The Three Rivers Rambler (Volunteer Landing, 865/524-9411, www.threeriversrambler.com, adults $19, seniors $17, children 3–12 $11) is an 11-mile scenic railroad excursion that departs from downtown Knoxville. The ride travels along the Tennessee River past Island Home airport to the confluence of the Holston and French Broad Rivers. The journey takes 90 minutes and takes you past farmland and old quarries. The open-air car is a real treat in pleasant weather.

Rambles take place on weekends from May to August, with departures at 2 and 5 p.m. Special seasonal Halloween and Christmas excursions are also offered. You can reserve tickets online or up to 30 minutes before departure at the ticket counter.

To get to the Three Rivers Rambler, take Neyland Drive (Hwy. 158) along the Tennessee River. Look for parking lot C-18 on the shore side of the road, where Rambler guests may park for free.

The Tennessee Riverboat Company (300 Neyland Dr., 865/525-7827, www.tnriverboat.com) offers dinner cruises and daytime sightseeing cruises down the Tennessee River on an old-fashioned paddleboat.