There are several cute shops to explore for yourself in downtown Jonesborough. However, we heavily recommend out-of-towners to carpool in a rental vehicle in order to explore outside the town center. Public transportation/ Uber is generally not available in the surrounding Tri-cities.
Areas we personally have enjoyed include Johnson City, Bristol, Gatlinburg, and Asheville (NC.)
Dollywood
2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, (800) 365-5996
Celebrate the Queen of the south in a Country-themed Amusement park. Features several record-holding roller coasters and wildlife preservation exhibits. Located next door to DOLLYWOOD SPLASH COUNTRY, a thrilling outdoor water park.
This event is a state fair typically held on the 3rd week of August. Enjoy lots of fattening fair food stalls and some thrilling rides. A very American experience! More info to come.
A family water park facility with several slides, a lazy river and concessions onsite. A great way to cool off in the summer heat.
Play It Again Retro
1805 North Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601, (423) 631-0089
A retro arcade with racing games, fighting games, and several different kinds of pinball. Right next door is TIEBREAKERS, a game bar with bowling, pizza and various arcade games.
The Mall at Johnson City
2011 North Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601, (423) 282-5312
The City's largest indoor mall! Personal favorites include the VR arcade, Box Lunch, Build-a-Bear, and of course Hot Topic. ;p
The Pinnacle
460 Pinnacle Parkway, Bristol, TN 37620
This outdoor mall is located off the interstate in Bristol. Features a very fancy movie theater and trampoline park, as well as several popular chain stores and fast-food restaurants.
Home of the Sunsphere, a relic of the 1982 World's Fair. It's an observation deck for the city of Knoxville. A fun little stopover for people coming in through the Knoxville (TYS) airport.
For the healthy nature lover. The Appalachian Trial is appreciated by many hikers for its sprawling hills and breathtaking landscapes. Be careful of snakes, though!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, (865) 436-1200
For those outdoorsy folk! Visit one of the most popular National Parks in the US. Tennesee is famous for its scenic hills and mountainsides. Take the opportunity to bask in nature.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
88 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, (865) 430-8808
Another feature of the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Sevierville area. Located nearby is Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum.
Mysterious Mansion
424 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, (865) 436-7007
A childhood favorite of Allie's--this haunted house operates all-year-round so you can get your healthy dose of scares in the summer!
A 1895 Manor built by the Vanderbilts. It features gardens and vineyards to tour as well as the inside of the manor. A piece of the Gilded Age preserved and used as a setting in various Hollywood films.