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Bays Mountain Park is one of the top places around to score some memorable outdoor excitement. With plenty of different activities available, the Bays Mountain is sure to have something for everyone. Here is a comprehensive guide to all the outdoor adventures there are to experience at the park this summer. more An Overview of Bays Mountain Park Bays Mountain Park spans 44 acres of outdoor and educational experiences. You'll find everything from a planetarium theater to hiking trails and animal exhibits. There is a small entry fee for access to the park, as well as other small per-diem fees on certain special activities such as boat rides and zipline tours. If you plan on attending the park multiple times a year, you may want to consider a yearly membership. This grants you unlimited access to the park and is offered in several different tiers. Individual passes and family passes are $30 and $50 per year respectively. High tier memberships grant more money to the park and also give you a few more perks. Once In A Lifetime Opportunities The best things about Bays Mountain Park are the once in a lifetime opportunities offered. It's far from an ordinary park. For starters, there are three different ropes and zipline courses for you to experience. The low ropes course includes several team-building puzzles which are sure to create lasting bonds. The high ropes course is similar, however, the experience is a bit more streamlined. Oh, and you're 40 feet in the air. The zipline course will send you over 310 feet from point A to point B. As you explore the park, you'll have a chance to spot whitetail deer, bobcats, red foxes, and even gray wolves. While the wolves are wild, they were raised in captivity and are used to humans' presence. For more animal action, you can check out the raptor sanctuary to get up close and personal with some stunning birds of prey. Visit the herpetarium to learn about reptiles and amphibians. Bays Mountain Park also offers barge rides to give you a new perspective on the wildlife around the park. Tickets are provided to members of the park association, or they can be purchased for $5. The planetarium is also an excellent way to add on to your Bays Mountain experience. Everyday Fun At Bays Mountain Park You don't need to go on a grand adventure to have fun at Bays Mountain Park. The park is also chock-full of exciting hiking and biking trails. There are four popular destinations for hikers at Bays Mountain Park. The waterfall hike and Dolan branch hike will both take you past iconic waterfall scenes. The fire tower and lily pad cove are also popular destinations. There are 32 miles of biking trails with different trails for every skill level. Bays Mountain Park is more than just another park. The hiking and biking trails are top-notch, and the ropes courses, barge rides, and planetarium add a new depth of excitement. Check out Bays Mountain Park the next sunny weekend! Image via Pixabay

If you're into camping, you'll find plenty of campgrounds in and around Kingsport, Tennessee, that offer beautiful scenic views, loads of activities, and convenient amenities. Whether you want to get lost in nature, enjoy water sports, or prefer a campground that offers entertainment for the kids, you'll find a spot in and around Kingsport that's perfect for you. Warrior's Path State Park Warrior's Path State Park, located in Kingsport, was named for the Great Cherokee War and Trading Path. The 950-acre park, which lies on the shores of the Fort Patrick Henry Reservoir on the Holston River, offers a variety of trails that can be used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. A marina on the reservoir features boat slips and offer canoes and paddle boats for rent. If you're into fishing, the waters contain crappie, trout, catfish, bass, and bream. The park also houses an Olympic-size swimming pool, as well as a nationally recognized golf course. Children will enjoy the Boundless Playground and the Anderson Treehouse, which is fully accessible. The camping facilities at the park are well-maintained, consisting of 94 sites that offer electricity and water, and 40 no-hookup sites that are located in the overflow campground. All sites contain tables and grills, and the restrooms provide hot showers and lavatories. more Bristol/Kingsport KOA At Bristol/Kingsport KOA offers a host of activities and amenities, which make for a comfortable and entertaining stay. If you have children, this award-winning park is a good option for a holiday, as it features pony rides, a swimming pool, volleyball, horseshoes, movie nights with free popcorn, crafts, and activities like tie-dying and treasure hunting. The kids — or you! — can also enter a dancing or karaoke contest, or just enjoy the music played by a local D.J. If you feel like immersing yourself in nature, there are plenty of hiking trails around. You can choose to stay at KOA in your RV, a tent, or in one of their cabins. RV sites offer private decks, cable, Wi-Fi, a picnic section, a grill, and a fire pit. The camping sites feature fire pits, picnic areas, water, and electricity, but you can also opt for private tent areas located in natural surroundings with no hookups. Restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities are provided. At the KOA Cafe they serve delicious pizza with your choice