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East Tennessee is a beautiful area that is home to a number of attractions and stunning natural locales. It's a popular spot for road trips thanks to the picturesque roadways and plenty of things to do. Here are five must-see places to visit when heading off on a road trip in East Tennessee. Tennessee Aquarium Situated on the Tennessee River, the Tennessee Aquarium highlights the beautiful Tennessee ecosystem as well as wildlife from around the world. Watch playful otters or be amazed by massive catfish. The aquarium has interactive exhibits and includes both fresh and saltwater exhibits plus more zoo-based areas like the newly opened Lemur Forest. Plan to spend at least three hours exploring the aquarium and learning more about the animals and fish that call this incredible aquarium their home. more Burgess Falls Burgess Falls is a stunning natural location with streaming water that thunders down an impressive rock formation. It's a quick hike from exit 286 off I-40 to the viewpoint where you can see the falls off I-40. Unfortunately, the trails down to the falls are closed, but the overlook is still stunning. The falls are located in the Burgess Falls State Park, which also has fishing and picnic areas as well as three smaller falls to visit while you're in the area. Navitat Located in Knoxville, Navitat is a super unique destination that has earned rave reviews from visitors. This ropes course is a self-guided adventure that travels through the Tennessee treetops. Get your blood pumping with the zip line or challenge yourself with the more rigorous rope course elements. It's open during the day, but the real magic starts at night. While it is open at night, you aren't completely in the dark: Navitat has created a wonderscape of lights to make your trip even more fantastical. Navitat is located at 2915 Island Home Ave. Chimney Tops Chimney Tops is a quick hike that showcases one of the most spectacular views in all of East Tennessee. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the trail to this natural wonder is only 4 miles in and out and the spire of Chimney Tops looks out over the beautiful picturesque mountain ranges. While the trail is short, it is strenuous, climbing 1,335 feet from the start of the trail with some near-vertical portions but the adventure is worth it. Ruby Falls Ruby Falls is located in Chattanooga and is a waterfall located deep beneath the earth in a dazzling cave formation. The trail to the waterfall is accessed via an elevator, and it is a mostly flat walk with access to stunning rock formations. Trips are guided, and it costs $19.95 per adult. Plan to spend a few hours exploring the area and the cave. Little ones will love the kid-friendly attractions on-site. For even more adventure, guests can choose to access the site via the incline railway instead of driving up. These five locations are just a few of the many neat areas that make perfect road-trip stops while making your way through East Tennessee. Image by 41330 from Pixabay

Tennessee is known for its southern hospitality and East Tennessee lives up to this reputation with many small charming towns that are warm and welcoming. Whether you're a first time visitor to the state or a resident looking to learn more about Tennessee, we've created this small guide to some of the most charming East Tennessee towns to help you plan your next trip. Read on to learn more about four East Tennessee towns you should make a point to visit. Townsend Townsend is nestled along the Smokey Mountains in an area appropriately named the "Peaceful Side of the Smokey Mountains." Ideal for adventurers who want a home base to explore the rich natural beauty of Tennessee, Townsend is only a short trip away from a multitude of trails and other outdoor adventures. Journey to the Tuckaleechee Caverns and stand in a space that was carved from the mountains tens of thousands of years ago. Or, climb to the top of one of the nearby mountains for an unparalleled view overlooking the peaks and valleys of this ancient mountain range. more Jonesborough Described as Tennessee's Oldest Town, Jonesborough is full of stunningly preserved historic buildings and tributes to Appalachian culture. It has plenty of museums for visitors looking to learn more about the history of Tennessee and gain a stronger appreciation of its distinctive culture. The Chester Inn Museum and Washington County/Jonesborough Museum are two of the best. Interested visitors can also embark on one of the many walking tours in the area to get a greater feel for the architecture and the history of the town. Jonesborough also hosts the National Storytelling Festival, one of the most distinctive and interesting festivals in the area that draws in a national and international crowd. Dandridge Dandridge is located by two of Tennessee's largest lakes which makes it a popular spot for avid fisherman to kick back, relax, and drop a line in.  Nature lovers also appreciate the proximity to Cherokee Lake and Douglas Lake and watercraft like canoes and kayaks are available for rent nearby. Dandridge draws in visitors thanks to its charming Main Street, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to a number of shops and cafes. Pulaski Rich in Tennessee history, Pulaski played an important role in the Civil War and is named after a Polish-born American Revolutionary War hero. While there are positive and negative aspects to Pulaski's role in the American cultural landscape, it's now a charming town filled with historic architecture and charming local businesses. Head to the Milky Way Farm Manor House to tour some beautiful examples of home design before taking a stroll through the 1,000-plus acres that surround the house, home to plenty of wildlife and domesticated animals. There is a small museum dedicated to the history of the town in the city library that's worth a visit for visitors interested in learning more about Pulaski. East Tennessee is a beautiful stretch of countryside that's home to many charming small towns that would make excellent road trip destinations. Image by Jen Kindell from Pixabay

