Fall in the Smokies isn’t just about scenic drives and hikes—it’s also a time to savor the season’s best flavors. With charming markets and cozy coffee shops, the Peaceful Side is brimming with autumnal treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. These are our top picks.
Photos courtesy of Amburn’s Market.
Amburn’s Market in Maryville is fully stocked with fall goodies, including apple and pumpkin butters, jelly pumpkins and pumpkin spice caramels, caramel and candy apples, creamed honey, apple cider and a variety of baked goods. Indulge in fresh pumpkin bars, pumpkin Biscoff cake, pumpkin bread, pumpkin roll slices, pumpkin spice yogurt pretzels or pumpkin whoopie pies.
While you’re there, you can also pick up your fall decor. They have pumpkins and gourds, corn stalks, small scarecrows and mums.
Photo courtesy of Apple Valley Mountain Village.
Apple Valley Mountain Village in Townsend has pumpkin fudge and pumpkin praline fudge. At the Apple Valley Cafe, enjoy their famous fried apple pie.
Bear Grounds Coffee in Maryville is offering pumpkin spice lattes—hot, cold or frappe. They recommend adding brown sugar cold foam for the full fall effect.
Photo courtesy of Bigfoot Popcorn.
Bigfoot Popcorn in Maryville has a limited-edition pumpkin spice flavor, perfect for getting cozy and watching your favorite fall series.
Photo courtesy of Blackhorse Pub & Brewery – Alcoa.
The Dancing Bean in Townsend added the Pumpkin Spice Latte, Apple-achian Chai-der (apple cider and chai), Honey Bear Latte (butter pecan, honey and caramel) and Pumpkin Cinnamon Horchata to the fall menu.
RT Lodge in Maryville has Caramel Apple Cake and Caramel Floating Island on the menu.
Photos courtesy of Towns End Coffee.
Towns End Coffee in Townsend has several seasonal beverages, including Campfire Cold Brew (chocolate and marshmallow), The Cozy Pumpkin and Stars Hollow (salted caramel, toffee crunch and pumpkin). Pair your coffee with a pumpkin cream cheese muffin.
Vienna Coffee House in Maryville is honoring local bakers with lattes that mimic their signature items for the month of October. They have lattes for Small Comforts Kitchen (gluten free) – Brown Sugar Cinnamon Hand Pie Latte (brown sugar and cinnamon), Crustic – Cardamom Bun Latte (brown sugar, honey, and cardamom) and Hammie’s Sammies – Vanilla Almond Macaron Latte (vanilla, almond, amaretto, and white chocolate).
Photo courtesy of the Walnut Kitchen.
The Walnut Kitchenin Maryville is serving the Tellico Grains Cinnamon Roll, topped with house bourbon caramel, bacon, walnuts and vanilla bean ice cream.
Will you be trying any of these sweet treats? We’d love to hear about it. Be sure to tag us on social media (@peacefulsmokies).
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
In February, local leaders unveiled a master plan to revitalize Downtown Maryville, focusing on six key goals: economic investment, expanding housing options, creating interconnected public spaces, promoting placemaking, improving connectivity and accessibility, and broadening the customer base. As Downtown Maryville evolves, its historic charm endures. Take a stroll down Broadway and explore the past lives of the city’s most iconic buildings.
Then: New Providence Presbyterian Church
Now: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Columbian Hall, Broadway entrance. Photo courtesy of University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Libraries.
Location:314 W. Broadway Ave., Maryville, TN
New Providence Presbyterian Church was one of Maryville’s first two churches. This fourth building, completed in 1893, initially served as a community space known as Columbian Hall from 1893 to 1911. A large Sabbath school annex was added in 1916. In 1953, the congregation moved to its current Gothic-style structure across from Maryville High School. Today, the building houses St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
Many of Maryville’s early leaders are buried in the New Providence Church Cemetery, including William Bennet Scott Sr., the first African American to run a newspaper in Tennessee. His paper was Maryville’s only one for a decade. Scott also helped establish the town’s Freedman’s Normal Institute and was elected mayor of Maryville in 1869.
Then: White Star Bus Station
Now: White Star Station (Event Venue)
White Star Station event venue. Photo courtesy of White Star Station.
Location:133 W. Broadway Ave., Maryville, TN
Built in 1800, this building was partially destroyed by arson in the early 1900s. In 1926, it became home to Maryville’s first bus service, the White Star Bus Line. During the 1930s, it housed a Sterchi Brothers store, a Knoxville-based company that once held the title of the world’s largest furniture chain. In 2015, the building was restored and transformed into a premier event space.
Then: Park Theatre
Now: Bluetick Tavern
The Capitol Theatre (left) and Park Theatre (right).