of toppings, hot wings, mozzarella sticks and much more, so pop around if you don't feel like cooking. Rocky Top Campground and RV Park If you want to enjoy some peace and quiet in natural surroundings, then park your RV at Rocky Top Campground and RV Park, Blountville. At this park, which is located in a primarily wooded area that features mature shade trees, camping facilities were erected without disturbing the natural beauty of the area too much. The effect is a serene and unspoiled country setting in which one can unwind. The park caters exclusively to RVs, so tenting is not allowed. They provide 35 full hookup sites that offer cable, electricity, Wi-Fi, and private patios. If you need to break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, pack your bags and go camping at one of these campgrounds located in and around Kingsport. Image by Amílcar Vanden-Bouch from Pixabay

Embark on an exciting adventure at the Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium. Perched on Bay Mountain in Kingsport, Tennessee, this 3550-acre recreational area features a picturesque lake, an adventure course, a state-of-the-art Planetarium Theater, and a wildlife zoo. Discover the magic of Bay Mountain with these three best ways to spend the day. Fly High on the Adventure Course Bays Mountain Park is home to three thrilling adventure courses, designed to excite kids of all ages. Explore a variety of stimulating features and guaranteed fun with the high and low rope courses as well as the zip line courses. Each sequence offers its own set of challenges from The Flying Fox, a controlled fall from a 44-inch high platform, to the two-tiered, high course's 40-foot Hawk's Nest. Ride The Flying Squirrel, Bay Mountain's zip line. It's an exciting 310-foot race through trees to the landing ramp. But first, you have to scale the 28-foot rope net to get to the takeoff. How's that for an exhilarating afternoon? more Experience the Planetarium Stargazers are going to love Bay Mountain's planetarium. Completely renovated in 2009, this gateway to the stars boasts upgraded surround sound and a Zeiss star projector, thanks to a $1.3 million endowment by the nonprofit Bays Mountain Park Association. Today the star field is so realistic that visitors use binoculars to see two dozen deep-sky objects on the 40-foot dome that you can't see with the naked eye. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking imagery as the night sky is accurately reproduced just for your viewing pleasure. Catch a variety of rotating and exciting shows such as t he main feature, “Sunstruck.” Travel back in time and watch the birth of the sun or catch a showing of the whimsical “Planetary Visions,” both playing now through Dec. 31. Discover the Animal Habitats Get to know some of the area's native animals at Bays Mountain. The park invites you to explore the various ecosystems throughout the grounds, featuring a wonderful collection of residents from the favorite wolves to the playful river otters. In 1992, a family of gray wolves joined the lineup of featured guests at Bay Mountain. They were born in captivity, yet they are not considered tame. See if you can spot an elusive bobcat; the Bobcats are well-camouflaged creatures and blend in with their surroundings. Visit the park's Raptor Center, home to birds of prey such as hawks, owls, and falcons. The herpetarium houses the center's reptiles and amphibians. It also touts America's only marsupial: opossums. Visit the watershed exhibit in the lower level of the Nature Center building. Inside you can follow a single raindrop as it falls from the sky and eventually ends up in the Holston River. Finish up your tour with a glimpse of native fish as they go about their busy lives in the showcase's aquarium. Offering school programs, miles of hiking trails, and plenty of special events, there's a little something for every adventure-seeker at Bay Mountain Park and Planetarium. Plan your visit today, and make sure to invite the whole family. Image by Hans from Pixabay

From Chattanooga to the Tri-Cities of Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee has a long and rich history with the railroads that helped build the area. Whether you're interested in trains or simply want to learn more about the history of the area, make some plans to check out these top railroad museums in East Tennessee. Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum The Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum offers a variety of interesting activities worth exploring. If you head to the town of Jonesborough, you can take a tour of the historic Chuckey train depot, which has been restored and now serves as a museum. The historical society also offers excursions on the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which has been a popular location for filming movies, including "The Fugitive," "My Fellow Americans," and "Forces of Nature." more George L. Carter Railroad Museum Located on the campus of East Tennessee State University, the George L. Carter Railroad Museum draws thousands of visitors every year to view the railroad memorabilia, toy trains, operating displays, and more. The Dr. Fred J. Alsop III Gallery has displays of railroad charts, photos and paintings, and three operating model train layouts. The Charles Ken Marsh Gallery recreates the route that brought ore from Cranberry, North Carolina, to Johnson City, Tennessee. Finally, even the smallest engineers can have fun in the Little Engineers Room, which is a railroad-themed playroom. Little River Railroad Museum In 1901, W.B. Townsend created the Little River Lumber Company and Little River Railroad to cut timber from the forests in the Great Smoky Mountains and transport it around the country. The lumber company and railroad went on to become one of the largest commercial logging operations in the area. Today, the Little River Railroad Museum showcases this history with its museum and outside exhibits. You can view a vintage caboose, two vintage flatcars, a steam engine, and more outside of the museum. Inside the museum you'll learn the story of Little River through photographs, tools, and other small artifacts. