Tennessee: The Smoky Mountains haven’t lost their wild charm

Unearth the Smoky Mountains’ past on this trip filled with eclectic adventures. From classic muscle cars to historic warbirds to curios from the past, this journey will make you see Tennessee in a whole new way.

Drive 35.1 miles, 57 minutes

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1. Townsend

Starting Point

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Townsend is a mecca for bluegrass music lovers, with two annual festivals devoted to the traditional musical art form. The Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timer’s Day is held each May, and the Fall Heritage Festival is celebrated each September, but the music never stops here, thanks to sunset music events, hot jam sessions and seasonal concerts throughout the year.

2. Sevierville

20.9 miles, 33 minutes

Get your motor running and head out on the highway to Sevierville, home of Floyd Garrett’s Muscle Car Museum. Garret was an expert on high-performance vehicles in the 1960s and ’70s, and today his museum focuses on rare and unusual cars with over 5,000 autos in the collection—90 of them are muscle car bad boys. Touch down at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation, a living museum with superbly restored airworthy warbirds that provides frequent flight demonstrations.

3. Pigeon Forge

6.5 miles, 12 minutes

Recognized as one of the world’s best theme parks, Dollywood has it all: 50 rides and attractions, along with a coal-fired steam engine train to take you around the park. You can also catch a wave at Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Adventure Park, where more than 23 water slides and rides await visitors. Head indoors to cool down and take in a live musical show that’s sure to make you smile.

RECOMMENDED STOPOVERS 

River Plantation RV Park Inc
Pigeon Forge, TN
(800) 758-5267

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4. Gatlinburg

7.7 miles, 12 minutes

Discover true Southern charm when you stroll the streets of Gatlinburg. The 8-mile Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Loop in the village is packed with one-of-a-kind craft shops, galleries and studios. Shopaholics are advised to wear comfy shoes, because there are over 500 stores and galleries waiting for you to search for treasure. Be sure to check out the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Hollywood Star Cars Museum and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, which serves as a home for rays, penguins and sharks. The Swarm exhibit features eels, mice and more.