Tennessee Welcome Center I-26 Unicoi County — Attraction in Erwin

Normally loved this place, clean restrooms and and they were always nice before. But this past time I parked along the rear next to the sidewalk taking up 2 spots because I'm oversize. Keep in mind that's something I have done so many times before and nothing has ever been said before, I'm in and out around 15 minutes not bothering anybody and not doing anything wrong. A security member asked as soon as I opened the door to come inside how long I would be, I said long enough to use the restroom. I may have been inside 5 minutes, when I came back out he taking pictures of the truck I was driving. I then asked why he took pictures of the truck, because I knew I didn't do anything wrong. He told me he was told to do so, I asked him why he was told to do so. He then proceeds to give me a couple of bullcrap reasons that made no sense whatsoever. He tells me I can't take up 2 spots, I then point out I have done that so many times and no one has ever said anything about it. Plus, there are no signs saying oversize can not be in that rest area, doesn't matter where I park I will take up 2 spaces. He then tells me something that was simply idiotic, he then says I can't park on the curb or the sidewalk because they can not take the weight. At this point I loose all patience with the man because he told me that while looking at it. I was 2.5 feet off of the curb and sidewalk, I was a wide load but I parked far enough off of the curb the load wasn't even hanging over the curb or sidewalk, I made sure to that so I wouldn't be in the way of people walking. When he said that I realized he was doing it for no reason. I then wanted to talk to a supervisor, but he claimed that he was not there, he went home for the day. But he told me earlier that he was told to take a picture of the truck but then claimed the supervisor wasn't there, my question is who would have told him to do that if wasn't a supervisor? There was so much more to the conversation but I think I made the point of how ridiculous this entire exchange was. The man was lying to me and wouldn't give me a legit reason. The entire exchange plus me going inside lasted about 10 minutes, but there is a 2 hour parking limit at that location. I cannot come up with a single reason why he would do that, I wasn't doing anything wrong or bothering anybody. Do I not have the right to use the restroom just like everybody else does? This man was a a** to me for absolutely no reason whatsoever. It seems the only reason he done it is because he wanted to. He wasn't wearing any identification so I cannot tell his name, I would if I knew it. Unfortunately I did raise my voice during the altercation but considering the circumstances I will not apologize because I have every right to be angry, I did absolutely nothing wrong. I think I was discriminated against simply because I drive a truck, because there was no reason for him doing what he did. He kept bringing up that I'm oversize but there are no signs or anything to indicate that oversize loads are not allowed in...

One of the nicest of the 16 welcome centers in the state. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pro tip 1: If you're in desperate need of the toilet🚽, enter the main building on the right side↪️, this takes you right to the men's and women's 🚾🚻 restrooms.

Pro tip 2: if you're having a snack attack, go for the building to the right 👉. This is the vending machine room. Two large double doors usher you into what could only be called luxury snack headquarters! You'll find a K-cup vending machine like I've never seen anywhere else, complete with a wide variety of coffees ☕etc. A microwave oven free to use, and a host of other vending style machines (see photos & video below) .

Pro tip 3: Your children, or your inner child, will find a delightful miniature world on the far right side of the property not far from some picnic table. (See photo & video below for a sneak peek.)

Pro tip 4: The main building is always staffed by friendly folks who know all the good tourist stuff about Tennessee. Be sure and sign the guest book.

Pro tip 5: in the main building to the left ⬅️ you'll find a nice living room with rustic, yet comfy, rocking chair🪑. Sit down and take in the country style. This room provides a nice place to take a group picture 📸, especially if this is your first entry into the Tennessee hills!

Parking 🅿️ is plentiful and well lit and it's handicap and stroller accessible ♿. The views here are spectacular 🌄, and if you're really into scenic views there are two available in the miles leading up to the exit for the rest area. But you'll have to plan ahead because they can only be accessed west-bound on I-26 and before you get to this rest area. So plan ahead of try again next time.

Thanks for reading this and welcome to...

A nice and clean stop for a bathroom break, this welcome center is 8 or so miles into Tennessee and located at an exit. You'll find separate areas for cars and trucks. There is a pet walking area though limited shade if you were planning to get a nap on a hot day.

Inside, clean restrooms, water fountains, wifi and a dedicated area with information on local hotels, shopping and tourism attractions including maps and details from several counties in Tennessee. Outside, it's a beautiful structure that fits in well with the rural motif in this area.

The welcome center is available for those heading south as well, but there aren't any North Carolina brochures or information on local...