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Take a trip to Chattanooga to explore the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Often described as a moving museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad offers interactive excursions that give an up-close look at history. Not only does the railroad offer regularly scheduled rides throughout the year, such as the Hiwassee Loop and Missionary Ridge Local, but you can also sign up for special excursions, like Dinner on the Diner, Halloween Eerie Express, and North Pole Limited. Monterey Depot Museum Tucked away in the small town of Monterey is the Monterey Depot Museum. Although the museum offers history about train service in the area and how it impacted jobs and industries, you'll learn about more than just trains when you visit. The museum also has displays that look at the lives of the Native Americans, coal miners, and timber cutters who once lived in the area. Whether you want to view model trains or head out on a real excursion, you'll find plenty of enjoyable activities at these railroad museums in East Tennessee. Image by Michael Krämer from Pixabay

If you are an avid cave explorer, then you know how exciting it can be to explore the ins and outs of a cave on a spelunking adventure. With summer in full bloom, now's the time to load up a new Toyota and head to the hills. Bristol Caverns Bristol Caverns is part of the network of caverns within the Great Smoky Mountains. It is expansive and provides visitors with a colorful vista intertwined with formations from large to small. Tours take visitors along the very paths taken by Indians years ago when they used the caverns as a means of escape for raiding parties. Throughout the tour, you'll traverse three cavern levels and the Underground River located 180-feet below the surface. Bristol Caverns is about a half-hour's drive from Kingsport and open year-round. more Appalachian Caverns When you take the guided tour of the Appalachian Caverns, you'll step back in time to as early as 675 A.D. Historical evidence of habitation dating back to more than 1300 years ago was discovered at the caverns, as well as a log cabin that dates back to 1777.  The caverns also served as a hospital, a place for military troops to hide, and a place to make moonshine. The regular guided tour takes a little over an hour for the one-mile journey along gravel and concrete pathways where you'll experience firsthand the artistic beauty of the many formations. The extended tour allows spelunkers to explore undeveloped areas and requires specific equipment to participate. The caverns are open daily for tours. There is also a campground, souvenir shop, and a gem mine. Tuckaleechee Caverns If you don't mind venturing a little further for your spelunking adventure, the Tuckaleechee Caverns are well worth the drive. Located in Townsend, the drive takes about two hours. Open to the public since 1931, the 1.25-mile expanse is a true adventure. The caverns are millions of years old and offer some of the most spectacular examples of living cave onyx formations. You'll see helictites, cave draperies, stalactites and stalagmites, the Big Room — a cavernous area nearly the size of a football stadium — and the subterranean 210-foot Silver Falls. The caverns open for guided tours seven days a week at 10 a.m. March 15 through Nov. 15. Forbidden Caverns Located about an hour and a half away in Sevierville, the guided tours at Forbidden Caverns offer an up-close look at these ancient caverns with a colorful history. The caverns were a source of shelter for Eastern Woodland Indians back in the day. From 1943, the caverns became active as a repository for making moonshine due to the crystal-clear water running through them. In 1967, the caverns opened to the public, allowing visitors to witness extraordinary formations of stalagmites and stalactites, picturesque grottos, ornate walls and columns, and resident bats. Open April through November, guided tours begin at 10 a.m. Enjoy the 55-minute tour and then have some refreshments and pick up a souvenir or two at the gift shop. While spelunking is an interesting excursion into the dark recesses of caves, it can be a dangerous activity even for the most experienced spelunker. With this in mind, never go alone. Guided tours are the best way to enjoy this exhilarating pastime with friends and family. Image by LEEROY Agency from Pixabay

