Morristown Travel Guide

Explore the rich history and scenic beauty of Morristown, Tennessee with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top things to do, places to visit, food to try, and where to stay.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Morristown, Tennessee

Morristown is a charming town nestled in the rolling hills of Eastern Tennessee, located south of Knoxville. It is the perfect destination to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the state. From museums and historic sites to outdoor adventures and scenic views, Morristown offers something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the top things to do, places to visit, food to try, and where to stay in Morristown.

List of Places to Visit in Morristown

Morristown is home to several culturally significant museums and historical sites, as well as natural attractions that offer outdoor adventures and scenic views. Here are some of the top places to visit in Morristown:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Rose Center for the Arts: This historic building was once a school and has now been transformed into a cultural center. Visitors can explore the galleries, attend live performances, and take classes in art, music, and theater.
  • McMinn Living Heritage Museum: This museum showcases the history of Morristown and the surrounding area. Visitors can view exhibits on agriculture, transportation, and aviation, as well as a collection of Civil War artifacts.
  • Crockett Tavern Museum: This reconstructed log cabin is a tribute to Davy Crockett, who was born in the nearby town of Limestone. Visitors can explore the cabin and learn about Crockett’s life and legacy.
  • General Longstreet Museum: This museum is housed in the home of Confederate General James Longstreet. Visitors can view exhibits on the Civil War and Longstreet’s life, as well as tour the historic home.

Natural Attractions of Morristown: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cherokee Lake: This beautiful lake offers fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. Visitors can also take in the scenic views by hiking one of the nearby trails.
  • Panther Creek State Park: This expansive park offers hiking trails, camping sites, and a beach for swimming and picnicking.
  • Russell Cave National Monument: This cave was once inhabited by prehistoric Native Americans and offers a glimpse into their way of life. Visitors can view exhibits and take guided tours of the cave.
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: This world-renowned national park is a short drive from Morristown and offers breathtaking mountain views, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Morristown

Morristown offers several hiking and biking routes that allow visitors to explore the town’s natural beauty. Here are some of the best:

  • Cumberland Trail: This 50-mile trail runs through Morristown and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can hike or bike the trail.
  • Panther Creek State Park: This park offers several hiking trails, including the Panther Creek Trail, which leads to a waterfall.
  • Cherokee Lake: Visitors can hike the trails around the lake’s shoreline or bike on the nearby roads.

Best Things to Do in Morristown: Activities and Tours

Morristown offers a wide range of activities and tours, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. Here are some of the best things to do in Morristown:

  • White Lightning Trail Festival: This annual festival celebrates Morristown’s history as a moonshine capital. Visitors can enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and moonshine tasting.
  • Skydive East Tennessee: Visitors can experience the thrill of skydiving with the experienced instructors at Skydive East Tennessee.
  • Morristown Ghost Tours: This guided tour takes visitors through Morristown’s historic district and tells the spooky tales of its past.
  • Morristown Farmers Market: Visitors can sample and purchase fresh produce and locally made goods at this weekly farmers market.

Week-Long Itinerary for Morristown

To fully explore all that Morristown has to offer, we recommend spending at least a week in the area. Here is a sample itinerary for a week in Morristown:

Day 1: Explore the Rose Center for the Arts and take in a live performance.

Day 2: Visit the McMinn Living Heritage Museum and the Crockett Tavern Museum.

Day 3: Take a guided tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Day 4: Go fishing or boating on Cherokee Lake.

Day 5: Take a hike in Panther Creek State Park and visit the beach.

Day 6: Explore the historic district of Morristown on a ghost tour.

Day 7: Sample fresh produce and locally made goods at the Morristown Farmers Market.

Food and Drink Scene of Morristown

Morristown offers a variety of dining options, from down-home Southern cooking to international cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Country Ham Sandwich: This local specialty features thinly sliced ham, often served with homemade biscuits or cornbread.
  • Fried Green Tomatoes: A Southern classic, fried green tomatoes are a tangy and crispy appetizer.
  • Biscuits and Gravy: This breakfast staple features biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy.

Local Beverages

  • Moonshine: Morristown was once a major producer of moonshine, and visitors can still sample this potent beverage at local distilleries.
  • Craft Beer: Morristown boasts several craft breweries, with a variety of beers on tap.

Where to Stay in Morristown: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Morristown offers several options for lodging, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Hampton Inn Morristown: This hotel offers comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast.
  • Super 8 by Wyndham Morristown/South: This budget-friendly hotel provides clean and comfortable accommodations.
  • Cumberland Gap Inn: This cozy inn offers spacious rooms and is located near several hiking trails.

What to Buy in Morristown: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Morristown offers several unique souvenirs and local products that make for great gifts or keepsakes. Here are some ideas:

  • Moonshine: Visitors can purchase bottles of locally made moonshine to take home.
  • Handcrafted Pottery: Morristown is home to several talented potters, and visitors can purchase handmade pottery at local shops.
  • Morristown T-Shirts: Show your love for Morristown with a t-shirt featuring the town’s name or iconic landmarks.

Local Culture and Customs of Morristown

Morristown is a friendly and welcoming town, known for its Southern hospitality. Visitors should be prepared for slow-paced living and a laid-back atmosphere. It is customary to say “yes ma’am” and “no sir” as a sign of respect.

Best Time to Visit Morristown

The best time to visit Morristown is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be chilly with occasional snowfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Morristown

Do:

  • Do take in the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.
  • Do try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Do be respectful of the town’s history and culture.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural attractions.
  • Don’t be rude or disrespectful to locals.
  • Don’t drive recklessly on the winding mountain roads.

Safety and Health

Safety in Morristown

Morristown is a relatively safe town, but visitors should take normal precautions when traveling. Lock car doors and keep valuable items out of sight, especially when hiking.

Health in Morristown

Visitors to Morristown should be aware of the dangers of tick bites, as Lyme disease is prevalent in the area. It is recommended to wear long pants and sleeves and use insect repellent when hiking.

Getting to Morristown: Transportation Options and Logistics

Morristown is located about an hour east of Knoxville and is easily accessible by car or bus. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Morristown

  • McGhee Tyson Airport: This airport is located in Knoxville and is about an hour’s drive from Morristown.
  • Tri-Cities Airport: This airport is located in Blountville and is about an hour and a half’s drive from Morristown.

Bus Stations Near Morristown

  • Greyhound Bus Station: This bus station is located in Knoxville and offers daily service to Morristown.

Other Options

  • Rental Cars: Several rental car companies operate in the Knoxville area, providing visitors with a convenient way to explore Morristown and the surrounding area.

How to Get Around in Morristown

Morristown is a small town and easily walkable, but a car is recommended to explore the surrounding countryside. Taxis and rideshare options are also available.

Where to Go Next from Morristown: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Morristown is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Gatlinburg: This charming mountain town is located about an hour’s drive from Morristown and offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities.
  • Pigeon Forge: This tourist destination is about an hour’s drive from Morristown and offers attractions such as Dollywood and the Titanic Museum.
  • Cumberland Gap National Historical Park: Located about an hour’s drive from Morristown, this park offers hiking trails and scenic views.

Conclusion

Morristown is a hidden gem in Eastern Tennessee, offering rich history, natural beauty, and Southern hospitality. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can make the most of their time in Morristown and explore all that this charming town has to offer.

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