Tennessee is a landlocked state in the U.S. South. Its capital, centrally located Nashville, is the heart of the country-music scene, with the long-running Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and a legendary stretch of honky-tonks and dance halls. Memphis, in the far southwest, is the home of Elvis Presley’s Graceland, rock-and-roll pioneering Sun Studio and the blues clubs of Beale Street.
Trip General: This guide we put together and used as a starting point for reference and main destinations / waypoints. We did not go to everything on this and did some other things that are not on the list. When we hit a city for the first time we usually go to a Visitor / Welcome Center to get the last minute agenda set. If it is a larger city we will try and do some sort of day tour to get a good overview of everything.
This was put together with a website that I subscribe to called Roadtrippers.com. This guide does not show it, but the actual website has an interactive map that gives a lot more detail.
About Knoxville (Started here because of location and Airport access)
Established in 1791, Knoxville ambitiously served as capital of the Southwest Territory of the United States, and its early citizens recognized the city’s prime location as a frontier outpost with numerous possibilities for future growth and development. While a number of elements have shaped Knoxville into the dynamic city it is today, none have been as impactful as the evolution of business and industry. Regardless of the era, Knoxville has always been an ideal destination for people to start and run businesses, and it has served as the hub for a variety of progressive industries and technological advances.
From serving as a leading wholesaling and manufacturing center, and being touted as the “Underwear Capital of the World,” to attracting numerous corporate headquarters and high-tech companies, Knoxville has continuously evolved its business climate to serve its people and grow the regional economy. Today, it continues to be a prime place for businesses to locate, operate and grow.
Knoxville’s assets include Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Y-12 National Security Campus, and premier higher-education institutions including the University of Tennessee, making the region a playground for innovators and change-makers. The city’s business-friendly values and heritage of innovation are why companies like Jewelry Television, Regal Entertainment Group, Pilot Flying J, Clayton Homes, Bush Brothers, and Scripps Networks Interactive choose to call Knoxville home. The city offers boundless potential for business.
“home to McGhee National Guard Base” McGhee Tyson Airport a public and military airport 12 miles south of Knoxville, in Alcoa, Blount County, Tennessee, United States. It is named for United States Navy pilot Charles McGhee Tyson, lost on patrol in World War I.
Knoxville Visitors Center Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm Sunday 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Located in downtown Knoxville at the corner of Summit and Gay, the Knoxville Visitors Center is the place for all things Knoxville. From maps and information on tours and entertainment to locally made art and gifts, visitors and locals alike enjoy trips to our Visitors Center. Stop by the Visitors Center to enjoy the WDVX Blue Plate Special - a free live concert at noon 5 days a week. Our friendly staff is happy to help you plan your visit. Feel free to ask us about local hot spots, walking tours, trolley schedules, kid-friendly outings, upcoming festivals and more. We look forward to helping you enjoy your stay in Knoxville!
MAILING Address: 2743 Wimpole Ave, Knoxville, TN, Knoxville, TN, US
“unique & historic horticulture & over two miles of stone walls” Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum is located on 44-acres of former Howell Nurseries. It featuring walking trails, display gardens, unique & historic horticulture and over two miles of distinctive stone walls and timeless buildings. The site has potential significance for the cultural and horticultural history of Knoxville as well as historical data from Civil War and Native American activity on this property. It provides a new and much needed dedicated “green space” for the community that surrounds it as well as educational programs for children and adults throughout Knoxville. The arboretum also serves as a catalyst for energizing and improving a long neglected neighborhood.
hours Gardens open daily, from dawn until dusk. Visitor Center and Offices: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
admission Admission is free! Donations are always appreciated. Please visit our Donations page to learn about making a donation.
“Attractions & Culture in Knoxville, TN” Gay Street is a street in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States, that traverses the heart of the city's downtown area. Since its development in the 1790s, Gay Street has served as the city's principal financial and commercial thoroughfare, and has played a primary role in the city's historical and cultural development. The street contains Knoxville's largest office buildings and oldest commercial structures. Several buildings on Gay Street have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Part of Charles McClung's original 1791 plat of Knoxville, Gay Street was a focal point for the early political activity of both the city as well as the State of Tennessee. By 1850, Gay Street was home to three-fourths of Knoxville's commercial activity, and in 1854, the street became Knoxville's first paved road. On the eve of the Civil War, Gay Street was the site of simultaneous Union and Confederate recruiting rallies. After the war, Gay Street saw extensive commercial development as railroad construction brought an industrial boom to Knoxville.Gay Street and events that took place on Gay Street have been mentioned in the works of James Agee, Cormac McCarthy, Mark Twain, and George Washington Harris. Cultural institutions established along Gay Street include the Lawson McGhee Library (1885), the Bijou Theatre (1909), the Riviera Theatre (1920), the Tennessee Theatre (1928), and the East Tennessee History Center (2004). The Knoxville Journal, Knoxville Whig, and Knoxville Register were all once headquartered on Gay Street, and radio stations WNOX and WROL both broadcast from Gay Street at various times during the 20th century.
