Author: dstech

Blount County is Breaking Records — Come See Why

Posted on February 22, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

When you look at the numbers for tourism in Blount County, TN, they have hit record highs recently, with yearly revenues of $378 million. What is it that brings so many tourists to Tennessee and Blount County in particular? Blount County has so much to offer that you truly have to come see for yourself, but here are some of the highlights and the biggest reasons why so many come here for their vacations year after year.

Blount County is the Gateway to the Smokies

Here in Blount County and, in particular the Townsend area, you will find the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are plenty of trails to hike, or you can have a zipline adventure or take a driving tour of places like Cades Cove. The park offers several breathtaking waterfalls you can hike to, and exceptional locations to have picnics or even host a wedding.
There are several places here where you can rent horses to go horseback riding in the park and outside of it. This is a fantastic family adventure and is safe for kids of all ages. You can go for a half day ride, a whole day, or some providers offer picnic rides. Be sure you book your rides far in advance as the stables all tend to book up early.

Amazing Places to Stay in Blount County

Many tourist towns offer nothing more than standard hotels and motels to stay in on your vacation. While there is nothing wrong with them and you are sure to find plenty here in Blount County staffed by some of the friendliest people you will ever meet, we have plenty of lodges and private cabins hidden away in the woods and up in the mountains that offer an incredibly peaceful place to get away from it all.
Many of the lodges offer venues for weddings and make the perfect place for a honeymoon. They offer a wooded, romantic place with breakfast served in the morning and a very limited number of guests at any one time to help ensure you can enjoy a little privacy. Be sure to book early; it’s the only way you are likely to get the dates you want.

So Much to Do Outdoors

Horseback riding is only one of the many things to do in the great outdoors in Blount County. There are miles of trails running high up into the mountains and deep into the woods for you and your family to hike. The trails range from easy/beginner level all the way to extremely challenging for experienced hikers only.
The rivers here are teeming with fish; catch your dinner and cook it over an open campfire. Some of the rivers here offer whitewater rafting and tubing depending on the time of year and the amount of water flowing. It flows much faster during the spring when the snow on the mountains is melting off.
These are only some of the reasons why tourism continues to grow here in Blount County and why you should visit our beautiful part of Tennessee. We invite you to enjoy the spectacular scenery, enjoy all we have to offer, and see what Southern hospitality is all about.

Bring Fido: Pet-Friendly Activities and Lodging in the Smoky Mountains

Posted on April 19, 2019 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Lodging, Smoky Mountains

If you plan to bring your furry family friend with you on vacation to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, wouldn’t it be nice to know where you can stay and what local activities are dog-friendly? What might surprise you is the number of pet-friendly activities in the area. The other thing that might surprise you, even more, is the dozens of hotels throughout Blount County that welcome your pet as another member of your family.

Pet-Friendly Activities in the Smoky Mountains

Doggywood – You can’t take your family dog into Dollywood with you, and let’s face why would you? But located just outside the gates to the park is Doggywood, a doggy daycare where your dog can spend the day in comfort and playing with the other dogs while you go play in the park. Doggywood opens half an hour before the gates open and stays open for half an hour after they close.
The Smoky River Rat – if your furry friend likes the great outdoors – why not take a trip out here and enjoy a lazy float down the river together on a tube or two. What a great way to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine together.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park – you can take your dog for hikes on the 1.5-mile long Gatlinburg Trail or the Oconaluftee River Trail. These are the only two trails in the park where dogs are allowed. However, your dog must be on a leash, and you must pick up any messes he leaves behind.
Cades Cove – Okay so your pup can’t get out of the car inside the park, but he is sure to enjoy the ride with his head stuck out of the window sampling the many amazing new odors here. The loop road measures 11 miles long and passes historic cabins and churches, along with numerous other buildings.

What About Pet-Friendly Places to Stay?

One of the more important details you should be concerned with if you plan to bring the family dog with you is finding a place to stay that allows dogs. More importantly, if you have a large breed dog, one that does not have a size restriction. Here are three of the top places to stay in the area.
The Luxbury Inn & Suites – This hotel in Maryville allows all sizes of dog, but there is a $25 fee for small dogs and a $50 fee for large dogs. They do not allow cats.
Dancing Bear Lodge – this lodge in Townsend offers “Pet-Friendly” rooms for an additional $50 per night. According to the reviews at BringFido, Dancing Bear Lodge scores a perfect 5 out of five “Bones.”
Townsend/Great Smokies KOA – one of the best ways to experience the peace and beauty of the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is to go camping. The KOA is like most, pet-friendly and has a dog park where your pooch can run around off-leash. There are some breed restrictions so be sure to call ahead to make sure your pup will be allowed to go camping with you.

