Must See Sights and Landmarks in Pigeon Forge Area

"In 1982, the city of Knoxville hosted the World’s Fair, sloganed Energy Turns The World. The organizers worked together with architects local to the area to create an impressive structure that would thematically bring the sun – the greatest source of energy – down to earth and into what we now call World’s Fair Park. The result of this project was The Sunsphere, a huge round object fitted with reflexive glass pane panels, layered with dusted gold, balanced on a tower of hexagonal shape."

"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."

"As the founder of Knoxville, James White’s name is all around the city: the James White Parkway, the James White Greenway, and the James White Memorial Civic Coliseum. His house is a simple log structure surrounded by a stockade fence, which he built in the 1780s. He then donated the land around his home to create the city Knoxville, which then became the capital of the Southwest Territory and later briefly the capital of the state of Tennessee."

"The James White Fort was built for James White as he led an expedition into the upper Tennessee Valley to reach the land of what we know as Knoxville. The fort was chosen as the capital of the Southwest Territory in 1790 and was donated in 1791. In 1970, the place was converted to a museum and since then the place holds the tools of wars, houses and other facets of the frontier life."

"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."

"Recognized by many as one of the best views in Smoky Mountain National Park, Mount Cammerer stands at a height of 4,928-feet (1, 502 meters). A fire tower at the summit can still be climbed offering an incredible view of the Pigeon River Gorge and the rolling foothills of the Southern Appalachians. 360-degree panorama of the North Carolina and Tennessee Smokies."

"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."

"The hike to Mt. Cammerer is also considered difficult because of its 11.9-mile roundtrip length. Along your hike to the top, you’ll definitely see the fall colors in the trees. You’ll also pass the trail that leads to the Appalachian Trail, and there are plenty of rocky parts."

"All are familiar with the simple joy of riding a Ferris Wheel: watching the peaceful revolution of the wheel, exchanging cheerful smiles with the conductor as you board your own personal gondola, feeling the breeze against your face as you gaze at the landscape below. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel allows you to tap into that inner child once more. This is not your ordinary Fairground Ferris wheel, however."

"Take a break from shopping when you’re at The Island, and go for a ride on The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. The Ferris wheel rises 200 feet about the city, affording excellent views of the surrounding area. There are climate-controlled gondola cabins rather than seats, so you’ll be comfortable in any weather, and the wheel lights up at night."

"A primitive cabin sits hidden among the woodlands just outside the majestic park is known as Chapel in the Glen, the perfect venue for couples who like a rustic feel with its simple wood benches and rock-wall alter. In addition to the chapel, couples also have the choice of holding their ceremony in the garden gazebo area. Both venues are included in the wedding package choices which range from the very simple to the quite elaborate."

"The Chapel in the Glen is the sister chapel to Chapel in the Glades. It’s a bit smaller and a bit older than Chapel in the Glades, but some would argue offers better views due to its elevation. The Chapel in the Glen at the time of this writing has over 75 reviews on Google with an overall rating of 4.2 stars."

"In a gazebo at a secluded garden retreat, with a canopy of trees over a shimmering pond and waterfall. Book a wedding at the Chapel in the Glen to avail this stunning setting for an outdoor wedding. They have dressing rooms for the bride and groom."

"McCampbell was a blacksmith, carpenter, and the church’s minister. The original log building was replaced with the current one in 1902. As with the Primitive Baptist Church, America’s Civil War divided the church."

"Ruby Sunshine is a new brunch spot in Gatlinburg and is located along the main strip. It features Louisiana-inspired specials and delicious breakfast cocktails. Ruby Sunshine has a virtual waitlist directly on its website."

"The waitress was amazing and the food was good...until I found a piece of plastic in my burger. The waitress just happened to be standing at our table wh..."

"601 James Agee StUnderrepresented in many “Best of Knoxville” lists, it seems that only university students and Fort Sanders residents frequent this overlooked gem. While known for sushi, soups, Thai tea, and a BYOB policy (right next door there’s a convenience store living up to its designation), Chaiyo does perhaps its best work with the pad Thai. It’s sunk in a red-orange sauce and can be prepared, like much of the menu, to varying levels of spiciness."

"This sushi and hibachi restaurant doesn’t get as much recognition as many of its contemporaries, which is a raw deal, because the sheer variety served up by the sushi chefs at this Knoxville (and Maryville) eatery is backed up by the quality of the flavors and visuals that play out in the process. Anaba offers a number of rolls served warm, such as Double Dynamite (tempura-fried with salmon, tuna and more) and the Seafood Boat (tempura-fried with asparagus, cream cheese and seafood mixture). Several creations are available as nigiri, sashimi or in traditional roll form, including crawfish salad, mackerel, scallops, squid and white tuna."

"Quench your hunger with delicious cuisines at Anaba Japanese restaurant for an awesome dining time. The setting you’ll find inside the establishment features what most consider to be luxury. The food is prepared by experienced chefs who strive to offer you the best quality possible."

"Waitress was super sweet (Caroline), but for the price, the food was only ok. The calamari was $10 but should’ve been half the price for the amount we go..."