Visiting Eastern Tennessee

With a white blanket resting over the rolling hills and lush forests of the Volunteer State’s eastern reaches, the landscape becomes a snowy playground, offering countless opportunities for cold-weather outdoor adventures in destinations like the Blue Ridge Mountains. Communities throughout the region, however, are warm and welcoming, inviting visitors to be a part of all sorts of community events, festivals, and family-friendly activities.

The Knoxville Winter Farmers’ Market gives Knoxville visitors the chance to taste the freshest products of local growers throughout the cold season. Visitors join residents in the Historic 5th and Gill neighborhood, select Saturdays from January to April, to browse vendors, sample local food truck fare, and more.

In March, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Chattanoogans at the St. Chatty’s Day Parade. It’s free fun in downtown Chattanooga, with marching bands, dancers, decorative floats, and more, beginning around noon on Market Street.

Music lovers make their way along Jackson Avenue in Knoxville as the Rhythm & Blooms festival fills venues along the strip with a variety of folk and blues performances in early April. Stop by local-favorite spots like Barley's Taproom, Boyd's Jig & Reel, and the Cripple Creek Stage, have a drink, and see who’s playing.