Fun things to do
In East Tennessee
Visit attractions, restaurants, museums, shopping, events, travel destinations
and more!
East Tennessee Travel Guide
Knoxville, TN
The city of Knoxville is nestled in East Tennessee where it is also blessed by an abundance of beautiful surrounding landmarks like the Tennessee River, the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountains, and the equally breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knoxville is a hot tourist destination for outdoor adventure, fine food, festivals, award-winning music and theatre, as well as a visit to outdoor attractions.
Pigeon Forge, TN
Pigeon Forge is a popular vacation area to visit in East Tennessee and is the home of Dollywood, country singer Dolly Parton’s Appalachian-themed park with rides, an adjoining water park and a museum of her memorabilia. The city offers tourist information for other attractions including country music revues like the Smoky Mountain Opry, dinner theaters such as Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede and many outlet malls.
Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg, a mountain town in eastern Tennessee, is a popular tourist destination and gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Key tourism attractions offer sweeping views of the mountains, including the 407-ft. Space Needle observation tower and the Sky Lift, a 2.1-mile aerial cable car that journeys from Downtown to an amusement park and a ski resort complex at Ober Gatlinburg.
Cocke County, TN
Visit Cocke County where your natural adventure is waiting. Nestled in the shadows of the majestic mountains of East Tennessee, Cocke County is a tourist destination full of hidden treasures and fun things to do outdoors. The southern part of Cocke County is located within the Great Smoky Mountains. The county's highest point is Old Black, which rises to 6,370 feet (1,940 m) in the Smokies. Cocke County is a popular way to enter and visit the Great Smoky Mountains park.
Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge, TN is sometimes referred to as the "Secret City." It was built by the United States government to develop the Manhattan Project during World War II. Although the population of 75,000 made Oak Ridge the fifth largest city in Tennessee, using approximately 13% of the nation's electricity, few Americans knew that it existed. Oak Ridge was declassified in 1949, but it remains home to national security interests. Visit here to find tourist information.
Union County, TN
Located north of Knoxville, Union County has something for everyone. Nestled in the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains, you'll find a deep emerald lake and marinas for all types of water recreation. Visit museums, historic landmarks, quaint shops, and wide open spaces perfect for viewing wildlife or enjoying an outdoor adventure. Union County is home to legendary and popular musicians such as Chet Atkins, Roy Acuff and Kenny Chesney.
Loudon County, TN
Just south of Knoxville, Loudon County, TN is touted as the Lakeway to the Smokies, with several lakes and rivers enhancing the county, including Fort Loudoun, Tellico, Watts Bar and Melton Hill Lakes and the Tennessee and Clinch Rivers. Visit historic sites and enjoy lakeside parks, restaurants, boating, fishing, golfing, shopping in downtown Lenoir City, and outdoor activities. Tourist information can be found at the Loudon County Visitor Center.
Morristown, TN
Nestled in the lush valley between the Great Smoky Mountains and the rugged Clinch Mountain, Morristown, TN and the Hamblen County region is a tourist destination just a short 45 minute drive Knoxville and from the mountain resort towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Visit and enjoy two beautiful lakes, an active arts and cultural community, golfing, outdoor activities and events, shopping in the historic district, and much more.
Sevierville, TN
Sevierville, TN, offers everything a family could want in a Smoky Mountain adventure. Sevierville, is just outside of Pigeon Forge. Attractions range from museums warbird aircraft to NASCAR themed go-kart tracks, underground cave tours, petting zoos, ziplines, golf courses and golf courses. The county seat of Sevier County, Dolly's statue is located in downtown Sevierville. Visit the tourist information center to find more fun things to do.