Knoxville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA

Knoxville offers a relaxed atmosphere with arts, history, and riverfront charm, while nearby Pigeon Forge delivers busy, family-friendly entertainment with shows and attractions. 1084

Knoxville: Knoxville, TN 37902
The Island in Pigeon Forge: 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Date Picture Taken: June 2025

Knoxville is a mid-sized Tennessee city with a laid-back Southern feel, centered around the lively Market Square district filled with restaurants, cafés, and outdoor events. The 1982 World’s Fair Park, with its iconic Sunsphere tower, provides scenic views and pleasant walking paths near the Tennessee River.

I was heading toward the city instead of the old town, so I turned back.

The old town

Old City features renovated brick warehouses with music venues, craft breweries, and small galleries.

Overall, Knoxville feels authentic and walkable, and has convenient access to the Great Smoky Mountains.

After leaving Knoxville, I continued driving toward the Great Smoky Mountains and eventually arrived in Pigeon Forge.

In Pigeon Forge, the first place I stopped was the Old Mill.

The Old Mill is one of the oldest and most historic sites in Pigeon Forge, originally built in the early 1800s along the Little Pigeon River. Its large wooden waterwheel still turns today, powering traditional milling equipment that grinds grain into flour and cornmeal. The surrounding area has been developed into a small village with restaurants, a pottery shop, candy stores, and gift shops, all designed to keep the rustic atmosphere.

From the Old Mill, I drove to the Island in Pigeon Forge, a large amusement park.

The Island in Pigeon Forge is a large entertainment complex designed for strolling, eating, and relaxing, with a mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions arranged around a central plaza.

Its most recognizable feature is the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a tall observation Ferris wheel that lights up at night and offers broad views of the surrounding mountains and the busy parkway below.

Visitors can browse candy stores, boutique shops, and souvenir stands, or sit on rocking chairs around the fountain to enjoy the lights.