“Day-Tripping” listings
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GATLINBURG’S HISTORIC GREAT SMOKY ARTS & CRAFTS COMMUNITY TRAIL
Stop and sit a spell along this eight-mile loop of studios, galleries, tearooms and candy shops in the Smoky Mountains. Established in 1937, the route passes by Southern porches with artisans whittling, painting, weaving and carving for wide-eyed visitors. (07/2010)
47 miles east of Knoxville
gatlinburgcrafts.com -
GATLINBURG ZIPLINE ADVENTURES
Take to the treetops on this hour-and-a-halflong adventure, during which you’ll zoom down nine ziplines to six swinging canopy platforms and then cross a sky bridge—all while certified guides watch for safety, of course. (05/2010)
905 River Rd, Gatlinburg
877-494-7386
zipgatlinburg.com -
HOUSE MOUNTAIN
A 500-acre natural area with a 2,100-foot crest, this mountain is a closer, less crowded alternative to the Smokies. Heavy woods, early wildflowers, sandstone boulders and scenic views are among the highlights on the five miles of hiking trails. (03/2010)
8 miles east of Knoxville
state.tn.us...na/natareas -
HISTORIC RUGBY, TN
Founded in 1880 as a cooperative community, this now-preserved Victorian village offers guided tours of four of the original buildings. Trails to the nearby Clear Fork River, historic Laurel Dale Cemetery and picturesque Big South Fork National Park are also available. (01/2010)
85 miles northwest of Knoxville
historicrugby.org -
DOLLYWOOD NATIONAL GOSPEL & HARVEST CELEBRATION
Check out the fall leaves, chat with old-time artisans and enjoy a harvest feast, all to the sounds of 250 of the most popular Southern gospel artists at this theme park event. The rides will still be running, too. Oct. 2-31. (12/2009)
& HARVEST CELEBRATION 34 miles southeast of Knoxville • Pigeon Forge, TN
800-365-5996
www.dollywood.com -
RIPLEY'S AQUARIUM OF THE SMOKIES
There are more fish in this aquarium than there are people living in the entire town of Gatlinburg. Meet some of them in exhibits that let you pet stingrays and ogle "Lethal Weapons" (electric eels and blue ring octopus) from the safe side of the glass. (12/2009)
40 miles southeast of Knoxville Gatlinburg, TN
865-430-8808
www.ripleys...smokies.com
