KNOXVILLE, TN - Nothing says Southern cookin' like crispy-fried catfish surrounded by hushpuppies and slaw. And nothing says summer like castin' a lazy fishin' line into Tennessee River. But even when it's too hot to fry catfish or too rainy to bait a hook, you can always catch an up close and personal view of our fin-tastic friends at one of East Tennessee's great attractions.
While August is notorious for its dog days of summer, it's also noted for National Catfish Month. And in East Tennessee, we're beating the heat and celebrating the South - wet AND wild - all month long.
Southeast*
Be sure to visit the South's favorite aquarium, the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, which features more than 9,000 creatures that swim, crawl and fly. Among them are the Aquarium's newest residents, seahorses, and of course a 100-pound blue catfish and an 87-pound flathead catfish that patrol the depths of the Nickajack Lake exhibit.
If you like your fat cats served up with fast cars, don't miss "NASCAR 3D" now showing at the IMAX® 3D Theater next to the Aquarium. The film puts race fans into the driver' s seat to experience the heart-pounding thrills of stock cars racing at breakneck speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. If you'd rather immerse yourself into the depths of the sea, take a scenic trip to "Ocean Wonderland" to glimpse sharks in a feeding frenzy, frolicking dolphins and soaring eagle rays, also showing at IMAX.
Next, make a splash at the Creative Discovery Museum in the new RiverPlay exhibit. This hands-on-just-for-kids museum is delighting children of all ages with a new, water-based exhibit that lets kids pilot a kid-size riverboat, scale a crow's nest high atop a 2½ story climbing structure, build sail boats and make water wheels spin and buckets spill.
The Southern Belle Riverboat offers a first-class ride through the Grand Canyon of the Tennessee River. And the Chattanooga Ducks, ex-military amphibious vehicles equally at home on land and water, will give nature-lovers a close-up view of Maclellan Island, an Audubon Acres wildlife sanctuary.
Across the river at 12-acre Coolidge Park, kids climb atop friendly lions and elephants and splash around with horses and turtles in the park's interactive water fountain. They also ride atop tigers, dinosaurs, and other wildlife on the park's fully-restored antique carousel.
For a calming breeze and an amazing view of the city, climb historic Lookout Mountain, where the temperature is 8 to 10 degrees cooler than in the valley. Experience Rock City's serene beauty and magnificent overlooks as you walk along the Enchanted Trail, explore the summer blossoms, and see seven states from Lover's Leap overlook. And Ruby Falls is a cool 59º all year round! Take a stroll through the winding maze of caves that lead to the 145-foot natural waterfall, which cascades deep within the heart of Lookout Mountain.
And for the outdoor adventurers in your group, Tennessee's first Blueway runs through the heart of downtown Chattanooga, while the Ocoee River challenges even the toughest whitewater rafters with an Olympic course.
Middle East*
Just up the road in Sweetwater, America's largest underground lake, the Lost Sea, will keep the whole family captivated with its glass-bottom boat ride.
Knoxville's Volunteer landing features great scenic views of the Tennessee River, wonderful local restaurants, and a mile-long walkable waterside trail. In addition, the landing is the starting point for the Star of Knoxville riverboat.
Explore the Amazon exhibit at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, a 27,000-gallon fresh water system. In it you'll find Redtailed catfish and Black Doradid, both of which hail from South American fresh water species found in the Amazon River basin. These fish reach lengths of a meter or more, and while the Black Doradid is a docile bottom feeder, the Redtailed catfish can be a formidable predator.
Then make a splash at Dolly's Splash Country or enjoy the bummer boat rides you'll find lining the strip in Pigeon Forge.
In Sevierville, Forbidden Caverns, constantly a cool 57 degrees, houses crystal clear streams and a unique history. Eastern Woodland Indians used the caverns as a natural shelter for warmth in the winter and enjoyed the continuous supply of running water.
Fish on Douglas, Cherokee, and Norris Lakes in the Middle East Tennessee region. Get a taste of Houston's Mineral Water in New Market where the water is said to be blessed by an angel. Explore the Cherokee National Forest with its many waterfalls, or hike Fall Creek Falls State Park to see the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies.
Situated on the banks of Lake Tellico, Fort Loudon State Historic Area offers fishing, swimming, and hiking trails in addition to the events going on at this 18th Century British fort replica.
Northeast*
The Nation's First Frontier is filled with more than historic sites and scenic overlooks. The beautiful lakes, streams, and rivers that dot the landscape flow through the heart of a pristine, mountainous region.
Lake Watagua is the perfect place for boating and fishing, and a drive up Roan Mountain provides some of Tennessee's most amazing scenery.
Historic Jonesborough offers the Wetlands Water Park, featuring 3 water slides, 155-foot lazy river, swimming areas, café, sand volleyball, an arcade and hiking trails.
Kingsport's Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium is a 3,000-acre nature preserve featuring more than 22 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, native animal habitats, planetarium, freshwater Aquarian featuring native fish, solar observatory and barge rides on a 44-acre lake.
In that same neck of the woods, Warrior's Path State Park features paddle boats, kayaks and 12-miles of hiking trails. Five miles of the trails feature ancient Beech and Oak forests, expansive views of the lake and fields and a diversity of wildlife. In addition, mountain biking and guided horseback riding are also offered.
For extreme hikers, just over 156 miles of the Appalachian Trail run through the heart of Northeast Tennessee.
And for extreme outdoor adventurers, shoot the rapids of the upper and lower Nolichucky River for some spectacular whitewater rafting.
From the rivers to the mountains and the valleys in between, there's always something going on in East Tennessee. Pack up the car, the kids and the swimsuits and cool your heels in East Tennessee.
And if you snag a catfish the size of a Volkswagen, call the Aquarium!
For more information or to order a free Tennessee Vacation Guide, visit TNVacation.com.