Author: dstech

Plan a Quick Weekend Getaway to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies with These Tips

Posted on March 6, 2019 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Perhaps you know that the Smokies is a hugely popular travel destination. More than nine million visitors pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year alone, and that means it has a lot to offer. Yet, it also means there are areas more prone to crowds than others, and if you are eager to enjoy a laid-back and tranquil weekend getaway, you may want to explore the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies”.

Where is the Peaceful Side of the Smokies?

West of the wildly popular Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas are towns like Townsend and Maryville. Just as appealing, they are often seen as the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.
In fact, Townsend has that as the town’s slogan, and it fits nicely. This town, noted as a gateway to the incredibly historic, beautiful and famous Cades Cove area inside of the national park, is idyllic and laid-back. Full of local-owned eateries and shops, it is a unique alternative to the other options in the area.

Planning a Weekend Visit

So, what should you do to ensure you enjoy a good experience? Apart from planning to focus on the Townsend and Maryville side of things, we recommend the following:

  1. Take a look at the local Calendar of Events – This will show you the many wonderful activities available to you, such as food or beverage fests, local markets and more
  2. Consider a cabin – The area is full of appealing accommodations, but one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is from the peace, solitude and privacy of a home-like cabin full of comforts
  3. Eat local – While you may feel tempted to head to larger and more populated areas because they boast so many restaurants, don’t forget that one of the best ways to experience anywhere you visit is by living like a local. That means going to the little “hole in the wall” spots or the places with lots of cars in the parking lot. Ask around, most locals are happy to tell you where the best BBQ, breakfast, and other foods are found
  4. Visit the park – If you are in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, you are at a main entrance to one of the most coveted area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – don’t miss your chance for an early morning drive, sunset viewing or even a day of hiking
  5. Toss the agenda – Driving some of the local back or country roads and doing a bit of simple exploration is one great way to make the most of your time in the Smokies
  6. Walk the towns – You will be surprised at the fun you can have right in the heart of towns like Maryville and Townsend
  7. Try local attractions – Townsend is home to sites like Little River Railroad and Lumber Co. Museum, while Maryville has historic buildings to enjoy.

Planning a Fall Trip to the Smokies? Here are the 5 Best Spots to View Fall Colors

Posted on September 7, 2018 by - Activities, Blog

Summer may not last forever, but that doesn’t mean that great vacation destinations disappear when seasons change. Fall in Eastern Tennessee is, in fact, uniquely special, with its cooler-but-still-comfortable temperatures, drier climate, and spectacular foliage covering every mountainside. Great views abound in the region, but there are 5 in particular you’ll want to make sure you visit. Check them out below!
The Look Rock Tower/The Foothills Parkway
Whether you hike the whole 11-mile Foothills Parkway Trail to the top, or you drive on the 16.9-mile Foothills Parkway and pull up to the parking lot that’s a half-mile away, you’ll be rewarded by a great view when you make it to the top of Look Rock Tower. With its short distance and gentle slope, the Look Rock Tower is especially friendly to non-hikers, boasts a view comparable to that from Clingmans Dome, and is less likely to be crowded than the Dome on weekends and holiday weeks.
The Lumber Ridge Trail
This approximately 8-mile hike is a great way to get up close and personal with the changing seasons. The trail was named for the logging expeditions that once took place in the region, but hikers taking on this moderately challenging day hike with occasional mountain views can expect peace, quiet, and plenty of foliage. The logging companies are long gone, but you won’t find a crowd of tourists here, either.
Floating on Fort Loudon Lake
Some anglers hang up their poles when summer ends, but Fort Loudon Lake attracts fishermen and women who are on the hunt for bass and crappie when the temperature drops. Anyone who owns or can rent a boat and is in search of a spectacular fall panorama can find all that, plus a side of serious relaxation, with an afternoon spent on a boat in Fort Loudon Lake or other Eastern Tennessee waterways.
The Elkmont Historic District
Not every fall scene is going to be about a perfect vista, though there are plenty for the taking in Blount County. Fall also features a popular holiday that’s a little bit spooky and a little bit scary, and those who want to celebrate that side of the season can have their chance to do so by visiting the Elkmont Historic District. These abandoned vacation homes from the 1900s have been left to their own devices inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and checking them out is a (safe) way to feel a little bit of a tingle in your spine. The fall foliage is everywhere, too – there’s no one there to rake up the fallen leaves, after all.
Clingmans Dome
It may be popular and well-known, but why wouldn’t it be? Clingmans Dome is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and its height does offer a bit of a guarantee – if you make the climb, you’ll get quite an eyeful, that’s for sure. Expect trees as far as the eye can see, with brighter colors in valleys, and darker browns at higher elevations, where trees tend to shed their leaves earlier.

