Author: Rachel Coffman

19th Annual Taste of Blount

Posted on August 26, 2021 by - Blog, Dining, Drinking, Events

Taste of Blount vendor food samples

It is no secret that the restaurant industry has taken a significant hit over the past year, and although this is Blount County’s 19th Annual Taste of Blount, this year is a little different. This year we need to come together and support our local restaurant industry more than ever. And what’s a more flavor-filled and exciting way to do that than attending this year’s Taste of Blount?

Frisby full of food

What is Taste of Blount?

Taste of Blount is a collection of savory food favorites from restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and gourmet grocers who offer samples to event attendees. In return, each ticket holder places a vote for their favorite “Culinary Excellence Awards,” including Best Appetizer, Best Sandwich, Best Beverage, Best Main Course, Best Dessert, Best Presentation, and Best Overall.

Vendor Booth festival serving

Who is Participating in the 19th Annual Taste of Blount?

  1. A Spoonful of Sugar – Buttermilk Pie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Brownies
  2. A&R Texas BBQ – Baby Back Ribs, Brisket, and Texas Twinkies
  3. Apple Valley Cafe – Chicken Salad Mini Croissants, Tony’s Townsend Brownies
  4. Between the Slices – Salted Caramel Cheesecake, Almond Wedding Cake, Apple Crumble Pie
  5. Clean Eatz Cafe – Bowl of Happiness, Energy Bites, Clean Crunch
  6. Crafted Jolt – Caramel Frappe, Iced Mocha Cold Brew Latte, Sunshiner Lemonade, Ocean Breeze Italian Soda
  7. DaddyO’s Filipino Food Truck – Filipino BBQ, Turon
  8. Dunkin’ Donuts – Donuts, Munchkins, Coffee
  9. Full Service BBQ – Pork, Chicken and Beef Sliders, Banana Pudding, Sweet Tea
  10. It’s Not the Coffee – Ridin’ Shotgun Coffee
  11. Joe’s Italian Cuisine – Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan
  12. Little River Pub & Deli – Moonshine BBQ, Pork Nachos, Pimiento Cheese w/Pita Chips
  13. McAlister’s Deli – Tea
  14.  Metz Culinary – Chicken Fajita, Shrimp Quesadilla, Churro Bites
  15. Petro’s – The Petro, Hint of Orange Tea
  16. Pistol Creek Eats – Brisket, Banana Pudding
  17. “Pop” Korns – Assorted Gourmet Popcorn Flavors
  18. Quick Fix Coffee – Brewed Favorites
  19. REO Cheesewagon – Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Featuring Old Favorites and Unexpected Pairings
  20. Richy Kreme Donuts – Braised Short Ribs, Myrtles Bakehouse Cookies, Donut Bread Pudding, Rosemary Lemonade
  21. Rocky’s Jamaica Sunrise – Jerked Pulled Pork, Jerk Chicken, Rice & Beans, Mac ‘n Cheese
  22. RT Lodge – Watermelon Salad, Pimento Cheese
  23. Sadie’s BBQ – BBQ
  24. Shaun & Sherrie’s Soul Food – Meatloaf, Mac ‘n Cheese, Green Beans, Mini Fried Apples Pies
  25. Southern Grace Coffee Co. – Jam Bar, Pumpkin Muffin, Iced Chai Latte, Iced Butterbear Cold Brew Latte, Southern Blend Brewed Coffee, and Smoky Mountain Sunset
  26. The Colonel’s Coffee Co. – The Colonel, Cafe ConBon, Raspberry-Chocolate Frappe, Nitro, Latte, Pear-Raspberry Green Tea
  27. Walnut Kitchen – Charcuterie, Smore’s Cheesecake
  28. Windy City Grille (Maryville) – Sandwiches
  29. Windy City Grille on the Water (Friendsville) – Shrimp Tacos
Food Cooking on an open grill

Event Details

  • Who? – The Taste of Blount is hosted by the Blount County Chamber of Commerce.
  • Where? – Theater in the Park in Maryville, TN
  • When? – Thursday, September 9, 2021, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
  • How? – Tickets are $25 (plus tax) for Chamber members and $30 (plus tax) for the public. All children, five years and under, get in free. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber office (201 S. Washington St., Maryville, TN), on the Chamber website, or by phone at 865.983.2241. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event on a cash-only basis.

This year’s event will also include the ability to purchase cold brews and spirits, thanks to a partnership with Cherokee Distributing and members of the East Tennessee Distillers Guild, including Heath Clark, Old Forge, and Sugarlands & Co. Distilling.

Make sure to get your tickets ahead of time because this will be a sold-out event. We look forward to sharing some fantastic food and beverages with everyone next month!

