Author: dstech

Smoky Mountains National Park is Open All Year; Experience the Exhilaration of Hiking in the Winter

Posted on December 14, 2018 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Whether a first-time visitor to the Smokies, or someone who has been returning for years, you already know it is a remarkably beautiful region. It is why millions of people head there every year, but you don’t have to limit your visits to the peak seasons. From late spring and into autumn, the region hosts many visitors who head out on the roads and trails to enjoy the stunning natural beauty that is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Yet, as winter arrives, the crowds thin and the park grows quieter than at any time of year. And that is precisely the reason to pay a visit during the winter months. Now, you might think it a bit unappealing to head into the woods if the snows are deep and the temperatures freezing, but you might be surprised at how amenable the parklands are to winter hikes.
The Advantages of Winter Hiking in the Smokies
Experts even point out that there are distinct advantages to choosing to hike in the winter. One such advantage is the absence of bugs! You won’t have to use any sort of repellents in the winter and can just enjoy the scenery.
Another advantage is that the leaves have fallen and opened up views and vistas that you cannot enjoy at any other time of the year. While the leaves may help to keep you cool and create a wonderful sort of scenery in the warmer seasons, with their disappearance in the winter, it changes the entire experience of hiking.
The temperatures are always cool and amenable to activity. You may even find you have to unzip or remove a layer as you make your way along the snow covered trails! And speaking of the snow cover, it is a wonderful way to begin learning about the native creatures of the forest. After all, they leave behind their footprints, quite clearly, in the snow and can help you to begin recognizing who has passed through the same trails you are hiking!
Of course, the peace and quiet of a winter’s hike in the Smokies is also an advantage. Though it is great that so many people like to get out into the woods and explore this stunning destination, it is awfully nice to feel like you have it almost entirely to yourself!
The Hikes to Consider
Not all trails are suited to novice or even somewhat experienced hikers in the winter months. We suggest the following three easy hikes for their amazing winter beauty and predictable conditions:

  • Laurel Falls – If it is very cold, the falls freeze and create an unforgettable sight. The 1.3 mile trail is paved, so no extra-slippery conditions, and you’ll definitely want to use the wooden footbridge to take a few unforgettable photos.
  • Porter’s Creek – Easily reached by car, it is gentle and brings you past Fern Branch Falls, usually frozen in the winter months. This is a four-mile loop.
  • Schoolhouse Gap – Set near famous Cades Cove, it is where you will find a lot of local wildlife and can enjoy the scenery on this relatively flat and easy hike.

Remember to always check conditions and ensure roads are open, dress properly, and bring a camera! Winter hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is something you’ll want to photograph in order to capture some amazing memories.

Spectacular Fall Drives in the Smokies

Posted on November 23, 2018 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Here in Blount County, we like to encourage “leaf peepers” to savor the amazing local scenery. After all, you can stay right in Townsend and see some of the most beautiful autumn colors. Just choose a country road and enjoy the stunning foliage as you wind your way through woodlands and fields.
However, anyone who pays a visit to the Smokies knows that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a motor-friendly park and its roadways were designed to optimize the scenic overlooks and stunning natural views. That is what makes it such a popular and wise choice as an autumn driving destination. Below, we have listed our favorite drives and emphasized those that put the spotlight on the fall colors. Keep in mind, though, that this is just a drop in the bucket in terms of the actual numbers of drives and explorations you can enjoy in the park and surrounding areas!

Cades Cove Loop Road

You cannot pay a visit to the park without making your way through this top attraction. An 11-mile loop road, it is a wonderful spot for taking in the scenery, catching glimpses of the area’s wildlife (including bears) and visiting the many historic churches and cabins along the way. Framed as it is by the mountains, it is also a robustly colorful spot during the autumn months, and there are many hiking trails that can allow you to get out into that beautiful landscape.

Newfound Gap Road

If you want one of the original scenic drives in the Smokies, this is it. It was cut in the late 1800s and allows you to pass through the mountains without having to climb to high altitudes. It is 33 miles from beginning to end, and you’ll want to pack a picnic and bring the camera. There are lots of panoramic and scenic views and if you are hearty and fit, you can hike up to Clingmans Dome (the highest peak in Tennessee) off this road.