Bringing Your Dog to Tennessee? Introduce Him to New Friends at PetSafe Dog Park in Maryville

Posted on July 2, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Maryville

Love traveling with your dog? You’re not alone! Many dog owners decide to bring their pups along for their trip to the peaceful side of the Smokies. There are many RV parks, cabin rentals, and hotels in the Maryville, TN, area that welcome dogs. But once you arrive, what should you do with your pet? That’s easy – head to the PetSafe Dog Park at Pistol Creek!
What You Need to Know About the PetSafe Dog Park
This is Maryville, TN’s first dog park, and it offers plenty of room for your dog to run and play safely. The park is open from sunup to sundown, and features two separated, fenced-in areas. One is for larger breeds, while the other is for smaller breeds who may not want to be tumbled around by playful big dogs. Both areas have a double-gated entrance, so that you can step in through one gate, close it behind you, remove your dog’s leash, and then open the gate to the park and let them take off.
The dog park has a pavilion where you can enjoy some shade, and also benches, waste stations, and dog-only water fountains. There is some parking at the dog park, but you can also easily park nearby and walk to the park, which is right by the McCammon Avenue and McGhee Street entrance to the Bicentennial Greenbelt Park.
Keeping Your Dog Safe at the Dog Park
At the dog park, your dog will be in a safe environment. Only dogs with up-to-date vaccinations are allowed in the park, and owners are required to be in sight of their dogs at all time. There are also rules in place regarding aggression – at the very first sign of aggression, owners are required to leash their dogs. The park’s rules make sure that everyone stays safe, so that your dog can have tons of fun. You can learn more about the dog park rules here.
Fun Things to Do with Your Dog at PetSafe Dog Park
There are many ways that a dog park can give your dog some extra exercise while you are on vacation. Playing a good game of chase with other friendly dogs is always a pleaser, but consider bringing a ball, Frisbee, or their favorite toy for a game of fetch, as well. The large dog area is a full acre, and the small dog area is a half an acre, so the dogs do have room to chase after a nice long throw. Bring your dog to burn off their energy and have some fun, and they’ll be sure to be relaxed later when you want to get out and explore Maryville!

Butterfly Gap Retreat: An Iconic Couples’ Getaway in the Smokies

Posted on September 19, 2016 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Groups, Lodging