Taste of Blount Fall Presentation

Check out these posts for similar activities in Blount County:

Smoky Mountain Coffee Houses

Gourmet S’more Ideas

Eat Your Way Through the Peaceful Side at These Local Restaurants

Appalachian Love Spells

Posted on February 14, 2021 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Love Spells

Valentine’s Day is here, so what better time to give you a little history of Appalachian Folk Magic? Who hasn’t wished they could conjure up a couple of love spells this time of year? Well, luckily for you, many of our Appalachian ancestors didn’t have the mainstream disdain for a little practical magic.
love spells

History

Appalachian Folk Magic, sometimes referred to as Granny Magic, dates back to the 1700s when many Scotts and Irish immigrants settled into our wise old Appalachian mountains. When these two old-world traditions blended with existing Cherokee traditions, a new recipe of magic was born. Folk magic evolved to let mountain people utilize the earth’s energy for healing when doctors weren’t available, and justice was necessary to maintain a peaceful community. 

Practical Magic

Granny Magic, like many of the older magical practices, were passed on within families through generations. Because of the rural and secluded nature of the mountains, Appalachian families relied on Mother Nature in a way unfamiliar to most city folk. The fertility of crops, the weather, livestock, and even hunting conditions drew on various polytheism deities’ faith, as well as monolithic religions (even Christianity). Witchcraft was not the taboo it became in urban regions.
Our ancestors often reached out to Witch Doctors for all variety of healing, Water Witches who doused for water or energy vortexes, Power Doctors who worked magic through breath, or Goomer Doctors who could remove hexes. With that said, we offer a couple of love spells to make your Valentine’s Day one to be remembered.
 love spells
Although, according to Byron Ballard, from www.myvillagewitch.com, she refuses to do love spells. “The problem is that they work. And sometimes the person asking for the spell ends up not being as interested as they thought they were, or they draw a person to them in an unhealthy way, such as stalking.”
But for the brave, or possibly irresponsible, we’ve tracked down a couple of Appalacian love spells and charms for you to try. NOTE: we do not recommend any illegal activities to obtain materials for this spell and are not responsible for any magical outcome.

Love spells

Love Spells and Charms

  • Collect a handful of violet buds, think romantic thoughts, and then toss them in front of you. Look at the patterns they form on the ground. They should suggest a name or the initials of your future mate. If you get better results with white blossoms, then your mate will always be faithful. If you get better results with purple blossoms, your marriage will be passionate.
  • Tossing myrtle into a fire is said to cause the face of your future mate to appear. 
  • A white dove flying over your house is an omen that there will be a marriage in your family within a year.
  • For love, take a pair of scissors and inscribe your name on the inside of one blade and his name on the inside of the other, then bury the scissors.

We hope you have a memorable Valentine’s Day this year, but be sure to act with caution when reading or influencing your fate. Maybe consider a bouquet of roses instead.
 

For other Valentine ideas in the Smoky Mountains, check out these posts:

Valentine’s Day in the Smoky Mountains: The Most Romantic Restaurants in Blount County
Visiting the Smokies with Your Sweetheart? Snuggle Up for a Carriage Ride through Cades Cove

Beat the Summer Heat

Posted on August 22, 2023 by - Activities, Blog

Kids running in a creek in the Smoky Mountains

Summer on the Peaceful Side is often reminiscent of that scene from Wizard of Oz when the Wicked Witch of the East exclaims, “I’m melting! Melting! Oh, what a world, what a world!” A cool escape is necessary between the heat and humidity here in East Tennessee. Here is our cheat sheet to help you beat the summer heat in the Smokies.

Tubing down the Little River

Tubing the Smokies

Lazily floating down the Little River is an adventure for the whole family, including your fur babies (at participating businesses). The cold mountain water, the sweeping summer foliage, and the freedom to work out youthful energy are superb ways to beat the summer heat.  

Phone: 865.448.8888 

Phone: 865.448.3500

Phone: 865.448.8000

Tuckaleechee Cavern

Tuckaleechee Caverns

Phone: 865.448.2274

Website

What better place to cool down than the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies,” where the average temperature is a comfortable 58 degrees year-round? Voted the highest-ranking cave or cavern in the Eastern United States, Tuckaleechee Caverns is a great all-weather option for your Smoky Mountain Vacation. The cave is open from March to November. It will give your family a great escape from the summer heat or one of those pesky pop-up thunderstorms for which East Tennessee is known. It will not only give you a break from the weather but will also give you a unique glimpse beneath the mountains and into a national treasure!

kids eating ice cream in the summer

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream

The memories you make on the Peaceful Side will stay with you forever. Another piece of nostalgia that is suitable for any time is some good, old-fashion ice cream. Beat the summer heat at one of these tasty spots.

