8 Best Things to See & Do Near Sweetwater, TN
Just off Interstate 75 about halfway between Knoxville and Chattanooga, Sweetwater is the perfect Tennessee small town where you can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of East Tennessee. Established in the 1850s, it’s believed the name for this community of just over six-thousand originated from the early settlers and their descriptions of area springs.
Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Sweetwater is known for an extensive cave system that’s home to America’s largest underground lake which visitors are able to explore.
From natural adventures to exploring the shops and restaurants along Main Street, there’s something for everyone in this town that claims to be the sweetest in Tennessee.
Top 10 Things to See & Do in Jonesborough, TN
Established in 1779 almost two decades before Tennessee was granted statehood, Jonesborough is known as the oldest town in the state. At the time, this was the western frontier settled by folks from Virginia and North Carolina. By the mid-1780s, it had become a capital city for the autonomous short-lived State of Franklin. It existed just under five years more as a republic and was never admitted into the union by Congress. The Lost State of Franklin became a footnote in American history.
During the early 1800s, Jonesborough became an epicenter for the movement to end slavery. An influential, widely-circulated newspaper that became known as The Emancipator was published here, the first American periodical dedicated exclusively to the issue of abolition.
Local preservation efforts over the last century have managed to maintain the early American look and vibe of this small town of just under 6,000 residents. A few buildings still stand from the late 1700s. Jonesborough has become a destination for heritage tourism attracting people from all over the world who admire the architecture and want a glimpse into a bygone era.
10 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
As someone who grew up in the Knoxville area, there's no part of the Volunteer State I haven't spent time in. This video highlights the 10 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee from what to do in Memphis and Gatlinburg and everywhere in between.
Official Visitor Information
10 Things You Must Do in Knoxville, Tennessee
Forty years ago, 11-million people from all over the world descended on Knoxville for one of the most popular expos America has ever put on. The 1982 World’s Fair put this scruffy city on the banks of the Tennessee River on the map and some people who attended during the expo’s six-month run never left.
With a growing population of just under 200-thousand, Knoxville is more popular than ever. People gravitate here for its natural beauty and some of the nicest, most hospitable folks you’ll find anywhere.
In this episode, we’re showing you 10 Things You Must Do in Knoxville from the perspective of a native East Tennessean. (That would be me!) Hope you enjoy my take on this special place.
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The official Visit Knoxville website is the most valuable resource in planning your trip to Knoxville.
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The WDVX Blue Plate Special® is a live performance radio show held at noon, with your host Red Hickey. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Visit Knoxville. On Fridays WDVX takes the Blue Plate Special to Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria for “The Big Plate”. Then Saturday it’s back Visit Knoxville. Here’s the calendar. It’s always free to join in so please don’t be shy. Make yourself at home as part of the WDVX family. From blues to bluegrass, country to Celtic, folk to funk, rockabilly to hillbilly, local to international, it all part of the live music experience on The WDVX Blue Plate Special.
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The Historic Homes of Knoxville is a local partnership between seven historic homes that offer guided tours throughout the year. You can visit each site individually, or visit all of the sites by purchasing a combo pass at any of the seven locations or from the Knoxville Visitors Center.
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601 South Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902Hours:
M-F: 9am - 4pm
Sat: 10am - 4pm
Sun: 1pm - 5pmAdmission is $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors 55 & over, and FREE for children 16 and under. A $6 per person Group Rate is available for adult groups of 10 or more. Admission is FREE each Sunday.
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The 4th level of the Sunsphere houses the Observation Deck. It offers a 360-degree view of the original 1982 World's Fair site (now World's Fair Park), downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, the University of Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains.
There is a $5 admission charge, children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Please click here to purchase tickets to visit the Observation Deck.
Definitive Guide to Visiting Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN
There are lots of attractions in Gatlinburg. But there’s one that has become very popular since opening in 2017.
In the Cherokee language, “Anakeesta” refers to “the place of high ground.” The Anakeesta Formation is a massive rock layer dating back billions of years that encompasses several of the most famous peaks of the Smokies.
It’s a fitting name for the whimsical family adventure park that sits on a mountaintop overlooking Gatlinburg.
For the better part of a century, much of the property belonged to the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity of women. Starting in the early 1900s, the organization operated a settlement school here that gave children something better than the three-month education that had been available.
55 pristine acres that belonged to the fraternity was sold in 2014 and developed into a family attraction that has won many awards from the travel industry.
We first visited Anakeesta shortly after it opened in 2017. Many new experiences have been added over the years, and on a recent trip to the Smokies, we decided to return to take in all the changes.