Blue Ridge Parkway

This amazing route lets you experience the North Carolina side of the Smokies as the road follows the mountains and winds its way from Cherokee to Afton. It runs more than 400 miles, so it is not a day trip, but rather something to experience in chunks. During the autumn months, it is a place of stunning natural color and scenery and from it, you can reach Mt. Mitchell (the highest peak in the eastern U.S.), the Linville Gorge (the deepest gorge in the eastern U.S.) and many other attractions.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is another must and is a loop road that wanders through natural areas and historic sites.
There are so many spots to hit the roads and take in amazing views, but as we said at the beginning, the area around Townsend can also provide you with more than enough autumn color and gorgeous scenery, and the Maryville Greenway (a walking trail) is a place where the leaves surround you and where anyone can enjoy an autumn stroll.

Spend a Day Exploring Maryville, Tennessee

Posted on January 8, 2019 by - Blog, Maryville

Tucked into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the town of Maryville, TN dates far back in America’s history. Beginning as an 18th century fort, it officially became a town before the turn of that same century. Just twenty short miles from the bright lights and fun of Knoxville, it retains a small-town feel and, as it is surrounded by beautiful scenery, it is a popular place among the region’s many travelers.

What to Do in Maryville

While one of the common things to do during a visit to Maryville is to actually leave it and head into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (with an entrance just 13 miles from downtown), there is a great deal to see and do in the town itself. A brief list of the local activities include:

  • The Alcoa-Maryville Greenway – Running between the two towns, it features a riverside footpath and bicycle path with many ways to enter or exit along the way. Nine miles in length, it begins in Maryville’s Sandy Springs Park and you will often be able to access shopping districts and nature areas from the trail.
  • Sam Houston Historic Schoolhouse – Though associated with Texas, Sam Houston originated in East Tennessee and was a teacher in the Maryville area. A visit here is unforgettable and truly charming at any time of year.
  • Blount County Historical Museum – Located in town, it can be a great companion to a visit to the Cades Cove Museum and the Sam Houston site (above) if you want a good history of the region.
  • Capitol Theater – This authentic Art Deco treasure dates back to the 1920s and can seat around one thousand guests. Book a tour, and visit their coffee house.
  • The Antique Malls – If you are an antique enthusiast, you have some great choices right in Maryville, including the Parkway Antique Mall and the Druid Hill Antique Mall, among others.
  • Foothills Mall – A classic mall with movie theater, shops, and big box stores, it also features specialty stores and eateries.
  • Vineyards and Breweries – Like other areas of the region, Maryville also meets the needs and interests of those eager to sample local specialties that include wine and other alcoholic beverages. Options popular with travelers include Blue Goose Farm and Vineyards, Round 6 Brewing, and Pleasant Hill Vineyards, among others.

When the weather is fine, there is even more you can do and see in town. For example, there is a fully functional drive-in movie theater, The Parkway Drive-In, that remains open from spring through fall.
Don’t forget that the area is ideal for cabin rentals all year long, and these can serve as a wonderful base from which to make a greater exploration of Maryville and the entire region. Whether you head to Look Rock Tower along the Foothills Parkway (another great thing to explore while in town) or do a food tour of the many barbecue restaurants and other specialty foods, you can make an entire vacation from this one town and the natural beauty all around it.
 


 