Planning a Family Trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Posted on April 12, 2019 by - Activities, Blog

If you are looking for a budget-friendly vacation with plenty of family fun, set your sights on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this year. It is the most visited national park in the country which means more than nine million people stop by each year.
There is plenty to do in the park to keep family members of all ages entertained, and your budget will love that there is no admission price to enter the park. That’s right, you can explore the 800 square miles of the park without paying for admission. There are estimates that the park contains over 100,000 different species, but scientists haven’t even been able to categorize everything yet.

Planning Your Trip to the Smokies

There is so much to see and do in the park, that you will want to make a solid game plan so that you don’t get overwhelmed upon your arrival. Whether you want to use the trip to just relax and enjoy nature, learn new skills, or delve into the history of the area, you can find the ideal activities to suit your agenda.

Relax in Nature in East Tennessee

For those that are simply looking to experience the beauty of nature in the mountains, you can find all of that and more in the park. There are areas for hiking including Alum Cave Bluffs, Rainbow Falls, and Chimney Tops. The Kephart Prong trail is a kid-friendly hike if your family members are on the younger side. It is recommended for kids in elementary school and older.
You can also enjoy fishing, exploring the historic graveyards, and searching for wildlife. The park is teeming with animals including deer, elk, raccoons, turkeys, woodchucks, and the famous black bears. The best times to search for animals is in the early morning and at dusk. Just remember not to feed the animals!

Learn New Skills

Who says a vacation can’t be educational? There are plenty of programs that you can enjoy while you are at the park provided by various groups in the area. The Friends of the Smokies offer guided hikes where you can learn more about the area. The Great Smoky Mountain Institute of Tremont has a variety of programs that you and your family may enjoy from summer camps to family workshops. The Smoky Mountain Field School can help you plan a family adventure with one of their many programs including synchronous fireflies, old-growth forests, stream life, and tracking.

Soak Up the History of Blount County

The park is also full of historic areas that you can visit and explore. Consider adding Cades Cove to your itinerary where you can explore historic buildings like churches and cabins. You can bring along your bikes and do a ride around the loop, just make sure you stop to check out all there is to see along the way. The history of the area dates back long before there was a National Park in this spot. You can see Appalachian life dating back to before the European settlers when the Cherokee where inhabiting the area.  
This is just the tip of the iceberg! There is so much more that you can see and do in the park. You can find a trip planner to help you nail down the exact elements that will make your vacation perfect for your family.
 

Quilts Often Tell a Story: Learn More About this Appalachian Craft Tradition

Posted on March 25, 2019 by - Blog, Events

It has long been said that every picture tells a story, but here in the Smoky Mountains, this truth dates far back before the first camera took a photograph. It dates to the days when the hardy women who lived here began making quilts. While they weren’t the first ones to make quilts, they turned this simple chore into an art form.
In the early days when the Peaceful Side of the Smokies was barely settled, the women would use virtually any scrap of material they could find. It could be the scraps left over from making clothes for the family, flour and bean sacks, seed bags, old clothes that have outlived their usefulness, literally anything that could be cut and sewn into the span of the quilt. Some were made to match the patterns of the time, others used a family pattern or even no pattern at all.
Today’s electric sewing machines, readily available fat squares have changed what was for many an art built out of necessity has become one that is more often than not done simply for the pleasure of doing so. Here on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, the skill of quilting is very much still part of our heritage. If you’re interested in quilting, there are several amazing quilt and quilt supply shop in the area, here are three of our favorites.

Quilts to Go at Lid’l Dollies Factory Store

The Lid’l Dollies Factory Store in Pigeon Forge has over three hundred quilt patterns for you to choose from in their store or at their online store. For 200 years Lid’l Dollies has been handcrafted quilts, dresses, and more. Today, they are proud to offer you a piece of true Tennessee heritage to take home with you after your visit to the peaceful side of the Smokies.

