Many things for seniors to see and do in the Morristown, TN area
There are so many reasons for retirees to visit or relocate to the area, but one key to the quality of life here is the rich abundance of things for seniors to see and do in Morristown, TN – many of the activities at a reduced price for seniors or free.
Here in Morristown, residents will love exploring the scenic sights of Panther Creek State Park, a 1,435-acre park located on the Cherokee Reservoir in the historic Holston River Valley. Nearby marinas provide boat launching and rental boats, as well as a bait shop that supplies fishing and picnicking needs. For active outdoor enthusiasts, the park features walking, horseback riding, and biking trails. In total, the park has 17 hiking trails, each ranging in level of difficulty.
If you enjoy being out on the green, add Morristown’s Millstone Golf Course to your list of places to visit. The club offers an excellently designed course in the scenic hills of East Tennessee. After all, they are known for having the best greens around town. Not only will you find the top-class communities accommodating, this course is for every putter, of all ages and skill level. Learn more at http://www.millstonegolfclub.net/
Located down the road, just 4 minutes from our Regency community, the Crockett Tavern offers a unique and historic activity, fun for the whole family. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this top-rated attraction offers a reconstructed home in memory of Tennessee hero Davy Crockett, who spent his several years of his childhood in the area. Tours of the museum are available in the months of May through October, Tuesday through Saturday. If you are 65 and older, ask for senior discounts. Tours last approximately one hour on average.
We’re located 45 miles north of Pigeon Forge and 52 miles from Gatlinburg, which offers a wide variety of activities for seniors and their families. Attractions include:
Cades Cove – The East Tennessee mountains are calling! Cades Cove Valley is surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. Here, the one mile loop road circles the valley, offering motorists the opportunity to sightsee at a leisurely pace. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. White-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, turkeys and other wildlife are frequently spotted in the open valley of Cades Cove. Allow for at least two to four hours to tour.
Davy Crockett Mini Golf in Gatlinburg, TN – Seniors and their families can putt putt their way across an 18-hole mini golf course, which offers an interactive Smoky Mountain experience reminiscent to the olden days in the hills of Tennessee. Keep your eye out for raccoons, chipmunks, opossums, skunks, crows, and even a grizzly bear!
Gatlinburg Space Needle – Enjoy panoramic scenic views of the Great Smoky Mountains, as you ascend to the top of the needle in a glass elevator, towering 407 feet above the strip. On the observation deck, enjoy the sights as far as the eye can see using free view finders. Take in the breathtaking views, as well as the educational information rich in facts and history about Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. Tickets are $9.50 for adults, $5 for children 4–11 years of age, and $6 for seniors.
Hollywood Star Cars Museum – Home to vehicles that have been used in movies and television over the last 50 years, including The Ghost-busters Ecto-1, the majority of the collection are the authentic cars actually used on the silver screen and can be seen only in Gatlinburg, TN. The collection also includes personal vehicles owned by celebrity icons such as Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys, Bob Hope and Dolly Parton! Tours are $12.99 for adults, $6.99 for children 6-12 years of age, and free for children 6 and under. On average, the tour takes about an hour from start to finish.
Smoky Mountain Opry – an entertainment experience that brings to the stage new productions and audience favorites. It’s a journey through the music of your life, from high-energy country to rock ‘n roll, big band, gospel and movie greats.
Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede – Seniors and their families can gather together for a barrel full of music, dancing, dinner, family friendly comedy, along with the 32 stampeding horses and the South’s most talented trick and competition riders. Dinner and a show! We call that a win.
Dollywood – Set in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, this amusement park and resort features exceptional shows, the South’s largest festivals, Southern-style dining, bluegrass and gospel concerts with down home flair. In 2016, Dollywood won the Traveler’s Choice destination award by Trip Advisor as a place for all ages.
Gatlinburg’s Pancake Pantry – While there are many excellent dining options to choose from, we recommend making a trip to indulge in the made-from-scratch pancakes at none other than the Pancake Pantry. Since 1960, the Pancake Pantry has been selling their famous flapjacks like hotcakes, no pun intended. Expect a wait when you go, as hungry visitors often line down the street just for a taste of that delicious, homemade batter.
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, look for specialty shopping stores with hand-carved wood sculptures, handmade pottery, and other local artists & artisans at the Artist Loop. To learn more about things for seniors to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN, visit http://www.mypigeonforge.com/ and https://www.gatlinburg.com/to-do/attractions/
Senior discounts are available at select hotels, retail stores, restaurants, and grocery stores near these attractions. At Regency Retirement Village in Morristown, we arrange for our residents to participate in group outings to local attractions. Being part of a group of peers living together in Morristown Assisted Living makes for a great way to experience these sights and sounds.
Written by Katie Hanley