Stargazing in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Posted on February 25, 2019 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Whether you are a casual stargazer, an amateur, or a professional astronomer, the one thing you need more than anything else is a clear sky and minimal light pollution. Living in a big town or city makes it almost impossible to see the stars, let alone truly enjoy them.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers you a peaceful place to stargaze without the interference of light pollution. Once the crowds have gone for the day, the traffic dies down, most of the local wildlife have tucked themselves in for the night, and the park becomes an entirely different world.
There Is More Than Earthly Wildlife Here
You might think that once the sun goes down and the wildlife goes to bed, there isn’t much to see here. But this would be a huge mistake, as once the sun goes down, the light show in the sky starts. What could be better than laying back on a blanket and staring up constellations like Orion, or Ursa Major and Ursa Minor?
There are many fabulous spots in the Smokies from which to view the heavens but coming into the park through Townsend offers you the chance to hike to several of the most popular spots. The Newfound Gap Trailhead is a favorite spot for stargazers. The parking lot at the trailhead is 6,000 feet above sea level and has no street lights to ruin your night vision. One thing to keep in mind, at this altitude it can be chilly at night, especially if you come in the spring or fall.
Phases of the Moon
The full moon is so bright here in the Smokies that it blots out the stars in the sky. So, if you plan to come here to see the stars, the new moon is the best time to see them as it offers minimal light interference. This unobstructed view of the stars and lack of light make it possible for you to take photographs of the stars. Be sure you turn off the flash and use a prolonged exposure. If you set the exposure to 1.5 to 2.0 minutes, your pictures will have star streaks on them caused by the earth’s rotation. Be sure to mount your camera on a tripod as it needs to be perfectly still to avoid blurred images.
So, if you are looking for something to do with your family after the sun goes down, consider taking a drive or hike up into the Smokies. Grab some cool weather clothes, a blanket or two, even a thermos of hot cocoa and a snack, and cruise up to the trailhead or into Cades Cove. Put the blankets on the hood of your car or the ground, lay back and stare upwards at the heavens where you will behold one of the most spectacular views of the stars you are likely to have ever seen anywhere, especially if you live in a city.
 

Stay Warm Inside These Smoky Mountains Antique Stores and Unique Shops

Posted on January 30, 2019 by - Blog, Shopping

Is Old Man Winter breathing down your neck, making you want to stay inside where it’s toasty warm with a cup of hot cocoa? What if we told you there is a way for you to go shopping without freezing? Would you take the bait and ask for more information? What if I added the fact that Blount County has one of the finest selections of antique and curio shops in the state? If you are looking for somewhere fun to shop that is sure to be nice and warm at this time of year, here are some of the warmest, unique places in the county to shop.

Rivermill Antiques, Etc.

You can find this unique store at 4618 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, in Walland, TN. When you visit the Rivermill Antiques, Etc., you never know what you might find. Wandering through the aisles of this mall, you might find antique tools, hundreds of records, photographs, possibly even an old phonograph — trinkets, knick-knacks, furniture, stuff on top of furniture, and much more. Take your time, enjoy the warmth and don’t forget to look up from time to time or you might miss something special.

Hoo-La-La Vintage

This fantastic store can be found at 564 N Foothills Plaza Dr., in Maryville, TN. Hoo-la-la Vintage ‘s main focus is on vintage furnishings, and many rare and unique items. The moment you walk through the doors, the heat feels remarkably inviting. Everywhere you look are items of furniture that have been lovingly curated to ensure they fit in with your decor.  Along with their vintage and antique furnishings, you will also find new furniture from The Bramble Company and Mayo Manufacturing on hand. This is a wonderful place to find the perfect piece of furniture and many other items for your home .

Nostalgia

You can find this massive warehouse-sized store at 5214 Homberg Dr. in nearby Knoxville, TN. Nostalgia is one of the most popular vintage stores nearby Blount County with reasonable prices and items ranging in period from the early 1900s, on up. Most of the things are arranged in booths operated by the individual vendors, each of which is packed to the brim with quality items. Never be afraid to haggle; you never know how much more you’ll save. One word to the wise, there are several cats running loose in this store, if you have allergies, you might want to take your allergy medicine first!

The Shoppes at Homespun

You can find The Shoppes at Homespun in the old Cherokee Lumber Company building at 1410 Sevierville Rd, Maryville, TN or at 11523 Kingston Pike in Knoxville. Both stores are loaded with a fantastic selection of items for sale including primitives, period clothing, vintage items, creative décor items and so much more. Wander the aisles while the snow continues to fall outside.
These are only a few of the many fabulous antique and collectibles stores to be found in Blount County. Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but in our antique stores, the warmth is quite delightful. Be sure you take a little extra time to check them out this winter; you never know what you might find!
 

