Larger Tennessee cities like Knoxville always have many activities, restaurants, sights, and events to offer. But some of the best adventures can be found nearby in some of the tucked-away towns in the Knoxville Metropolitan Area of East Tennessee.
From lake adventures to countryside hikes, all the way to sipping wine at a local Tennessee winery, we wanted to share seven local experiences and destinations you should be sure to check out this spring.
Fresh air, gorgeous rolling hills, and stunning views are some of our favorite things about East Tennessee. You undoubtedly know about the national and state parks in nearby Gatlinburg and Chattanooga. But there are also a few local favorites you might want to check out one day this spring. Loudon County, for example, is home to several local and state parks with impressive views and hikes for various skill levels.
East Lakeshore Trail, for example, offers miles of easy and moderate lakeside hikes, such as Sinking Creek Branch, Bakers Hollow Branch, and Coytee Loop. There are also many greenway walking trails like Lenoir City Greenway and Turkey Creek Greenway that offer accessible walking trails for all ages and abilities. If getting out and getting active is something you love, you’ll definitely want to explore these beautiful lakeside walking and hiking trails.
For outdoor explorers who love to learn local history, Fort Loudoun State Historic Park in Vonore offers visitors a chance to learn about military life in the 18th century. Established in 1756, the park spans 1,200 acres and is an early British fortification in colonial America. Today the park is a terrific destination not only for hiking, kayaking, and fishing but also for historical tours, lectures, and reenactments.
Also in Vonore, you’ll find the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, where you’ll learn about the life and experiences of Sequoyah, the Cherokee man known for creating the written Cherokee language.
If you love live music, don’t miss Waves on the Water, an open-air lakefront concert at Tennessee National Community in Loudon on May 15th. Located at the waterfront Tennessee National Amphitheater, Waves on the Water features a special performance by award-winning country music artist Terri Clark.
The concert is the first in a new summer concert series and benefits The Love Anchors Fund for Breast Cancer. In addition to Terri Clark, other artists include Anita Cochran, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Jamie O’Neal, Brandy Clark, and newcomer Emily Brooke. The event promises a safe, fun evening with food trucks, drinks, and good times at the lake.
Did somebody say food trucks? This spring and summer, you can find the best in unique food truck fare every First Friday of the month from 5-9 pm. These events take place in Loudon at Riverside Park at 899 Main Street. For more information about Food Truck Fridays, including the roster of vendors, contact 865.458.7525.
In addition to great food, you don’t have to go all the way to Napa Valley for fantastic wine. Visit Tennessee Valley Winery and sample more than 20 wines that have won over 900 awards. They offer many red and white wines, sweet wines, and even unique fruit wines like strawberry, blackberry, wild cherry. Visit for a tasting, purchase wines, or attend one of their signature special events, such as their Music on the Mountain live music events featuring local artists.
Why not try something new like taking a cooking class or going axe throwing with friends or family? Cook n Craft Academy offers classes in cooking, baking, and crafting for students of all ages, as well as an open-bakery event every Saturday.
Another unique activity you might want to try is axe throwing. Axe throwing has quickly become one of the top entertainment activities among friends. If you’ve never tried it, you’ll put your axe throwing accuracy to the test against your friends at East Tennessee Axe Throwing. They offer traditional axe throwing sessions and digital targets to add new elements and games to the experience.
If antiquing is your passion, you’ll find many out-of-the-way antique shops in the historic downtowns of Loudon and Lenoir City. Known as the Highway 11 Antique Trail, you’ll find a dozen or more shops with special items. Collectibles, memorabilia, vintage items, and even eclectic furniture and gifts can be found in the various shops along the way.
Once you explore some of these sights and activities, you might decide to stay, and we wouldn’t blame you a bit. Visit our waterfront community at Tennessee National, and you might find the water view, waterfront, golf view, valley view, or ridge retreat home of your dreams. Join us on May 15th for a special release of a small number of brand new lots for purchase, and you could be in your new lake home in time for school to start.
With spring finally here, there is no shortage of sights to see and experiences to find in East Tennessee. What will you try first?
