11-night Smoky Mountains National Park Cruise/Land Package

Located 165 mi/265 km east of Nashville, Knoxville, Tennessee, is the largest city in eastern Tennessee and the third-largest in the state. Knoxville features a skyline of steel and glass skyscrapers.

You may want to begin your visit to Knoxville at Volunteer Landing, a complex of restaurants and other attractions downtown on the Tennessee River. It includes the Gateway Regional Visitor Center, which provides information about Knoxville attractions. Also part of Volunteer Landing, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame includes interactive exhibits and basketball memorabilia.

Destination Guide

Just north of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is one big strip of motels, fast-food and family-style restaurants, outlet malls and theaters. The most popular draw in the area is Dollywood, the theme park owned by entertainer Dolly Parton, who hails from Sevierville.

Pigeon Forge is home to several other live-music theaters in addition to those at Dollywood. These venues are modeled on the theaters in Branson, Missouri, and play host to musical revues, variety shows and performances by headliners such as Louise Mandrell. Dixie Stampede, also owned by Parton, is an elaborate dinner show with rodeo acts, musical performers and trained animals.

Plenty of other family-oriented attractions can be found in town, including waterslides, bumper boats and go-kart tracks. An unusual attraction is Zorb, a giant ball (reminiscent of a hamster toy) into which people can climb and roll down a hilly course.

Special events take place throughout the year in Pigeon Forge, including a Storytelling Festival in February, the Festival of Nations at Dollywood in the spring, and the Celebrate Freedom Festival in August.

Should malls be more your idea of fun, you'll find more than 200 factory outlets in Pigeon Forge offering bargains on a variety of products. Some of the biggest malls to look for are the Belz Factory Outlet, Old Mill Village and Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet. Remember that some retailers manufacture clothing and goods especially for their outlets, so shop carefully. When purchasing fine luggage, handbags and accessories, be sure to check return policies.

Destination Guide

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in eastern Tennessee (near Gatlinburg, 160 mi/260 km east of Nashville) and is shared with North Carolina.

The Smoky Mountains get their name from the bluish haze that has always clung to them, and they're thought to be among the oldest mountains on Earth, having formed 500 million years ago. (The natural haze has been made thicker by man-made pollution—smog from far-off cities collects on the peaks.)

The Smokies can be a great area to drive through, as the scenery is both relaxing and striking. However, traffic gets heavy in the summer months and during the fall-color season. In fact, this is the most visited national park in the U.S. Crowds are thinner in the spring or early fall. Visitors can avoid congestion by staying away from main entrances to the park, where 75% of visitors congregate, and instead using some of the less popular access points; however, some of them do not have paved roads. The Greenbrier Entrance, 6 mi/10 km east of Gatlinburg, is one.

Because the area receives a lot of rain, a variety of trees and plants thrive in the Smokies. (The vapor emitted by all the greenery is the cause of the natural haze.) In late April and early May, wildflowers bloom along the roadside, and pink and purple rhododendrons decorate the area in June and July. However, the park is at its prettiest in autumn (mid-October), when the fall foliage turns colors. The park is also full of animals (bears, deer, wild turkeys and even moose), waterfalls and several historical sites, including the remains of a frontier settlement at Cades Cove.

There are plenty of hiking opportunities in the park, from brief strolls to multiday backpacking excursions. Backcountry permits are required for overnight hikes, and they can be hard to come by in peak season. Reservations should be made in advance.

One of the park's biggest draws is the hike up Mount LeConte. LeConte Lodge, near the summit, offers one of the park's only overnight accommodations other than camping.

Those who would rather drive to a lofty summit can take the road to Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the park and in Tennessee. An observation tower provides good views if the peak isn't wrapped in fog.

Other activities in the park include interpretive programs, picnicking, fishing and horseback riding. There are several campgrounds, though they fill up in the summer. Some of the campsites can be reserved.

Many towns near the park are perfect for a brief stint of antiques or crafts shopping. The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Greeneville includes a museum and the restored home and tailor shop of the president who succeeded Lincoln. Up the road from Greeneville is the Davy Crockett Birthplace State Historic Area, preserved in memory of the Tennessee frontiersman and politician (he served three terms in Congress) who died fighting the Mexican Army at the Alamo.

The park is open daily 24 hours, and admission is free. Phone 865-436-1200. https://www.nps.gov/grsm.

Destination Guide

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in eastern Tennessee (near Gatlinburg, 160 mi/260 km east of Nashville) and is shared with North Carolina.

The Smoky Mountains get their name from the bluish haze that has always clung to them, and they're thought to be among the oldest mountains on Earth, having formed 500 million years ago. (The natural haze has been made thicker by man-made pollution—smog from far-off cities collects on the peaks.)

The Smokies can be a great area to drive through, as the scenery is both relaxing and striking. However, traffic gets heavy in the summer months and during the fall-color season. In fact, this is the most visited national park in the U.S. Crowds are thinner in the spring or early fall. Visitors can avoid congestion by staying away from main entrances to the park, where 75% of visitors congregate, and instead using some of the less popular access points; however, some of them do not have paved roads. The Greenbrier Entrance, 6 mi/10 km east of Gatlinburg, is one.