Super Day Trip Idea: Next to Heaven Mountain Adventures in Townsend, TN

Posted on May 16, 2018 by - Activities, Blog, Townsend

Are you looking for your next great day trip idea? There are plenty of things to do in the Townsend, TN area, but none can quite equal the fun of spending the day at Next to Heaven Mountain Adventures. This ranch offers great family fun and spectacular mountain views that are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. Next to Heaven is the only ranch to offer unguided horseback rides and zipline rides.
The Zipline
Rather than start with the horseback rides, let’s take a quick (no pun intended) look at the ziplines. The zipline at Next to Heaven is listed as one of the longest in the Smokies with 9 different lines to choose from that will take you soaring out of the trees while you enjoy incredible views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The staff will help get you outfitted with a helmet, a harness, and anything else you need. After filling you in on the instructions and rules, off you go. This is your chance to soar over the trees, taking in the incredible fresh Smoky Mountain air as you fly free as a bird. This may be one of the most amazing adventures you and your family will ever have.
Now for the Horse Rides  
At Next to Heaven, you can enjoy the only hour-long unguided horseback rides in the Great Smokies. The 7-mile trail winds through some 45 acres of what many describe as the most beautiful scenery in the Smokies. Along the ride, you come across overlooks that let you see seven different mountain ranges. Depending on the weather, you can see all the way to North Carolina.
The staff will fit each member of your party with a horse that matches them for size and riding ability. Once you take off, you get the chance to see the local flora and fauna along with wildlife in a way that can only be seen at the slow but steady pace of being on a horse. Capture the moment with pictures, videos, or simply drink in the Zen-like experience with as much of the fresh mountain air as your lungs can handle.
Immerse yourself in the experience and let the peace and quiet wash your stress away, even if only for an hour. The ride to the top of the mountain is nothing short of amazing, but when you reach the top, you can truly see what can only be described as “some of God’s greatest work.” Enjoy the ride from atop Appy, Big Red, Stormy, Dakota, or one of the other very gentle horses and create memories your family will never forget. You can even take your little ones for the ride by placing them in front of you, giving them the thrill of a lifetime.
No matter what else you pack along with you, be sure to pack a camera so you can create a separate album covering the fun you had at the Next to Heaven Mountain Adventures. Be sure to book early as this is a very popular attraction in Townsend, TN. Contact the ranch at (865) 448-6947 for more information and to book your adventure.

Synchronous Fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Posted on June 4, 2015 by - Activities, Blog, Groups

East Tennesseans who live near the Smoky Mountains know their home is a special place. This area is so special, in fact, that it hosts one of the rarest sights in the world: synchronous fireflies in the Smokies. Every year, this species of firefly gathers in the Smokies for their two-week mating season in late spring. At the peak of their season, these fireflies can be seen blinking in synchronicity.
The flashes of bioluminescence emitted by lightning bugs are essential to their mating ritual. The males flash to the females, who may or may not flash in response. During this special time, though, all males and females of this species flash together in mass. No one knows for sure what makes synchronous fireflies behave this way, but the effect is truly awesome—hundreds of individuals acting in harmony. Perhaps the mystery of it is what draws so many people year after year.
A few weeks before the event, the National Parks Service distributes a limited number of advanced parking tickets online. However, as in the case of this year, the tickets are gone the instant they go on sale. For those who miss out, there are 85 passes that can be reserved starting at 10:00 a.m. the day before you wish to attend by going to www.recreation.gov or calling (877) 444-6777. Again though, these disappear faster than the flash of a lightning bug, so plan ahead.
And yes, this spectacle is worth every bit of the mania it takes to get a pass.
The lucky few who get their hands on a ticket must park at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and ride a shuttle to the Elkmont viewing area after sundown. This year, the synchronous fireflies can be seen from Tuesday, June 2, through Tuesday, June 8.
Because viewers will be walking around in the woods after dark, some may want to bring a flashlight. However, if you do, be sure to cover it with blue or red cellophane, and point it directly toward the ground and only when you’re walking to your selected viewing spot. Once you are settled, turn off the artificial light and revel in nature’s light show, an experience that is nothing short of magical.

Take in the Smoky Mountain Winterfest by Making Reservations to Stay on the Peaceful Side

Posted on January 22, 2019 by - Blog, Events

‘Tis the season for fun, snow, holiday lights, and, of course, shopping for that perfect gift for friends and family. Now imagine going out shopping under more than 5 million tiny sparkling holiday lights! If you can’t picture what this feels like, you need to head over to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville for the annual Winterfest. This year, the lights will keep shining on the holidays from when they were turned on early in November until the end of February.
And, when you’ve had your fill of light displays, crowds, and bustle, do yourself and your family a favor, and make reservations to stay on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Enjoy some uninterrupted quality family (or couple!) time each night after a busy day enjoying Winterfest. Every form of lodging imaginable is available.
From amazing light displays to incredible holiday shows and so much more, the Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration has something spectacular for everyone, no matter how young or old. Take a look at the many things there are to do as part of this year’s Winterfest.

