Sightseeing
This will be an experience like no other. It will surprise you, terrify you, and make you wonder what it would’ve been like to be locked up in here for the rest of your God-given life.
Tours are self-guided and former prison guards and former non-violent inmates will be nearby to answer any questions or share a brief story. You’ll be provided with a map of the prison grounds as well. There are more than 30 stations, each containing the story of what happened in that particular spot. Some will talk of violent acts, killings. Others about the moments family members came to visit. And still others will give you a glimpse inside the troubled minds of the hardened criminals that served time at Brushy.
As you move from one station to another, you'll be able to imagine what life would have been like behind these walls. These men had committed unforgivable crimes, but they still had souls. But somewhere, somehow, their lives took a wrong turn.
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Penitentiary Yase-United States Yase-Brushy Mountain State Yase-Historic
9182 TN-116This will be an experience like no other. It will surprise you, terrify you, and make you wonder what it would’ve been like to be locked up in here for the rest of your God-given life.
Tours are self-guided and former prison guards and former non-violent inmates will be nearby to answer any questions or share a brief story. You’ll be provided with a map of the prison grounds as well. There are more than 30 stations, each containing the story of what happened in that particular spot. Some will talk of violent acts, killings. Others about the moments family members came to visit. And still others will give you a glimpse inside the troubled minds of the hardened criminals that served time at Brushy.
As you move from one station to another, you'll be able to imagine what life would have been like behind these walls. These men had committed unforgivable crimes, but they still had souls. But somewhere, somehow, their lives took a wrong turn.
The world's first "legal" prison distillery
13 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Brushy Mountain Distillery
9182 TN-116The world's first "legal" prison distillery
This is a short drive away and has great hiking trails. The hike to the waterfall is a favorite. It is short and kid-friendly.
We were married here!
43 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Frozen Head State Park
964 Flat Fork RdThis is a short drive away and has great hiking trails. The hike to the waterfall is a favorite. It is short and kid-friendly.
We were married here!
This site hosts rowing regattas featuring the best crew teams from around the globe. There is a greenway that is great for walking and biking, and there is a wonderful playground for the kids.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Iphakamisa yaseMelton Lake
This site hosts rowing regattas featuring the best crew teams from around the globe. There is a greenway that is great for walking and biking, and there is a wonderful playground for the kids.
A wonderful place to learn about the history of Oak Ridge as the "Secret City." Also a fun, interactive science museum for the kids.
44 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Iziko lezokuLungisa neNkqubela ye-Amerika
115 E Main StA wonderful place to learn about the history of Oak Ridge as the "Secret City." Also a fun, interactive science museum for the kids.
Food scene
Warden's Table
9182 Tennessee 116Located at Brushy Mountain. A must-do on your visit.
Great barbecue and local brewery. Calhoun's is a Knoxville-based chain, but this location is one of the most scenic. It offers a lovely view of Melton Lake. Ask for a table outside and enjoy the day!
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Calhoun's Oak Ridge
100 Melton Lake PeninsulaGreat barbecue and local brewery. Calhoun's is a Knoxville-based chain, but this location is one of the most scenic. It offers a lovely view of Melton Lake. Ask for a table outside and enjoy the day!
A local Knoxville-based chain with delicious food and a great bar with patio seating.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Aubrey's Oak Ridge
481 S Illinois AveA local Knoxville-based chain with delicious food and a great bar with patio seating.
A local meat-and-three located on history Jackson Square. Be sure to take a look around at the other local shops and eateries on the square.
13 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Dean's Restaurant & Bakery Oak Ridge
239 Jackson SqA local meat-and-three located on history Jackson Square. Be sure to take a look around at the other local shops and eateries on the square.
A newer addition to Oak Ridge. This is a fantastic coffee shop with a great owner story. Check it out!
Bud's Farmhouse Coffee
1151 Oak Ridge TurnpikeA newer addition to Oak Ridge. This is a fantastic coffee shop with a great owner story. Check it out!
Another new Oak Ridge addition. They have a great nightlife with fun local bands and great wine selection. Stay up all night and come back for brunch. It's one of the best in town. We're not sure when the owners sleep!
201 Café and Wine Bar
201 Jackson SquareAnother new Oak Ridge addition. They have a great nightlife with fun local bands and great wine selection. Stay up all night and come back for brunch. It's one of the best in town. We're not sure when the owners sleep!
Oakey's Sports Grill
119 South Illinois AvenueA traditional sports bar with a great night life and delicious food.
THE place to go for breakfast. They also have great burgers with names like "Fat Man" and "Little Boy" that harken to Oak Ridge's Manhattan Project history.
Jefferson Fountain
22 North Jefferson CircleTHE place to go for breakfast. They also have great burgers with names like "Fat Man" and "Little Boy" that harken to Oak Ridge's Manhattan Project history.
People travel from all over the country for a slice of this New York-Style pizza. Big Ed's is an Oak Ridge landmark.
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Big Ed's Pizza
101 Broadway AvePeople travel from all over the country for a slice of this New York-Style pizza. Big Ed's is an Oak Ridge landmark.
The Donut Palace has the tastiest and most unusual donut flavors around. We are big fans of the blueberry cake and the red velvet donuts.
The Donut Palace
2010 E Broadway AveThe Donut Palace has the tastiest and most unusual donut flavors around. We are big fans of the blueberry cake and the red velvet donuts.
Like many great restaurants, this place does not look like much from the outside. It is located in a shopping plaza next to Hobby Lobby. However, it is hands down the best Mexican restaurant in Oak Ridge, and that says a lot since there are so many to choose from.
Zandunga Mexican Restaurant
374 South Illinois AvenueLike many great restaurants, this place does not look like much from the outside. It is located in a shopping plaza next to Hobby Lobby. However, it is hands down the best Mexican restaurant in Oak Ridge, and that says a lot since there are so many to choose from.
This is our second favorite Mexican spot in Oak Ridge. It is a little pricier, but the food is excellent.
El Jinete Mexican Restaurant
770 Briarcliff AveThis is our second favorite Mexican spot in Oak Ridge. It is a little pricier, but the food is excellent.
This is a fun spot to grab a craft beer. The typically have live music out on the patio on weekend nights.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Crafter's Brew Market & Social
856 Oak Ridge TurnpikeThis is a fun spot to grab a craft beer. The typically have live music out on the patio on weekend nights.
Outdoor activities
Windrock Bike Park
690 Windrock RdWindrock Offroad Park Pavilion
599 Windrock Park Ln