TN Vacation? (Knoxville, Chattanooga, Oak Ridge: rentals, waterpark, hotels)

[fishinginasuit]

Hey all!
We travelled to Eastern TN a few years back and I keep thinking about heading back but for a more localized vacation instead of the grinding road trip I drug my wife and daughter on.
I am looking for any suggestions on places where we could stay for a few days that provided access to a lake for fishing and where a boat could be rented possibly; basically a relaxing stay; but still in an area where we could head out during the day and do shopping, see sights, go to a waterpark or something, or just explore; in Eastern TN again.
I know this probably describes a million places and I have seen a few of them online but a few recommendations might invigorate the process. I like a relaxing stay and would love to fish which the wife and kid don't mind, but we like to eat out, and they like to go places and do things.
Thanks.
Chris

[Grizzlybear34]

Outside of Chattanooga is a place called Hales Bar marina. I could go into an explanation, but here is the site that can tell you more. Sounds like what you are looking for and about a 25 minute drive to Chattanooga on I-24.

Hales Bar Marina and Resort on Nickajack Lake, Tennessee

[knoxgarden]

Pittman Center in the Smokies would be a good choice. It's a small town that resists growth. Nice B&Bs and easy access to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Pittman Center, Tennessee
My favorite place is Historic Rugby. More off the beaten path, but not that far from Oak Ridge and Knoxville.
Historic Rugby, Tennessee
And there's always Blackberry Farm, a world class spa tucked away in the Smokies.
Blackberry Farm
Or stay in Knoxville. There's a wonderful and very affordable "boutique" hotel, Hotel St. Oliver, right downtown on Market Square.
Hotel St Oliver - Knoxville, TN
You can take off to fish for the day and your wife and daughter can explore the shops and restaurants. Lots of nightlife, too.

[oldmanbob]

Check on several of the Tennessee State parks, as Big Ridge is in Union county, and Fall Creek Falls has the best sights, and is in Pikeville, and most have either Cabin lodging, or a Motel, and all are in short drives of Knoxville. Sevier County, loaded with tourists places, and all kinds of resturants, and water parks, but probably opens around Memorial day.

[fishinginasuit]

Thanks much!
I like the place on Nickajack but I would like to stay more in the Smokies.

[Pam& Bill]

How about Dandridge? Douglas Lake Has fishing, rentals and boat rentals and you are close to Pigeon Forge and that place is loaded with shopping.
Hope this link works for you.
Tennessee > Douglas Lake lake vacations, lake rentals, vacation rentals, lake house rental, lake home rental, for rent, homes, rentals, lakefront, waterfront
Pam

[fishinginasuit]

Anyone stayed at any of these places mentioned aboe or any other recommendations?
I would love to stay on a lake with boat rentals and have places to visit for the day when not fishing.

[Pam& Bill]

I haven't stayed at Douglas Lake myself as we live here in Dandridge, I have enjoyed the shopping at Pigeon Forge though.
Pam