Discover These East Tennessee Staycation Destinations

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Jun 2024

Discover These East Tennessee Staycation Destinations

Living in East Tennessee means you’re never far from beautiful scenery and plenty of things to do. When planning your next vacation, why not stay close to home and enjoy the many scenic locations and adventures your state offers? Instead of spending precious vacation hours traveling, consider these fantastic East Tennessee staycation destinations that are right in your own backyard.

Maryville
If you’re looking for a peaceful vacation, look no further than RT Lodge in Maryville, Tennessee. Located in a beautiful wooded setting on the campus of Maryville College, RT Lodge is the perfect place to relax and unwind. You can spend time relaxing in a rocker on the porch, strolling along a pathway in one of the many gardens, or playing a game of croquet, badminton, volleyball or cornhole. At the end of the day, enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant and gather around one of the outdoor fireplaces for complimentary s’mores or an evening of storytelling.

Maryville has a historic downtown district and is only approximately 45 minutes from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so you can plan a day of activities exploring the town or the Smokies before retreating to RT Lodge.

Loudon
Discover luxury amid the beauty of nature at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve. Situated near the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Windy Hill Farm and Preserve offers three choices for lodging, and each option includes daily meals made from ingredients harvested from the property or sourced from nearby farms in the on-site restaurant, Wilder. For larger families or groups, The Farmhouse with its 5 bedrooms and 3 ½ bathrooms might be a good fit for you. For smaller groups, The Lodge, with its hotel-style accommodations may be the perfect choice. Bringing along a furry companion? The Water Tower Cabins are dog-friendly options on-site.

Windy Hill Farm and Preserve is designed to provide everything you need for the perfect relaxing experience. Explore on-site activities during your stay such as fishing, bike riding and orchard walks.

Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg
With many family-friendly options for camping, RVing or going off-grid in a cabin, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are great neighboring staycation destinations in East Tennessee. There are abundant options for hotels and cabins in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. One standout option is renting a luxury cabin at the private, gated Oak Haven Resort, located at the foothills of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. You will find plenty of activities to keep the family occupied such as a pool for swimming, a lake for catch-and-release fishing and over 2 miles of nature trails with picnic areas for hiking.

You’ll discover many opportunities for local adventures and entertainment in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. From playing a round of mini-golf to biking Cades Cove and riding coasters at Dollywood, there are activities to please everyone in your family.

Knoxville
If you want the perfect combination of a downtown scene and nature adventures, consider Knoxville, Tennessee as your staycation destination. Located near Market Square and the Old City, The Oliver, Lilou and The Tennessean are prime staycation hotels in Knoxville. You will be within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Make sure to check the schedule and catch a great performance at the Bijou or Tennessee Theatre. If you want to add a little outdoor adventuring to your itinerary, consider a paddleboarding trip along the Tennessee River or a leisurely hike at Ijams Nature Center.

For a more whimsical Knoxville adventure, book a stay at Ancient Lore Village in South Knoxville and sleep in the Leprechaun Lair, Fairy Cottage, or one of the Gremlin Dens. Be sure to visit Gremlin Graveyard for a game of cornhole, jumbo jenga, yard dice or horseshoes or venture over to Fairytale Meadowlands for a scavenger hunt. Ancient Lore Village also offers axe throwing and archery for the more brave at heart.

Chattanooga
Similar to Knoxville, Chattanooga, Tennessee offers great options for downtown exploring and outdoor adventuring. The historic Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel provides a unique staycation adventure. At this former railroad station located in the heart of lively downtown Chattanooga, you can stay in a train car that has been converted into a hotel room. Start your day with a coffee and breakfast at the Frothy Monkey, and in the evening, catch a live music/comedy show at the Comedy Catch or enjoy gourmet French-Belgian cuisine with a touch of Appalachia at Elsie’s Daughter restaurant.

For daytime activities, visit Ruby Falls, boasting the largest underground waterfall in the United States or “see seven states” and massive ancient rock formations at Rock City. For the young or young-at-heart visitors, the Tennessee Aquarium houses over 10,000 animals and an IMAX theater. Across the street from the aquarium, you will find the Creative Discovery Museum. Its interactive art, music and science exhibits are sure to amaze the younger members of your group.

East Tennessee offers an array of breathtaking landscapes and exciting activities, making it an ideal destination for your next staycation. By exploring the gems in your own backyard, you can create memorable experiences without the stress of extensive travel.

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