Location:128 W. Broadway Ave., Maryville, TN
This building was originally home to the Park Theatre, one of three theaters in Downtown Maryville. Later, it became the fourth and final location of Roy’s Record Shop, a beloved hub for music enthusiasts, operating from 1965 until its closing in 2007. It’s now Bluetick Tavern, a popular spot for pizza, burgers, and drinks.
Then: WA Dunlap Building
Now: The Capitol Theatre
Location:127 W. Broadway Ave., Maryville, TN
This site was originally the WA Dunlap Building, built around 1910, and home to the Bogle McCammon Furniture Co. and Undertaking establishment. Later, the J.C. Penney Company leased the space until 1934, when the Crescent Amusement Company, which owned theaters throughout the South, constructed the Capitol Theatre. It became the largest movie house in downtown Maryville, with seating for nearly 1,000 people.
The Capitol Theatre closed in the 1970s, and various tenants followed, including a record shop, disco, wedding dress store, and sports collectibles shop. In 2008, the theater was revived and is now an award-winning event space, featuring an art deco coffee shop and ice cream parlor.
Then: Bank of Maryville
Now: Available for lease
Bank of Maryville.
Location:131 E. Broadway Ave., Maryville, TN
This building was the third home of the Bank of Maryville, established in 1885 to support the growing banking needs of Maryville College, which was one of the town’s largest institutions at the time. The bank later merged with the Bank of Blount County, located nearby at 101-103 W Broadway Ave. In the 1980s, it became First Tennessee Bank, eventually rebranding as First Horizon Bank in 2019.
Then: Federal Building
Now: Office building
Federal Building. Photo courtesy of Blount County Public Library.
Location:201 E. Broadway Ave., Maryville, TN
This was Blount County’s first federal building, serving as the Main Post Office from 1917 to 1962 and then as a branch from 1962 to 1990. In 1935, it became the first headquarters for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Most recently, it was home to a family dentistry practice.
Then: Maryville’s Public Library
Now: Dandy Lions Gifts
A.K. Harper Memorial Library. Photo courtesy of University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Special Collections.
Location:300 E. Church St., Maryville, TN
Built in 1917, this served as Maryville’s first library building. In 1931, it was dedicated to the late mayor A.K. Harper. It continued to house Blount County’s Public Library until 1981, when a larger building was occupied. Then, the American Red Cross moved in and remained until 2006. Since 2007, the former library has belonged to Dandy Lions Gifts. Two concrete lions, installed by the current owner, serve as a reminder of the building’s past.
Do you have a favorite memory in Downtown Maryville? We’d love to hear about it. Be sure to tag us on social media (@peacefulsmokies).
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
Forget the famous names in history. At the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, one series turns its attention to the daily life of an ordinary settler family in 1830s Blount County.
The center’s “A Year in the Life of an Early-American Family: The Davis Family of Seymour, Tennessee, c. 1835” uses the Davis family’s historic log house and farmstead to explore how families lived, worked and survived in 1830s Blount County.
Rather than offering a single snapshot of the past, the series follows the farming year from fall harvest through spring. It began last September and continues through May, with programs covering everything from gardening and herbal medicine to spinning, weaving, cooking and music.
“I thought it would be great for our guests to get a sense of the typical, everyday life in the early 19th century for European settler families,” said Trevor Lanier, curator at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. “Many of our guests see snapshots of various moments in lives from the past, but this program gives them a much more in-depth view of the farming year and other facets.”
The Davis family is a natural fit for that kind of storytelling. Their cabin sits at the heart of the Heritage Center’s 1830s farmstead, alongside the heirloom garden and other historic features. Lanier said the site offered the strongest opportunity to build a full series around both the agricultural calendar and cultural year.
On Sept. 29, 2022, Rex Davis and Jean Davis dedicated the Davis Family Cabin at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, officially opening the preserved family home to the public. Photo courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.
The series was made possible through funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission, which helped the Heritage Center bring in knowledgeable artists such as instructors, musicians, living history interpreters, spinners, weavers and gardeners.
While the focus is on the Davises, the series more broadly reflects what life looked like for a family living in this region at that time. That means the research goes well beyond the house itself. It also considers the political and cultural realities of the period, including the complex web of treaties with the Cherokee during the era.
Guests can attend a single event or follow the full series across the seasons. Each event was designed to stand on its own, but together, they create a fuller picture of what a year in the life of a family like the Davises might have looked like.
And according to Lanier, that life was anything but quaint.
“More chores than we can possibly imagine,” he said with a laugh.
He described days that started before dawn with caring for animals and continued with “tons of manual labor,” from cooking and cleaning to plowing, planting and animal husbandry.
One of the clearest windows into that workload is the Davis family’s original loom, still in the house today. Lanier said women in the family would have spent much of the year spinning wool into yarn, then weaving that yarn into cloth, blankets and rugs during the warmer months before sewing the final products.