So Much More to Do in the Smokies

Pile the kids in the car so you can get out there and enjoy the Winterfest Driving Tour of the Lights. Driving tour maps for the 3 main towns celebrating Winterfest can be found here: Sevierville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. No matter how many times you have visited the Smokies, coming here for the holidays and the Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration is the perfect way to usher in the holidays and create amazing memories with family and friends!                   
The Pigeon Forge light display, alone, features more than 5 million lights! Light displays feature trees, snowmen, Santa, forest animals, snowflakes, dancing fountains, rocking horses (and everything in between) and cover light posts, streets, bridges and the ground, all to spectacular effect.

What Else Besides the Driving Tour of Lights?

Complete your holidays with a trip to Dollywood for a Smoky Mountain Christmas. Christmas in Dollywood brings you over 4 million lights, plenty of rides to enjoy, holiday music playing throughout the park and the nightly Parade of Lights. This year sees the addition of “Dolly’s Parade of Many Colors,” with many new floats, songs, and specialty characters, as well as a stage production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” for the first time.
Don’t pass up on the chance to visit the Old Mill District, to get to the Old Mill Square’s Holiday Open House; you must drive through the “covered bridge” constructed from thousands of miniature lights that takes you into one of the most “historic” areas of Pigeon Forge. Take the kids out to Christmas at the Smoky Mountain Opry where you might just get to catch Jolly Old St. Nick in the act of making a rooftop delivery. The theatre is decorated with numerous huge trees and thousands of tiny lights.

Don’t Forget to Take in Dolly Parton’s Christmas Stampede

Whoever said a stampede is no fun has never seen a stampede put on the way Dolly Parton does it. Talk about a place to take the kids for some magical memory-making time! The 60-foot tall Christmas tree is a sight to behold. Covered in colorful lights, sparkling ornaments, and ribbons from top to bottom with a twinkling star at the top, this is the perfect place to take pictures for your social media post or annual Christmas cards.
Meanwhile, over at the Island in Pigeon Forge, they have put together all-new decorations and three new Christmas trees, the tallest of which stands 40-feet tall. Decorators used approximately 40,000-holiday ornaments, 500,000 lights, and more than 5,000 feet of garland to decorate the Island for the holidays. Santa and Mrs. Claus have a new workshop this year and will greet their guests while listening to the roving troupe of singers belting out Christmas carols.

Places to Stay in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

While these activities are all a lot of fun, if you are coming in from out of town, don’t forget to choose a place to stay over on the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” where you and your family will find several great choices of more peaceful accommodations.  From hotels like the pet-friendly Best Western Cades Cove, where you can enjoy a free breakfast buffet, to cabins such as the Chimney Tops Cabin where you and your significant other can enjoy a 2-bath, 1-bedroom rustic cabin, the options are endless.
There are plenty of amazing places on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies to park your suitcases while you enjoy a great Smoky Mountain Christmas vacation with your loved ones.

Take One Last Family Vacation to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Before School Starts

Posted on September 28, 2018 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

If you’ve never been to a national park, you may be surprised to learn that there is far more to do inside than just walk around enjoying the view. Although there are tons of hiking trails that lead to gorgeous waterfalls, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park does have plenty to thrill every member of the family. If you want to sneak in one more getaway with the kids before school, here are some attractions to check out.
Animal Lovers Should Take a Cruise Through Cades Cove
There is one part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that is a must-see for any first-time visitor. Cades Cove is a driving loop that allows you to tour the park without leaving your car. Perfect for young children who can’t hike, this loop is separated from other roads, so you can take your time. Along the way, you’re sure to see turkey, deer, and maybe even black bear or elk. There are also historic buildings and stunning views of the mountains along the way, as well as places to stop and stretch your legs.
Adventure Seekers Can Fly Through the Trees
Does your crew like the adrenaline rush of roller coasters? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers one of the most exciting adventures you can get – zip lining! Check out the many zip line courses across the park, like Climbworks, where you can not only zip line, but also go through an aerial obstacle course with swaying rope bridges and more. Perfect for teens and families that can’t pass up a chance to have a blast, you’ll get a great view of the park up there!
Get a Unique View of the Park from Horseback
Another unique way to explore the park, especially if you want to see some of the beautiful waterfalls, is to take a guided horseback tour. Your kids will get the thrill of being led around on their very own horse, and the guide can lead you to some of the most beautiful spots in the region. Not interested in riding a horse? There are many other guided tours of the park you can take advantage of on foot, such as bird watching tours.
White Water Rafting and More
The park is a huge area, and adventure waits around every corner. From exploring caves to going white water rafting, you’ll find tons of activities that you and the kids will adore. Make a weekend out of trying as many as you can, or come back for more during spring break! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place to make memories that will last forever.