Phone: 865.518.6300

Phone: 865.448.8408

Phone: 865.448.9433

Creek in the Smoky Mountains

For more summer fun in the Smokies, check out these blog posts:

It’s Camping Season: Places to Stay in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Waterfalls in The Great Smoky Mountains

Beer Lovers Unite at Maryville – Hops in the Hills

Posted on June 19, 2023 by - Activities, Blog, Drinking, Events, Maryville

Pint of Hops in the Hills

Warm summer nights, good music, friendly conversation, and local craft beer – what else could you ask for from an evening in the East Tennessee Mountains? Our Hops in the Hills brew festival isn’t just another regional beer fest; it’s an event planned with both patron and brewer experience in mind.

Only 1000 tickets are sold for this Hops in the Hills event, keeping lines short and allowing brewers to discuss brewing processes and product distinctions with an engaged crowd. And don’t worry about spending additional money on top of your ticket price because each ticket also gets you tastings, food, an official event t-shirt, and great live music.

Hops in the Hills

Are you an IPA guy or a Porter gal? Have you always wondered how a grapefruit Saison tastes? Spend the evening sampling a wide variety of drafts from 30 of the most well-known breweries in the region. Past partners include Yeehaw Brewing Company, Blackberry Farm Brewery, Black Horse Brewing Company, and Fanatic Brewing Company.

Calfkiller Brewing Company at Hops in the Hills

For those of you with a competitive streak, we offer games like life-size beer pong and Jenga, or you can challenge your friends to a neighborly game of cornhole. Located in the Maryville Greenway Amphitheater, this Celebration of Fermentation is a great way to dive into summer and experience the joys of craft beer.

“Hops in the Hills is a great way for people to join the community and experience the Smoky Mountains and Maryville’s vibrant, historic downtown and thriving craft beer scene,” says Blount Partnership Tourism Director Kim Mitchell. “It’s always a highly-anticipated event.”

Drink Local Hops in the Hills

Join us from 5:00 – 9:00 pm on Saturday, June 24th, 2023, for a tasting experience you won’t forget! Tickets can be purchased online at www.hopsinthehills.com for $65 per person or $40 per designated driver, which will include everything but the beer.

Don’t just come for the evening; join us for the whole weekend. Friday night, start your experience with our Hops in the Hills Craft Brew Crawl, provided by Knox Brew Tours. Purchase tickets for $15 per person. The night will begin at The Casual Pint – Maryville (this is where you will get on the bus, receive your wristband and Brew Crawl Official Cup), and buses will run continuously throughout the night, from 6:00 – 10:00 pm, allowing you to stay as long as you like at each stop. Stops will include Casual Pint – Maryville, Brackins Blues Club, Two Doors Down, Tri-Hop Brewery, and Blackberry Farms Brewery.

Tap Pour From Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival

As part of the weekend-long Summer on the Broadway celebration, Hops joins other exciting festivities such as a sanctioned BBQ Cookoff, Farmer’s Market and Craft Fair, Car Show, Dock Dogs, Kid’s Zone, and the Headphone Silent Disco. Dance the night away with your own headphone set, choosing from two different DJs to find your favorite genre.

 

Printshop Beer at Hops in the Hills

So, whether you want to start your adventure with a hike, see the area on horseback, or take a refreshing float down the river, we have it in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Local accommodations are ready to welcome you with southern hospitality and charm, so get your tickets and book your rooms today!

Beautiful Moss Covered Antique Stone Bridge Near the Little River The Great Smokies Mountains National Park

For more events like these, check out the following posts:

Smoky Mountain Coffee Houses

Grains & Grits Festival: Townsend’s Annual Outdoor Event

Best Views for Sunrises and Sunsets

Posted on June 28, 2022 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Sunset blue and orange

Some of us live to wake before dawn to witness the promise of a new day as the sun crests the horizon, sending away the navy and blue with its crimson and yellow joy. Others, however, relish as life begins to slow down, pulling the sun through cotton candy skies until it gracefully slides behind the horizon. There is a profound sense of peace when the sun and horizon meet. A Smoky Mountain sunrise refreshes the soul and offers a never-ending opportunity for change. At the same time, a Smoky Mountain sunset leaves us in awe at the majestic expanse of the endless night sky.

We’ve put together a few of our favorite spots to catch the sweeping shades of nature’s glory as the sun sets and rises in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.

Smoky Mountain Sunrise by Up N Adam Adventures
Photo Courtesy of Up ‘N Adam Adventures

Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,643 feet. Once you’ve parked at the lot area along Newfound Gap Rd, follow the half-mile paved path to the observation tower. Here you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Smokies, perfect for viewing sunrises and sunsets.

Cades Cove

Voted amongst the “45 Most Beautiful Places in America” by the magazine Country Living, Cades Cove is America’s most beautiful valley. It offers a small valley full of meadows, rolling hills, a variety of wildlife, and historic sites. When the sun transitions here, a unique glow envelopes the area and carries you to an ethereal moment in time.