Foothills of the Smoky’s Quilt Shop

The Foothills of the Smoky’s Quilt Shop is located a little north of Pigeon Forge in Cosby. The shop is inside a historic log cabin and carries a vast selection of the finest in quilting materials and supplies. They also offer plenty of expert advice and are always happy to provide instruction on your quilting project. Be sure take the short drive out here and check out their fabulous selection of local patterns.

In Stitches Memory Quilts

In Stitches Memory Quilts, located in Maryville, TN says they will take your old t-shirts, sweatshirts, and polos, and create a custom quilt for you from them. The shirts you provide are used by the lovely ladies here to determine the custom pattern of your quilt.

The Cherry Pit

Located in historic downtown Sevierville, The Cherry Pit is an all-in-one quilting store. Along with selling completed quilts along with a fantastic selection of fabrics and patterns for which to choose. They also offer classes for beginners all the way up to advanced quilter. Each year the Cherry Pit participates in Quilt Fest and Shop Hop. They also sponsor an annual quilter retreat that features quilters from all over the country.

Ready for a Picnic? Enjoy the Beauty of Bicentennial Park

Posted on August 24, 2018 by - Activities, Blog, Maryville

There is nothing quite like enjoying a warm day out in the summer sunshine with your family in the Maryville, Tennessee area. One of the more popular parks in the area is the Bicentennial Park that sits in the heart of Maryville, TN. For those that are new to Maryville or are just visiting, the one thing you might not know about the area the park sits on is that at one point in time, the area was home to a light industrial park. The various industries here at the time were responsible for dumping so much pollution in Pistol Creek that nothing could live in the creek or the land surrounding it.

Urban Renewal at Its Best

Bicentennial Park is the result of an urban renewal project created by the City of Maryville over the span of several years leading up to the nation’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976. The high levels of pollution were the main reason behind the city’s decision to renovate this area and turn it into a park the entire town could enjoy. The park was just the beginning, as it led to the development of the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway, something the locals typically refer to as the “Greenbelt.”
The entire area around it got a new lease on life, with new businesses and homes also appearing. The flock of Canadian geese that call the park home has done so for over 50 years. Along with the park itself, there are miles of trails for you and your family to explore on foot, on bike, skates, or skateboards.
Your kids are sure to enjoy the vast open areas of greenspace they can run around on, play on, or use to simply relax in the sun. The trails have plenty of benches in the shade for you to relax on while your kids play. Make sure you prepare a picnic lunch and plenty of drinks for everyone so that you can enjoy the whole day out in the sunshine and fresh air.

What If You Don’t Want to Pack a Picnic?

If you prefer not to have a picnic, there are several delightful local eateries within easy walking distance of the park that are well-worth checking out. The park has water fountains in several locations in case someone gets thirsty, including some just for the four-legged member of your family. A dog park has been added where you can let your dog run free off-leash and play with the other dogs, or you can take him hiking with the rest of the family on the many trails leading out of the park.
Bicentennial Park is a fantastic place filled with open grassy areas to play in, shade trees to relax under, and trails to hike. Your kids are going to love feeding the ducks who call the park’s pond home. You can bring the whole family for a day of fun in the sun, or you can sneak away for some “alone” time under a shade tree with a good book.

Ready for Some Fresh Air and Family Fun? Go Snow Tubing in the Smokies

Posted on December 21, 2018 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Winter is coming and along with it, plenty of snow and cold weather. What goes great with lots of snow and fresh air better than going snow tubing? Not much, at least not when you visit the Smoky Mountains in the winter. This leads us to the next question, “Where can you go snow tubing in the Smokies?”

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in winter

Most people who come to this area come to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Just because it is winter here in this part of the nation doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. In fact, there are many spots you can go tubing in the park. One of the most popular seems to be Clingmans Dome. The “Dome” attracts snow lovers of all ages who bring their sleds and tubes here every winter.
The Dome is very popular with the locals and once the snow sets in there tends to be plenty of tubing around all winter long. One thing to keep in mind is that just because an area looks like it might be perfect for tubing, there are potentially any number of obstacles buried in the snow, just waiting to grab your inner tube and cause a nasty accident that could result in serious injuries. Make sure you walk the area first or use an area that is well-known to be safe.