Take the Kids to a Real Drive-In Theater in Maryville, Tennessee

Posted on June 22, 2018 by - Activities, Blog, Maryville

Remember the days when Saturday nights meant the latest movie showing at the drive-in? There was once a time when just about every town large enough to have a drive-in theater had one. It was the way America took the family out for a low-cost night of entertainment. The smell of the popcorn, hot dogs sizzling on the grills behind the booth, and the scratchy sound of the window speakers. Ah, such wonderful memories. Sadly, in most parts of the country, those days are long gone, as drive-ins are few and far between these days.
Guess What? – It’s Movie Time in Maryville, TN
While drive-in theaters may be gone in most of the country, you can still introduce your kids to the same level of excitement you enjoyed as a kid. Here in Maryville, TN, you can still pile everyone in the car and head to the Parkway Drive-In. Here, you can enjoy some of the latest movies with double-features showing every Friday and Saturday night and some Sunday nights.
Many of the movies shown are rated PG or PG-13 so you can bring the whole family. Prices are extremely reasonable at only $8 for adults, $3 for kids ages 5 through 12, and kids 4 and under are free. There is room for up to 400 cars. Once the theater reaches maximum capacity, the gates are closed and no one else is allowed to enter. To make it more enjoyable and safe for everyone, they do not allow walk-ins.
Your Kids Are Going to Love the Experience
Make your first visit to the Parkway Drive-In with the kids a big surprise. Pile them in the car and simply tell them you have a really cool surprise for them. Imagine their faces when you pull up to the gates! It doesn’t matter whether the weather is warm and dry or chilly and rainy, the shows always go on and start at dusk or dark.
Remember those scratchy speakers you used to hang on your window? Luckily, those days are long gone. Today, the Parkway Drive-In broadcasts the entire soundtrack via FM radio so you can listen to it from your car stereo. Alternatively, you can rent an FM radio at the concessions booth.
With an FM broadcast, you can tune in on a portable FM radio and sit outside on blankets and chairs as long as you stay within your dedicated space. Don’t forget the concession stand, loaded with burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, popcorn, and more. There are plenty of goodies to treat your kids (and yourself!) with to create a great night out at the movies.
What are you waiting for? Load up the kids and take them out to experience a real part of American history: Saturday night at the drive-in movies. Remember to check the website frequently to see what movies are playing and pack a few blankets to sit on for a great night out with the family.

The Best Breakfast Spots in the Smoky Mountains to Get You Going

Posted on January 16, 2019 by - Blog, Dining, Smoky Mountains

Any visit to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is a good time to explore the many amazing dining options. But, if you are paying a visit in the winter months, you have every excuse imaginable to indulge in a hearty breakfast. Known as the most important meal of the day, this is particularly true when you are going up against the chilly weather of the winter season. Even if you intend to do little more than cozy up to a crackling fire in your rental cabin, or especially if you are going to head out for a serious day of snowshoeing, skiing, shopping or sightseeing… a good breakfast is a must.
The good news is that you have some truly astonishing choices and may want to just decide to eat breakfast “out” each day of the visit – and maybe book a stop in any of the “all day breakfast” joints to ensure you sample every single option available!