“We’re so used to fast fashion and going to the store to get what we need. Realizing someone spent the majority of their time just spinning is a shock to modern people,” Lanier said.
Just one pair of pants, for example, took about nine miles of yarn.
“I think something I see most often is our guests tend to look at our log homes as cozy and quaint and romanticize what it would’ve been like living there,” he said. “It’s just so much more difficult when you really imagine actual life back then.”
“Life was hard. They didn’t know what we do now about medicine, food access, convenience and leisure time. Most of us wouldn’t even make it a day back then!”
The series doesn’t just celebrate old-time skills. It uses them to create context.
“There’s an intangible magic that happens when guests get to immerse themselves in a story,” Lanier said. “It brings it to life in a way that reading can’t. In a small sense, they get to live it, even if for a moment, and by that they hopefully get to understand their world a little better.”
That immersion takes many forms throughout the series, from open-hearth cooking and daily life interpretation with Donna Stinnett to herbal medicine with Debbie Dickey. Gardening programs come with help from the Tuckaleechee Garden Club, while local artists, musicians, spinners and weavers feature the sounds and skills of the era.
The Tuckaleechee Garden Club leads guests through hands-on seed saving activities during the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center’s Davis Family Programming Series, highlighting how families like the Davises relied on heirloom seeds in daily life. Photo courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.
For Lanier, the Davis family works so well because their story was not unusual.
“The main reason we chose the Davis family is that their story is so reflective,” he said. “It is the story of early European settlers in the area.”
“It’s so important to experience the stories of everyday people, not just the George Washingtons or Andrew Johnsons,” Lanier said.
In the end, that is what this series does best. It connects the daily labor of one family to the bigger story of how communities were built, how land was settled and how the past still shapes life in the Smokies today.
“My biggest goal is for people to understand that history is not just about facts and dates,” Lanier said. “It’s about understanding the threads that connect us across time that helps us understand our world a little better.”
“A Year in the Life of an Early-American Family: The Davis Family of Seymour, Tennessee c. 1835” is free and open to the public, with upcoming events primarily promoted on the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center’s Facebook page. All ages are welcome.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
The early 20th century marked a period of transformation for the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Following the forced removal of the Cherokee people in the late 1830s, European settlers brought new developments to the region. The advent of commercial logging at the turn of the century drastically altered the natural landscape and sparked conversations about conservation. Browse through these vintage postcards and experience the Peaceful Side as it was over 100 years ago.
“The Smoky Mountains, Little River“
This postcard, postmarked in Maryville on Sept. 24, 1912, captures a tranquil view of the Little River. The Little River begins at Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and gains strength as it reaches the foothills.
In 2022, a resolution was passed to restore Clingmans Dome’s original Cherokee name, Kuwahi, which means “mulberry place.” The headwaters of the Little River, considered sacred by the Cherokee, remain a significant cultural landmark today.
The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company, established in 1901, built 150 miles of railroads and sawed 560 million board feet of timber along the Little River and its tributaries. The last logs came out of the mountains in 1939, 15 years after the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP).
“In the heart of the Smokies. Elkmont, Tenn. Altitude 2,428 ft.”
Elkmont began as a hunting camp, but in the early 1900s, the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company turned it into a logging town. Once the company started offering train service for passengers, Elkmont became a popular getaway for wealthy locals, especially in the summertime.
In 1910, the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company subdivided Elkmont, selling 50 acres to the Appalachian Club, a group of wealthy Knoxville businessmen. A few years later, three brothers from Knoxville purchased 65 acres and opened the Wonderland Hotel. Both clubs closed in the early 1990s, after their rental agreements with the Tennessee state government ended. Today, Elkmont hosts the most popular campground in the GSMNP.
“In the Smoky Mountains Near Maryville, Tennessee“
This snapshot of the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, near Maryville, was taken by Bayard Wootten (1875-1959). Wootten was a pioneering female photographer from North Carolina who became the first woman to serve in the North Carolina National Guard as “Chief of Publicity.” In this role, she used her photography to raise public awareness and support for the Guard. Wootten was also among the first women in the U.S. to take aerial photographs. Throughout her career, she produced over a million images.
Mailed from Maryville to Knoxville on July 3, 1912, this postcard provides a glimpse into early 20th-century tourism in the Great Smoky Mountains. In the foreground, two women wear white cotton dresses, serving as a reminder of how much outdoor fashion has evolved over the past century.
Interested in learning more about the history of the Peaceful Side of the Smokies? We’re home to a variety of free and low-cost museums.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
View of the Walker sisters’ cabin from the trail. Photo by Emily Huffstetler.