Fore! That's the main word you'll use when teeing off and navigating across the greens at some of the area golf courses in Kingsport. Check out a few of our favorites below. Warriors' Path Golf Course Get into the swing of things at Warriors' Path 18-hole course nestled on the scenic shores of Fort Patrick Henry Lake. The course is located inside a state park and is one of 11 golf courses with the distinction of being noted by Audubon International as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Along with an 18-hole par 72 course, Warriors' Path offers a tent and RV camping for those interested in a weekend getaway. Warriors' Path caters to all skill levels and offers lessons for those interested in learning the game or honing their skills. Golfers have access to a practice green and bunker as well as a driving range. Pull carts and a snack bar are available for your convenience. Tee times are required. Reservations are accepted in advance up to six days. more The Crossings Golf Club The Crossings Golf Club is your one-stop course for all things pertaining to golf. About a half-hour's drive from Kingsport to Jonesborough, the club is set amid rolling greens dotted with trees and duck-filled ponds. The well-planned 18-hole par 72 course offers a peaceful respite for a relaxing game. If you want to warm up before a competitive game with friends, the club also has a driving range, putting green, practice bunkers, and a practice facility. When you need to refuel, hot food, cold beverages and beer, and snacks are available. The Crossings welcomes public play as well as memberships with family, corporate, single, or junior options available. Please note there is a dress code, and proper attire is required. Crockett Ridge Golf Course No matter your skill level, Crockett Ridge Golf Course offers a challenge. The course is well-planned and designed for players to test their skills. The 18-hole course features four lakes, an expansive playing field, graduating slopes to keep you on your best game, and multiple tee boxes to accommodate skill levels from novice to seasoned player. While visiting, stop by the Pro Shop for any items you might need. The shop has a full line of name-brand equipment and clothing. Golf carts are also available. Cattails at MeadowView Take your game to another level of play when you tackle the greens at Cattails at MeadowView. Situated along the base of Bays Mountain, the views of the mountain and the course's six lakes make for a stunning view while players navigate the 18-hole par 71 course. The course provides exceptional playing conditions for all player levels, with a variety of sand bunkers, grass mounds, a winding stream, and undulating greens to keep players on their quests to make par. Lessons from professional staff members are available and include putting, chipping, and clubs and irons. Cattails at MeadowView is open daily. When you're ready to tee off and play through the morning or afternoon, a challenge awaits you among the Bentgrass greens and Bermuda fairways at any one of these area golf courses. Image by KEN KAMINAGA from Pixabay

Covering over 655,000 acres in East Tennessee, and just 45 minutes away from Kingsport, the Cherokee National Forest is an outdoorsman's playground. However, the forest's proximity to the UNESCO-listed Great Smoky Mountains often leaves it as an afterthought. That said, if it were located anywhere else in the South, it would be a definite hot spot. The next time you're in the mood to get outdoors and avoid the crowds, book your trip to Cherokee National Forest. Fees and Permits Before you go, it's important to budget the cost of fees and permits. The best way to enter the forest is by purchasing an annual pass. For $30 if purchased before May 1 and $20 after May 1, this annual pass allows unlimited entry into the forest for an entire year. It's also good for other national forests around the country. Permits are also necessary for certain recreational activities in the park. Check ahead if you plan to have a party of more than 75 people or you plan to hit the off-road tracks throughout the forest. more Activities The Cherokee National Forest has dozens of activities throughout the year. The most popular activity in the forest is hiking. With over 600 miles of trails, including 150 miles of the legendary Appalachian Trail, no hike is ever the same. If you're a pro or amateur photographer, don't miss out on the special places throughout the forest. The Ocoee River, Unaka Mountain, Watauga Lake, and Tellico River provide awesome chances to take some world-class photos. Some seasonal activities include whitewater rafting, off-road driving, swimming, tubing, horse riding, fishing, and hunting. Securing Accommodation Campsites are plentiful throughout Cherokee National Forest, regardless of how you like to camp. A historic cabin, 30 developed campsites, RV camping, and other primitive campsites are all available for guests. Donley Cabin For a unique experience, rent the Donley Cabin in Tellico Plains at the southern edge of the forest. At just $35 a night, the Donley Cabin offers a large bed, two bunk beds, a kitchen table with chairs, rocking chairs out front, and an outhouse in the back. Cook up a meal on the grill or start a campfire with wood from the surrounding area. The Donley Cabin has a three-day maximum stay with a max of six guests. Developed and Primitive Campsites With thirty developed campsites spread throughout the park, you have plenty of options. Most campsites have level ground for tents and some have showers. However, water availability varies by the campsite, so plan accordingly. If you want to get away from everything, the park does allow primitive camping but make sure to stay 100 feet from water, trails, and developed areas. RV Camping The forest has plenty of RV campsites for you to choose. However, only a handful of electrical hookups. Inquire at the park entrance to find the right campsite. Whether you're hanging out with friends or family, spending time at Cherokee National Forest should be on your list. Image by David Frampton from Pixabay