“A train ride back in time!” Guests aboard the excursion train enjoy a 90 minute trip along the Tennessee River. Beginning the journey in Downtown Knoxville, the Rambler travels past historical sites to the “Three Rivers Trestle” where the French Broad and Holston Rivers join to form the Tennessee River. Along the route, the Three Rivers Rambler passes by beautiful farmland, Knoxville’s first settlement area, and several quarries that were mined to build our nation’s Capital. The uniformed conductor and volunteer staff are well-versed in the local history and welcome questions during the 11-mile trip. http://www.threeriversrambler.com ~Ticket Prices~ Adults: $28.50 Senior (55+): $27.50
“committed to great food& hospitality” Committed to provide great food, atmosphere and hospitality into every dining occasion in its restaurants. It offers different choices of barbecue, steaks, side dishes, homemade desserts, and beverages. Make Memorable Moments It is the perfecting of all the little details in a restaurant that makes the guest's dining experience a memorable one. With every action, the appropriate question is: does this act show a commitment to excellence and respect for the patronage of the guest?
Pigeon Forge. A mountain town and vacation area in eastern Tennessee, is the home of Dollywood, country singer Dolly Parton’s Appalachian-themed park consisting of rides, an adjoining water park and a museum of her costumes and memorabilia. The city’s other attractions include country music revues like the Smoky Mountain Opry, dinner theaters such as Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede and outlet malls. Elevation: 1,001 ft (305 m)
Gatlinburg Gatlinburg TN is located just south of Pigeon Forge and borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Getting there is simple: It’s just a seven mile jaunt down the Parkway from the center of Pigeon Forge, which means you don’t have to travel very far at all to enjoy some big Gatlinburg attractions and adventures! Because it’s nestled just outside the national park, the Great Smoky Mountains give Gatlinburg a unique, alpine feel – all with a unique Tennessee twist.
If you like variety, you’ll love Gatlinburg TN! This Smoky Mountain destination literally has it all: From kid-friendly fun things to do to rustic mountainside attractions you’ll only find right here in the Smokies!
Several Smokey Mountain Tour companies... Rocky Top Tours - http://www.rockytoptours.com/ Our tours of the beautiful The Great Smoky Mountains take you where you want to go. Imagine experiencing the beauty of The Great Smoky Mountains through the windows of our mini-coach. Every member of the family can devote themselves to the passing landscape. No driving duty. No looking for the right exit. And no guessing about where to stop – we take you to the best places. Several tours 3hrs to 5 hrs; $35 to $40
Tennessee Mountains Tours - https://www.tnmountaintours.com/ When it’s time for a more in-depth exploration of the tranquil wildness, Tennessee Mountain Tours is the company that can help you experience their grandeur up close and personal. Offering narrated bus tours through the Great Smoky Mountains, our guides are knowledgeable, personable, and know how to tell a great story, allowing guests to have the adventure of a lifetime. Several tours including Moonshine & Wine! $25 - $100
“The largest Elvis collection outside of Graceland” Mike L. Moon began collecting Elvis memorabilia in 1971. He accompanied J.D. Sumner, bass singer and leader of the Stamps Quartet, to a party Elvis hosted following a Las Vegas performance. When Mr. Moon was introduced to Elvis that evening, he complimented Elvis on the black leather belt he was wearing. Elvis took the belt from his waist and handed it to Mr. Moon. This generous act made a lasting impression, and Mr. Moon became an avid follower and fan, collecting authentic Elvis memorabilia as opportunities arose. Upon Elvis’ death in 1977, J.D. Sumner encouraged Mr. Moon to open the first Elvis Presley Museum beyond the gates of Graceland . Other members of Elvis’ entourage made items available to Mr. Moon, including Charlie Hodge, Ed Enoch, Buck Buckles, Billy Smith, Marty Lacker and Sonny West. The original museum, right here in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee , opened in 1979. Mr. Moon devoted much of the next two decades expanding his collection to its prestigious title of “World’s Largest Private Collection of Elvis Memorabilia”. Mr. Moon’s collection now belongs to his daughter, Lynn Moon McAllister, her husband, Donald, and their children, Sunni and Skyler. The Moon Family is proud to make this priceless collection available to you...the loyal and devoted fans who Elvis lived to sing for.