When realtors Mike and Becky Johnson were charged with the task of selling a stunningly scenic 1,000-acre property along the Foothills Parkway in Blount County, they passed. Instead, they bought the land for themselves and turned it into a camping and fishing haven for their family.
The result? Memories that were so special, the Johnsons eventually decided they couldn’t just keep them in the family. In 2004, they began construction on Butterfly Gap Retreat, a picturesque, peaceful bed and breakfast that caters to couples.
“It was a dream of theirs,” said Mandy Sitzlar, one of the Johnsons’ daughters who helps run the resort. “They had a vision for the property.”
Today, adults-only Butterfly Gap is a treasured getaway for honeymoons, babymoons, weddings (Butterfly Gap also hosts events) and others seeking a romantic escape. The resort offers the kind of privacy not often encountered in a bed and breakfast – seven individual houses, each on their own five-acre plots to maximize the sensation of seclusion.
“We can be completely full and people hardly run into each other. It can very easily feel like you’re the only ones out there,” said Sitzlar.
But don’t mistake seclusion for isolation: Butterfly Gap is in the heart of Blount County’s wilderness, but it’s only ten minutes from Maryville, 20 from the airport and a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
“Staying with us, you get the best of both worlds – you get the proximity to the park and all the things in Townsend, which are excellent to go see by day,” Sitzlar said. “Part of your stay can be experiencing the activities out there, and you can spend a couple days never leaving our property, too.”
Those who choose to stay on the property find plenty to do. Butterfly Gap boasts a fully stocked 12-acre lake open to fishing, paddle boarding and kayaking. There’s a trail that leads to a scenic overlook on the edge of Chilhowee Mountain and a fire pit behind the main office. And, of course, there’s the gourmet breakfast – hand-cooked by Becky, Sitzlar’s sister Laura Lockwood and Lockwood’s culinary-school-trained husband, Ryan. They deliver the breakfast to each cottage daily. As an added bonus, each house has a full kitchen.
“Some people stock up at the grocery store and never leave,” Sitzlar said. “A lot of people go out to nearby restaurants, which are about a ten-minute drive away.”
The contours of the land inspired each cottage’s modern-yet-rustic design, crafted by architect Gary Best – Becky’s brother.
“We gave [Best] a lot and said, ‘we’re going to build on this lot. Look at the terrain and build something based on the terrain,’” Sitzlar said. “We didn’t want to do what’s traditional to this area, because we feel like that’s been done.”
The priority: Building dwellings that showcased the environment around them.
“When you look at the outside you think the cottage is really modern, but there’s so much glass and window that it makes it feel rustic, because you have nature coming inside,” said Sitzlar. “It’s neat how much wildlife you can see out your window.”
“Why would you want to rent a place that looked just like your home? The houses are different from each other, and some people want to stay in a different house every time and check them all out,” Sitzlar added.
The houses may look different on the outside, but they all offer luxurious amenities on the inside; each cottage boasts satellite TV, an air jet tub and a queen- or king-sized bed, and many have large living rooms and screened-in porches.
Sitzlar and the Lockwoods take an active role in running Butterfly Gap’s day-to-day operations. Sitzlar manages wedding guests and public relations, while Laura and Ryan perform daily operations tasks and apply special touches, like making complimentary pint ice cream for every stay.
“We’ve done everything from cooking to housekeeping to running weddings and reservations,” Sitzlar said. “We made our own website. We’re jacks of all trades, and I think guests recognize that.”
And just as Butterfly Gap began as – and remains — a home for the Johnson family’s memories, it has become a meaningful marker for many couples, as well.
“It’s really cool for couples to come back to celebrate special moments in their lives,” said Sitzlar.
”When it’s your own, you just want to take care of it.”
For more information about Butterfly Gap Retreat, visit www.butterflygap.com or call (865) 984-6021.

Camp at Great Smokies KOA Campground in Townsend

Posted on June 6, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Lodging

Summer comes every year, and with it, the call of the wild! Longer days and warmer weather mean plenty of opportunities to spend time outside, surrounded by rugged natural beauty. Roughing it, though, just isn’t for everyone, especially families with children.
Thankfully, Great Smokies KOA has family camping in its DNA, and is ready to accommodate families of all ages, sizes, and preferences with its RV sites, tent camping sites, and even rental cabins. Read on to find out why they’re a family favorite in the Smokies region!

Bringing Your Vacation Home with You? KOA Has RV Sites and Tent Sites!

If you’re someone who puts the R in RV, Great Smokies KOA is ready for you. Back-in and pull-thru sites are available with 50/30 amps, and cable TV, fire pits, and patios are all available options. Going camping the old-fashioned way? No problem! Individual tent sites accommodate up to 6 people, include onsite parking, picnic tables, and fire rings, and fill up fast, especially those facing the Little River. Oh yeah, and pets are allowed at both RV and tent sites, so no need to leave Fido at home!

Is Your Family the Cabin Type? Great!

It might surprise some people, but besides tent and RV sites, this KOA campground includes both deluxe and camping cabins. Deluxe cabins sleep up to 4 or 6, and generally include a partial kitchen with a microwave, mini-fridge, and Keurig, as well as a private bathroom including a shower (and in some, even a bathtub!). Many also include outdoor living space, kid-friendly sleeping lofts, linens, fire pits, gas grills, patio furniture, and even air conditioning! Just check when you book to make sure it has the amenities you’re looking for.
Camping cabins are also available, for those who want that unvarnished back-to-nature experience without the hassle of setting up tents or worries about what to do when it rains. These basic units have all the charm of a classic log cabin, and amenities vary, from just an old-fashioned porch swing, to mini-fridges and air conditioning.