When the summer temperatures start heating up, you may be looking for fun activities you can do in the Tri-Cities area with your family. Instead of staying home all summer long, check out these spots that offer family-friendly indoor fun. Escape Room Kingsport Escape rooms are all the rage right now, offering an exciting adventure for participants of all ages. At Escape Room Kingsport, book your experience in advance and decide which room is most appealing. Options include Houdini, in which you can challenge the mind of the great magician; Virus X, which involves an experience in the year 2037 as you try to overcome terrorists using a deadly pathogen as a bioweapon; and Taken, where you've been taken captive on a hiking adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains. No matter which experience you choose, you'll have an adventurous time as you use your logic and brainstorming skills to break free. After you finish the 60-minute experience, be sure to take a photo to remember your attempt to escape. more Hands On! Located in Johnson City, Hands On! is a regional museum designed for kids. This spot has been located on Main Street for years, drawing visitors from throughout the Tri-Cities area. Hands On! will move to its new location at the Gray Fossil Site in June, offering a larger play space for children of all ages. It's open daily during select months in the spring and summer seasons, and Tuesday through Sunday throughout the year. Exhibits include Imagination Playground, The Ark, Kindermart, Waterplay, Down on the Farm, Kids Bank and Credit Union, and Discovery Lab. With younger kids, be sure to hit the Totally Tots spot. This hands-on educational museum is the perfect place to escape the summer heat. Just Jump Trampoline Park Just Jump Trampoline Park has several locations in the Tri-Cities area, including Bristol and Johnson City. For active, adventurous kids, it's a great place to visit, especially when it's warm outside. You can relax and watch as your children go flying on the massive trampolines, or you can ditch your shoes and jump on in with them. It's open daily and everyone jumping must wear trampoline grip socks, which are available for purchase at both facilities. In Bristol, the 22,000-square-foot facility includes an open jump space, gladiator pit, two basketball hoops for dunking, a three-lane air bag jump, and a place to play dodgeball. The Johnson City location is even larger, boasting two dodgeball courts, a ninja course, a high jump into the air bag, and a bigger kiddie zone. Along with the jumping areas, this Just Jump facility offers access to a laser maze and a 21-foot climbing structure for a few additional dollars per person. Enjoy an exciting day of activities in the Tri-Cities area without having to spend too much time in the heat when you make a plan to take advantage of these indoor attractions. Your kids will love getting their energy out, while you'll enjoy the comfortable atmosphere, out of the heat. Image by Helga from Pixabay

Bristol, Tennessee, might not be top on the list of many people's must-visit Tennessee destinations, but there's a surprising amount of amazing things to do in the city that make it well worth making the effort to gather the family and make a day trip. In fact, here's a helpful list of some of the best attractions and activities that are available in Bristol that we're hoping you'll agree will help catapult the destination up that list of places to go. Bristol Caverns From two iconic things synonymous with America to, perhaps, something different, far below the Earth's surface Bristol Caverns offers an interesting and exciting view of one of the most untouched, lesser-known and seen parts of the world, underground!   These are more than just rocks with paved, well-lit walkways winding through the underground pathways offering visitors a stunning view of the natural stone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites that are millions of years old. With tours daily, you'll also learn about how the caverns were formed, when they were formed, and who might have used them in the past. more The Birthplace of Country Music Museum Bristol, Tennessee, has a rich musical history. They don't call it the birthplace of country music for nothing. In fact the Birthplace of Country Music Museum helps visitors experience and learn all about the city's pivotal role in launching the genre of music in the United States. The museum, in association with the Smithsonian Institute, uses a diverse and exciting number of ways to bring the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings to life. There are also special exhibits there for a limited time; events, including the opportunity to see live country music; and a shop, where you can pick up a musical souvenir. Bristol Motor Speedway Speedway motor sports are every bit as truly American as country music, and in Bristol, Tennessee, you can actually view the exciting and exhilarating motor sport take place at Bristol Motor Speedway, a world famous half-mile track known around the world as The Last Great Coliseum.  