The effervescent Parrot Mountain and Gardens is located just outside Pigeon Forge and is a must for families, friends, locals, and visitors. The four acres harbor hundreds of tropical birds and thousands of trees, plants, and flowers. Guests are given the opportunity to interact directly with the beautifully plumed birds, petting and feeding them in the designated area. There is even a nursery where guests are welcome to hold the baby birds. Overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains is the deck, where lunch from the deli may be enjoyed while the birds serenade. A secret garden is lush with birds flying freely and pathways that display all of the gorgeous flowers.

Just outside Newcastle, the remains of Hadrian’s wall recall the engineering skills of ancient Rome. Crossing rivers and cliffs, the former frontier fortification stretches over 80 miles in the north of the British Island. A visit to the wall including the Roman fort and museum should be planned as a whole day trip.

Loon Mountain, a beautiful, snow-capped peak located in Lincoln's White Mountain National Forest, is a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In the winter, it’s a favorite for skiers and snowboarders, offering a range of slopes, terrain parks, and family-friendly options. Come summer, the mountain transforms with activities like zip-lining, scenic gondola rides, mountain biking, and the Aerial Forest Adventure Park.

Alpine Adventures is one of the top spots for outdoor excitement in the White Mountains. Known for having the first zip-line canopy tour in New England, they offer several zip-line courses that take you high above the treetops with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. For an even more adventurous experience, visitors can try their thrilling off-road tours, which use military-grade Pinzgauer vehicles to navigate rugged terrain. In addition, the Thrillsville Aerial Park is perfect for those looking to challenge themselves with climbing walls, obstacle courses, and the BigAirBag Stuntzone, where you can take daring jumps.