Amenities for Everyone

Regardless of whether you decide on a tent, RV site or cabin, Great Smokies KOA offers facilities and services the whole family can appreciate. These include easy access to an ice cream and fudge shop, a swimming pool, one-of-a-kind log-cabin-themed children’s playground, propane and firewood for purchase, as well as a large covered pavilion with a barbecue pit, horseshoe pits and a basketball court.
That’s not all – this KOA also has WiFi access, an outdoor movie area, tube rentals for tubing on the Little River, an enclosed dog park where your dog can run off-leash, bike rentals, and great fishing. Laundry and two very clean bathhouses are available when you need to take care of the details, and Great Smokies KOA also offers special discounts and deals throughout the season, so just give them a call or take a look online to see what is available when you’d like to book. Check out their website and plan your vacation today!

Capture Photos of Spring Wildflowers at These Smoky Mountain Spots

Posted on April 22, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Spring is the perfect time of year to visit the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. The mountains are alive with a riot of color created by the millions of wildflowers that bloom here every year. According to botanists, the Smokies are home to one of the most diverse ecologies in the world. Over 1,600 different types of flowering plants covering the mountains throughout the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. If you are looking for great places to take pictures of springtime in the Smokies, here are a few of the most popular spots.
The Chestnut Top Trail
The trailhead for the Chestnut Top Trail starts at the Townsend “Y” just inside the park. The trail takes you to what is arguably the best place to see early spring flowers in the park. You should see Bloodroot, one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. It has a white flower wrapped tightly around bright yellow stamen and a blood red stem (hence its name). You might early-blooming violets, trailing arbutus creeping out from under a rock, or many other early blooms that make spectacular photographs.
The Bradley Fork Trail
The trailhead for the Bradley Fork Trail can be found at the back of the Smokemont Campground. Don’t be confused as the trail begins life as an old dirt road before shrinking down in size. It’s a great place to capture images of hepatica, violets, wood anemones, and rue anemone.
The Porter Creek Trail
While Chestnut Top Trail might be one of the most popular places to take photos of the wildflowers blooming in March, the Porter Creek Trail is nothing short of spectacular in April. In fact, on any given day you are likely to come across plenty of photographers and more than a few painters with their easels set up and brushes in hand. Here you will find a white carpet of fringed phacelia, violets in purple, yellow, and white, foam flowers, bluets, and others.
The Core Hardwood Nature Trail
You can find the trailhead for the Core Hardwood Nature Trail at the Chimneys Picnic Area. This trail is only 3/4 of a mile long yet is rated as offering some of the most spectacular wildflower viewings and photographing spots in the park. The trail is rated as easy for everyone and makes a great place to take your family for a hike while you snap a few hundred photos of the local flora.
The Middle Prong Trail
The trailhead for the Middle Prong Trail is at the end of Tremont Road close to the Townsend “Y.” As you hike along this old dirt road, you should see toothwort, foamflower, violets, trilliums, and wood sorrel. Along with flowers to photograph, there are waterfalls to discover and add in with the rest of your photos.
These are just a few of the most popular place to take photographs of the incredible array of spring wildflowers for you to check out. There are many other trails to hike and meadows filled with a virtual cornucopia of flowers in every color imaginable. Make sure you bring plenty of memory cards with you, you’re going to need them here!

Celebrate Appalachian History at the Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timers Day

Posted on April 5, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Events, Townsend

Spring is in the air, and that means it must be time for the Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timers Day! This free two-day event celebrates the rich history of the Appalachian way of life. You will find plenty of Bluegrass music, handmade crafts, and delectable food choices.
Bring a chair or a blanket for sitting back and enjoying the fresh mountain air. You will want to plan to stay all day because this event is packed to the brim with historical fun. There will be bands to listen to, handmade goods to peruse, food to sample, and other activities to participate in. Head out to Townsend, TN on May 3rd and 4th to join the fun.

About Townsend Spring Festival

On May 3rd, the fun will start at 10am with the craft vendors and food vendors opening up their booths. The demonstrators will begin showing off their talents at 10 am as well. At noon, the music will kick in to really get the party started. The festivities will last all day with bands playing until 10 pm. You can expect the same basic schedule on the 4th with except that the bands will start a little earlier.
While the full list of vendors and bands is yet to be announced. There are a few activities that you can expect. The author of the book “The Last Man from Tremont,” Roy Oliver, will be in attendance. If you would like to have a book signed or just simply have a chat, make sure to stop by and see Mr. Oliver. The pickers in attendance will definitely want to check out the tents for Jammers.
Other area initiatives and associations will be on hand to help you learn more about the area. These groups include:

Appalachian Bear Rescue
Cades Cove Preservation Association
Great Smoky Mountains Institute of Tremont
Keep Blount Beautiful
Chilhowee Area Ministries

Some of the bands scheduled to play so far include Wayne Wright Review, Blackberry Jam, Grandview Pickers, Appalachian Grass, Raven Welch and Crew, Foothills Express, Steve Jordan Band, Muleskinner, and many more!

