1. Monroe County
(Sweetwater, Tellico Plains)
Halfway between Chattanooga and Knoxville, this county of rolling hills is the official southern Cherokee National Forest gateway. It preserves East Tennessee history, and offers a full calendar of celebrations. There are skyways, waterfalls and hiking in the wild; and shopping, golf and arts and crafts in the towns. And, really delicious cheese and wine.
“Monroe County is the place that makes you feel at home the very first time you visit,” says Blaina Tallent Best, Monroe County Tourism Director. “And the people are what truly make this place so special.”
Adds Kassie Kelley-Watson, Sweetwater Main Street Director: “Sweetwater appeals to the history buff, nature lover, passionate antiquer, adventurer, and the kids.”
2. Blount County
(Maryville, Townsend)
Wind through mountain roads in the protected wilderness of America’s most visited national park, and stand breathless in the belly of millions-of-years-old caverns. The quiet side of the Smokies offers solitude, family fun, sweeping vistas, local cuisine and history sites that celebrate a diversity of mountain cultures.
“As a peaceful getaway without lots of traffic, we cater to individuals who want to get back to nature, enjoy outdoor living, and connect with themselves and family,” says Kim Mitchell, Blount Partnership Director of Tourism. “Our destinations will remind you of your childhood—playing in the dirt, riding your bike, splashing in the river and living your best life.”
3. Carter County
(Roan Mountain, Elizabethton)
To access a nice stretch of the Appalachian Trail, see the world’s largest natural rhododendron garden and learn about the Overmountain Men’s crucial role in winning the American Revolution, visit here. Aptly known as “Tennessee’s Mountain Playground,” this upper east destination includes the northern section of the Cherokee National Forest.
“Carter County’s unique combination of small town charm, outdoor adventures and rich history make it a terrific destination with something for everyone,” says Luke Freeman, Elizabethton/Carter County Tourism Coordinator.
4. Claiborne County
(Cumberland Gap, Harrogate)
Located at the convergence of Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia this area witnessed Daniel Boone blazing the Wilderness Road; boasts an award-winning golf course; and commands your attention with 360-degree views. It also has a post office that can claim fame as having been in three states.
“This county offers everything you’ll find in large attractions without the high costs, crowds or traffic,” says Karyn P. Clark, Claiborne Economic Partnership CEO and president. “Our residents are friendly, inviting, and help make a visit to experience the natural beauty of our area a pleasure.”
5. Anderson County
(Oak Ridge, Clinton)
Events that shaped our nation and the world began in this county, both scientifically and culturally. In addition to enjoying the hills and waterways of the Smoky Mountain foothills, a visit here is a fascinating glimpse into the broad reaches of history and the promise of the future.
“As part of the Manhattan Project (the country’s first atomic bomb project), the U.S. government secretly built the city of Oak Ridge with the hope of developing technology that would end World War II,” says Katy Jett, Explore Oak Ridge president. “The Secret City and surrounding county and towns are filled with opportunities: family fun on land and in the water, and a close-up look at Big Science.”
About This Story: Our coverage area—the mountain regions of Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Kentucky—is home to more great places to visit than you could shake the proverbial stick at.
The process of finding the full list of all 35 destinations presented here began with U.S. Travel Association data (for West Virginia, a Dean Runyan Associates study) assessing the increase in travel spending—2017 over 2016—in all geographically relevant counties and cities in each state.
We then determined the top eight in that realm for each state, listed them alphabetically, and offered online voting for our readers, toward creating the top-five lists presented here. The data affirmed increased visitorship to each; the reader input—voting for up to three destinations per state—narrowed those lists to voters’ favorite/hope-to-visit destinations.
Reader-poll voting took place between February 20 and April 7, 2019. Our thanks to all who took part.
Destinations in each state are listed in order of vote totals. For more details on each destination – including our editors’ picks for 175 can’t miss attractions and reasons to visit – subscribe now. Thank you!
