5. The Caverns
Home to the TV series “Bluegrass Underground,” The Caverns touts itself as “The Greatest Show Under Earth.” This otherworldly cave system boasts more than 8,000 linear feet of passageways. During the day, take a guided tour of the caves, where you will get a behind-the-scenes look at the underground concert venue – Big Mouth Cave – and at Big Room Cave, one of the largest underground rooms in the world at the size of about three football fields. For the more adrenaline-seeking, book the Adventure Cave Tour, a true spelunking trip where few have gone before.
6. Knoxville
The eastern city of Knoxville is home to outdoor adventure, museums, history and a vibrant arts scene. Plan to stay a few days at The Tennessean, a hotel centrally located downtown. Then, walk over to Market Square, where you can explore the shopping, dining and entertainment options. Other highlights in the city include the Sun sphere tower’s Observation Deck at World’s Fair Park (originally constructed for the 1982 World’s Fair), the East Tennessee History Center and McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture. For outdoor enthusiasts, visit what the city has dubbed its Urban Wilderness. The collection of open-air attractions features 50 miles of trails, lakes and parks as well as a 500-acre wildlife area; Ijmas Nature Center is ideal for hiking, biking, fishing and rock climbing. Finally, Civil War and history buffs can chart out a visit to battlefields like Fort Sanders or plot a driving tour of the area’s Civil War sites.