Parking at the Event

Parking at the event can be purchased daily for $10 or you can get a two-day pass for $15. The parking fee proceeds will go to support the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department, and they can be purchased in advance at the Townsend Visitor Center and the Maryville Visitor Center. However, if you do not purchase in advance, you will be able to pay at the gate when you arrive.
If you would like to experience a little more of what Townsend has to offer, you can take the FREE shuttle from the Townsend Visitor Center and get a good tour of the town. The shuttles will start running at 10:30 am and continue until 6 pm on both days.
The Townsend Spring Festival is an annual event that is beloved by all. Come for the bluegrass once, and you will find yourself making the trip back year after year. The beauty of the Appalachian way of life will call to you across the miles.

Celebrate Fall with Hard Apple Cider: Here's Where to Find It in the Smokies

Posted on October 29, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Drinking, Smoky Mountains

Autumn is upon us, and that means it’s time to break out everybody’s favorite fall traditions. Whether you’re in the mood for corn mazes, haunted houses, apple picking, or any of the rest of the season’s highlights, if you’d typically enjoy them with a beer or a glass of wine, consider trying a hard apple cider to really capture autumn’s spirit.
There are plenty of locally-made hard apple ciders to choose from, and they’ve got all the flavors of the season, brewed, bottled, and available to people in Blount County.

Wyile Cider in Sevierville

You’ll find plenty of varieties to choose from at Wyile Cider in nearby Sevierville. Made in small batches since 1998, this cidery offers both sparkling sweet and sparkling dry hard apple cider, as well as 16 other flavors of hard apple cider.
Featuring everything from blueberry to mango to blackberry to mulled cider, this cidery’s ciders all have an apple base and natural fruit concentrates or extracts, and all the apples are sourced exclusively from Appalachian orchards. Ciders are aged from 3 to 12 months and are made without any added sugars or chemicals. You can visit the Wyile Cidery for tastings by going to the Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park at 3757 Thomas Lane in Sevierville.

Mill Bridge Winery in Pigeon Forge

If you’ve got a mix of wine and cider lovers heading out for an afternoon or evening’s tasting, you won’t want to miss the Mill Bridge Winery over in Pigeon Forge. They offer four different hard apple ciders, including the South Cider, a blend of different kinds of apples, the Cider House Blues, featuring sweet apples and blueberries, their Farmhouse Cider, an English-style dry apple cider, and finally their Iconic Tonic, with a fresh honey taste and crisp lemon finish.
Unbeatable wines are also available, of course, and you’ll find the Mill Bridge Winery at 3331 South River Road in Pigeon Forge, just off the Parkway and Old Mill Avenue. Mill Bridge Winery is also a member of the Rocky Top Wine Trail, so be sure to visit them if you’re on a tasting trip!

Round 6 Brewing in Maryville

Craft beer enthusiasts who want to mix it up with a little cider are in luck. They can stay in Blount County and visit Round 6 Brewing, where they offer a hard pear cider on tap from Bold Rock Hard Cider that’s a blend of New Zealand pears and apples from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Considered “refreshingly delicious” and “superbly drinkable,” this pear cider is sure to satisfy even the “apple-only” purists among cider drinkers.
Family owned by Will and Kathy Wesselman, Round 6 also offers beers from around the United States and Europe, and can be visited at 427 Whitecrest Drive in Maryville.

Celebrate St. Patty's Day with a Visit to One of Our Local Breweries

Posted on March 18, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Drinking, Events

What could be better than celebrating St. Patty’s Day than sharing a pint or two at your favorite watering hole. A trip to Ireland and Guinness on tap? Well, that might be fantastic, but on a more realistic note, why not try some of the craft beers made right here on the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies?” Craft beers have become very popular in the U.S. with hundreds of small breweries pumping out an even larger number of excellent beers that we just can’t seem to get enough of. What better day to sample some of the local brews crafted right here?

