5 Unusual Tennessee Attractions Every Local Should Visit

December 17, 2015 · 3 min read

A pair of collectible white salt and pepper shakers with black script and designs

There's a lot to love about East Tennessee, including our off-beat attractions. While there may not seem like much to do in the immediate Kingsport area, locals generally know where to head to find the best, most unusual attractions that would surprise any tourist. If you're ready to visit some of these sites, you'll want to add the following to your itinerary:

1. Titanic Museum

Located in Pigeon Forge, the quintessential Tennessean's vacation spot, the RMS Titanic Museum boasts a half-scale model of the Titanic itself, just hanging out on the side of the road with the iceberg. It's an unusual site when you first drive into Pigeon Forge, but the museum holds the claim to fame as being the world's largest Titanic museum attraction. View the Titanic's exclusive jewelry collection, have your photo taken on the ornate staircase, and see haunting special displays like the $1.7 million violin owned by the Titanic's bandmaster.

2. The Evil Dead Cabin

Located down the road in Morristown, just past Martin Road, is the deserted film set from the "Evil Dead" movie. The cabin itself was largely destroyed during filming, and what remains today is an eerie ruin. Be warned, though. Visiting this cabin means you're trespassing. It's essentially private property, but that hasn't stopped locals from braving the wooded trail and observing this rural section of Appalachia firsthand.

3. Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum

Let's face it: Many gift shops in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are filled with Americana kitsch souvenirs. It's the nature of this highly visited tourist area. What many East Tennessee locals may not realize, however, is that Gatlinburg houses a little-known secret called the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum. This unexpected museum features over 20,000 sets of spice shakers from the 1500s to today, and it's the only one of its kind according to the owners. To get there, take the East Parkway from the Gatlinburg Visitor Center, and it's near the Flapjacks Pancake Cabin.

4. Lost Cove Settlement

Located along the Nolichucky River between Tennessee and North Carolina, Lost Cove is a ghost town that was abandoned after the railroad left. It was first settled by moonshiners in the early 1900s, and at its height during the town's timber production, Lost Cove was home to about 100 people. The last family left in 1957 after state legislation stalled on building a road into the town. Now, only a few buildings are still standing. Getting to the Lost Cove Settlement is a bit tricky, and you can only hike in, but there are several entry points. Kingsport residents should drive to Uncle Johnny's Hostel and Outfitters in Erwin, then hit the trail from there.

5. Natural Tunnel State Park

Although located in Virginia instead of Tennessee, the Natural Tunnel is worth a mention because it's just 30 minutes northwest of Kingsport. The park features a naturally formed cave that is so large that it's used as a railroad tunnel. Getting down to the tunnel requires a hike or riding a chairlift, which makes for some great scenery as well. Unusual attractions abound in our neck of the woods, so get out there and explore! Image via Pixabay

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Sep 22, 2023 in Around Town

5 of the Best Scenic Drives in Tennessee

You'll never be short of scenic drives when traveling through Tennessee. Whether you live in Kingsport, TN or elsewhere in the state, you can find plenty of unique visual experiences behind the wheel. 1. Roan Mountain (Nearest Kingsport, TN) It's an hour's journey from Kingsport to Roan Mountain, but the real beauty is found once you arrive in this small village. The views of the mountain itself will delight you, and you can enjoy the day by perusing the delights of Roan Mountain State Park. more 2. U.S. Highway 129 (The Tail Of The Dragon) This route is nicknamed The Trail Of The Dragon because it features hundreds of curves along its 11-mile distance. For this reason, it's a popular road for motorcycle races. Yet, if you take the road at an orderly pace, you'll notice it's a picturesque journey. The best views come courtesy of the Great Smoky National Park, which the highway borders. Despite being a mid-size SUV, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offers the pristine handling to take on this road without fear. You and up to four passengers will be able to appreciate the ride in great comfort thanks to the modern, spacious interior of this vehicle. 3. Cades Cave Loop Road This is another enjoyable journey within the vicinity of Great Smoky National Park. You'll enjoy plenty of memorable views of the surrounding mountains along this 12-mile route. If you're lucky, you'll spot plenty of the wildlife who call this area their home. This route is reserved for cyclists and hikers on Wednesdays during the summer months, but it's OK for motorists every other day of the year. 4. Cherohala Skyway This 42-mile route connects Tellico Plains in south-east Tennessee with the town of Robinsville in North Carolina. It's named after Cherokee and Nantahala forests since it passes through both of them. It was labeled as a National Scenic Byway back in 1996. You'll experience great views of both forests on this state-maintained highway. The gradients become as steep as 9% at some points. There are plenty of suitable spots for those who enjoy hiking or picnicking in nature with family and friends. 5. Ocoee Scenic Byway Ocoee Scenic Byway was the first route to be labelled a National Forest Scenic Byway. It comprises U.S. Highway 64 and Forest Road 77. Along this route, you can enjoy the sights of the Ocoee River Gorge, Chilhowee Mountain, Cumberland Mountains, Tennessee Valley, and the mountains of Georgia. If you're considering buying a new or used Toyota vehicle, pay us a visit at Toyota of Kingsport. Our team of experts will be delighted to assist you in ensuring you choose the vehicle that best suits your needs.