Tubing in the Smokies at Ober Gatlinburg

If you don’t feel comfortable with trying to find a safe place in the park to go tubing, that’s okay. Many of the locals agree that going to Ober Gatlinburg in the winter is the perfect alternative. Tubing here is one of the most popular winter activities with both locals and tourists alike.
Each session lasts for 90 minutes, which gives your entire family plenty of time to enjoy tubing down the snow packed hill without ever having to climb back to the top of the mountain. Once you get to the bottom of the slide, you grab your tube and ride the “Magic Carpet,” which is an escalator that will take you all the way back to the top so that you can slide all the way down again.
The slides are 400 feet long and to make sure everyone gets their turn, ten lanes are going at all times. Ober Gatlinburg is open from mid-November to the 1st of April each year with sessions typically starting at 9 a.m. and running every two hours until 7 p.m. Do keep in mind that some sessions may be canceled and that certain times of the day may be busier than others. This ride is safe for everyone over the age of three as little ones can ride with an adult.
These are just some of the ways to take your family tubing in the Smokies. You can buy your tickets online for Ober Gatlinburg or wait until you arrive. You can also purchase advance tickets in the Tramway Mall or at the office. Be sure to come prepared for fun and bring the whole family with you. Make sure you bring your winter weather gear with you; it can get pretty chilly out there flying across the snow!
 

Relax in the Smokies at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

Posted on May 9, 2018 by - Blog, Lodging, Townsend

If what you want for your family vacation is relaxation, look no further than the “peaceful side of the Smokies.”  At Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, you can relax in the beautiful area of Townsend like never before. Book a stay in a cabin, stay in a unique tiny house, or bring your RV to this luxury campground. Here’s what you need to know about each option when you visit Little Arrow in Townsend.
Cabins and Tiny Houses
One of the most relaxing ways to enjoy a vacation in the Smokies is to book a stay in a log cabin or a tiny house. The cabins at Little Arrow each have large decks that let you look out at the amazing view, plus plenty of room inside to enjoy some cozy camping. The tiny houses let you have the micro-living experience with a homey atmosphere, as if you are living the minimalist lifestyle. Step outside to see the sun rising over the mountains from your very own tiny home!
Glamping Tents and RV Sites
If you want to get a little closer to nature – but not too close – check out the glamping tents at Little Arrow. These are luxurious tents with large shaded areas for seating, private areas for sleeping, room to stand up inside, and enough space for everyone. These are surprisingly luxurious and romantic for a couple that wants to have plenty of adventures for their anniversary or honeymoon. You can also book an RV site on or off the river, as well as a primitive camping site for your own gear.
All Kinds of Things to Do Around Townsend
Enjoying your stay at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort is only half the fun of vacationing in and around Townsend. This is truly a peaceful area, with gorgeous scenic routes to drive or hike (Cades Cove and Tail of the Dragon are both nearby), or you could easily slip away to the river and enjoy trout fishing, swimming, or tubing. Love to relax by hiking in majestic nature? The National Park is right by Little Arrow, so you can easily hike your way to the waterfalls all around the area. Or try something more exhilarating, like zip lining or working your way through an aerial obstacle course in the park. There are also horseback tours and so much more.
No matter how you love to enjoy the outdoors, the Smokies can offer something for you. Relax at the campground, bask in the water, take in the view, or immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Let Little Arrow Outdoor Resort be your home away from home for your well-deserved getaway this year.

