Best Museums in Wears Valley

"Have you ever wanted to meet some of Hollywood’s most famous stars?. The Hollywood Wax Museum gives you that opportunity. While the stars you encounter are made of wax, you will feel like they are coming to life as you have the opportunity to get your picture made singing on stage with Hollywood’s most famous singers!"

"I’ve been to a few wax museums that were subpar so I wasn’t sure what to expect for the Hollywood Wax Museum. But, it really is a good one. The figures are incredibly lifelike, so much so that I was waiting for one of them to be real and jump scare me."

"Another museum not to miss while in Knoxville is the Knoxville Museum of Art. One major draw of this art museum isn’t just its two permanent exhibits that are inspired by Southern Appalachia but the museum’s glass installation, which is the largest of its kind in the world. Knoxville Museum of Art isn’t just for art snobs either; families with young children will enjoy an afternoon here, as the museum has an interactive play area for young visitors."

"The Guinness World Records Adventure is another one of the best museums in Gatlinburg TN. This popular attraction is all about the incredible feats and stunts that have made their way into the famous Guinness Book of World Records. Highlights of the newly remodeled museum include the world’s largest Pac-Man game, seats from Wrigley Field, Joe Louis’s championship belt, and a wall dedicated to Peyton Manning. In addition to all of these amazing artifacts, the Guinness World Records Adventure also features around 50 interactive exhibits and challenges that allow families to compete against one another."

"See hundreds of exhibits at the Guinness World Records Adventure!. As one of the new Ripley’s attractions in Gatlinburg, it’s sure to be popular and something you don’t want to miss!. They also have trivia, galleries, authentic memorabilia, and a ton of displays for you to see."

"Explore the timeless faces of Southern Appalachian mountain folk and the rural farmers in the pencil and paint artwork at the Paul Murray Gallery!. This art gallery is located on Gatlinburg’s historic 8-mile loop road and is one of the highlights of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Artist Paul Murray records the timeless faces of the pioneer lifestyle, and he has several art collections available, including the Appalachia Series, Mirrored Souls Collection, the Ouellette Series and The Last of the Legend Series."

"The Paul Murray Studio & Gallery displays the work of one of Gatlinburg’s most accomplished artists. After dropping out of school at age 13, Paul Murray became a professional painter and sketch artist. Murray’s work focuses on the rural residents of the Appalachian mountains."

"Boasting beautiful pieces from some of the area’s most esteemed artists, Master’s Editions on the Island brings fine art to Pigeon Forge. Top artists highlighted in this store include Jess Wathen, Abraham Hunter, and Rod Chase."

"Mike and Cheryl Fowler as well as their daughter Ava run this clay studio, where you can buy handmade pottery and also take a seat behind the potter’s wheel for some hands-on instruction."

"As one of the most fascinating art galleries in Gatlinburg TN, Heartwood Galleries presents an amazing collection of artwork that has been carved by a chainsaw!. While visiting the gallery, you can actually watch as thick logs are sculpted into graceful shapes such as life sized angels, gazelles, eagles and even the famous Smoky Mountain bears!. You can even bring in your own sketch to Heartwood Galleries to present your own idea for a custom order!"

"Browse an inspirational collection of handcrafted artwork at the Love Life Live Life gallery in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community!. This beautiful studio is owned by talented artist Kimberly Bylo, who creates all types of stunning pendants and earrings. Whether you are looking for a personal souvenir or a gift for a loved one, you won’t find fused glass jewelry like this anywhere else in the Smokies!"

"Have you ever wanted to meet some of Hollywood’s most famous stars?. The Hollywood Wax Museum gives you that opportunity. While the stars you encounter are made of wax, you will feel like they are coming to life as you have the opportunity to get your picture made singing on stage with Hollywood’s most famous singers!"

"I’ve been to a few wax museums that were subpar so I wasn’t sure what to expect for the Hollywood Wax Museum. But, it really is a good one. The figures are incredibly lifelike, so much so that I was waiting for one of them to be real and jump scare me."

"Located on 47-acres of the former Howell Nurseries just five minutes from Holston River Park , The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum has a lot going on and even more attractions coming soon, including a butterfly meadow and outdoor classroom. On the northwest side of Wimpole Avenue, wedding parties, professional photographers, and tour groups traipse amongst the transportive stone terraces and gatehouses near the KGBA Visitor's Center, escaping to a whimsical land pulled from the mind of stonemason Joe Howell. This is easily the most picturesque part of the gardens, with wide meandering lawns stretching between impressive stonework and booming flowerbeds."

"In East Knoxville, the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum was founded to preserve the Howell family’s history, who owned the property in the late 1700s. American Revolutionary War veteran David Howell planted an orchard, where he began selling fruits and vegetables to local families. He also started selling trees, seeds and small plants to westbound settlers."

"Photo Credit @amandastrav. Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretumis another natural spot that isn't far from downtown. The 47-acre site was the former home of Howell Nurseries."

"Before dinner, we made our way to World’s Fair Park to check into the Tennessean Hotel, which just opened in April next door to the Holiday Inn. The rooms are airy and gorgeous with some stunning works of art, and we had a view of the park below us. We were also just a five-minute walk from Market Square, so we left our car valeted at the hotel for much of the week and explored Knoxville by foot."

"Once you’ve worked up a serious appetite for a proper brunch or early lunch at Sunspot, which you’ll find on Cumberland Avenue, just west of the University of Tennessee campus. If you’re there during the week, it doesn’t open until 11 am, but on weekends, brunch is served starting at 10. Wolf down some fried green tomatoes to start—a Southern specialty—and follow them up with the brunch burger or chicken and a waffle. Vegetarians won’t be disappointed by the Fat Elvis Breakfast Burrito, which is just as indulgent as it sounds."

"Then there’s the Clarence Brown Theatre on the University of Tennessee campus, which has a 500-seat auditorium that showcases its most popular stage shows. There’s also a much smaller black box theater for more experimental performances."

"The Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre stages zany comedies that are reminiscent of the Carol Burnett Show and Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The Iris Theater at the Gatlinburg Space Needle is another wonderful destination for live entertainment in Gatlinburg. The Iris is currently hosting Impossibilities: An Evening of Magic, Mindreading, and Mayhem."

"The Iris Theater at the Gatlinburg Space Needle is another wonderful destination for live entertainment in Gatlinburg. The Iris is currently hosting Impossibilities: An Evening of Magic, Mindreading, and Mayhem."