Things to Do in Tennessee

The Three Rivers Rambler is a 90-minute, 11-mile train ride that highlights East Tennessee's unique history and beauty. Guests aboard the train, pulled by a fully restored 1925 steam locomotion, enjoy a trip along the Tennessee River beginning in downtown Knoxville and traveling past historical sites such as the Three Rivers Trestle, where the French Broad and Holston River join to form the Tennessee River.

The Three Rivers Rambler train ride is in the process of a two-to-three year...

The Three Rivers Rambler is a 90-minute, 11-mile train ride that highlights East Tennessee's unique history and beauty. Guests aboard the train, pulled by a fully restored 1925 steam locomotion, enjoy a trip along the Tennessee River beginning in downtown Knoxville and traveling past historical sites such as the Three Rivers Trestle, where the French Broad and Holston River join to form the Tennessee River.

The Three Rivers Rambler train ride is in the process of a two-to-three year restoration of the former Southern Railway steam engine, No. 154, previously located in Knoxville's Chilhowee Park. When operational, the engine will be added to the inventory of rolling stock. The steam engine is 118 years old, and will then be one of the oldest steam engines operating in the country. The restoration began in late summer 2008.

Through a series of a dozen scenes, featuring more than 100 life-size bible figures, the story of Jesus comes to life. One of the highlights includes the miracle of Christ healing the blind man. A collection of 60 Biblical coins and precious gems are also showcased including widow’s mites, the tribute coin and the shekel of tyre. The gems are those mentioned in the Bible accounts.

Through a series of a dozen scenes, featuring more than 100 life-size bible figures, the story of Jesus comes to life. One of the highlights includes the miracle of Christ healing the blind man. A collection of 60 Biblical coins and precious gems are also showcased including widow’s mites, the tribute coin and the shekel of tyre. The gems are those mentioned in the Bible accounts.

The trolley, with more than 100 stops along several routes, is the easiest and most convenient way for visitors to get around Pigeon Forge and Sevierville with connections to Gatlinburg.

The yellow route runs from the depot at Patriot Park, east of The Old Mill*, north to downtown Sevierville - via Teaster Lane and U.S. Highway 441 - and the county courthouse with stops at several shopping centers, including Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Center*. The yellow route operates every 20-25 minutes....

The trolley, with more than 100 stops along several routes, is the easiest and most convenient way for visitors to get around Pigeon Forge and Sevierville with connections to Gatlinburg.

The yellow route runs from the depot at Patriot Park, east of The Old Mill*, north to downtown Sevierville - via Teaster Lane and U.S. Highway 441 - and the county courthouse with stops at several shopping centers, including Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Center*. The yellow route operates every 20-25 minutes.

The red route shuttles guest continuously from Patriot Park depot to Dollywood*, beginning 30 minutes prior to its opening until all passengers return. The red route operates April to December, every 15-20 minutes.

The blue loop route serves Dollywood’s Splash Country* during its summer season. Depart the depot at Patriot Park and return every 15-20 minutes.

The green non-stop route departs from Patriot Park and travels to the Gatlinburg Welcome Center on the north side of Gatlinburg via U.S. Highway 441. Fun Time Trolley’s schedule coincides with service offered by the Gatlinburg Trolley System, making connections easy. The green route runs every 25-30 minutes.

The purple loop route or North Parkway departs from Patriot Park’s depot and travels north on U.S. Highway 441 into Sevierville’s shopping areas and then returns to the depot. The purple route operates every 20-25 minutes.

The brown route or South Parkway initially heads north, then west and then backtracks before traveling south to area campgrounds and then north again past Dixie Stampede* before returning to Patriot Park. The brown route operates every 20-25 minutes.

The orange route leaves Patriot Park depot and travels north on Teaster Lane past Belz Factory Outlet World* and then at U.S. Highway 441 (Parkway), heads south before traveling west of Wear Valley Road to the edge of Pigeon Forge city limits. The orange route operates every 40-45 minutes. (*see separate listings)

During a 20-minute ride, the aerial tram transports visitors 2.1 miles from downtown Gatlinburg up 2,800 feet above sea level to Mount Harrison. Enjoy panoramic vistas throughout the year, including views of Mount LeConte, the tallest mountain in the eastern United States. Once on the mountain, find Ober Gatlinburg* with its seasonal ski resort and amusement park. (*see separate listing)

During a 20-minute ride, the aerial tram transports visitors 2.1 miles from downtown Gatlinburg up 2,800 feet above sea level to Mount Harrison. Enjoy panoramic vistas throughout the year, including views of Mount LeConte, the tallest mountain in the eastern United States. Once on the mountain, find Ober Gatlinburg* with its seasonal ski resort and amusement park. (*see separate listing)

The trolley (Gatlinburg Trolley System), which services approximately 50 miles of routes, is the easiest and most convenient way for visitors to get around Gatlinburg, the Great Smokies Mountain National Park and the Arts and Crafts Community, as well as to Dollywood in nearby Pigeon Forge.