Just beyond Townsend, a quiet trail leads to one of the Smokies’ best-preserved homesites. Starting at Metcalf Bottoms, the 3.4-mile route passes Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse and follows an old roadbed to a preserved cabin, springhouse and corn crib. Six sisters, all unmarried, lived here together as the surrounding land became Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
John Walker, father of the Walker sisters, poses with cherries from his orchard. He was a blacksmith, carpenter, miller and farmer. NPS Archives.
Margaret Jane, Mary Elizabeth ‘Polly,’ Martha Ann, Nancy Melinda, Louisa Susan and Hettie Rebecca remained on the family farm, which was fully in their hands after their father’s death in 1921. Martha and Polly were engaged to be married, but their fiancés both tragically died in work accidents.
The seven Walker sisters in 1909. Front row, left to right: Margaret, Louisa and Polly. Back row, left to right: Hettie, Martha, Nancy and Caroline. Photo by Jim Shelton, 1909.
The sisters lived off the land and worked for what they had. They tended herb and vegetable gardens, raised sheep and hogs, spun and wove cloth, sewed clothing and preserved food by pickling, smoking and salting.
When Congress authorized the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1926, land buyers began negotiating for private property across the region, including the Walkers’ 122-acre farm.
Hettie, Martha and Louisa Walker gin cotton at the family farm. Photo by Edouard E. Exline, 1936. Library of Congress.
The sisters resisted several offers. A NPS report says they worked with an attorney and asked for $7,000 after a 1939 appraisal of $5,466. Faced with condemnation, they ultimately accepted $4,750 and a lifetime lease.
The National Register notes that the sisters were “at first suspicious and shy” around park visitors, but they gradually warmed to them. They even made souvenirs to sell, including tiny baskets, toys, crocheted doilies and fried apple pies.
By the mid-1940s, the sisters had become part of the Smokies visitor experience. A 1946 Saturday Evening Post feature invited readers to “spend a leisurely autumn afternoon with the Walker sisters” in Little Greenbrier Cove. The article described visitors gathering around the kitchen fireplace while beans simmered over hickory logs and bread baked on the hearth.
One of the fireplaces inside the Walker sisters’ home. Photo by Emily Huffstetler.
It framed the Walkers’ lifestyle as practical, not primitive. “Why, they reason, should anyone want to worry about changes and improvements when the ground is so fertile, one of their two cows is always fresh, their spring flows freely, and heavy forests around them provide all the fuel they need?”
Polly died in 1945, Hettie in 1947 and Martha in 1951. By 1953, only Margaret and Louisa remained at the homestead. With more work than the two could manage alone, they wrote to the park superintendent and asked that the sign directing visitors to their homesite be removed.
“We are not able to do our work and receive so many visitors, and can’t make [souvenirs] to sell like we once did and people will be expecting us to have them, last year we had so many people it kept us [busy] from sun up till sun down,” the sisters wrote.
The Walker cabin at Little Greenbrier. Photo by Emily Huffstetler.Corn crib. Photo by Emily Huffstetler.
The Walker sisters’ three-room, two-story log home in Little Greenbrier still stands at the end of the old roadbed that once brought visitors to their door. Some of their belongings are preserved in Townsend at the park’s Collections Preservation Center.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
This weekend, the Townsend Mercantile celebrates its second anniversary, carrying on a name once tied to the town’s early logging days. While the shop isn’t connected to the original company store that served the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company more than a century ago, both have shared a similar purpose: serving the local community.
When the world shut down in 2020, Brooke Webb voluntarily stepped away from her corporate job to spend more time with her family. As life returned to normal, she transitioned to remote work to stay closer to home, but the traditional 9-to-5 routine no longer felt like a good fit. Her husband had opened several businesses of his own, and she started to wonder: why not build something around the things she enjoyed?
That’s when her idea to open Townsend Mercantile Co. was born. Today, the shop carries more than 2,000 products, including jewelry and accessories, home decor, toys, books, clothing, canned goods and locally made syrups—a modern-day general store that offers something for both locals and tourists.
Webb learned early on in her research that this was the name of a business that served Townsend in the early 1900s until shortly after the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company closed in 1949. Back then, loggers paid for their goods with “doogaloo,” coins that could only be redeemed at the company store. Webb said customers have visited and told her they still have some of the coins, and she even received one as a gift.
Fortunately, modern shoppers at Townsend Mercantile can stick to cash or card. Webb’s daughter, who likes to lend a hand when school is out, might even be the one ringing up customers.
“They don’t really teach counting change at school anymore,” Webb said. “When people pay in cash, I really try to encourage her to learn how to make change.”
It’s a win-win: her daughter is building valuable life skills, while also making her own mark on the store. Webb sometimes takes her along to markets, where she helps pick out items to stock. The store’s collection of Jellycats—a trendy line of plush toys—was inspired by her.