Rising from the Ashes: Dancing Bear Lodge Resurrects Powerful Memories

Posted on October 24, 2016 by - Activities, Blog, Lodging, Townsend

Mark Oldham faced a dream disguised as a dilemma.
He had sold his business and traveled the world for six months with his wife, Sharon. Now, he was hunting for a fresh career venture.
“When we sold the business in Nashville, we could have retired,” Oldham said. “We felt too young to retire, but we were too old to launch a startup.”
To solve the quandary, the Oldhams took stock of their passions, one of which was Blount County’s mountain oasis. Many times throughout their marriage they had visited Townsend, where the Smoky Mountains briefly part to reveal a tranquil morsel of Americana. Their love of the Peaceful Side of the Smokies stemmed from excursions they had taken there during their college days.
“We loved the mountains and wanted to be in hospitality, but we had no idea that anything would be available in Townsend of all places, a town we loved as students,” Oldham said.
But in 2014, during their career crossroads, Mark and Sharon got a chance to resurrect their Townsend memories – and help one of the town’s beloved getaway spots rise from the ashes – when tragedy gave way to opportunity.
In November 2013, a fire had destroyed Townsend’s Dancing Bear Lodge and Restaurant.
While no one was seriously injured, the four-story building was a total loss, leaving a set of rental cabins to sustain the business. By the time Oldham was looking for a foothold in the hospitality industry, Dancing Bear’s owners were looking for a buyer. The love affair was immediate.
“This ad popped in for 37 acres with cabins,” said Oldham. “We fell in love with it as soon as we saw it and put a contract on it the next week.”
The Oldhams’ infatuation may have been instant, but they knew the road to recovery would be gradual.
“There was a big hole in the ground where the fire was, you could see the singed trees where the fire had occurred,” Oldham said. “I didn’t have any history with the property, and even I felt the emotion of the fire. It was in this grey state of flux.”
After taking ownership of the resort, Oldham’s team added to the existing cabins – which, according to Oldham, were still in “fine shape” – and expanded the resort’s offerings by building a restaurant and an event space.
“We were able to build an event lawn, get in the wedding business and bring back finer cuisine to this area,” Oldham said. “As soon as we sent out the first e-mail blast, we introduced ourselves and said we were going to bring Dancing Bear back.”
One thing they decided not to bring back: the burned-down lodge itself.
“We knew that people were going to miss the lodge,” Oldham said. “It was this huge, beautiful structure with an atrium lobby. We didn’t want to try to recreate it. This is our take on Dancing Bear Lodge.”
Their version of Dancing Bear features 21 luxury cabins designed to welcome couples, families and corporate retreats. The property is built around the event space, which hosts weddings and private events. There are also two miles of walking trails.
“It’s not like you’re coming into what you normally think about in a cabin,” said Oldham. “Each one has high-speed internet, HDTV, premium bedding and linen, and 16 of them have fireplaces and hot tubs. We operate it like a hotel with daily housekeeping service.”
But Oldham’s pride and joy is the restaurant, the Appalachian Bistro, which opened in August 2015 and offers elevated farm-to-table cuisine.
“To me, it’s the crown jewel of dining in the Smokies,” Oldham said. “Shelley Cooper, our executive chef, is inspired by the Appalachian Trail, from the mountains of Georgia to the mountains of Maine. We have our staples, but whatever she can get from the local produce vendor she weaves into the menu. We’re really happy about how the restaurant turned out.”
Dancing Bear thrills travelers looking for a getaway, but it has also tapped into a new market: corporate retreats. The dynamic event space and diverse array of cabins appeal to businesses interested in holding strategic planning sessions in the serenity of the Smokies.
“You see the stress come out of people when they get settled and start their meeting,” said Oldham. “It’s not a closed conference room with fluorescent lighting. We have big windows and incandescent lighting. We have our famous fire pit where we have S’mores nightly, and we’re the only place in the area that has full bar service. What people say is, ‘Oh my gosh, I feel like I’m a world away, but I’m just minutes from Knoxville and the interstates.'”
Oldham feels the same way. The town that began as a getaway for him and his wife has become the place where he gets to live out his personal and professional dreams.
“I’m energized. I’m having four times as much fun,” Oldham said. “I get up and I’m able able to look into the Smoky Mountains, and I don’t have to pass any traffic lights or fast food joints on my commute. We have some challenges, but when it’s all said and done, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”
“This is living the dream.”

