During wintertime in East Tennessee and the Knoxville area, the cooler temperatures bring another kind of enjoyment not experienced in the other seasons of the year. Just because snow may fall and the temperatures may be a little chillier, that doesn’t mean you and your loved ones can’t have fun here.  Make the Whitestone Inn your home base while you take part in these ten must-do activities over the next few months:

Hiking

You can enjoy several options with varying degrees of difficulty at the Bacon Ridge Trail, Betty Brown Trail, Ladd Landing, Rarity Ridge and Mount Roosevelt.  If you’d like to stretch your legs closer to town, then try the Roane County Park or Kingston’s City Park.  Of course, if you just want to stick around the Whitestone grounds, then saunter up to see our prized herd of highland cattle.

Seeing a Movie

If the weather just isn’t cooperating, then head over to Turkey Creek near Knoxville and the 18-theater Regal Movie Theater.  Here, you can take in the latest motion pictures releases, some of them in 3D.  This theater features the most advanced sound and picture technology, which guarantees the true entertainment you can only get at the movies.

Going to the Theater

An alternative to seeing a big-budget Hollywood production is taking in a live stage performance or old classic films at the Tennessee Theater in Knoxville, designated as the state’s official theater.  Everything from symphony orchestra concerts to Broadway musicals happens on stage here.

Eating Well

You won’t have to venture far to enjoy a hearty gourmet meal to ward off the winter chills.  Our own Whitestone restaurant serves delicious upscale Southern cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  But if you’d like to explore Knoxville’s culinary offerings, just a half-hour drive away, check out some of our recommendations.  Enjoy a craft beer and creative entrees at the Downtown Grill and Brewery.  Savor authentic Tennessee barbecue at the locals’ favorite Calhoun’s.  Or if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, try Brazeiros, a true Brazilian steakhouse.

Skiing

Few think about gliding down the slopes in this part of the country.  That’s why it’s a well-kept secret to do some skiing, Appalachia style.  Make your way to Ober Gatlinburg, a resort with nine runs from beginner to advanced difficulty and a terrain park.  Even if you don’t ski, you can always ride up the scenic lift and enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Rewarding Yourself at the Whitestone Spa

On the Whitestone property, you can indulge in a well-deserved spa treatment…or two, or several.  Services include facials, different types of massages, scrubs and wraps.  It’s the perfect way to relax and pamper yourself during the hectic winter season.

Taking a Drive

The Cherohala Skyway runs almost 50 miles from eastern Tennessee to western North Carolina and crosses some of the most beautiful forested land in the country.  Allow us to pack a to-go lunch before you ascend and descend into the heart of the Appalachia Mountains.  Don’t forget to bring along a camera to capture some amazing scenery.

Going on an Adventure

Just southwest of Whitestone is the largest underground lake in the U.S.  Covering an incredible 4.5 acres, the Lost Sea is can’t-miss walking and boat ride tour.  Also known as the Craighead Caverns, it was mined during the Civil War for saltpeter, a necessary substance for gunpowder

Did you know that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited of its kind in the country?  Because of its vast size, it actually doesn’t seem that crowded…and in the wintertime, it appears even less so.  Most of the large bear population will be hibernating, but you can still enjoy a drive or hike around the tranquil forests and ice-adorned streams and waterfalls.  Later on, explore the nearby historic town of Gatlinburg.

Enjoying a Sunrise

If you’re in early bird, then you might just want to view the spectacle of a mist-shrouded, multicolored sunrise over Watts Bar Lake.  The good news is you’ll only have to take a short stroll from your room at Whitestone Inn, since our property sits right on the lake’s shores.  This is a great photography opportunity for all of you shutterbugs.

 

With all that’s going during an East Tennessee winter, why stay at home when you and your loved ones could be having fun here with us at Whitestone Inn? All of our rooms have an in room fireplace. Find the room you enjoy, give us a call at (865) 376-0113 and we’ll set you up for a winter holiday you’ll enjoy and treasure!