Webb has also taken her staff of high school and college students under her wing. Watching them grow has become one of her favorite parts of the business.
“I have girls that started with me in May of 2023, and seeing them grow and go on to their actual jobs…it’s a full-circle moment,” she said. “I don’t want to take all the credit, but they’re like my kids.”
She said she feels proud to give them an opportunity she wishes she had at their age. “Giving that to someone is probably my favorite thing about this job.”
While it can be challenging to employ young people because of their obligations to school and extracurriculars, Webb tries to give them “the best of both—to work but also get to enjoy doing the things that they should be doing at this age.”
Webb has also worked to build a collection of products that reflects her own creative vision. Some of her favorite items in the store are ones she’s designed herself or collaborated on with others.
“I really try to go above and beyond to find things that either a local can come in and get, or a tourist can’t find in other places,” she said. “I love any of our exclusive things that I’ve had a part in designing, whether that be a T-shirt, artwork [or other items].”
Currently, she’s working with an artist to create ornaments featuring the historic churches of Cades Cove. “I’m not an artist, but I do have a vision,” Webb said. “That’s one of the things I enjoy most: bringing those ideas to life.”
Along with exclusive designs, Webb makes a point to stock items from local and small businesses whenever possible. Supporting the local economy is especially important in a tourist town like Townsend, where business can slow down significantly in the off-season.
“Always keep in mind to shop local and small,” she said. “January and February are super slow, so we’re thankful for any type of shopping during those times—at our store or anywhere local. Otherwise, we can’t survive, and we can’t hire people. When you can, support any local businesses in Townsend.”
To learn more about Townsend Mercantile Co., visit www.townsendmercantileco.com. The shop is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Townsend, Tennessee, has long been cherished as the “peaceful side of the Smokies.” But 2024 was its year to shine. This charming small town has garnered national—and even international—recognition, inspiring countless travelers to experience its natural beauty.
From awe-inspiring scenery to unparalleled outdoor activities, Townsend has received glowing praise from major publications. Let’s take a look at how the world has fallen in love with this hidden gem—and why it should be at the top of your travel list.
Southern Living’s Love Letter to the Peaceful Side
Southern Living celebrated Townsend in their East Tennessee Road Trip feature, calling it “a gateway to adventure and serenity.” The article highlighted its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its reputation as a quiet haven for families and outdoor lovers.
Another Southern Living piece, Nostalgic Summer Camp Destinations, encouraged readers to embrace a slower pace in Townsend, where simple pleasures like stargazing, hiking, and campfire nights feel timeless.
In AFAR’sCharming Small Towns Near National Parks, Townsend was praised as “a quiet retreat for nature lovers.” Its easy access to iconic locations like Cades Cove and its slower pace were highlighted as perfect for those looking to escape crowds.
Yahoo Lifestyle featured Townsend in its 10 Best Tennessee Mountain Towns roundup, describing it as “a haven for tranquility” and a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
11 Darling Small Towns in Tennessee “Peaceful and picturesque are two words that precisely describe the scenery in this Blount County gem. Townsend invites tourists to experience the quieter side of the Smokies and take advantage of its relaxed natural scenery. “
Travel + Leisure included Townsend in their Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, applauding its blend of small-town charm and gateway access to some of the park’s best hiking trails and scenic spots.
For seasonal adventures, Only in Your State recommended Townsend as a top destination for springtime exploration in Spring Getaways in Tennessee. The blooming wildflowers, crisp mountain air, and serene vistas make it a must-visit.
Yahoo’s Spotlight on Budget-Friendly Adventures
In another feature, The Cheapest U.S. National Parks to Visit in 2024, Yahoo Lifestyle highlighted Townsend as an affordable gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, emphasizing its budget-friendly lodging and dining options.
PR Magic in Action
This year’s incredible media buzz was partly the result of a targeted public relations campaign that introduced Townsend to 435 million people and boosted county tourism tax revenue by 20%. Interested in the strategy behind this success? Read more about the power of collaboration in this blog post.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, thrilling outdoor adventures, or a gateway to the Smokies, Townsend is the perfect destination. Come experience the charm that’s captivated national attention—you might just fall in love with the “peaceful side of the Smokies.”
In Maryville, Tennessee, trying something new doesn’t have to mean taking on a big commitment. You don’t need to train for a marathon, sign up for a six-month course or spend a fortune on gear. Around here, a fresh experience might look like biking a new trail, rolling up to a jam session or stepping into a yoga class for the first time.
If you’re looking to add a little variety to your week, here are a few low-key options happening regularly around town.
Fourth Fridays | 8:30–11:30 a.m. | New Providence Church
Each month, volunteers host a large community sale in the church gym. You’ll find secondhand clothes, housewares, toys, seasonal items and more. Proceeds support over 20 local charities, and the sale’s been running for more than 50 years. Arrive early and keep your elbows out to snag the best deals.
