisans at work and purchase handmade pottery, jewelry, and other crafts. Or, head to the Knoxville Market Square Farmers’ Market, where you’ll find fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade baked goods.
Beaches and Mountains
East Tennessee is unique in that it offers visitors both mountain and beach experiences. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for stunning mountain views, or head to Cherokee Lake or Norris Lake for a day of swimming and boating. You can also visit the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, which offers panoramic views of the mountains, or take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Cultural Immersion
If you’re interested in immersing yourself in East Tennessee’s rich culture, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Visit the Museum of Appalachia to learn about the region’s history and heritage, or take a tour of the Knoxville African American History Trail. You can also attend one of the many cultural festivals held throughout the year, such as the Dogwood Arts Festival or the International Biscuit Festival.
Art and Music Scene
East Tennessee has a thriving art and music scene, with plenty of galleries, museums, and live music venues to explore. Visit the Knoxville Museum of Art, the East Tennessee History Center, or the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. You can also attend one of the many music festivals held throughout the year, such as the Rhythm N’ Blooms Festival or the Big Ears Festival.
Walking Tours
For a unique way to see East Tennessee, try one of the many walking tours available. Take a historic walking tour of downtown Knoxville, or explore the city’s vibrant street art scene on a mural tour. You can also take a walking tour of the University of Tennessee campus or explore the Knoxville Greenway System.
Architectural Marvels
East Tennessee is home to some stunning architectural marvels, including the Tennessee Theatre, the Bijou Theatre, and the Clarence Brown Theatre. You can also visit the Sunsphere, a 266-foot-tall observation tower that was built for the 1982 World’s Fair. And don’t forget to explore the historic homes and buildings in downtown Knoxville, including the Old City Hall and the Mabry-Hazen House.
Historical Sites
East Tennessee is rich in history, and there are plenty of historical sites to explore. Visit the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, the Museum of Appalachia, or the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. You can also take a walking tour of historic downtown Knoxville or visit the Battle of Franklin Civil War Museum.
Biking Routes
East Tennessee is a great destination for biking enthusiasts, with plenty of scenic routes to choose from. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on two wheels, or take a leisurely ride along the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway. You can also take a challenging ride on the Cherohala Skyway, which features stunning mountain views and plenty of hairpin turns.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate, East Tennessee has plenty of wellness retreats to choose from. Visit the Blackberry Farm, a luxurious resort that offers spa treatments, yoga classes, and farm-to-table dining. Or, head to the Butterfly Gap Retreat, a serene retreat that offers meditation classes, hiking trails, and private cabins.
Adventure Sports
For adrenaline junkies, East Tennessee offers plenty of adventure sports. Go white-water rafting on the Ocoee River, zip-line through the trees at Navitat Canopy Adventures, or take a bungee jump at the Smoky Mountain Bungee Jump. You can also go rock climbing at the Obed Wild and Scenic River or take a hot air balloon ride over the mountains.
With so much to see and do in East Tennessee, you’ll never be bored. Whether you’re looking for natural wonders, cultural immersion, or adventure sports, East Tennessee has something for everyone. So, start planning your trip today and get ready to explore all that this beautiful region has to offer.