downtowns, Getaways, history
Explore the Richness of East Tennessee’s Historic Towns
Knoxville is the heart of the 9 Lakes Region and the perfect hub for historical adventures. Whether you prefer to tough it out at campgrounds or find quaint inns to lay your head at night, there is something for everyone in this Appalachian Mountain region. Not sure where to start? Every lake is surrounded by
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9 Lakes, downtowns, family holidays, shopping
Go Downtown- Shop Small, Shop Local
Our towns and cities are already decked out for the holidays. Shopping downtown supports local businesses, artisans, and supports the heritage of these communities. The 9 Lakes region is chock full of small downtowns offering up Appalachian treasures. Antiques, crafts, and locally produced culinary products are sure to please the most discriminating shopper. Gather your
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9 Lakes, dining, downtowns, history, moonshine, National Parks
Newport, TN – A Smoky Mountain Culinary Legacy and Adventure
Adventure abounds in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Wild rivers, majestic mountains and dense forests lure millions of people to the region each year. One often overlooked gateway community to the Smoky Mountains is Newport, a town steeped in an culinary history that transcends time and the imagination. Moonshine, the moon pie, canned
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9 Lakes, downtowns, history, Trails
Wartburg’s Tanner Historic Building and Café to Re-Open on April 22
In the spring of 2015, a small group of citizens took on a project to secure and renovate a historic building on the main square of downtown Wartburg. The challenges would have deterred many, but not this group! Countless small rural county downtowns are blighted with dilapidated vacant buildings, and county budgets that don’t extend
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9 Lakes, downtowns, family holidays, free admission
A Season for Good Cheer
The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a timeless reminder of the importance of finding joy and cheer when our lives are filled with demands. The book was written at a time of great social change, when holidays became less important to celebrate. The story illustrates that holidays are a spirit lifting time for everyone
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Area Events, Cultural Influences, downtowns, family holidays, free admission, social distancing
Seasonal Festivities to light up Your Holidays
The sights and sounds of the holiday season have a way of lifting our spirits. Traditionally, the last weekend of November begins the transformation of small towns, public parks, and local businesses into holiday wonderlands. Across the 9 Lakes Region, the colorful light displays, holiday music, and seasonal treats will delight the young and young
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9 Lakes, Agritourism, downtowns, shopping
Falls’ Bounty- New Shopping and Culinary Adventures to Discover
Fall’s brilliant autumn hues serve as the back drop for events all across the region. In Appalachian tradition, this is the time to get out and celebrate the bounty of the harvest and the beauty of the season. Plan a shopping and culinary adventure. Visit local artisan shops, or sample local food trucks and micro-breweries
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9 Lakes, downtowns, Lakes, Trails
More to Love on the Long and Winding Roads of East TN
The 9 Lakes Region is already known for its long, winding roads and scenic vistas. Day tripping along back roads and through small towns is a summer tradition that dates back to the earliest days of automobiles. City folk would exit the hot, industrialized cities to enjoy cool mountain towns and resorts in East Tennessee.
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downtowns, family holidays, Outdoors, social distancing
Downtowns Not to Miss during the Holiday Season
Downtowns and Main Streets are the heart and soul of both urban and rural communities. During the holiday season, rediscover those simple sights and sounds of the season by visiting a main street to see the festive displays and decorations. COVID may have limited our ability to be together, but it cannot limit the cheer
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9 Lakes, Area Events, downtowns, family holidays, Outdoors
Go Classic Holiday – Find your Merry and Bright
The 9 Lakes of East Tennessee provides an abundance of classic holiday activities for outdoor enthusiasts and family fun experiences. With temperatures that can fluctuate between frosty mornings and warming days, the outdoors will beckon you to enjoy all that region offers. This is the perfect time of year to find your inner child and
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