The Complete Smoky Mountain Getaway
Dollywood offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains and the incredible spirit of its people, all at a place fun for all ages. We invite you to taste award-winning recipes, experience heart-pounding thrills and witness incredible performances sure to become memories you'll treasure always.
Closed on Tuesdays Mon; Wed - Fri 10:00AM to 7:00PM
2019 Dollywood One-Day Ticket Valid March 16, 2019 - January 4, 2020 $74 Adult / $69 Senior
Join us as we take a leisurely stroll and search along the shadowy streets and alleys of Gatlinburg, to hear stories of the unexplained and strange.
Hear about a number of haunted hotels and buildings in the downtown area, about a gruesome murder committed at a very famous hotel here and the young woman and security guard who still haunt it.
Hear how Radford Gatlin stole the name of the town and had it named for himself. Listen to the tale of a beautiful young woman who committed suicide and how she tries to help others have the same fate.
See a cemetery that was built in 1830, a most frightful place indeed! See pictures taken of paranormal activity on our tour route. And so much more!
ADULTS $15
“Where the feud is over by dessert” The Hatfield & McCoys Dinner Show is your best chance for your family to enjoy themselves on your vacation. Come stop by and see our critter, peruse our general store and then go to our show. It features foot tappin' music, high drama, family clean comedy and the best food in the Smokies. 5PM & 6PM shows Adult (Ages 12+) $56.99
ONE OF AMERICA’S LARGEST AERIAL TRAMWAYS Come soar over 11,000 feet above Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Our two 120-passenger counter-balanced cars provides an amazing aerial experience for all ages, from the young to the young at heart. Our Aerial Tramways departs from downtown Gatlinburg and will whisk you up directly to our Amusement Park and Ski Area.
History: In the winter of 1972 an idea to provide a safer, more comfortable way to reach the ski area was needed and the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway was born. The tramway was completed August of 1973 and is now celebrating it’s 45th anniversary having carried MILLIONS OF PEOPLE to Ober Gatlinburg!
Departing regularly from downtown Gatlinburg, this cable car will take you on a breathtaking 2.1-mile ride up to the Amusement Park & Ski Area.
Monday - Friday 9:40 am - 9:00 pm Adult $14
“Over 10,000 exotic sea creatures” Ripley’s® Aquarium of the Smokies is literally teeming with life – our 10,000 exotic sea creatures comprise more than 350 individual species. There are more fish in this aquarium than there are people living in the entire town of Gatlinburg. Although Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is hundreds of miles from the ocean, the scenic beauty and the abundance of water all around make the town of Gatlinburg a “natural” location for a world-class aquarium, America’s most fun aquarium.
Multiple Ripley venues! Ripley's Odditorium Ripley's Haunted Adventure Ripley's Mirror Maze Ripley's Moving Theater 5D Ripley's Old Mac Mini Golf Ripley's Davy Crockett Mini Golf
“Hundreds of Unbelievable Exhibits!” Ripley’s Guinness World Records Museum will bring the Amazing Book come to life through incredible displays, cool interactive games, trivia, themed galleries and video! Hundreds of Unbelievable Exhibits! Enjoy World Records from the amazing groups of Sports, Space, Animals, Food, Human Achievement and many more! Featured Memorabilia of Famous Record Holders including Elvis, Beatles, Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson and MUCH More! Guinness World Records Adventure Adult (12 & Up) $ 14.99
“Where makin' moonishine's an art” Our families were among the early settlers of the Smoky Mountains - they came to the Smokies through Virginia and North Carolina. They honed the art of whiskey making in order to survive during tough economic times. Most families from this area share a history of a family member making, running or selling whiskey. Today, the true moonshiners and bootleggers still consider it taboo to tell stories or brag about moonshine glory. Because of the consequences, talking about your craft or trade was something you just didn’t do. This is a local family business. Our whiskey is born in the fertile soil of East Tennessee farms where our corn is raised and then transported to our family’s mill to be ground for Tennessee’s original moonshine. At the distillery, you can see the grains converted into the clear corn liquor this part of the country is famous for.
The end :)