You get a canvas, 30 minutes and a room designed for making a mess. The Splatter Vault is a paint-flinging, low-stakes way to try something creative without worrying about the outcome. Protective gear is provided, and you leave with a unique work of art.
The Maryville College Downtown Center, recently established, opens up their hands-on workshops to the community. Recent topics have included cheese making, canning and beginner homebrewing. Visit their website to see what’s up next.
Every Saturday from April to November, vendors set up in downtown Maryville selling produce, baked goods, handmade crafts and more—all grown or made by the folks behind the tables.
Craft vendors join the market once a month. Upcoming dates include Aug. 16, Sept. 20, Oct. 18 and two holiday markets, set for Nov. 8 and 15.
Brewhouse Flow Yoga takes place right inside Peaceful Side Brewery, and it’s as relaxed as it sounds. This all-levels yoga class wraps up with a post-stretch pint and brunch in the taproom.
Saturdays | 9:30–10:30 a.m. | Peaceful Side Social (Townsend)
If the brewery flow isn’t your vibe, head just down the road to Townsend for a quiet, beginner-friendly yoga class in Peaceful Side Social’s garage room.
This is a slow-paced social ride through Maryville’s greenway system. It’s a good fit if you’re just getting back on a bike or want to learn the local trails. Helmets and water are required.
This seasonal ride series is designed for beginner and intermediate women cyclists. Rides are grouped by pace, and you’ll also have access to clinics on everything from basic maintenance to injury prevention.
Fridays | 6:00–10:30 p.m. | Rocky Branch Community Center (Walland)
On Friday nights, musicians with banjos, fiddles, mandolins and guitars gather at an old-school gym for acoustic jam sessions. Just make a short drive to Townsend and stay as long as the music keeps going. Admission is by donation.
This pool room is non-smoking, family-friendly and geared toward both casual and competitive players. It features several Diamond tables and runs regular leagues and tournaments. Cues are available to rent if you’re just dropping in.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
Sometimes, the best gifts don’t fit under the tree. They’re the memories you make with the people you love and the stories you’ll tell for years to come. Here are our favorite giftable experiences on the Peaceful Side.
Smoky Mountain Guides offers guided day hikes for all levels, small-group tours, guided backpacking trips, flatwater kayak tours and guided fly fishing in some of the most scenic corners of the Smokies. Their expert guides handle the logistics, while sharing local history and ecology along the way.
Turn it into a gift: Book an adventure they’ll love and tuck the confirmation into a new pair of hiking socks.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is the perfect for anyone who loves local history and Appalachian culture. A membership unlocks unlimited museum admission, free entry to special events like Winter Heritage Fest, Kids Day and the Blue Ribbon Country Fair, plus select concerts, discounts and invitations to member-only happenings.
Turn it into a gift: Choose an Individual, Dual or Family membership and tuck the confirmation into a local history book.
Brooke Nix Medical Aesthetics in Maryville turns skincare into a relaxing treat. Guests can choose from a variety of facials and customize the experience with add-ons like a 20-minute face massage, hydration mask, eye and lip treatments, dry brushing, a scalp massage or a soothing hand treatment. It’s an excellent experience for that person who deserves a quiet hour to unwind.
Turn it into a gift: Pick up a gift card for a facial and include a note to choose their favorite add-on.
Pickleville Tennessee is East Tennessee’s new go-to spot for pickleball, with climate-controlled indoor courts, outdoor courts, a rooftop lounge and plenty of space to hang out between games. Whether they’re new to the sport or already a pro, it’s a great place to play a friendly match, join open play or take a lesson.
Turn it into a gift: Reserve a court for your crew and pair the confirmation with a new paddle.
Creative Spark Studio in Maryville is a DIY art studio where you can drop in for “Art Any Time” projects like string art, alcohol ink tiles, acrylic pours, rock painting, pottery painting and glass fusing, or sign up for a specialty class or workshop. It’s an all-skills-welcome space that makes it fun to try something new.
Turn it into a gift: Purchase a class or studio gift card and tuck it into a nice sketchbook.
Wild Laurel Golf Course in Townsend is a public 18-hole course tucked into a quiet valley on the Peaceful Side. The course is Audubon International Certified and uses environmentally sound practices, from native wildflower habitat for pollinators to reduced irrigation and water-quality protection. They also have a spacious tavern to unwind after your round.
Turn it into a gift: Book a tee time for 9 or 18 holes and pair the confirmation with a new hat.
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend blends Smoky Mountain scenery with cozy comforts. Guests can choose from cabins, glamping tents, tiny homes, Airstreams and RV sites, all with easy access to the river, pool and hot tub, clubhouse and community firepits.