Romantic Sunsets are Spectacular from Clingmans Dome

Posted on August 20, 2018 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

One of the most beautiful sights to see in the Smoky Mountains is a sunset. The mountain peaks take on a rosy glow, and overhead you can see the hint of stars starting to peek through. The foothills below the peaks fall asleep, and all around, the magical night view starts to take over. It’s a stunning natural phenomenon that happens every single night, and as residents of Blount County, we’re lucky enough to see it regularly. One of the best places for visitors to get the best look at this amazing sight is Clingmans Dome.
Find the Observation Tower at the Highest Point in the National Park
Located at 6,643 feet, the observation tower at the top of Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Up here, you can get full views of the mountains from every direction, with nothing at all in the way of the amazing sights. No buildings, no crowds, no billboards – just the gorgeous sight of the mountains stretching out around you. It takes just half a mile to walk the trail, and although it’s steep, it is paved and you can easily follow the path with no troubles. Be aware that pets and bikes are not allowed on the path up to the observation deck. The trail is also too steep for wheelchair accessibility.
Didn’t Make It In Time for Sunset? Don’t Worry
If you start the seven-mile drive to the path that takes you to the observation deck and the sun is already setting, don’t worry – you can still have that romantic moment with a great view. The road has many pull-offs with great views of their own, and you can easily enjoy the sunset from there!
Be Prepared for That Sunset Kiss
On very clear days, the view from Clingmans Dome extends more than 100 miles in all directions – and even on foggy days, you’ll still be able to see out at least 20 miles in every direction. When the sun casts its beautiful pink and purple sunset shadow on the peaks, get ready for that romantic moment with your loved one. There’s nothing like sharing the beauty of nature together in a way that most people never get to.
Getting to Clingmans Dome
In order to get to Clingmans Dome, you’ll need to turn off Newfound Gap Road about 0.1 miles south of Newfound Gap. Follow this road, which is Clingmans Dome Road, seven miles, and the road will end in a parking lot. From the parking lot, follow the paved path along the half-mile walk, and you’ll be at the observation tower. While the observation tower is always open, the road to the dome is closed in the winter and when the weather conditions could be dangerous.

Scenic Spring RV Trips to Maryville, Tennessee

Posted on May 7, 2018 by - Activities, Blog

Is there anything more fun than the thought of packing up the family RV and hitting the road when the weather is finally heating up? Spring has arrived in the Maryville area, and we’ve got plenty of ways to enjoy the view. If you’re planning to take some RV trips in Maryville or the surrounding areas this year, here are some of the most peaceful campsites and the most beautiful drives along the way.

Top-Rated Campsites for RV Trips in Maryville

The first thing you need to do to have a peaceful RV vacation in Maryville is choose your campground! The Maryville area offers many secluded RV parks and campgrounds that are just perfect for a relaxing family getaway. You can try the Whispering River Resort, located just a short 10-minute drive away from Maryville in Walland. This campground is the closest to the stunning Tail of the Dragon, a scenic route that is perfect for motorcycles or a leisurely drive around the mountain.
Or try Mountaineer Campground, just a short drive away in Townsend, where you can take a quick drive to Cades Cove. Cades Cove is one of the most scenic routes to drive, bike, or even hike. This area is perfect for RV campers who want to be surrounded by as much beautiful mountain scenery as possible. Another great campground in the same area is Big Meadow Family Campground, which is ideal for RV campers with kids. Plenty of playground equipment, a splash pad, and fenced-in areas for dogs make this campground perfect for getting some peace while the kids have some fun!

Take a Drive (or a Hike) Through Peaceful Maryville

While you’re on your RV trip to Maryville, you have plenty of opportunities to drink in the scenery. In addition to Cades Cove and Tail of the Dragon, why not try a drive from Maryville to Clingmans Dome? This is a 57-mile trip that you can drive year-round. You’ll get some of the most stunning scenery in the area along this drive, and it’s easy enough for drivers of all skill levels to enjoy. Relax and let the jaw-dropping view of the mountains in spring refresh your spirit after the long winter. When you end your drive at Clingmans Dome, you’ll be in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it’s easy to park your car and hike to waterfalls, or find picnic spots for lunch.
Then you can head back to your peaceful RV camp and enjoy the peaks in the distance as you curl up for a good night’s rest. This spring, let Maryville be your ideal getaway for peaceful relaxation!

