Tourist Attractions in East Tennessee
- East Tennessee is home to plenty of family attractions along the mountainous region. Couples and families with young children head to the eastern part of the state during the cool winter months to enjoy some snow, in the fall for picturesque views, and in the spring and summer to enjoy the mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Eastern Tennessee towns offer entertainment for guests visiting for simply a day or for a long weekend.
- Chattanooga is filled with family-friendly attractions. Lookout Mountain is one of the most entertaining attractions in the area. On the mountain, guests can tour the mountaintop Rock City and its gardens, do some underground exploration at Ruby Falls, ride the Incline Railway and learn about the Battles of Chattanooga. Although the attractions on Lookout Mountain offer spectacular views outside, guests also can step inside to see thousands of animals at one of the largest aquariums in the Southeast.
Lookout Mountain
3917 Saint Elmo Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37409
423-821-9056
lookoutmountain.com
Tennessee Aquarium
201 Chestnut St.
Chattanooga, TN 37402
423-265-0695
tnaqua.org - The mountain town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is one of the most romantic Tennessee towns, but also is suitable for families. Offering dozens of wedding chapels, restaurants and riverfront cabins, couples flock to the town year-round. Families also enjoy Gatlinburg for affordable hotels and restaurants and family entertainment. At Ober Gatlinburg, visitors can ski or snowtube in the winter months or enjoy the scenic chairlift and amusement park during the warmer months. Atop the Space Needle, guests can view surrounding mountains and the town of Gatlinburg on clear days; below, families can enjoy a large arcade. About 10 minutes away is Pigeon Forge, home to country singer Dolly Parton and her amusement park, Dollywood. At Dollywood, families will enjoy rollercoaster rides, water rides and shops; around Christmas, guests are greeted with carolers and decorations.
Ober Gatlinburg
1001 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-5423
obergatlinburg.com
Space Needle
115 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-4629
gatlinburgspaceneedle.com
Dollywood
1198 McCarter Hollow Road
Pigeon Forge, TN 37862
865-428-9488
dollywood.com - Travelers looking for more city life in a vacation will find it in the central-eastern city of Knoxville. After a day of shopping and a nice dinner, adults especially will enjoy a trip to a downtown theater, such as the Tennessee Theatre, to catch a performance from a symphony, a jazz concert or a comedian. On a nice day, couples might enjoy an afternoon ride aboard a riverboat to tour the city. A train ride on the Three Rivers Rambler also is a unique way to tour Knoxville
Three Rivers Rambler
900 Neyland Drive
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-524-9411
threeriversrambler.com
Tennessee Riverboat Co.
300 Neyland Drive
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-525-7827
tnriverboat.com
Tennessee Theatre
604 South Gay St.
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-684-1200
tennesseetheatre.com