Turn it into a gift: Book a weekend camping trip and tuck the confirmation into a campfire mug.
RT Lodge in Maryville is a boutique lodge tucked into the Maryville College woods, and its on-site restaurant was recently recommended in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide to the American South. It serves a seasonal menu with Southern and Appalachian influences.
Turn it into a gift: Make a dinner reservation and tuck the confirmation into a card for a future evening.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
Love is in the air! Valentine’s on the Peaceful Side is for couples, families and friends alike. From pop-ups and brunches in Maryville to prix-fixe dinners and overnight getaways in Townsend and Walland, here are the local events and specials happening February 6 through 15.
Two full days of Valentine’s shopping inside Foothills Mall in Maryville. Vendors include permanent jewelry, charm bars, boutiques, handmade items, baked goods, a T-shirt bar and a hat bar.
Lambert’s Southern Pies & Bake Shop hosts a ticketed brunch buffet in the event room in Maryville. The menu includes pimiento cheese and bacon biscuit sliders, breakfast bacon and sausage, heart-shaped pastries, Danish, mini cheesecake bites, sliced pies, fresh fruit, biscuits with honey butter, and sausage gravy. Coffee, tea and juice are included.
Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Seating is limited to 40. Tickets are available for purchase in person or by phone.
Bella hosts a Valentine-themed pop-up in Downtown Maryville with finger foods, mimosas, photo-ops and a live author read-aloud. Local children’s author Leslie Jordan Henry reads The Adventures of Crazy Heels. Tickets include Mom and her mini, with a personally signed copy of the book.
Appalachian Apothecary + Sundries hosts a Valentine’s pop-up at 536 E Broadway in Maryville with multiple local vendors, including DaintyLinks Permanent Jewelry, Sourdough & Sundry, Foothills Nutrition, 2 Girls and a Cricket and Ruthie & Rebel Boutique.
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro in Townsend runs Valentine’s Week from Feb. 10 to 15, with curated “options for two” offered alongside the regular a la carte menu.
On Saturday, Feb. 14, the Bistro serves a prix-fixe menu for two from 5 to 9 p.m. Reservations are required.
RT Lodge’s Valentine’s Getaway Package runs Feb. 13 to 15 and includes a one-night stay, a 4-course dinner for two and breakfast. The Restaurant also hosts a ticketed Valentine’s dinner on Thursday, Feb. 12 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Hilton Knoxville Airport offers a Valentine’s Day Getaway package, available Friday and Saturday night only. The package includes king bed accommodations, a full breakfast for two at Coopers restaurant, a bottle of champagne or cider, milk chocolate-dipped strawberries and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. For room reservations, contact the Sales Department at (865) 970-4300, extension 3.
Robin’s Nest Services hosts “Show Yourself Some Love” in Maryville with snacks, drinks, massage, stretching, expressive painting, love language discovery and a discussion on self-love. Reservations are required by phone.
Maryville College Downtown Center hosts a hands-on Valentine’s macaron bake night. Guests work in pairs, learn the fundamentals of macaron making and assemble a festive 4-inch macaron stack cake to take home. Each person receives a charcuterie cup from The Local Board and a sugar cookie from The Wildflour Bakery. Water and lemonade are provided, with beer available for purchase.
LOH hosts a Valentine’s Day ride starting at the Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson in Maryville. Riders meet at 10:30 a.m., heading to the Social on Depot Hill in Athens, with a stop at Love’s Gas.
Creative Spark Studio hosts Blacksmithing Basics with Bryan, a beginner class focused on creating a metal heart. Participants learn techniques like heating, hammering and bending metal to create a heart that can work as a pendant, keychain or ornament. The class lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, and materials are included.
Session options run from 1 to 3 p.m. or 3 to 5 p.m. Close-toed shoes are required. The workshop is intended for ages 18+ (16 with a guardian).
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort hosts a Valentine’s craft at the Lookout Pavilion for guests only. Supplies are first come, first served. Adult supervision is required for children.
The Barn Event Center of the Smokies hosts an 80’s Valentine’s Dance Night with 80’s dance music, a photo booth, BBQ pork and chicken and Valentine’s desserts. The event is BYOB. Proceeds benefit the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.
Blackberry Farm in Walland offers multiple Valentine’s activities and dining options. The schedule lists a birding walk departing from Oak Cottage, a red wine and chocolate tasting at The Barn and a romantic dinner.
Skins by Julie in Maryville hosts a Galentine’s Spa Party with pop-up shops, goody bags, discounts and a giveaway.
The event starts at 1 p.m.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
Scouting out vegetarian options in the American South can feel like an Olympic sport. Even a simple bowl of grits might hide sausage, and house salads often come topped with bacon by default. When you’re on a family vacation, the last thing you want is to be that person holding up dinner plans. So we’ve done the legwork for you. Here are our favorite spots for vegetarian-friendly dining on the Peaceful Side.
