Must See Sights and Landmarks in Wears Valley 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."

"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."

"James White founded Knoxville in 1783 and this reconstructed fort stands in honor of the pioneer’s journey and accomplishments. Wood cabins are assembled around a rectangular lawn and inside each building are displays which give us an idea of what day-to-day life was like on the frontier."

"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?"

"Knoxville is home to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, a must-visit attraction for all sports fans. The Hall of Honor is where guests will find notable players of the game, however, it’s the interactive exhibits that really keep visitors coming back. Test your dribbling and passing skills on the interactive play areas."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"After a day of exploring, I started comparing Pigeon Forge to Niagara Falls, Canada, but a super hyped-up version. And just like Clifton Hill, it has a giant, climate-controlled ferris wheel. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is at the Island at Pigeon Forge and you can’t miss it."

"Established to conserve Knoxville’s black history, the Beck Cultural Exchange Center features the history of African Americans in Knoxville and East Tennessee from the late 1800s to present through photographs, newspapers, biographies, audio and video recordings, books and artwork. The center is located at 1927 Dandridge Ave. and open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm. This post was updated by Alexandra Olsen, a college student intern for TravelingMom.com, in May 2016."

"The Beck Cultural Exchange Center is loved for its permanent collection including The Pioneer Stairway (which includes the names and history of the earliest black achievers), The Hastie Room (includes reminders and personal items of William H. Hastie) and the United States Postal Stamps. The exhibitions pay tribute to some of the individuals in Knoxville’s past which helped shape the worl...Read more"

"The Beck Cultural Exchange Center is the primary repository of Black history and culture throughout East Tennessee. The museum’s historical archives include books written by African-American authors, and exhibits feature people and events that have played an important role in building up Knoxville’s African-American community. It’s an important place to visit."

"Once you’re fitted up, wind through downtown and enjoy the 6.5-mile ride via the Neyland, Third Creek, and Bearden Village Greenways to Bearden Beer Market. Then kick back, relax, and reward yourself with the local brew of your choosing."

"Over the years, the Golden Garden Chinese Restaurant has been providing customers with healthy food and great ambiance. While here, you are assured of a dish that is made with a specialty for the best experience possible. You will also have a comfortable dining area with simple decorations and full access to the washrooms."

"This used to be a really good place to eat before the pandemic I used to eat here almost every day for years the staff was really nice also the owner whi..."