Tennessee's distinct seasons offer unique experiences, but few would argue that there's just something magical about an East Tennessee fall. With a crisp, cool breeze that makes you want to wear your favorite UT hoodie, the change in season means it's time to get out and explore.
We caught up with Tennessee National's resident Fun Ambassadors Carly-Grace, our Marina Manager, and Ian, our Clubhouse Manager. We asked them to share a few of their favorite things to do this fall. Read on for ten things you’ll want to put on your family’s to-do list.
East Tennessee is home to some of the best hiking trails in the state. Of course, there is the well-known Smoky Mountains National Park located in Gatlinburg, a mere 40 minutes from Tennessee National. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is home to more than 800 miles of walking and hiking trails. Autumn in the Smokies promises a burst of colors and views that no outdoor enthusiast should miss.
Besides the well-known attractions, East Tennessee features numerous state parks and greenways, with scenic drives and fantastic walking and biking paths to explore, no matter your skill level. Many are within an hour's drive and offer picnic areas and playgrounds for the kids. Check out this list for a few you might not know about.
You don't have to go far to discover gorgeous surroundings that are exploding with color. In addition to the 10 miles of stunning wooded, golf, and waterside trails of Tennessee National, there's another hidden gem right next door.
"Just 15 minutes away, Sweetwater, Tennessee has some of the most beautiful and interesting attractions in East Tennessee," says Carly-Grace. Sweetwater is located along Sweetwater Creek, which connects to the Tennessee River and offers one-of-a-kind views of the Great Smoky Mountains, and treks through the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Make a plan to visit The Lost Sea Adventure, which starts with a guided tour of the 18th Century Craighead Cavern system around America’s largest underground lake. You'll learn about the caverns, which are rich in East Tennessee history, as well as how they are monitored and cared for. This unforgettable experience also includes a glass-bottom boat tour of the Lost Sea, where you'll see some of the largest rainbow trout in the country.
While you're in Sweetwater, be sure to visit Sweetwater Valley Farm. Visitors can enjoy farm tours, shopping, and some of the most swoon-worthy grilled cheese sandwiches and to-die-for milkshakes, among other tasty treats.
One of the most popular attractions in the state is only 90 minutes away. Take time away from the busy day-to-day and spend time with family or friends exploring Rock City. Located just outside Chattanooga on Lookout Mountain, Rock City features ancient rock formations, gardens, gift shops, caverns, walking trails, and a restaurant with a view. The gardens boast over 400 native plant species, and visitors can take in the stunning "See 7 States" panoramic views. Rock City is a must-see destination.
"With the cooler temperatures, fishing in this area just gets better and better," says Carly-Grace. Fuel up at the Tennessee National Marina, head and head out for a relaxing day on the water, and take in the fall views from a different vantage point.
If you don't have a boat, rent a brand new South Bay pontoon boat at Tennessee National Marina, and the team will provide everything you need for a terrific lake outing.
There is a new drive-in in Loudon County, but it's not your granddad's drive-in. The Logo Drive-In is the first of its kind in the area and fills weekends with a day or night outdoor viewing experience. Loco Drive-In features "the latest LED technology video board with day and night viewing capabilities."
Watch a wide range of movies, including classics, children's movies, new and blockbuster movies, as well as local sporting events, like UT football on Saturdays. Enjoy traditional movie theater snacks, beer for the adults, and fare from various food trucks to create your own perfect experience.
Get your orange ready! Fall means UT football around here! Plan to attend a game in person at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, or stay closer to home and take in the action with your friends and neighbors at Silos.
Leave the food and drinks to the pros and watch the game inside or enjoy the gorgeous weather and watch from the comfort of the Silos Patio.
Brand new to Tennessee National, you can also plan to enjoy the game at Sunset Saloon. According to Ian, "there will be no shortage of cold beer, great food, and good times with friends. You can even work on your golf game in one of the driving bays if your team's losing on TV!"
Besides football season, be sure to stop by Sunset Saloon in October for Oktoberfest. Sunset Saloon will offer a hand-selected German beer selection, specialty food items, and more all month long. Brats and beer cheese pretzels, anyone?
"We'll be announcing the dates and details of our Fall Festival soon but get ready to participate in family-friendly activities like a cornhole tournament, a fishing contest, rock painting, virtual golf pin challenges, and more,” says Ian.
Food lovers - we've been training for this our entire lives. Enter Grandma's recipes in a home-baked pie contest. Or, enter Dad's famous chili in our Chili Cookoff, judged by Executive Chef Robert Sheridan and F&B Director Ian Fitzgerald. More information is coming soon, so be on the lookout.
Every Saturday night on the Silos patio and lawn, join us for various live music events. Jazz, country music, classic rock, among others, will be performed by local bands and musicians every Saturday from 6:30-9:30 pm through October. Besides music, Silos will offer nightly food and drink specials, so there will be many new things for the whole family to try this fall.
In addition to exceptional food and drink pairing experiences, Tennessee National members and residents will have more opportunities to get together this fall than ever before. Trivia nights, Sunday brunches, a shrimp boil, and family events like Kids' Night with Smores and virtual golf 'Go Fish' are just a few of the activities Ian and his team are planning.
No matter what kind of fall activities you most enjoy, you'll find them in the Volunteer State. From great trails to live music and fun activities for the family to wine tastings and live music and cultural events, East Tennessee is a terrific place to call home.
Our Tennessee National team has been busy dreaming up new and exciting ways for our members and residents to get together and enjoy the season, and we hope to see you soon.