Spanning 440 miles from east to west and 120 miles from north to south, Tennessee is a road trip fantasy world. Throughout the state, there are tons of things to see, ranging from the country music mecca of Nashville to the capitol building of Knoxville. However, there are many bizarre roadside attractions that are definitely worth a look. If you thrive on experiencing the strange or viewing the outlandish, make sure to add these roadside spots to your visit through the Volunteer State. 1. Titanic Replica If you ever wondered what a tacky yet interesting resort town nestled near the Great Smoky Mountains looks like, don't forget to head to Pigeon Forge. Located just 5 miles from the mountains, Pigeon Forge is a vacation destination for many locals in the area. While Dollywood, outlet malls, and amusement parks are the most popular attractions, don't skip out on the Titanic replica. Built to a half-scale of the original ship, the Titanic replica is a museum with over 400 artifacts from the doomed vessel. It's also built in a pool to simulate what the ride may have been like. Self-guided tours take two hours, but even if you don't go, it's well worth a drive-by. more 2. Backyard Terrors and Dinosaur Park With a name like Backyard Terrors and Dinosaur Park, you know it's a must-visit destination. Located in Bluff City, this park showcases over 20 life-size recreations of dinosaurs that look real enough to take a bite out of your arm. The best part is there's no admission, although donations are strongly encouraged. Once you're done viewing the park, hang out in the picnic area for your last views of the bizarre dinosaur sculptures. 3. Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains If you're lucky enough to travel through Gatlinburg in June, you can't miss one of nature's most amazing spectacles. During this time, fireflies provide a light show that's unlike anything else in the world. Every six seconds, millions of fireflies illuminate in unison, blink six times, and then disappear. This happens throughout the evening, and to this day, the reason remains a mystery. For you, it's an excellent chance to experience nature and take amazing photos and videos. 4. The Bloodstained Crypt of Nina Craigmiles To add a bit of chill and the macabre to your trip, make sure to visit Cleveland, Tennessee. Here you'll find the final resting place of Nina Craigmiles, who was a 7-year-old girl unfortunately killed in a buggy accident in 1871. What makes this crypt so horrifying is that blood stains appear on the crypt without warning throughout the year, and no amount of scrubbing seems to clean them. To this day, experts, psychics, and paranormal workers have yet to figure out what causes the blood to flow. If you can figure it out, you'll forever etch your name into the history of this otherwise quaint town. There's a seemingly endless amount of weird attractions throughout Tennessee, but these are definitely worth the trip. Make sure to adjust your route to hit these places for an unforgettable road trip. Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

When the weather gets chilly in the Kingsport, Tennessee, area, it's always fun to plan a little getaway to a nearby lodge. When you take time away from the busy day-to-day activities, you can enjoy a relaxing retreat and take advantage of the beautiful scenery that surrounds the area. RiverStone Resort & Spa This unique property is in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which is about 100 miles from Kingsport. It sits near the Smoky Mountains and includes a variety of condos available for short-term rental. The condos have between one and four bedrooms, so larger groups and families can easily enjoy time together. It's within a short distance from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and next door to the Gatlinburg Golf & Country Club. If you're traveling with kids, be sure to pay a visit to Pigeon Forge Parkway, a fun location that has indoor skydiving, go-kart racing, and bumper boats. more White Oak Lodge & Resort White Oak Lodge & Resort also sits at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the scenery. There are several options available to visitors, including log cabins and condos available for rent. The log cabins have one-, two-, or three-bedroom configurations, while the condos all have two bedrooms. Each dwelling has a fully equipped kitchen, a gas fireplace, a flat-screen TV, and a private porch or patio. The log cabins also have a washer and dryer. Take advantage of the amenities at the resort, including a swimming pool with a grotto, a hot tub near the condos, a scenic nature trail, barbecue grills, and basketball and tennis courts. Stony Brook Cabins The cabins and chalets available through Stony Brook Cabins are spacious and comfortable, making this destination perfect for families or groups of friends. They have smaller one- and two-bedroom options as well as larger cabins with three, four, five, and even six bedrooms. You can also find cabin rentals that are pet-friendly, so you don't have to leave your furry friends behind. The cabins are in and around Gatlinburg, which is about two hours from Kingsport, and sit close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If the weather is nice, take a hike on some of the trails that run through the park or enjoy a relaxing day in your cabin in front of a roaring fireplace if it's rainy outside. The Inn at Henry Horton State Park If you'd prefer more of a hotel atmosphere, pay a visit to The Inn at Henry Horton State Park. It's near Chapel Hill, Tennessee, which is about 300 miles west of Kingsport, but is well worth the longer drive. There are 68 rooms available at the inn, along with 56 RV campsites, eight cabins, and 10 sites for tent camping. Enjoy a meal at one of the on-site picnic areas and take advantage of amenities that will make you feel right at home. This winter, make a reservation at one of these fun lodges or cabins and take a trip from Kingsport to enjoy the natural beauty found in the state of Tennessee. Image by Ida from Pixabay