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."

"James White was the founder of Knoxville, and now you can see how he would have lived by visiting his former house, known as the James White Fort. The home is the perfect place to learn all about frontier life, and you can enjoy hands on displays here like cooking, spinning, and even blacksmith workshops. There are also special holiday events here at this working life museum such as ghost tours around Halloween, so make sure to check out what is on when you are in town."

"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."

"If you like basketball then you can’t miss the chance to pay homage to some of the basketball greats at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Here you will find memorabilia from 139 inductees into the hall of fame, and learn all about their backgrounds and contribution to the sport. There are also interactive displays here such as courts where you can try out your some of your own basketball skills."

"The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is one of the fun things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee. On its rooftop, you’ll see the biggest basketball in the world, making it easily spotted from far away. It’s a great place to get inspired and a spot in the city that sports lovers shouldn’t miss."

"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."

"Recognized by many as one of the best views in Smoky Mountain National Park, Mount Cammerer stands at a height of 4,928-feet (1, 502 meters). A fire tower at the summit can still be climbed offering an incredible view of the Pigeon River Gorge and the rolling foothills of the Southern Appalachians. 360-degree panorama of the North Carolina and Tennessee Smokies."

"To start the day, we are getting deep out into the Great Smoky Mountains. Mount Cammerer is a high peak that you can hike to the very apex of."

"The area between Market Street and Gay Street was one of the more unseemly parts of Knoxville; however, it’s become the most photographed location in the city in recent years. Graffiti artists partner with local businesses to paint exquisite murals. Many are only up for a limited time, allowing more artists to have their work seen and gain recognition."

"The artistic gem of downtown, Strong Alley is filled with murals ranging from bold and colorful to weird and unique. Travel through the alley, located between Market Square and Gay Street to discover dozens of designs and backdrops. It transforms from bright and happy in the daytime to dark and mysterious at night, with equally stunning pictures."

"If you love street art, taking photos of it or simply fancy yourself to be an artsy type of person, Graffiti Alley is a must-visit. Numerous street murals of all kinds are found here. As it’s close to Market Square, it’s best to visit in the evening, as the twinkle lights strung around the area come on and bathe the art in a warm glow."

"It’s not so much a destination, but more an excellent place to enjoy some takeout from one of the nearby restaurants. There’s a water feature and a few art exhibits to check out too."

"If you struggle to resist the urge to lick the spoon when baking, you can safely indulge your love of cookie dough at this wonderful destination. Perfectly named, this shop easily inspires a sense of bliss in cookie dough lovers, who appreciate its vast selection of flavors. Whether you favor chocolate chip, peanut butter, or snickerdoodle cookies, you can find a dough-based version that will combine perfectly with vanilla or chocolate ice cream."

"Tucked away in scenic Wears Valley, Elvira’s Cafe offers mouthwatering home-cooked meals. A native of Siberia, Elvira fell in love with East Tennessee as a student, and after years of hard work, she opened her own restaurant in 2012. For breakfast, Elvira’s Cafe serves all of your favorite dishes, including french toast, biscuits and gravy, country ham, and a variety of crepes."

"Not only does this Wears Valley restaurant offer a menu with plenty of variety, but it also has a real, hands-on feel and has earned a good reputation with locals and visitors alike. For a classic country breakfast, be sure to try Elvira's: Hotcakes, bacon, eggs, hash browns, and biscuits & gravy. They even offer sweet & savory crepes!"

"Elvira’s | Townsend – crepes and pancakes! Burgermaster Townsend – great burgers, hot dogs, and soft serve. Located right next to the Smoky Mountain River Rat, so it’s awesome for when you finish tubing!"

"Three Bears General Store​ is one of the most popular spots to grab a souvenir when you visit the Smoky Mountains. This 40,000 square foot, unique shop is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and has everything you could ever dream of buying. Whether you want a stuffed animal, home decor, or a T-shirt, you will be able to find it here."

"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!"

"You’ll be able to browse through a variety of products, from stuffed animals to coffee mugs, to find exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a great place to go if you want the perfect Smoky Mountain souvenir. There are T-shirts, puppets, jewelry, homemade fudge and more!"

"If you're reading this in time, make this next destination an immediate, top priority. During the first few weeks of July, a dazzling sunflower display explodes at Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area . This seasonal sea of yellow swaying in the breeze is one of Knoxville's most stunning unsung sights."

"A few more Sunflower photos because they are in bloom and looking spectacular right now. You might like to see this Adorable Sunflower and dog photo session"