We want to share with you our guide to getting the most out of your time at Anakeesta and provide some tips on what you can expect when you go.
Admission
Start your adventure at Anakeesta Plaza located in the heart of Gatlinburg at traffic light number five across from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
This is where you can find out more information about Anakeesta and purchase tickets. As of early 2022, general admission for adults is $32.99. Folks 60 and older pay $25.99 while children between 4 and 11 get in for $19.99.
An Express Pass is available online where visitors can choose the day and time they want to experience Anakeesta, bypassing what can be long waits at the ticket booth.
General admission includes many but not all of the activities that await at the top of the mountain. We’ll have more on what’s not included a little later.
Chondola
Admission includes a ride to the top of the 70-acre mountain that’s 600 feet above the city of Gatlinburg.
To get to the summit, visitors utilize a unique Chondola system. You can choose to ride in an open-air 4-person chair with a safety bar or select an enclosed gondola cabin with room for 6 people. The journey to the top is leisurely and scenic with many riders often spotting black bear in the woods below.
Staff members who man the Chondola are always accommodating when it comes to riders who may have physical limitations. The system can be stopped to allow riders extra time boarding and exiting if needed.
Ridge Rambler
If heights aren’t exactly your thing, Anakeesta provides another transportation option that keeps you on terra firma. A large passenger truck known as the Ridge Rambler is available to take you up the mountain. Like the Chondola, this is included with general admission and you can take as many trips as you wish.
Firefly Village
Upon arrival at the top of the mountain, visitors are greeted by Firefly Village. This quaint little shopping and dining area serves as the community space that’s the heart of Anakeesta.
There are three shops where you can purchase everything from rustic home goods and items crafted in the area to soaps, jewelry and candles as well as plenty of branded souvenirs to help you remember your experience.
Enjoy a homemade pie or some ice cream from Pearl’s or indulge in a variety of southern barbecue classics at the Smokehouse where every seat in the place comes with an awesome view of the mountains and Gatlinburg down below.
Black Bear Village
Another retail area is Black Bear Village. There are a few places where you can get some quick eats and enjoy them in this plaza with tables and beautiful vistas.
The centerpiece of this section of Anakeesta is the Cliff Top Restaurant that serves up traditional American fare like cheese curds, burgers, steaks and soups and salads.
Attached to the restaurant is The Mercantile, a modern take on a general store.
Vista Gardens and AnaVista Tower
Vista Gardens is a multi-sensory botanical garden with meandering pathways and manmade waterfalls. The professional landscaping has a flair of whimsy, with one of the highlights being this Twigloo.
One of the newer additions to Anakeesta and the park’s icon is AnaVista Tower. If you look closely, the structure kind of looks like a blooming flower.
After climbing 84 steps, you’re greeted with 360-degree views of the Smokies, and on clear days, you can see as far as Kentucky.
The tower is designed to act as a giant compass, with wooden pillars marking each direction. Interpretive signs identify more than 50 mountain peaks while two glass panel floors allow you to see the gardens 60 feet below.
A large plaza at the tower’s base features plenty of relaxation spots to sit and take in the views along with the Watering Can, where you can grab a sandwich and a drink.
I would call Anakeesta more of an adventure park than a theme park. Think of it as a mountaintop playground designed for all ages to enjoy. There are several individual attractions to keep you busy most of the day.
Treehouse Adventures
Kids can burn all kinds of energy at two separate tree house-based play areas. TreeHouse Village Adventure and TreeVenture feature a series of tree houses connected with rope bridges and include a number of interactive elements.
Included with general admission, the courses range in difficulty from easy to moderate.
Treetop Skywalk
Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature with a trip down the Treetop Skywalk. Anakeesta bills this adventure as allowing you to experience what its like for the birds in the tree tops.
The Treetop Skywalk is easy to navigate and is included with general admission.
Add-Ons
The price you pay to get to the top of Anakeesta includes most of the park. But there are a few add-on attractions you want to be aware of NOT included with general admission.
Dueling Zipline Adventure
Get your heart rate up by zipping over 2,600 feet through the tree canopy side-by-side with family and friends.
Zip lining ticket prices start at $71 for children with adults paying $88. Those prices include general admission.
Reservations are not required, but strongly encouraged.
Rail Runner
Another thrilling experience is Anakeesta’s very own mountain coaster. The Rail Runner has over 1600 feet of twists and turns with a 400-foot elevation change.
Single Rider: $12.99 Tandem Rider: $14.99
Gem Mining
If the kiddos want to try their hand at gem mining, they can do it at Anakeesta. Prices start at $8.