Breakfast on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Gracie’s Restaurant
A Maryville classic, this restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients for all three meals a day! If you want a home-style breakfast in a friendly and appealing setting, this is one to try.
Country Steak n’ Eggs
A newcomer to the area, it is a destination for fans of all things breakfast. Offering their namesake dish along with country classics like biscuits and gravy or country ham and eggs, it is tucked along the river in Townsend and provides scenery with its tasty foods.
Midland
Located in Alcoa, it is a “just like Grandma’s” sort of spot that offers amazing breakfast platters that cannot leave you hungry!
Snoring Bear Diner
Serving all meals, and noted for its peanut butter pie or grilled mac and cheese, it offers stick-to-ribs breakfasts for those with a serious appetite in the Walland area.
Savory Rootz
With a motto that says if it “ain’t made with love, it ain’t fit eat’n”, this Alcoa restaurant specializes in casual dining and local foods, and promises a creative menu with a twist on traditional breakfast dishes (like their fried chicken biscuit with sausage gravy!)

Great Choices Further Afield

If you are willing to head anywhere in the Blount County area, you’ll find that some of the best options include:
Crockett’s 1875 Breakfast
Skillet cinnamon rolls as big as your head and all of the breakfast favorites make this the perfect place to start the day. Everything has a wonderful twist, such as pecan smoked bacon or cathead stackers, and so much more.
Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast
The name says it all and you can expect enormous portions, farm fresh ingredients and more than enough in the way of choices. You may find yourself heading back just so you can sample a few more items on the huge menu.
Lil Black Bear Café
Located in Pigeon Forge, it is popular for family breakfasts and meals, and offers up healthy, hearty and fresh fare throughout the day.
Elvira’s Café
Save this Sevierville establishment for a brunch experience as it is noted for this particular specialty. An all day eatery, you can get lots of local dishes along with hearty breakfasts.
Don’t forget other highly-rated area eateries such as the Black Bear Café, Misty Morning Café, Rosy’s Café, TC’s Grill, The Iron Skillet, Farmacy, OliBea and so many others.

The Best Spring Trails in the Smoky Mountains

Posted on March 27, 2019 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Springtime in the Smokies offers locals and visitors alike a majestic view not only of the mountains but of the hundreds of different colored wildflowers that bloom starting in spring and staying in bloom into the summer months. This time of year, not only are the millions of flowers a sight to behold, but you have a good chance of seeing new baby bear cubs, newborn fawns, baby birds, and so much more.
The snow line is slowly creeping higher up into the mountains the trees begin to burst out in their canopy of color, and with all this comes a serious case of cabin fever. It’s not unusual for anyone who has been cooped up all winter to feel the need to get outside and enjoy a little warm spring sunshine and fresh air. If you are coming to the Peaceful Side of Smokies to visit, make sure you bring your camera. Here are five of our favorite spots to take photographs.
Abrams Falls – It’s a five-mile round trip to Abrams Falls from Cades Cove. Your hike will take you through dense forest and rhododendrons that are blooming in a riot of color. The falls are one of the most popular spots to hike to and offer amazing photo opportunities.
Little River Trail – The Little River Trail is over in Elkmont and offers a 5-mile trek along the riverside where you will see an incredible selection of wildflowers blooming in a riot of color. Among them are hepaticas, rhododendron, and yellow trillium. Make sure you have plenty of room on your memory card, the photo ops are almost endless.
Laurel Falls Trail – The Laurel Falls Trail is considered by most to be the easiest trail in the Smokies to hike. It’s only 2.6 miles to the falls and back, but the walk will take you to the picture-perfect Laurel Falls. The trail leads you between the upper and lower falls and offers several fabulous photo opportunities.
Mount LeConte – For those of you who are up for a challenging hike, the Mount LeConte is third tallest peak inside the boundaries of the national park. The hike might be a bit tough, but the view from the summit is breathtaking, and you can capture some amazing photos here, making the trip well worth the effort.
Potters Creek Trail – If you want pictures of flowers, historical buildings, and a four-mile hike that is sure to create great memories, then Potters Creek Trail is for. Along the trek, you will go past the site of the John Messer farm along with a spectacular array of wildflowers including yellow trillium, foamflower, baneberry, wild geranium, dwarf ginseng, toothwort, and many, many more.
These are just a few of our favorite places to hike for photos. No matter who you talk to here, everyone is going to have their list of places they like to go to take pictures. The most important thing is for you to come to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies and find your own favorite places!