Tennessee Region

  • Blue Ridge Parkway: MP 312 to MP 423


East Tennessee’s beauty is wild as whitewater, peaceful as a Smoky Mountain cove and bright as the big city lights of Knoxville. Tales of frontier life come alive along the paths of westward-bound pioneers.

Tennessee’s Smokies are as vast as the view from the state’s highest point, Clingman’s Dome or as cozy as the sheltered pioneer settlement of Cade’s Cove. Dollywood draws families to Pigeon Forge for thrilling rides and musical shows while those in search of the “peaceful side of the Smokies” head for Townsend. Artisans and craftspeople display their talents at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community in the town of Gatlinburg, where couples still head to say their vows in a mountain chapel.
There are “quieter” sights to see in the state’s northeast corner such as the first territorial capital, Rocky Mount; the oldest town, Jonesborough, where storytelling is an art; or the last covered bridge still in use at Elizabethton.  Stop at small towns along the Old Stage Road and delve into the area’s Revolutionary War, pioneer and Civil War history. Try boating on a TVA-lake or hike one of the area’s many trails.

Events

SPRING

  • A Mountain Quilt Festival. March 10-14. Pigeon Forge. Lectures and seminars by national experts. (800) 251-9100. (865) 453-8574.
  • Dogwood Arts Festival. April 2-30. Knoxville. Award-winning gardens, workshops, artists in action. (865) 637-4561.
  • Townsend in the Smokies Spring Festival and Old Timers Day. April 30-May 1. Townsend. Bluegrass, demonstrations, crafts. (800) 525-6834.
  • Iris Festival. May 15-16. Historic downtown Greeneville. More than 145 artisans and crafters, food, entertainment and more. (423) 638-4111.

SUMMER

  • Saturday Nite Downtown Cruise-In. June 19. Depot Street, Downtown Greeneville. More than 300 vintage automobiles line historic Depot Street. (423) 639-7102
  • Covered Bridge Celebration Days. June 3-5. Elizabethon. Juried arts/crafts, bluegrass. (423) 547-3850.
  • Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. July 16-24. Gatlinburg Convention Center. 180+ crafters. (865) 436-7479.
  • Tennessee Quilts’ Quiltfest. July 29-31. Jonesborough and Johnson City. Workshops, classes. (423) 753-6644.

FALL

  • 18th-Century Trade Faire. September 11-12. Fort Loudoun, Vonore. Re-enactment, food, Colonial history, entertainment. (423) 884-6217.
  • Harvestfest. September 10-October 31. Pigeon Forge is filled with decorations and activities. MyPigeonForge.com.
  • Unicoi County Apple Festival. October 1-2. Erwin. Gospel, bluegrass, crafts, food. (423) 743-3000.
  • National Storytelling Festival. October 1-3. Jonesborough. The nation’s oldest storytelling event. (800) 952-8392.
  • Aussie Fall Fest Chillin’ N Grillin. October 16. Historic downtown Greeneville. Cook off event featuring chili, bbq, wings and ribs. Crafts, entertainment. (423) 638-4111.

Area Links