The Speedway track is Tennessee's second most-visited attraction, with people flocking from all over the country to see Nascar Sprint Cup, Xfinity, Camping World Trucks, and modified events in one of the finest venues available. Real racing fans even have the opportunity to tour the track, which includes a lap around the high banks. The Speedway track also hosts other events, such as the hugely popular Speedway in Lights during the holiday season, where the track is transformed into a winter wonderland with more than 2 million lights Whether you fancy taking a trip underground, experiencing the adrenaline race of a Speedway race, or laying back and listening to some country music, you'll discover that Bristol, Tennessee, does have a lot to offer after all! This list doesn't even include the nightlife, restaurants, and heritage that also make Bristol a great place to visit. If you'd like to know more about Bristol, Tennessee, and what there is to see, do there, or to plan your trip, you can visit Discover Bristol. Image by adoborepublic from Pixabay

Though fishing is available at many local rivers and lakes, fishing at state parks has its benefits, like comfort, appropriate equipment and facilities, and options for other activities. For fishing options in Kingsport, check out one of these locales. Warriors' Path State Park Located at 490 Hemlock Road, and named after the Great Cherokee War and Trading Path, the Warriors' Path State Park gathers travelers and outdoorsy people from all over the country. The park features 950 acres of land, covering the shores of the Patrick Henry Reservoir on the Holston River. The park is a popular spot for boating, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. It features an award-winning educational nature program and a golf course of national significance. This is the only state park in Tennessee with a Boundless Playground that gathers children of all physical and mental abilities. Fishing is allowed at Fort Patrick Henry Lake, a man-made reservoir on the South Fork of the Holston River. Common fish species are bass, crappie, catfish, trout, and Hybrid Striped Bass. Anyone over the age of 13 must have a fishing license. Licenses can be obtained at local sporting goods stores, online at www.tnwildlife.org, or by calling 888-814-8972. more The park also offers many fun and unusual activities for children and adults alike. Learn about the story of Aslan of the Chronicles of Narnia when you hike the Lions Narnia Braille Trail, a quarter-mile trail featuring eight sensory stations. Other unique characteristics of the park include the fully-accessible Anderson Treehouse and the Palmer Center Foundation Amphitheater that has the capacity to host up to 1,000 people. Boatyard Riverfront Park The park's 19 acres are located at 2201 Netherland Inn Road, next to the South Fork of the Holston River. Boatyard Riverfront Park is open to the public from sunrise to sunset and is available for hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. The park has two fishing piers, one of which is handicap accessible. Fishing is permitted until 10:30 p.m. A fishing license is required. Equipped with barbecue grills, picnic tables, and shelters, the park is a great place for barbecues and picnics with friends and family. There is a playground for children. Boatyard Riverfront includes a swinging bridge that connects to Long Island, water fountains, two boat ramps, and bicycle racks. From the park, you can access the Kingsport Greenbelt fitness trail. Allandale Mansion Located at 4444 W. Stone Drive, this Georgian mansion was built in 1950 on 500 acres of land that once belonged to Mr. Brooks. The grounds around the mansion used to be his farm for championship Black Angus cows and blue-ribbon Tennessee Walking horses. The mansion was given to the City of Kingsport in 1969 along with its original exquisite furniture, which is still there for visitors to see. From sunrise to sunset, the property is now open to the public for touring, walking, picnicking, and fishing. Fishing is allowed from its two stocked ponds and requires a fishing license. This beautiful property also features a gazebo, an amphitheater, park benches, a pavilion, two rental barns, and picnic tables. While you will have a good time dropping a line, these places offer more than fishing. Each offers its own amenities, so everyone in your family will have something fun to do. Image by Lorri Lang from Pixabay