Smartphones and Tablets help leaf peepers make the most of a Fall Smokies Visit

Posted on October 14, 2015 by - Activities, Blog

Every autumn travelers journey to the Smoky Mountains from all over the world to experience the crisp air, comfortable temperatures and fall foliage. Affectionately called “leaf peepers,” these visitors seek the best and brightest leaves of the season, stay in the coziest inns and eat popular local cuisine, all at the best rates. Planning a relaxing fall trip isn’t out of reach or overly-complicated. It’s possible to organize an exciting fall adventure at the touch of a button with mobile devices like the 4G LTE iPhone 6, iPad Air 3 or Samsung Galaxy S6.
“Many people take advantage of long weekends for these fall trips, and a lot of times, those weekends go by faster than expected,” says Nathan Waddell, director of sales in Tennessee. “Travelers have to make the most of their time, and with today’s mobile devices and a reliable 4G LTE with national coverage like U.S. Cellular’s, they can be well informed instantly.”
Whatever the reason people travel or wherever they go, studies show that mobile devices are becoming a prominent travel resource. According to a recent U.S. Cellular Better Moments Survey, 23 percent of mobile customers booked airline tickets , and 35 percent of smartphone users used their mobile devices to book hotel reservations. Forty-four percent used smartphones to coordinate plans with others.
To help plan a great fall trip, the experts at U.S. Cellular recommend the following web sites and apps:
Great Smoky Mountains app: With a park map and information about picnic spots and restrooms, this is a perfect app to use when planning your day in the National Park. It includes the official guide book to the Smoky Mountains, too.
AllTrails (iOS, Android — Free): This app is for outdoorsy travelers looking to be on the trail seeing the foliage up close. Featuring 50,000 trail guides in the U.S. and Canada alone, smartphone users will know where to go whether they’re seeking a grueling mountain bike ride, or a kid-friendly hiking trail. Filter trails by activity and location and get reviews by fellow leaf peepers. Trailblazers can even create new trails with GPS tracking, photos and text.
TripAdvisor (iOS, Android — Free): This comprehensive app lets users find reviews for all facets of travel, including airfare, bed and breakfast reservations and restaurants. Including over two million reviews by fellow travelers, everyone – singles, families and retirees – can experience and share the best East Tennessee has to offer.
Flickr (iOS, Android — Free): iOS and Android users can both accentuate the fall colors in their pictures with a wide variety of editing tools, like filters, contrast, and color balance. Take a video or picture and share the experience with friends and family.
“Seeing fall foliage, hiking in the Smoky Mountains, or having a late-season stay in Townsend, can be enhanced with the right information at the right time,” says Waddell. “With U.S. Cellular’s nationwide coverage, you can catch the best wind, find a hayride and see the best colors without getting stuck in the rain.”

Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing is a Great Way to Beat the Summer Heat

Posted on July 18, 2018 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

In the heat of the summer months, there’s no better way to cool off than river tubing in Townsend, at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The next question, though, is a little harder to answer. What are you going to do about the heat?
Give Tubing a Try!
Tubing? Yes, tubing! You might have heard of tubing, or you might not have. Either way, the team at River Rat Tubing will answer any questions you may have and get you ready to get out there and enjoy the Little River.
While you’re here, though, we can let you in on a little more info about tubing. Tubing is a great way to relax; you just get on your swimming gear, add a lifejacket if you’re a younger kid or not much of a swimmer, grab a tube, drop it in the river, lie on top, and relax as the Little River takes you around its bends and curves. It’s fun, it’s as adventurous as you’d like it to be, and it sure beats sitting inside and giving the air conditioning a workout.
You’ve Got a Choice of Routes
Everyone ages 2 and up is welcome to tube, and those 6 and up have a choice to make. River Rat Tubing has two tubing outposts: the first, for their “family float” route, is for anyone 2 or older, and includes scenic views, calmer rapids, private beaches, and even a rock jump. Cowabunga!
The second outpost, their “adventure float,” is for ages 6 and older, and includes rapids that will get your heart pumping, some refreshing swimming holes, and private cabanas at the outpost that are available to rent after you’ve finished taking on the river for the day. Pretty fancy for a river rat, don’t you think?
Not sure which route is right for you? No problem! Tubers 6 and older can take on both routes in a single day. River Rat Tubing allows you to keep tubing until it’s time for their last trip of the day, so just one ticket gets you plenty of time on the water!
The Whole Family Can Go (Even Fido!)
When people say, “whole family,” they usually mean just the people – and this can leave someone pretty special feeling left out. River Rat Tubing allows dogs to go tubing, too! Just bring your water-loving dog, get ‘em in a doggie life jacket, and set them up with you in the tube (if they’re small) or in their own tube (if they’re up to 60 pounds, because doggie toenails can pop tubes), and you’ll have the recipe for a great time, not to mention some amazing snapshots. Dogs tube for free, and tethers connecting dog tubes to “dog parent” tubes are available for rent.
Go Ahead, Make Your Summer Tubing Plans
River Rat Tubing is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 7 days a week, from 10 AM to 5 PM, and with shortened hours after Labor Day. If you can’t get enough of relaxing on the Little River, they’ve got you covered with the Smoky Mountain River Rat Season Pass, which includes unlimited tubing all summer long, as well as your choice of one of two river rafting adventures at their rafting outpost in Hartford, Tennessee. So make a splash – the season won’t last forever!