Knoxville lies within a days drive of half the nation's population.  The Great Smoky Mountains is the nation's most visited national park and Dollywood is the state's top private tourist attraction.  Millions of people come to the region to visit these popular spots and the resort towns built around them.  However, there are plenty of other places close by that often get overlooked, but shouldn't.

Just 10 years ago, there weren't a lot of reasons to go to Downtown Knoxville, but now on any given night, hundreds (if not thousands) of people are heading to Market Square, Gay Street and the Old City where an increasing number of restaurants, shops and attractions combine to make this "Scruffy Little City" a real jewel when it comes to southern cities.

Besides the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you'll find other national treasures like Big South Fork, the Obed Wild & Scenic River, the Chattanooga/Chickamauga Military Park and the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park all within a two hour drive.  Add in the dozens of state parks, TVA recreation areas and the expansive Cherokee National Forest and you'll find plenty of natural wonders within reach.

So, what are you waiting for?  It's trip time!