Whether you're living or vacationing in Tennessee, you should know that the state is home to some of the most awe-inspiring natural sites in the country. Besides offering excellent opportunities for the admiration of nature and photography, these sites also allow you to indulge in a wide range of outdoor activities. Here are four natural attractions you should visit while you're in Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Located at the Tennessee-North Carolina border, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws more visitors than any other national park in the U.S. Tourists from all over the world go there to see its famous blue haze covering the mountains, enjoy pristine mountain views, and perform a variety of outdoor activities. One of the highlights of the national park is Clingmans Dome. Rising to a height of 6,643 feet, it's the highest mountain in Tennessee. There's an observation tower at the top of the mountain that offers an incredible 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Besides the usual hiking, biking, and fishing, you can also do horseback riding, rafting, and zip lining at the park. more Snoopers Rock Snoopers Rock is situated about half an hour's drive from Chattanooga in the beautiful Prentice Cooper State Forest. Also known as the “Horseshoe Bend of Tennessee,” this well-known overlook offers stunning views of the Tennessee River Gorge. If you wish to do some hiking, you can access the park's six-mile loop at the Cumberland Trail Head. You can also reach the overlook by car. After driving a few miles on the gravel road, you'll arrive at a parking area that's just a few steps away from the overlook. Craighead Caverns Located about four miles northwest of Madisonville, Craighead Caverns is home to the nation's largest underground lake. Also called the Lost Sea, this natural wonder has a storied past. It was a saltpeter mining site for the confederate soldiers during the American Civil War and a mushroom farm in the 1940s. Today, the caverns are listed in the Guinness Book of World Records and have become one of the most popular natural attractions in Tennessee. While you're there, you can explore the caves and enjoy a relaxing ride on a glass-bottom boat on the world-famous lake. If you're the adventurous type, you can try the wild cave tour that takes you deep into the caves, where you'll see rock formations that are unique to the area. Fall Creek Falls Situated on top of the Cumberland Plateau, the Fall Creek Falls State Park covers an area of over 26,000 acres. It consists of beautiful cascades, streams, gorges, and waterfalls. The Fall Creek Falls is the main attraction of the park. With an amazing height of 256 feet, it's one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern part of the country. Other natural attractions that are worth visiting in the park include the Cane Creek Falls, Cane Creek Cascades, and Piney Falls. There are many other great natural wonders in Tennessee. If you're a nature lover or outdoor enthusiast, you'll find endless things to do in this state. Image by Hans from Pixabay

The Kingsport Theater is a community theater in the Kingsport, Tennessee, area. For 70 years, this theater company has entertained audiences with all kinds of productions, from musicals to dramas, and 2018 will be no different. To celebrate its 70 years, every production at this theater is one that the Kingsport Theater Guild has performed over the years. The theater will even recognize the original actors for every show. Here are some of the events and shows coming to the Kingsport Theater in 2018. Winnie the Pooh the Musical Winnie the Pooh will take place on the main stage of the Kingsport theater, bringing audiences to the Hundred Acre Wood. This is where they will find all their favorite Winnie the Pooh characters, including Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore. The theater will put on several performances in February, including a school show on Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. more Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Head to the theater in April to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Based on the "coat of many colors" story from the Bible, this is one of the early works of Andrew Lloyd Webber and is almost completely told in song. A narrator tells the story of Joseph, a dreamer who is one of 12 brothers. He has a coat of many colors, and all his brothers are so jealous that they sell him as a slave to Ishmaelites who take him to Egypt. Student Film Camp The Kingsport Theater Guild theater camp is for students in grades seven to 12. The Pre-Camp session will have the kids working on preproduction, story development, and script writing, and they will also do some directing and producing. The following week is Film Camp, where attendees will start working on production and editing and then learn how to release a film. The cost for both camps is $300, and they run all day. Students will also take part in auditions for the actors, and at the end of the two weeks, they will release the film to the public. Anyone can come to see the film, and there is no cost to attend the camp. Teen Theater Camp The theater also runs a theater camp for teens in the summer. This is for middle and high school students and includes classes on auditioning, improv, directing, makeup, and set design. The teens will learn everything that goes into putting on a production from start to finish. The teachers and mentors are the members of the Kingsport Theater Guild, and there are also other area professionals who come in to teach and do presentations. At the end of the camp, the kids will put on a show for the public. Admission to this camp is free, and anyone can go. The Kingsport Theater is a great place to go whether you want to see a show, be onstage, or work behind the scenes. You can see shows at the main stage or the downtown location with productions running all through the year. Image by Igor Ovsyannykov from Pixabay