Round 6 Brewing

Drop by Round 6 Brewing located at 427 Whitecrest Dr, Maryville where the taproom serves over a dozen craft beers brewed on location along with a small selection of their favorite beers from other breweries. With five large-screen TVs, Round 6 is the perfect place to watch your favorite sports while sipping on a pint of your favorite brew. It’s also the ideal place to party on St. Patty’s Day with your friends. The Taproom seats 99, but there is an outside deck with room for 40 and a quiet patio with room for 20.

Smoky Mountain Brewery

Located in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Turkey Creek, and Maryville at 743 Watkins Rd, the Smoky Mountain Brewery serves up more than a fantastic selection of beers brewed on-site. The restaurant serves up tasty subs, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, their famous “WET Wings,” and much more. Always on tap are Cherokee Red Ale, Helles, and Mountain Light, plus three others. There are also four seasonal brews along with the “Brewmaster Special” that change every couple of weeks.

Blackberry Farm Brewery

You’ll find the Blackberry Farm Brewery at 106 Everett Avenue, Maryville. Whether you are coming out for a special occasion, like St Patty’s Day or just looking for a great craft beer to enjoy at home, the taproom here offers you the opportunity to sup one of their craft brews while standing just a few feet from the tanks. Along with a long list of beers that are available all year round, there is always a rotating selection of limited-edition brews on tap for you to try that are only offered in the taproom.

Tri-Hop Brewery

Drop into the Tri-Hop Brewery at 205 Court St in Maryville; you can always find a wide range of craft brews on tap from breweries located throughout Tennessee. The idea for the business came from co-owners Matthew Tipton and Nick Pierce love of homebrewing. While the tap room is not serving any on-site brews, things will not be this way for long. Both Tipton and Pierce say that they are already working on turning the downstairs into a craft brewery that lets them finally realize their dream of sharing their love for craft brewed beer with locals and tourists alike. There is always a food truck outside, live music and the place is pet and family friendly.

Check Out These Restaurants for a Hearty Weekend Brunch in the Smokies

Posted on November 30, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Dining

There is something about being on vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains that seems to make just about everyone wake up hungry. It could be the water, maybe it’s the fresh air, or perhaps it’s all that extra hiking you’ve been putting in. But, if you wake up hungry in the Townsend, TN area on the weekend, we suggest you try these great local restaurants that serve up some amazing weekend brunches.

Country Steak N’ Eggs

Located at 7613 Old Highway 73, Townsend, Country Steak N’ Eggs serves up a full range of All-American brunch fare, vegetarian fare, and vegan dishes. From steak and eggs cooked to perfection to some of the finest biscuits and gravy, you will leave full and happy. Their famous “Garbage Can” omelet may be the largest omelet you have ever seen. There is an outside dining area where you can enjoy your brunch while looking out over the river.

Riverstone Family Restaurant

Located at 8503 State Highway 73, Townsend, the Riverstone Family Restaurant serves a range of American cuisine and vegetarian-friendly food. Come for western omelets and country ham or try the frog’s legs, rainbow trout, or be brave and have a good old-fashioned fried bologna sandwich. The service here is superb, the food excellent, and the prices are very reasonable, plus they are right outside the gateway into the park.

Carriage House Restaurant

Located at 8310 State Hwy 73, Townsend, the Carriage House Restaurant offers buffet-style dining with a breakfast/brunch bar, homemade bread, fried okra, burgers, fried chicken, and many other tasty dishes. You can also order eggs cooked to your tastes, have custom-made omelets, and best of all, for one low price, the Carriage House offers all you can eat. No need to be shy here; be sure you bring your appetite, as you need plenty of fuel for your afternoon hike.

Elvira’s Café

Located at 4143 Wears Valley Rd. in Sevierville, Elvira’s Café is home to fresh food made every day using locally sourced ingredients. You just can’t get any fresher than this. Elvira’s serves up a range of local Southern Tennessee dishes with a slight Russian twist to them as a nod to Elvira’s homeland. Enjoy a Mountain Man omelet, your choice of breakfast or sweet crepes, and so much more. They also cater to vegetarian and vegan diets and are one of the most popular restaurants in the area.

Hillbilly’s Restaurant

Located near the middle of the strip in Wears Valley, TN, Hillbilly’s Restaurant/Wears Valley Café is easy to spot. It’s the only place in the area with a 1950s pickup truck on the roof. Once you walk in, the first thing you will see is another 50s-style truck with a whiskey still in the bed. The pancakes are to die for; you can order yours straight up with syrup, add fresh strawberries or blueberries, chocolate chips, or your choice of nuts. Add in the best burgers in the area, and a host of sandwiches, and you can’t go wrong, especially when you always get ham, bacon, or sausage with your breakfast.

