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.
3 Scenic Drives to Take Near Kingsport, TN
East Tennessee is a beautiful area to call home. Thanks to our prime location between the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, Kingsport boasts several nearby scenic drives that are best experienced in the cooler months when the air is crisp and the leaves are changing. If you’re looking for a great drive to take this weekend, here are a few you may consider:
1. Cades Cove
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park less than three hours from Kingsport, Cades Cove is an isolated valley that was once home to numerous settlers. The loop through the cove is 11 miles long and circles back to the beginning, so drivers have the opportunity to experience Cades Cove at their own pace. Scattered along the loop are a variety of historical buildings as well – a testament to the area’s early settler days. Expect to see barns, log cabins, a working grist mill, churches, and other restored 18- and 19th-century structures.
The loop is open daily except for Christmas, and year-round campgrounds serve as the perfect place to pitch a tent and enjoy an entire weekend here. Simply take I-81 South and go through Townsend via TN-1 East. Continue straight on TN-73 into Cades Cove.
It’s no secret that the Toyota Corolla is the bestselling car in the world. With the debut of the 2016 model, Toyota has once again proved that the Corolla will be a mainstay in the American car-buying tradition for years to come. The latest incarnation of this beloved car offers several features that make it a must-own for buyers currently comparing their options.
1. Sportiness
The Corolla may be sleek, but it’s also sporty. The Sport Mode button adds an invigorating feel to the ride, making it incredibly fun to drive. And the Corolla’s sportiness doesn’t stop with Sport Mode. The 2016 model also features race car-like front seats, a sport gauge cluster, paddle shifters, and a sportier driving position, all of which enhance the overall experience. If you’ve always had to sacrifice buying your favorite sports car in favor of a more family-friendly or economical sedan, the Corolla may just embody everything you’re looking for. This also makes the Corolla a great choice for students.


