There’s nothing quite like a road trip, especially through the Smoky Mountains of the Southeast. Skip the noise, chaos, and unpredictability of the airport for wide open spaces, the windows rolled down, your favorite people in the car with you en route to your destination.
In this post, we’ve compiled a list of great road-trip destinations within three hours’ driving distance from Knoxville.
With that, here’s the East Tennessee-area inspiration for your next super scenic road trip.
Boone, North Carolina (3-hour drive). For a mountain town worth its weight in local charm and natural beauty, Boone is a great road trip option. Millennials, rejoice in the abundance of local IPAs at breweries like Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Booneshine Brewing Company. Enjoy a hike among its scenic mountain blooms, greenery, or foliage in the village of Blowing Rock.
Suggested hotel: The 1850 Hotel offers a luxurious mountain oasis at a relatively agreeable nightly rate. Its suites are styled in a homey manner, with high-end finishes that bring both comfort and opulence. I particularly like the detailed breakdown of activities available in the area, provided thoughtfully on their website.
Brevard, North Carolina (2-hour 20-minute drive). Only 33 miles from Asheville, Brevard is another quaint town to complement your mountain road trip itinerary. Families with kiddos can hike the easy trails together at Dupont State Forest, or pick out a new toy at the old-school O.P Taylor’s Toys store. Fan of The Hunger Games? The scenic mountain scene was filmed at Triple Falls.
Suggested hotel: For all your outdoor exploring and adventuring, Pilot Cove offers a wooded getaway stay to fully unwind, located slightly outside of town.
Asheville, North Carolina (2-hour drive). Like Boone, Asheville’s natural mountain beauty is tough to rival. One unique attraction to visit is the Biltmore Estate, a massive historic estate particularly magical to see during the holidays. The River Arts District and downtown shops, restaurants, and breweries offer a wide range of unique dining experiences. A popular hub for live music, look for popular artists stopping in Asheville on tour.
Suggested hotel: I’ve never met a Kimpton I didn’t like, and Asheville’s Kimpton Hotel Arras is no exception. Its aesthetic strikes the perfect balance of contemporary and warm. Located 12 miles from the airport, pet friendly, close to popular attractions and gorgeous city views? Count me in.
Chattanooga, Tennessee (1-hour 40-minute drive). Nestled on the Tennessee River, this city has some of the coolest experiences young people are inclined to seek out. Start a day of exploring at Rembrandt’s Coffee House in the Bluff View Art District. Whiskey drinkers will love the Chattanooga Whiskey Distillery for top-notch high-malt whiskey. Since 2001, the Chattanooga Market is the region’s largest producer-only marketplace, a Saturday treat for locals and visitors alike. Snap a sunset photo on Walnut Street Bridge, or marvel at the stunning views of the Rock City waterfall.
Suggested hotel: The Hotel Chalet is a boutique accommodation in a convenient location, with Michelin-award-winning dining and live music by an outdoor fire.
Johnston City, Tennessee (1-hour 40-minute drive). Outdoor adventures, nightlife, and local culture await the Millennial road-trippers who visit Johnston City. The stunning views from Lookout Mountain offer priceless memories and photos you’ll not soon forget. Beech Mountain is a mere hour away for skiers in search of slopes, and other outside activities abound: hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing, to name a few.
Suggested hotel: Step into an ultimate old money haven at the Carnegie Hotel, where you can relish an afternoon in their spa, or dine on fine American fare at Wellington’s
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