The red route runs through downtown Gatlinburg.

The blue...

The trolley (Gatlinburg Trolley System), which services approximately 50 miles of routes, is the easiest and most convenient way for visitors to get around Gatlinburg, the Great Smokies Mountain National Park and the Arts and Crafts Community, as well as to Dollywood in nearby Pigeon Forge.

The red route runs through downtown Gatlinburg.

The blue route serves the free park-n-ride lot next to Gatlinburg city hall (on U.S. Highway 321/State Highway 73 (East Parkway), between stoplight #2A and #3A on the south side of the street) and offers access to shops, lodging and businesses.

The purple route serves the free Gatlinburg park-n-ride lot and Gatlinburg Welcome Center north of the city (on U.S. Highway 441/U.S. Highway 321/State Highway 73/State Highway 71 at Wiley Oakley Drive) between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

The green route services the city’s Parkway (main street/downtown) and convention center areas, as well as the southern end along Cherokee Orchard Road and portions of Reagan Drive and Airport Road.

The yellow route operates April through December, making the entire eight-mile Arts and Crafts Community Loop (off U.S. Highway 321/State Highway 73 (East Parkway) at stoplight #3A, on the north side of the street) once per hour. Unlimited on and off permitted.

The pink route also runs April through December with access to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.

The tan route serves the Smoky Mountain National Park from June through October and departs from the Mass Transit Center, next to Ripley’s Aquarium and the Gatlinburg Welcome Center at stoplight #5.

Trolleys locations are monitored by a global positioning system (GPS), and the information is transferred to signs that estimate the arrival time at eight popular trolley stops.

Gatlinburg’s fleet is environmentally friendly, as it is fueled by a blend of 20-percent vegetable oil-based bio-diesel, reducing engine wear and maintenance and increasing fuel economy while decreasing sulfur, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions.

While Opryland the theme park no longer exists, Gaylord’s Opryland is an entertainment complex. Its resort is best known for its signature glass roofs and nine acres (yes, nine acres) of lavish indoor gardens and waterfalls. Tour the gardens by Delta riverboat.

The General Jackson Showboat*, Opry Mills Mall (**reopening in 2012; closed due to damage sustained during the flood), the Grand Old Opry* and historic downtown Ryman Auditorium* are part of Gaylord Entertainment®...

While Opryland the theme park no longer exists, Gaylord’s Opryland is an entertainment complex. Its resort is best known for its signature glass roofs and nine acres (yes, nine acres) of lavish indoor gardens and waterfalls. Tour the gardens by Delta riverboat.

The General Jackson Showboat*, Opry Mills Mall (**reopening in 2012; closed due to damage sustained during the flood), the Grand Old Opry* and historic downtown Ryman Auditorium* are part of Gaylord Entertainment® Corporation. (*see separate listings)

For more than 25 years, the General Jackson Showboat has cruised the Cumberland River, offering visitors a variety of shows in its two-story theater. Mid-day cruises feature lunch and live entertainment, while evening cruises include a three-course dinner and a live show centered on music.

Named for President Andrew Jackson, the 1200-passenger paddlewheel boat with four decks stands 77 feet tall, making it one of the country’s largest showboats....

For more than 25 years, the General Jackson Showboat has cruised the Cumberland River, offering visitors a variety of shows in its two-story theater. Mid-day cruises feature lunch and live entertainment, while evening cruises include a three-course dinner and a live show centered on music.

Named for President Andrew Jackson, the 1200-passenger paddlewheel boat with four decks stands 77 feet tall, making it one of the country’s largest showboats.

The General Jackson Showboat, the Grand Old Opry* and historic downtown Ryman Auditorium* are part of Gaylord Entertainment® Corporation. (*see separate listings)

The 13-foot bronze statue of Alex Haley is thought to be the largest bronze statue of an African American in the country. Located in Haley Heritage Square inside Morningside Park, the statue of the Pulitzer-prizing winning author of "Roots" faces the Smoky Mountains Haley loved so much. Haley described Knoxville his "adopted home."

The 13-foot bronze statue of Alex Haley is thought to be the largest bronze statue of an African American in the country. Located in Haley Heritage Square inside Morningside Park, the statue of the Pulitzer-prizing winning author of "Roots" faces the Smoky Mountains Haley loved so much. Haley described Knoxville his "adopted home."