Thanks to Covid-19 and morning sickness, we’ve stayed cooped up for the past several months (really itching to go on a big trip again). Since I’ve been feeling much better, we are starting to venture back out and are enjoying this wonderful fall weather lately while taking necessary precautions. So here is a list of day trips from East Tennessee that I hope you find useful.
Biltmore Estate, Asheville, SC
Biltmore is a great day trip anytime of year, we have season passes and often go just to enjoy a walk through the gardens, which are constantly changing. We recently enjoyed a picnic on the lagoon and had beautiful views of the house. If you want to go in the house, you’ll have to make a reservation ahead of time which can be done online. I suggest doing this at least a week before your trip, as morning house times seem to be getting snatched up early the last couple of times we have been.
Nashville, TN
Nashville has lots of attractions to enjoy and can easily be a day trip or weekend. Some ideas are the Gaylord Opryland Hotel (beautiful indoor gardens), Belle Meade Plantation, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, Parthenon/Centennial Park, Opry Mills (for those that enjoy shopping), and Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
We have not made it to GSMNP in several months, as it has become a very popular destination during covid, but in the past, we have enjoyed the beautiful fall colors in the mountains. There are plenty of trails ranging in length and difficulty and scenic pull offs. Its a great place to enjoy a drive and picnic during the fall. I’d recommend avoiding weekends.
Additional Activities:
- Waterfall viewing
- Knoxville Zoo
- Picnics
- Drives
- Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary
- Kayaking
- Bicycling
Until next time,
Hannah