This is hands down the most vegetarian-friendly fine dining option on the Peaceful Side. Foothills Milling Co. offers a dedicated vegetarian menu, with creative, elevated dishes that don’t treat vegetables as an afterthought.
Vegetarian Entrées Include:
Tempura Fried Vegetables (Vegan): Tempura-fried asparagus, green beans and sesame-roasted mushrooms over scallion jasmine rice, with sweet Thai chili sauce and baby green beans.
Orechiette Mushroom: Orecchiette pasta tossed with basil pesto, wild mushrooms and roasted tomatoes, topped with shaved parmesan.
Pasta Primavera (Vegan): Broccolini, baby portabellas, sun-dried tomatoes, heirloom carrots and asparagus in a tomato basil sauce with orecchiette pasta.
More than just a bookstore and community hub, Southland Café has one of the most expansive vegetarian menus in town—at prices that make you feel like you’ve time-traveled to 2010.
Highlights Include:
Davinci: Pimiento cheese sandwich with lettuce and tomato on toasted bread
Dalai Lama: Hummus, black olives, cucumber, tomato, lettuce and feta in a wrap
Isaac Newton: Hummus, black beans, mushrooms, bell pepper and lettuce in a wrap
Thomas Edison: Pimiento cheese, cucumber, Swiss, tomato and lettuce in a wrap
Chickpea salad sandwiches, tofu sandwiches, vegan BLTs and classic egg sandwiches round out a menu full of comforting options.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
The Great Smoky Mountains continues to be the most-visited national park, welcoming over 13 million visitors in 2023. This immense popularity can strain the environment and wildlife. Fortunately, you can reduce your footprint by supporting these local nonprofits.
Appalachian Bear Rescue cares for these orphaned cubs and yearlings, as well as injured bears, until they are ready to return to the wild. Their methods are research-based, and they share their findings with the scientific community. Since 1996, ABR has cared for nearly 300 bears, providing updates about each of them to their 200k+ followers on Facebook.
To reduce the number of orphaned bears, ABR increases public awareness about coexisting with black bears. Their Visitor and Education Center offers classes on every aspect of black bear life.
To volunteer, request an application from the Volunteer Coordinator. You can also support ABR by making a donation on their website or purchasing gifts from their Amazon wish list.
Friends of the Smokies
Photo by Bruce McCamish.
Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park assists the National Park Service in preserving and protecting the park by raising funds, increasing public awareness and providing volunteers for essential projects.
The organization hosts several special events throughout the year, including the Cades Cove Loop Lope, the only organized footrace held inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This year’s 8th annual race will take place on Sunday, November 10, featuring a 10-mile course and a 5K. Last year’s race sold out with 750 participants from 27 states, so register soon to secure your spot.
Another eagerly anticipated event is Plein Air in the Smokies, which brings 20 nationally acclaimed artists to paint “en plein air” (outdoors) throughout the national park. These one-of-a-kind paintings will be available for sale at a Collectors Soirée on Sept. 27th in Downtown Knoxville at Regas Square Events. You can purchase soiree tickets or view the schedule of events on their website.
If you’d like to volunteer for Friends of the Smokies, you can also fill out an application detailing your skills and interests. The organization will contact you as opportunities arise.
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
Photo by Hank Dye.
The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont partners with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to deliver experiential learning for youth, educators and adults. Their programs promote self-discovery, critical thinking, and effective teaching and leadership, connecting people with nature for over 50 years.
They post volunteer opportunities, ranging from data entry to adopting and monitoring a salamander stream, on their website. If you don’t see a fitting opportunity listed, you can sign up for their volunteer newsletter to be notified as new positions open.
Volunteer opportunities at the Tremont Institute range from data entry to adopting and monitoring a salamander stream. If you don’t find a suitable opportunity listed, you can sign up for their volunteer newsletter to be notified as new positions open.
To support the Tremont Institute financially, you can make a donation on their website, link your Kroger Plus Card to the organization, order a book from their wish list for their library, or purchase something from their gift store.
There are also several ways to financially support the Tremont Institute. You can take a traditional approach and make a donation on their website. Other options include linking your Kroger Plus Card to the organization, ordering a book from their wish list for their library or purchasing something from their gift store.
Keep Blount Beautiful
Photo courtesy of Keep Blount Beautiful.
Based in the foothills of the Smokies, Keep Blount Beautiful is an award-winning nonprofit that works in litter prevention, waste reduction, beautification and environmental education. To support their mission, you can participate in a community cleanup or recycling collection event, or donate on their website.
Whether you’re just passing through or a local resident, supporting environmental nonprofits can help preserve the beauty and biodiversity of the Peaceful Side.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
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