Accessibility
While much of Anakeesta is wheelchair accessible, some sections of the park are not like the adventure courses and Treetop SkyWalk. Also be aware that Anakeesta’s most prominent feature, the observation tower, does not have an elevator.
Gondola cabins are 32″ wide and 49″ deep to accommodate both wheelchairs and strollers for your ride to the summit.
With the exception of ADA certified service animals, pets are not permitted at Anakeesta.
Best Photo-Op
Looking for the best photo op on property? That might depend on who you ask. But for many, nothing can match crawling up in the lap of Willow to snap that perfect selfie with this larger than life creature.
Smartphone App
Anakeesta offers a pretty comprehensive smartphone app that will tell you things like wait times, any closures and live music performances that are scheduled. The one thing that could be improved is the map. Unlike most of the larger amusement parks, it’s a flat pdf-style map with zero interactivity. Incorporating wait times, prices of the add-ons, and other information would improve the overall user experience.
Lastly
One thing is undeniable about Anakeesta. The spectacular views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains from the summit are what makes this attraction special. They are, in fact, the top attraction at Anakeesta. Everywhere you turn, it seems there’s a comfy spot to soak in the atmosphere. Each season is different. So no two visits are ever the same. It’s definitely a place you should experience when you’re in the area. If you just can’t get enough of the views, annual passes are available.
10 Things You Must Do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
There’s something about the mountains of Tennessee that draws people to them. The Cherokee called the Great Smoky Mountains “the land of blue smoke” or “Shaconage.” The constant presence of a haze that clings to the mountain tops can be spellbinding, making people want to return or never leave.
Pigeon Forge was first settled in the late 1700s when the area was governed by North Carolina.
By the 1820s, local businessman Isaac Love had established an iron forge on the West Fork of the Little Pigeon River. A decade later, the Love family constructed a grist mill next to the forge. Fast forward nearly two centuries and the building still stands as the city’s oldest structure and the only building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Old Mill is just one of many things to experience in this popular mountain resort town. Today, we want to show you 10 Things You Must Do in Pigeon Forge.
Visit a Piece of History
We begin where the Pigeon Forge we know today got its start. The Old Mill is the icon of the community and the one thing you have to make sure you see when you’re in town. You’ve probably seen this historic landmark featured in publications all around the world. It’s one of the most photographed mills in the nation.
During the Civil War, the eastern part of Tennessee supported the Union. While the Smokies area didn’t see any major battles, only small skirmishes, the Old Mill played an important role in the war effort.
Secret knitting looms were set up on the second floor of the mill which produced clothing for Union soldiers based nearby where Gatlinburg is today. There was also a makeshift hospital on the third floor.
The Old Mill continues to grind wheat and corn for flour and corn meal using hydropower. Products produced on-site are sold inside a general store on the mill’s main floor. There are also lots of local souvenirs available for purchase.
Next door is a newer building that’s home to the Old Mill Restaurant, consistently ranked as one of the top places to eat in the area.
Watch Pottery Being Made
A collection of buildings adjacent to the Old Mill house a number of unique shopping opportunities including one of my favorites, Pigeon River Pottery. In the 1940s, Douglas Ferguson found the area to be rich with red clay, what he used to make his pottery creations. He purchased an old tobacco barn on the mill’s property and transformed it into a pottery studio. The acclaimed artist died in 1999. But his legacy continues in the workspace he created where visitors can watch pottery being made by talented artisans. These pieces are the best souvenirs I’ve collected from the Smokies over the years.
Take a Blacksmithing Lesson
Across the street is a place that preserves and passes on the traditions of blacksmithing to a new generation.
Operated by the History Channel’s Forged in Fire fan favorite Robby Bowman, Iron Mountain Metal Craft lets you get really close to the action. In fact, you can be a part of the action.
Visitors can actually don an apron and goggles, step up to the anvil, and swing the hammer themselves for an unforgettable experience. Best of all, the finished product can be taken home in the form of a knife or horseshoe.
Kids as young as five can participate in the blacksmithing lessons, which fill up quickly. Visit the shop’s website to learn how you can make an appointment.
Shop at a Whimsical Book Store
Located on Old Mill Street is something you don’t see a lot here in the Smokies. It’s a place that in no way, shape or form resembles the normal touristy souvenir shop.
Step into A Long Story Short and into a carefully curated boutique of the whimsical. Open since 2017, this shop offers vintage and used books, antiques, rustic and garden decor, and local art with a little pop culture and quite a bit of Steampunk thrown in.
The perfect spot for book lovers, every visit here is different. When one piece sells, they replace it with a new creation, gadget, or treasure. Be prepared to spend some time taking it all in.
