If you’re planning your next family holiday, East Tennessee is a great place to explore! Nature lovers and adventure seekers will not run out of options here and there are family friendly hotels scattered throughout the region.
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is best known for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where you can try various activities, including biking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and water sports. Another famous attraction is Dollywood, named after its owner, Dolly Parton. The 150-acre theme park also has a water adventure park known as Splash Country.
For more water fun, whitewater rafting can also be done in Pigeon Forge. Those who prefer an indoor experience can explore WonderWorks which offers more than 150 interactive exhibits, or the Titanic Museum where you can have a taste of what it’s like to be aboard the RMS Titanic.
Gatlinburg
Another gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Gatlinburg.
Aside from the various activities offered at the park, you can also try zip lining down a historic nature trail at Zip Gatlinburg. For a unique experience, drop by Ripley’s Gatlinburg and explore the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, an 85,000 square feet Aquarium of the Smokies, a 5D Moving Theatre, themed mini-golf courses, and many others.
Golf enthusiasts can also go to Fort Fun Mini Golf & More, which offers Laser Tag, Motion Ride and 3D theaters, bumper cars and video arcades aside from golf.
Chattanooga
Nature aficionados will love Chattanooga. Ride the world’s steepest passenger railway, the Incline Railway, up the Lookout Mountain, then enjoy panoramic views at the Rock City.
Beauty also lies underground where Ruby Falls, America’s largest and deepest waterfall, is open to the public. Another famous attraction is the Tennessee Aquarium.
Knoxville
Knoxville offers a combination of art, music, history and outdoor adventure. Thrill seekers can go to Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, which features more than 50 miles of natural bike trails.
Various theatre and music companies downtown offer great entertainment. History lovers can visit several museums including the Candoro Arts and Heritage Centre.
Memphis
A trip to Memphis won’t be complete without a visit to Graceland, home of Rock and Roll King, Elvis Presley. If you can’t get enough of Elvis, take a tour at the Sun Studio where he first recorded his music.
The city also has several museums dedicated to its rich musical history, such as the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and The Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
For more kid-friendly activities, families can go to the Memphis Zoo or the Battlefront Lasertag and Paintball.