Because the area receives a lot of rain, a variety of trees and plants thrive in the Smokies. (The vapor emitted by all the greenery is the cause of the natural haze.) In late April and early May, wildflowers bloom along the roadside, and pink and purple rhododendrons decorate the area in June and July. However, the park is at its prettiest in autumn (mid-October), when the fall foliage turns colors. The park is also full of animals (bears, deer, wild turkeys and even moose), waterfalls and several historical sites, including the remains of a frontier settlement at Cades Cove.

There are plenty of hiking opportunities in the park, from brief strolls to multiday backpacking excursions. Backcountry permits are required for overnight hikes, and they can be hard to come by in peak season. Reservations should be made in advance.

One of the park's biggest draws is the hike up Mount LeConte. LeConte Lodge, near the summit, offers one of the park's only overnight accommodations other than camping.

Those who would rather drive to a lofty summit can take the road to Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the park and in Tennessee. An observation tower provides good views if the peak isn't wrapped in fog.

Other activities in the park include interpretive programs, picnicking, fishing and horseback riding. There are several campgrounds, though they fill up in the summer. Some of the campsites can be reserved.

Many towns near the park are perfect for a brief stint of antiques or crafts shopping. The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Greeneville includes a museum and the restored home and tailor shop of the president who succeeded Lincoln. Up the road from Greeneville is the Davy Crockett Birthplace State Historic Area, preserved in memory of the Tennessee frontiersman and politician (he served three terms in Congress) who died fighting the Mexican Army at the Alamo.

The park is open daily 24 hours, and admission is free. Phone 865-436-1200. https://www.nps.gov/grsm.

Destination Guide

Enjoy citywide fun for everyone, outstanding accommodations, eclectic shops, unique dining and a variety of world class attractions. And when you’re ready to soak in some nature, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas.

Destination Guide

Decatur's historical signifance lies in its location along the Tennessee River. Once a river crossing,1836 marked the year Decatur became the eastern end-point for the first rail line west of the Appalachian Mountains. Decatur played an important role in the Civil War because of the town's rail system, which was used by the opposing army in attempts to seize the railroad. By the end of the Civil War, Decatur had been all but destroyed--only three buildings remained in tact; the rest were incinerated. Today citizens and visitors of Decatur take advantage of the plethora of outdoor recreational activities the city has to offer, many of them water-related, such as boating, fishing, and water skiing. Also, visit the Old State Bank for a look into Civil War era architecture and decor.

Deeply enriched with history, blues, culture, and natural beauty, Florence is filled with character alongside the Tennesse River. Here, where you can walk along part of the Trail of Tears, is where you will find the Rosenbaum House--the Alabama structure designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Experience the "Muscle Shoals Sound" resonating in the air of the birthplace of W.C. Handy, known as the "Father of the Blues." A festive town, you can join in on the celebration during one of the many festivals held in Florence, including the Alabama Renassaince Faire, the Trail of Tears Celebration, Frontier Days Celebration, and the Arts Alive Celebration. Guests can scour the wilderness by fishing in the many rivers and lakes of the area, taking in the scenery of the many parks and trails, or golfing at one of the public or private on a warm afternoon.

Paducah is a thriving, artistic city on the banks of the Ohio River. The city supports its artisans through incentive programs, offering the opportunity to create a truly unique community. Along the riverfront, the Market District hosts many opportunities for dining, shopping and museum going. You can also see giant murals along 2nd Street, painted by Robert Dafford. In the Lowertown Art District, visit a plethora of art galleries, independent coffee houses and unique "fusion" dining. For a look at the region's crafts, visit the William Clark Market House Mueum or the annual Quilt Show, which occurrs every April. Every May, Lowertown hosts a fine art and music festival, highlighting local artists and musicians in a lively, all day event.

Destination Guide

Nashville is the perfect destination for all kinds of visitors - from music lovers to history buffs to Southern lovers to sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Nashville is the Country Music capital of the world. Have fun searching through the past or getting close to the Country Music stars of the present. Hike, bike, golf, go for a balloon ride and take tours guiding you through the history of country music. View homes of current stars including: Joe Diffie, Bryan White, Brooks & Dunn, Lorrie Morgan, George Jones, Reba McEntire, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Marty Stuart, Dolly Parton and more. Find tons of historic sites from the Civil War dating back to the 1700s.

Destination Guide

Nashville is the perfect destination for all kinds of visitors - from music lovers to history buffs to Southern lovers to sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Nashville is the Country Music capital of the world. Have fun searching through the past or getting close to the Country Music stars of the present. Hike, bike, golf, go for a balloon ride and take tours guiding you through the history of country music. View homes of current stars including: Joe Diffie, Bryan White, Brooks & Dunn, Lorrie Morgan, George Jones, Reba McEntire, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Marty Stuart, Dolly Parton and more. Find tons of historic sites from the Civil War dating back to the 1700s.

Destination Guide