Must See Sights and Landmarks in Sevierville Area

"In 1982, the city of Knoxville hosted the World’s Fair, sloganed Energy Turns The World. The organizers worked together with architects local to the area to create an impressive structure that would thematically bring the sun – the greatest source of energy – down to earth and into what we now call World’s Fair Park. The result of this project was The Sunsphere, a huge round object fitted with reflexive glass pane panels, layered with dusted gold, balanced on a tower of hexagonal shape."

"This Knoxville landmark was built for the 1982 World’s Fair. It became a local favorite and stands to this day. After the World’s Fair ended, the Sunsphere closed its doors and remained vacant until 2007."

"As the founder of Knoxville, James White’s name is all around the city: the James White Parkway, the James White Greenway, and the James White Memorial Civic Coliseum. His house is a simple log structure surrounded by a stockade fence, which he built in the 1780s. He then donated the land around his home to create the city Knoxville, which then became the capital of the Southwest Territory and later briefly the capital of the state of Tennessee."

"The founder of Knoxville was a man named James White, so it’s no surprise that one of the best options for Tennessee attractions is the James White Fort itself, especially if you’re looking for historical stuff to do. The James White Fort is essentially the former home of James White. White earned a large grant of land after the Revolutionary War, which he used to lead an expedition to find a fort site."

"The James White Fort was built for James White as he led an expedition into the upper Tennessee Valley to reach the land of what we know as Knoxville. The fort was chosen as the capital of the Southwest Territory in 1790 and was donated in 1791. In 1970, the place was converted to a museum and since then the place holds the tools of wars, houses and other facets of the frontier life."

"The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is worth visiting for a few reasons: 1) girl power!. ; 2) it’s home to the world’s largest basketball; 3) the Hall of Fame is a sub-contractor for the Center for Sport, Peace, and Society. The society’s mission is “to use sport to change lives, communities, and the world through teaching, research, and service.” As travelers, how could we not want to support such a mission?"

"The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame pays tribute to women’s basketball and all the women who have pushed the game beyond its gender-specific popularity. See old photographs, club rings, historic stories and other iconic items of the game belonging to the women who shaped the game’s pro-feminism status. If you love basketball, history or simply want to see a one-of-a-kind, inspiring ...Read more"

"Different from the rest of the Great Smoky Mountain fire towers, which are made of metal, the Mount Cammerer fire tower is made of timber and native rock. It looks like it could be a home in Maine with its round shape and vast windows and surrounding deck. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930’s, the tower was restored through in the mid 1990’s."

"The Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower is something every Smoky Mountain hiking lover should have on his or her bucket list. Nestled at a breathtaking height of 4,928 ft., the fire tower offers panoramic views of the Smokies. Conquering this secret spot in the Smoky Mountains won’t be easy, though."

"The hike to Mt. Cammerer is also considered difficult because of its 11.9-mile roundtrip length. Along your hike to the top, you’ll definitely see the fall colors in the trees. You’ll also pass the trail that leads to the Appalachian Trail, and there are plenty of rocky parts."

"It’s nearing the end of your second day in Gatlinburg, but before you go to dinner, head up to the observation deck of the Gatlinburg Space Needle. In the evening, the Space Needle’s 360-degree view of the Parkway and the surrounding area is unbelievable. No trip to Gatlinburg is complete without going to the top of the Space Needle and seeing the Parkway lit up. For even more fun, hop on one of the glass elevators and check out Arcadia, a 25,000 square-foot recreation center with an arcade, laser tag and a hurricane simulator."

"The Iris Theater at the Gatlinburg Space Needle is another wonderful destination for live entertainment in Gatlinburg. The Iris is currently hosting Impossibilities: An Evening of Magic, Mindreading, and Mayhem."

"Once you’ve worked up a serious appetite for a proper brunch or early lunch at Sunspot, which you’ll find on Cumberland Avenue, just west of the University of Tennessee campus. If you’re there during the week, it doesn’t open until 11 am, but on weekends, brunch is served starting at 10. Wolf down some fried green tomatoes to start—a Southern specialty—and follow them up with the brunch burger or chicken and a waffle. Vegetarians won’t be disappointed by the Fat Elvis Breakfast Burrito, which is just as indulgent as it sounds."

"Located in the heart of Gatlinburg near Ole Red and the Great Smoky Mountains Rangers Office, Gatlinburg Brewing Company offers a variety of original beers as well as tasty food. They keep customers on their toes with a beer tap list that is updated weekly. You can also enjoy appetizers like breadsticks and chicken wings, or make a meal out of it with a delicious craft pizza!"

"After a day spent exploring Gatlinburg, head to the Gatlinburg Brewing company for some craft beer and craft pizza!. This is great late night spot as well as they are open daily from 12 pm to 1 am and family friendly. Not to worry they also serve appetizers great for sharing like cheese breads, wings, and pretzel with beer cheese as well as an assortment of salads."

"Then Gatlinburg Brewing Company is the perfect place for you!. Beer is brewed on site, ensuring it is fresh and delicious. You’ll find every kind of beer, from ales to IPAs."

"The Smoky Mountain Brewery is not only known for being the oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee, but also for its tempting menu items!. While the Gatlinburg location originally opened in 1996 with a very limited menu of sandwiches and wood-fired pizza on paper plates, you can now enjoy a full menu with all kinds of tasty options!. You can order a pizza with all of your favorite toppings or try the spaghetti and meatballs."

"This is the perfect place to stop in Pigeon Forge for some genuine Southern shopping. Items in the shop range from cute clothes that will remind you of your time here in the Smokies to delicious, locally made fudge and treats to enjoy right there on the spot. Did we mention a chance to meet four live bears that were rescued and are being taken care of by talented staff right on the premises?"

"Inside the Three Bears General Store, you’ll find everything from Amish jams and jellies to over 555 Great Smoky Mountain souvenirs. You can visit the Make-UR-Bear Factory, complete with outfits and accessories for your own stuffed animal. There’s a family-sized arcade where you can play air hockey, shoot a few hoops, and win some awesome prizes!"

"The perfect place to get souvenirs to remember your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains is from the Three General Bears Store. There are all kinds of giftware, from t-shirts to mugs to magnets. Your kids will find all kinds of toys and stuffed animals they will want to bring home."

"Unless fully vaccinated, masks are mandatory to protect our Team and Guests. Steam rooms, saunas, and whirlpools have been temporarily closed. Signs have been posted throughout the resort to promote our sanitation and hygiene efforts."

"The Historic Ramsey House was built for one of the very first families to come to the city and settle. Colonel Francis Alexander Ramsey arrived as the house was finished in 1797 and his family was very much involved in the local community. Few other homes dating back to the 18th century are among the open tourist attractions in the region, so this is a real find."

"Along with James White’s Fort, the Ramsey House is one of the oldest buildings in Knoxville, dating back to the 1790s. The house is an excellent example of Late Georgian architecture, featuring significant ornamentation for the time period. Its owner, Francis Ramsey, was a surveyor and government official, and his son was one of the first mayors of Knoxville."