Must See Sights and Landmarks in Gatlinburg Area

"Wikipedia may refer to it as a “hexagonal steel truss structure, topped with a 75 ft. glass sphere” but it might be more apt to call the Sunsphere located in the heart of Knoxville as a giant, gold disco ball in the sky. Originally constructing as a capstone for the 1982 World’s Fair, the Sunsphere still stands as a spectacular beacon of engineering. On most days you can take an elevator to the top observation deck from 9 am to 6 pm."

"Made in Tennessee Photo Ops: Volunteer Landing + The Sunsphere These days, few people pass up a good photo op. In a city filled with such opportunities, two stand out in particular: the scenic Tennessee River at Volunteer Landing and the undeniably picturesque landmark, the Sunsphere. Down at Volunteer Landing, the backdrop of the river and the river bridges creates a perfect image, especially as the sun begins to set."

"James White was the founder of Knoxville, and now you can see how he would have lived by visiting his former house, known as the James White Fort. The home is the perfect place to learn all about frontier life, and you can enjoy hands on displays here like cooking, spinning, and even blacksmith workshops. There are also special holiday events here at this working life museum such as ghost tours around Halloween, so make sure to check out what is on when you are in town."

"The founder of Knoxville was James White, who named the city for President George Washington’s secretary of war, Henry Knox. He built the first log cabin in 1786, which was restored and opened to the public as James White’s Fort in 1970. Each year, more than 10,000 people visit the fort, which offers hands-on frontier living demonstrations, such as blacksmithing, spinning and open-hearth cooking."

"History buffs visiting Knoxville should make a stop at James White’s Fort. This historic museum portrays how frontier life was like in the late 1700s. This historic home was the living quarters of Knoxville’s founder, James White."

"The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is worth visiting for a few reasons: 1) girl power!. ; 2) it’s home to the world’s largest basketball; 3) the Hall of Fame is a sub-contractor for the Center for Sport, Peace, and Society. The society’s mission is “to use sport to change lives, communities, and the world through teaching, research, and service.” As travelers, how could we not want to support such a mission?"

"The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is one of the fun things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee. On its rooftop, you’ll see the biggest basketball in the world, making it easily spotted from far away. It’s a great place to get inspired and a spot in the city that sports lovers shouldn’t miss."

"Different from the rest of the Great Smoky Mountain fire towers, which are made of metal, the Mount Cammerer fire tower is made of timber and native rock. It looks like it could be a home in Maine with its round shape and vast windows and surrounding deck. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930’s, the tower was restored through in the mid 1990’s."

"The Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower is something every Smoky Mountain hiking lover should have on his or her bucket list. Nestled at a breathtaking height of 4,928 ft., the fire tower offers panoramic views of the Smokies. Conquering this secret spot in the Smoky Mountains won’t be easy, though."

"To start the day, we are getting deep out into the Great Smoky Mountains. Mount Cammerer is a high peak that you can hike to the very apex of."

"The Harrisburg Covered Bridge is one of those hidden gems that is right under your nose. Many folks that have been coming to Sevierville their entire lives have never heard of the bridge. It’s only recently, with the advent of blogs and review sites, that the bridge has gained more notoriety."

"Conveniently located near Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Knoxville, Kyker Farms has been owned and operated by the Kyker Family for more than 200 years."

"Much like its Italian region’s namesake, this Market Square staple is certainly a breadbasket of the region. Known for its House Pulled Burrata and Pollo Al Mattone, Emilia’s other must-orders include the lighter-than-air gnocchi amatriciana and steamed PEI mussels. All breads are made at their sister bakery, Paysan."

"Emilia Italian is, hands down, some of the best Italian food you'll find. Start with an order of the Grilled Romaine Salad and Bruschetta as an appetizer. Then, order the Bolognese and Meatballs."

"Located at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, the Historic Ogle Cabin has the distinction of being the very first log cabin built in Gatlinburg!. The logs for the cabin were fashioned in 1802 by William Ogle, who planned to move his family from South Carolina to the Smokies. Sadly, William fell ill and passed away in 1803 before he could return to Gatlinburg with his wife, Martha Jane, and five sons."

"Located on the borders of Oak Ridge, Long John Silver's is a really good low-cost Seafood Restaurant. This Seafood Restaurant is especially good at Family-Friendly Dining. Long John Silver's is a take-out Seafood Restaurant."

"After ordering at drive-thru, was told to pull out front & wait; 20 mins later, got outta my car to go check on order; then it was ANOTHER 5-10 mins ..."

"A wonderful, casual dining spot serving up yummy entrees, appetizers and signature desserts—no one ever leaves hungry from Fridays!. There is also a full bar for the adults to let loose and relax after a long day playing at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies or The Gatlinburg Skylift Park. There are plenty of kid-friendly options available, as well, and it is a great place to catch live sporting events on the big screen."

"TGI Fridays is a chain that specializes in American-style treats and mouth-watering creations like its new Whiskey-Glazed Donut Burger. This restaurant also has a location in both Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. In Gatlinburg, TGI Fridays is located along the main strip."

"TGI Friday’s is America’s favorite casual dining restaurant!. Relax inside or on our patio while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Catch the game or catch up with friends and family."

"Blake Shelton wanted to keep his vegan and vegetarian fans happy. There’s great live music and some equally great vegan and veggie options. They serve an Impossible Burger and Impossible Chili here and vegetarians can stick with fried pickles, green tomatoes and their biscuits are awesome."

"If you want to have a little fun on your date night, head to Ole Red Gatlinburg!. Blake Shelton brought his restaurant and entertainment venue to the Smoky Mountains for both locals and visitors to enjoy. While you dine, enjoy live performances from rising country stars."

"Blue Moose Burgers and Wings is the only family sports grill in Pigeon Forge and has been a fan-favorite among locals and visitors alike for years!. Watch the big game on one of the 20 flat panel TVs while chowing down on angus burgers, hotdogs, salads, and more. Choose from over 16 different flavors of wings, including milder Sweet Thai Garlic and Caribbean Jerk, all the way to the smoking hot Atomic and Mango Habanero."

"The pulled pork nachos were also really good with tender and juicy pork. The steakhouse burger and fries were really good."

"With more than 30 rotating and innovative craft beers on tap, from breweries across the Southeast, Suttree's is a smart stop for beer connoisseurs. There's a solid bourbon and whiskey list, too, and folks rave..."