Leah & Christian
Things To Do
Dollywood
If you have time to do ANYTHING extra while in East Tennessee, DO THIS. Dollywood, in my words, is the Disney Land of the South. Dolly Parton is our Patron Saint, and she did not disappoint with these amusement parks. Dollywood is the dry park and Splash Country is the wet counterpart right next door. They are both amazing, glorious, spectacular. You'll find good food, great shows, and amazing rides. Even Christian was impressed when he visited. This is WORTH IT!
River Rat Tubing
June in Tennessee can be HOT. If you're looking for a fun way to cool down the weekend of the wedding, River Rat offers tubes to coast down the river in. You'll find two different outpost options (A & B) that differ on their excitability. If you just want a relaxing winddown, go for outpost A. If you need some more excitement, go for outpost B. Along with the river itself, there are various swimming holes and safe places to "cliff dive" and so on along the route.
Parkway Drive- In Theater
This is a CLASSIC. The drive-in theater is where I (Leah) would go to watch movies until 3 am with friends, watch lightning bugs, and play cornhole. This is located in my hometown Maryville and is open on Friday and Saturday nights. The old-fashioned sign by the road always tells what movies they'll be playing that weekend.
Smoky Mountain National Park
Greenery. Waterfalls. Hikes. Wildlife. If this is your jam, then visiting the national park is a must. There is a plethora of hikes, swimming spots, horseback riding, Appalachian cabins, and more to explore in the park. I definitely recommend going around the "Cove" loop if you are hoping to see wildlife. Dusk and dawn are the best times to see deer and bear out and about in the park. The entrance to the park is only 2 miles past the wedding venue!
Downtown Maryville
Maryville is a cute city with lots of Southern charm. If you're looking for the best vanilla iced latte in East Tennessee, Vienna Coffee House and Southern Grace coffee shops are favorites of ours. The Capitol Theater is at the heart of downtown and a really retro and classic dessert shop/theater to check out. There are lots of cute boutiques in the area, as well, and it is definitely worth spending some time exploring Maryville. If you want more recommendations of what to do in the area, ask Leah!
Tuckaleechee Caverns
"Tuckaleechee Caverns of Townsend, TN. Known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies” are the highest rating Cave or Cavern of the Eastern United States. Carved inside the earth’s oldest mountain chain and estimated to be between twenty to thirty million years old, the Caverns are rich in history and lore in recent years as well." - Their website (but trust- it's really cool. Five-star-attraction cool.)
Pigeon Forge
A very big touristy area, but still really fun. We've got aquariums, Ripley's, fake snow, little roller coasters.. all the things. You will find something for everyone in this area!