Sevierville: Quirky fun in the foothills of the Smokies

An absolute can't-miss for aviation enthusiasts and the casually curious alike, the Tennessee Museum of Aviation offers an inside look at the storied history of air travel. Explore the hangar and see a wide variety of breathtaking historic planes, including two rare airworthy P-47 Thunderbolts from World War II. With dozens of exhibits inside the museum showcasing aviation and military history, uniforms, aircraft models and aviation memorabilia, the entire family will have a greater appreciation for the miracle of flight. The Tennessee Museum of Aviation is open year round, and is considered a "living" museum, with new planes showcased throughout the year. This constantly-changing collection means you'll never have the same experience twice. Don't miss out on the chance to snap photos while sitting in the cockpit of one of the planes!

Built to honor Sevier County's most legendary icon, Sevierville's Dolly Parton statue is a must-see for tourists from all around the country. Located on the lawn of the courthouse in downtown Sevierville, this is the perfect place to take a few pictures in front of the country icon before visiting the area's many attractions and unique places. Dolly's larger-than-life personality and generous spirit have contributed greatly to the state of Tennessee. The statue depicts Dolly barefoot, holding a guitar, and sporting her signature smile.

Exploring the mountains is a given on any trip to the Smoky Mountains, but Outdoor Adventures of the Smokies offers some options for the adrenaline junkies. Take a guided ATV tour off the beaten path, go whitewater rafting down a mountain stream, hire a fishing guide to help you cast a line, book an off-road Jeep tour of the mountains and historic buildings deep within the forest, or take a ride with Big Jim, the company's Monster Truck.

Big Jim boasts 66" tires, and a truck bed to keep you safe as the driver rounds the track. Bumps, twists, turns, and 8-foot-tall hills make it a wild ride. For a few bucks more, snag a photo of you sitting in the driver's seat.

Rainforest Adventures is open year round, offering access to some of the most unique and adorable animals the planet has to offer. With over 600 live animals and 130+ species, you can easily spend a few hours taking all of it in. Rainforest Adventures houses exotic reptiles (like snakes and crocs) and birds (parrots, finches, and stunning macaws) as well as mammals. It is also home to a few Golden-Headed Lion Tamarins, one of the smallest, rarest, and - dare we say - cutest monkeys in the world. If you're lucky, you might even get to meet and pet a few creatures during your visit. Don't forget to check out the gift shop on your way out for the perfect animal souvenir.

Monster trucks? Check. Zoo Adventure? Check. The only thing missing? A few rounds of miniature golf, everyone's favorite vacation activity. Ripley's Old MacDonald's Farm Mini Golf offers 36 holes of golfing fun, with a kitschy, cartoony, larger-than-life farm theme. After you finish the first course, it's only a few extra bucks to play the second and third, making it a fun, affordable way to spend an afternoon or evening. Multiple courses range from easy to challenging, offering something for everyone, and all feature fun obstacles and decorations. For those with a competitive spirit, you can win a few rounds by scoring a hole in one!