Not every great day trip has to end with a mountain overlook or a waterfall. Sometimes the most memorable adventures come from the places that make you smile, scratch your head or ask, “Who thought of this?” East Tennessee has no shortage of unusual attractions, and several are just a short drive from Knoxville.
If you enjoy Americana, start with the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton. While it is one of the region’s premier history museums, it also feels like stepping into another world. Wander through dozens of authentic log cabins, barns and workshops while discovering everything from handmade musical instruments to quirky folk art and everyday tools that tell the story of Appalachian life. With more than 250,000 artifacts spread across 65 acres, you’ll find something unexpected around nearly every corner.
Head toward Gatlinburg and you’ll discover one of Tennessee’s most delightfully unusual collections at the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. Thousands upon thousands of shakers line the shelves, ranging from classic glass sets to tiny works of art shaped like animals, famous landmarks and just about everything imaginable. It sounds quirky because it is — and that’s exactly the charm.
In Dandridge, the Bush’s Visitor Center celebrates East Tennessee’s famous beans with museum exhibits, family history and enough bean-themed fun to keep visitors smiling. It may not sound exciting until you realize how much American food history is packed into one small museum.
Closer to home, the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture on the University of Tennessee campus offers another surprise. Admission is free, and exhibits range from archaeology and ancient cultures to geology and natural history. Many locals drive past it for years before finally discovering one of Knoxville’s hidden gems.
The next time you’re looking for something different, skip the ordinary. These attractions prove you don’t have to travel far to find places that are fascinating, unexpected, and just plain fun.
Sometimes the best road trips aren’t about reaching a famous destination. They’re about collecting stories you’ll still be telling long after you get home.
This column will explore adventures that are ‘Close to Home, Far from Ordinary,’ and if you have some to share, please send them to news@knoxtntoday.com.
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