Sep 01, 2023 in Around Town

Take the Car and Check Out These 3 Free Things to Do Near Kingsport, TN

There's something to do for everyone here in Kingsport, TN. The city has a plethora of activities, and when you're on a budget, you can even find several free things to do. Look at the following list, which is just a sampling of what our fine region has to offer. 1. Warriors Path State Park This 950-acre park is an outdoor enthusiast's playground. Both adults and kids alike will find plenty to do, including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and witnessing a nature education program. Bring your camping gear and stay overnight too! You can even go to their website and find a list of trail maps if you intend to do lots of hiking. One of the things that makes this park especially unique is that it offers activities for children with disabilities. There's the Lions Narnia Braille Trail, which is a quarter of a mile in length where kids will learn about the Chronicles of Narnia, the famous book by C.S. Lewis. The Anderson Treehouse is also popular among children. The Warriors Path Park office is located at 490 Hemlock Rd., but if you simply follow directions for the park, you'll have no trouble finding it. The park is open every day. more 2. Borden Park Borden Park has been around since 1906 and offers a multitude of activities on its 17 acres. Enjoy a game of basketball on the court, bring your rackets and balls for a game of tennis, and don't forget the picnic baskets. The park offers barbecue grills, six picnic shelters, benches, bathrooms, and even a pickleball court. Please note that you'll need your own net and supplies to play pickleball. You can also get some exercise on the paved walking trail. The kids can enjoy the two playgrounds while the adults relax on the benches. Don't forget to bring Rover as the park is dog-friendly. The park is open from dawn to dusk every day, and it is located at 901 Lamont St. 3. The Kingsport Greenbelt The Greenbelt connects the neighborhoods and downtown Kingsport through a trail that brings nearly 1,000 visitors every day. You can walk or bike along the pathway and take in the scenic streams, meadows, flowers, and even historic sites of the area. You'll also enjoy seeing wildlife along the way. Bring your furry friends as dogs are welcome. The Greenbelt is located at 1550 Fort Henry Dr. and is open Monday through Friday. Take your next local trip in a brand new 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum. Visit Toyota of Kingsport today and see everything we have in stock. We have both new and used vehicles as well as great specials. We are located at 2525 E. Stone Dr.

Jul 07, 2023 in Around Town

3 Farmers Markets in Driving Distance of Kingsport, TN

If you want the very best locally grown and made products in and around Kingsport, TN, farmers markets are great go-to places. Don't miss these fantastic markets in the area. 1. Kingsport Farmers Market During the heart of growing season, the corner of Clinchfield and Center Streets comes alive for the Kingsport Farmers Market. From May to October, you can visit from seven in the morning until one in the afternoon every Wednesday and Saturday. And go early or late in the season by taking advantage of the Saturday openings in April and November. The freshest produce from area farms is always up for sale, as are incredible baked goods and unique crafts from hometown artisans. Fun community programs are plentiful too, such as the Farmacy Fit walking challenge, Saturdays with the Chef cooking demonstrations, and even martial arts classes. The pavilion is available for rentals and brings such activities as Market Jams live music. more 2. Appalachian Farmers Market Travel to Gray's intersection of Lakeview and Fair Streets and you'll come across a Washington County staple in the spring, summer, and fall. Local growers, bakers, and artisans are on-site and ready to answer your questions about their labor of love offerings. Operating hours are Mondays between 4 PM and 7 PM and Saturdays between 7 AM and 12 PM. Indulge in local season veggies from arugula to turnips in the spring, cucumbers to zucchini in the summer, and carrots to pumpkins in the fall. And your fruit bowls will be overflowing with scrumptious strawberries, cantaloupes, watermelons, apples, and so much more. Get your meat fix with beef and egg items, and top off your meal with fresh herbs, spices, and molasses. Visitors with a green thumb will love the plants and flowers. 3. State Street Farmers Market Fellow Tri-City Bristol hosts this market at, appropriately enough, 810 State Street. Dubbed "Bristol by the Bushel," this fixture of historic downtown opens from May until October. Get your fill of locally grown cabbage, gourds, Irish potatoes, sweet corn, and berries of all kinds, among other goodies. You'll find an abundance of tempting foods both at the market and at nearby downtown dining destinations. For downtown and city driving with ease, nothing beats the Toyota Camry. This popular four-door family sedan and coupe is small enough to slot into any tight parking space and big enough cargo capacity-wise to stock up on all your market goods. Better yet, it delivers nimble handling and solid Toyota Safety Sense features such as pedestrian detection and a rearview camera. Rest assured with a ride that boasts comfort and reliability in any season. Visit Toyota of Kingsport for an inventory that delivers for drivers in every way.