Points of Interest between Branson, Missouri to Gatlinburg, Tennessee

picture of Branson, Missouri

Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Branson, MO to Gatlinburg, TN

Are you looking for an adventurous road trip from Branson, Missouri to Gatlinburg, Tennessee? This journey would take approximately 10 hours and cover over 500 miles of beautiful sceneries and charming small towns. Along the way, there are some unexpected stops that are not only worth visiting but also providing you with unforgettable memories.

Halfway Point: Grand Rivers, KY

Before exploring five unexpected places to stop on the way to Gatlinburg, let's first acknowledge the halfway point of the drive: Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Grand Rivers is a small town situated along the border of two of the United States' largest lakes - Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. It is regarded as the village between the lakes. These two beautiful lakes in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area are known for their water sports, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching.

  1. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY (Bolded Title) The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is a vast, 170,000-acre peninsula that is situated between the Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. This national recreation area offers various outdoor recreational activities that include camping, hiking, biking, sky watching, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also learn about the history of the area in the Golden Pond Planetarium and Observing Center, Woodlands Nature Station, and Homeplace 1850s Working Farm. The Golden Pond Planetarium and Observing Center offers educational and entertaining shows that include stargazing while the Woodlands Nature Station takes the visitors on a tour of the native plants and animals of the area. Homeplace 1850s Working Farm is a living history museum that demonstrates farm life in 1850s.

Favorite Food: Sweet Kentucky Barbecue from The Willow Pond Southern Catfish and Barbecue.

  1. Nashville, TN (Bolded Title) Nashville is famously known as the Music City. It is only a two-hour drive away from Grand Rivers. Country music can be heard on every street corner, or you can visit the Music Row or the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Other popular tourist attractions include the Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium, Belle Meade Plantation, and Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. The Nashville area is also famous for its hot chicken and biscuits, which are a must-try while in town.

Favorite Food: Hot chicken from Hattie B's Hot Chicken and biscuits from Biscuit Love.

  1. Cherokee, NC (Bolded Title) Cherokee is a small town located in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. The town is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and visitors can learn about the tribe's history and culture in the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Oconaluftee Indian Village. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a myriad of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. The famous road that takes visitors through the park is the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is an incredibly scenic drive that begins in Virginia and ends in Cherokee.

Favorite Food: Fry bread from Granny's Kitchen.

  1. Pigeon Forge, TN (Bolded Title) Pigeon Forge is a small town that is home to Dollywood, an amusement park opened by Dolly Parton in 1986. Visitors can ride the popular roller coasters, water rides, and a steam train that follows the park's perimeter. The Dixie Stampede Dinner Show and Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Show offer an evening of entertainment with dinner, live music, and performances. Other popular attractions include WonderWorks, the Titanic Museum, and the Hollywood Wax Museum.

Favorite Food: Southern-style pulled pork from Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que.

  1. Sevierville, TN (Bolded Title) Sevierville is a small town located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the birthplace of Dolly Parton, and visitors can learn more about her life at the Dolly Parton statue and the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, hiking, and scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. For indoor entertainment, check out the Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort and the NASCAR SpeedPark.

Favorite Food: Applewood-smoked bacon from the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant.

Conclusion

The drive from Branson, Missouri to Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a must-take journey with plenty of unexpected and charming places to stop on the way. Visiting the five unexpected stops mentioned here, including the halfway point in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, will not only provide refreshment and relaxation but also unforgettable memories. So, pack your bags, get in the car, and hit the road!