Considering Spring Break in the Smokies? Here are 5 Great Reasons to Make Reservations on the Peaceful Side

Posted on February 11, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Ask travel experts and they’ll tell you that “spring break” is a season that can start as early as late in February and run into the middle of April. Typically, March is the peak of the season, and while it is often seen as a time of crazy parties for college kids, a lot of families book getaways while kids enjoy a short holiday from the regular school schedule. Lasting around a week, it is the perfect amount of time to visit a place of natural beauty. If you are considering a spring break vacation this year, you would be hard pressed to find something as ideal as the “Peaceful Side” of the Smokies.
Why a Visit to the Smokies is Ideal in Spring
If you are not sure just where in the Smokies, we suggest you opt for the “Peaceful Side” in the area around Blount County. Why? Well, here are 5 very good reasons to do so:

Fewer People – If you have never visited the Smokies, you may not know that it is an area that sees millions of visitors, and the peak of travel is in the summer season. This means that roads, restaurants, shops and even accommodations can be quite full, and if you are eager to really savor your time in places like the National Park, you’ll see a lot of fellow travelers. The spring is also popular, but there are markedly fewer visitors, and this can allow you to experience a sense of having many places all to yourself! Plus, as its name indicates, the Peaceful Side is less crowded and more peaceful than other areas in the Smokies like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Nature – There is little that can compare to the beauty of the Smoky Mountain area during the spring months. All of the different colors of green that spring to life from the trees and plants combine with the first blossoms and blooms, the return of migratory birds and the gentle babble of the streams (and even the waterfalls) to make an unforgettable experience.
Outdoor experiences and attractions – The return of the warmer weather (daytime highs never reach 80 and night time lows average around 40) means that you can bike, hike, walk, jog, ride your motorcycle, book time at one of the canopy tours, take a brisk ride down the Little River or another body of water, and generally enjoy all of the summer activities with fewer lines and crowds.
Budget friendliness – It makes good sense to travel outside of the peak season anywhere in the world, and this applies to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, too. Traveling in the spring means you don’t pay the higher seasonal rates, saving money and yet giving you access to exactly the same activities.
The Cabins and accommodations – One of the most unique things about a visit to the region is the abundance of mountain cabins available to rent. Many are little destinations all on their own with everything from fireplaces to outdoor hot tubs. A spring break at one of these cabins could become your newest and most favorite way to celebrate the arrival of the season.

Whether traveling on your own, with a sweetheart or the whole family, you’ll want to give serious consideration to a visit to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies and its many appealing activities, beautiful scenery, great restaurants and excellent accommodations.

Dig Into Maryville's Mouth-Watering BBQ at Full Service BBQ

Posted on April 10, 2014 by dstech - Blog, Dining

When strolling through Maryville, passersby may notice a large smoker on the side of the road near downtown. That smoker belongs to Full Service BBQ, a locally-owned outdoor barbecue joint nestled in the same lot on South Washington Street that’s been around since 2007. If you’re looking for the perfect meal to pick up on your way to Cades Cove, or just to stop and relax after a long day of driving, then look no further. From colorful chalk for the little ones to play with, to the corn hole sets and multiple HD TV screens, Full Service BBQ has something to entertain every member of your group.
The food is pretty legendary as well. We suggest stocking up on the delicious side items (we were still dreaming of Yo’ Mama’s Mac & Cheese days later) and, dare we say, the best sweet tea in Maryville! Whether your group is craving ribs, pulled pork or the unique Hawg Dawg (beer boiled hot dog topped with BBQ pork), the entire menu will keep you coming back for more. Oh, and don’t even think about skipping the banana pudding (if you’re too full, it packages nicely in a to-go container).
Full Service BBQ also offers family packs for up to 25 people, or catering services for larger groups. Check out their website here and then “like” them on Facebook to receive exclusive deals and keep up with their daily specials. Trust us, this is one local spot you won’t want to miss during your trip to The Peaceful Side!
Full Service BBQ is located at 113 South Washington Street, Maryville, TN 37804 and are open daily from 11am – 9pm. For more info, call them at (865) 981-4414.