Go on “Island” Time
The most popular entertainment and retail complex in Pigeon Forge is The Island. Sitting on 23 acres and boasting more than 80 shops, restaurants, attractions, and two Margaritaville lodging opportunities on-site, this is one of those places with more of a resort vibe where you never really have to leave.
Standing tall at 200-feet is the centerpiece, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel that provides riders spectacular views of the area in comfy, all-glass gondolas that seat up to 8 people.
The top free thing to do in Pigeon Forge is to see the waters dance at the Island Fountain. Hundreds gather at this cool community spot most evenings, especially around the holidays, to watch the fountains shoot water 60 feet into the air, choreographed to music and lights.
There are a number of amusement park-type rides to keep the younger crowd entertained, along with a ropes course, while we highly recommend experiencing one of The Island’s newest attractions.
Housed in a state-of-the-art building with a Steampunk theme, SkyFly: Soar America is similar to a ride you might be familiar with at Disney’s Epcot in Florida. But here, the journey is six minutes long and simulates flying over some of the most beautiful places in the nation. The film coupled with some special effects make this a must-do ride the entire family can enjoy.
We always stay at the Margaritaville Island Hotel when visiting Pigeon Forge. Somehow this property has struck the right balance in design between “parrothead” and mountain chic. The location, amenities, hospitality of the staff and their attention to detail make this an enjoyable stay each and every time.
Ride a Mountain Coaster
If you don’t have time to spend a whole day at Dollywood but still have a need for speed, check out one of the area’s many alpine coasters.
It seems they’re popping up all over the Smokies now days, especially in Pigeon Forge and nearby Wears Valley.
Each one has some feature they like to tout - the longest track, the fastest, most drops. We’ve been on a few and couldn’t possibly single out a favorite. A list with links to the area’s mountain coasters is available on our website to help you in your research.
Take On a Monster
One of the newest entertainment and retail complexes in Pigeon Forge is the Mountain Mile and Tower Shops on Teaster Lane.
Covering more than 170 acres on the site formerly occupied by Belz Outlet Mall, a series of shops and eateries are built around large, open green spaces that promote a sense of community through fun and relaxation.
Adrenaline junkies can get their fix at the Mountain Monster, a 200-foot tower that contains three exciting thrill rides - an aerial drop ride, a freefall experience and a launch where riders are slung 140 feet up into the air.
See a Dinner Show
Pigeon Forge loves to put on a good dinner show. The Parkway has a number of options for live entertainment while enjoying a hearty evening meal.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede is the most popular, one I’ve experienced a few times. The four-course dinner includes a tender whole rotisserie chicken and down-home sides. A favorite thing of ours to do here even if we’re not seeing a show is to stroll down the Horse Walk, an opportunity to get an up-close look at the real stars of the show.
Other dinner shows include Hatfield & McCoy, the Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Dinner Show, the Biblical Times Dinner Theater, and Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show.
If you don’t care about dinner and just want to be entertained by the local talent, there are options like Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud and the Comedy Barn.
Experience a Quirky Attraction
While Dollywood is the most dominant attraction in this area, there are dozens of other family-friendly spots that will draw you in and give you a thrill, and maybe a chill or two.
If you’ve ever wanted to take a deep dive into the tragic story of the Titanic or try to understand America’s obsession with crime, there are larger-than-life attractions on the Parkway for you. You can get an up-close look at some of Hollywood’s biggest stars at a wax museum, experience a science-focused indoor amusement park, take a spin in a go-cart, or brush up on your golfing skills at one of the many putt-putt courses.
Sample Some Hard Apple Cider
Just across the river in neighboring Sevierville is one of the area’s most beloved places to visit.
The iconic structure known today as the Apple Barn was constructed more than a century ago on a 65-acre farm, and at that time the barn was a place to keep cattle.
Today, the barn functions as a general store and cider bar where all types of food and drink products made from apples grown on the property can be purchased. We’re especially fond of the apple salsa which we take home and love to sit down and snack on an apple glazed donut with a scoop of vanilla ice cream from the cider bar.
The barn is the centerpiece of a complex that includes two sit-down restaurants, one inside the original farmhouse, both famous for their homemade apple fritters.
The property also includes a candy shop where you can watch taffy being made, a creamery, a Christmas shop and a winery.
A recent addition is the Apple Barn Cider House where visitors can sample a variety of hard ciders crafted on-site. Here, they use a sterile filtration method taking special care to retain as much of the fresh apple cider taste as possible. The finished product is smooth, clean and crisp, unlike any other hard apple cider you’ve tried other places.