Sunrise in Cades Cove Smoky Mountain National Park
Beautiful horizontal shot of a frosty sunrise in the Cades Cove section of The Smokies.

Look Rock Observation Tower 

Look Rock Observation Tower offers a 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains. It is a kid-friendly location with an easy, paved hike that even offers several sitting rocks, which make for great family photo opportunities. You can start your family’s day with a short, glorious sunrise hike or end the day hiking into twilight and star gazing after sunset.

Sunset in the Smokies by Adam Williamson
Photo by Adam Williamson

Tips for Watching Smoky Mountain Sunsets or Sunrises

  • You snooze, you lose. If you want a great spot, get there early. Some of these spots are popular, and you want to beat the crowd. Check for scheduled sunrise/sunset times and make the arrangements to get there early.
  • Don’t forget your camera. These views are legendary and have seen more than we mere humans can imagine. Besides, you don’t want to miss the chance to get that perfect Christmas Card picture.
  • Be Present. Let kids be kids and let go of any expectation of perfect; imperfection = fun! As mentioned above, sunrises and sunsets are great photo opportunities, but they are much better memories.

“Dusk is just an illusion because the sun is either above the horizon or below it. And that means that day and night are linked in a way that few things are. There cannot be one without the other, yet they cannot exist at the same time. How would it feel, I remember wondering, to be always together, yet forever apart?”

Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
Sunset in Smokies by Iris Vanessa Delgado
Photo by Iris Vanessa Delgado

For Similar Posts, See Below:

Vee Hollow Mountain Bike Trails

Wildflowers of the Smokies

Blount County COVID-19 Information

Posted on May 18, 2020 by - Activities, Blog, Lodging

Smoky Mountain Adventures are Open during COVID-19

Our nation is in a unique time in history, as we watch the COVID-19 pandemic unfold. With all of the change, Blount County wants to make sure as we learn a new normal, we keep everyone safe and healthy. The Great Smoky Mountains gives our county and travel industry a responsible way to stay active and entertained. Following Governor Bill Lee’s “Tennessee Pledge” for reopening businesses and recreation areas, we want to clarify any confusion about safety and regulations during this phased approach to increase access to our travel industry. Here are some highlights of the COVID-19 pandemic responses we have in place to keep both staff and customers healthy.
Smoky Mountain Adventures are Open

CLOSER TO HOME

Travel is a personal choice. However, travel is not advised for those in a high-risk category, those who are sick or traveling with those who are sick, and we discourage groups of 10 or more people traveling together. Beginning May 9, the Great Smoky Mountain Park will be reopening many roads and trails.
Campgrounds, picnic pavilions, visitor centers, and may secondary roads will remain closed until later phases. With a variety of roadways open to pedestrians and cyclists, while still being closed to motorists, right now is a smart time to bike and hike. Right now is also an excellent time for family day trips or short weekend adventures, allowing us to fulfill our spirit of travel while keeping us closer to home. We expect people to follow local area health orders, avoid crowds, and practice “Leave No Trace” principals. Be prepared for new safety regulations and protocols to be enforced by park managers and staff. These short excursions are a great way to break up the monotony we’ve all experienced over the last couple of months.
Join us in maintaining your health with plenty of sunshine and exercise in our gorgeous backyard. For facility openings, service hours, and access, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htm (link).

LODGING AND NON-CONTACT RECREATION GUIDELINES

  • We provided enhanced cleaning protocols that follow CDC/OSHA guidelines on all high traffic/high touch areas, guest areas, and guest rooms.
  • We provided hand sanitizer in high traffic locations.
  • Check-in and payment processes modified, and designated entrance and exit routes provided to maintain social distancing, if possible.
  • Plastic shields or barriers established between customers and employees and cleaned every two hours.
  • Foodservice facilities following the Restaurant Guidelines provided by the Economic Recovery Group.
  • Gyms must be staffed to be open and will follow Exercise Facility Guidelines provided by the Economic Recovery Group.
  • Salon and spa services following Close Contact Personal Service Guidelines issued by the Economic Recovery Group.
  • Customer occupation limits for indoor activities limited to 50% capacity.
  • Group sizes limited to less than ten people, and the combining of non-associated groups will be avoided.
  • Equipment layout and access restricted to maintain social distancing guidelines, and shared resources sanitized regularly.
  • Approved youth participation monitored to ensure children comply with applicable guidelines.
  • Customers screened for illness upon entry to the facility.

Townsend Visitor Center Staff Wearing Facemasks

EMPLOYEE PROTECTION DURING COVID-19

COVID-19 screening is in place for each employee reporting to work daily. Businesses regularly supply appropriate training and personal protective equipment, based on the CDC guidelines, including providing cloth face masks. We have supplied staff areas with extensive signage on health policies, along with hand sanitizing stations, and staggered staffing to maintain social distancing. Guidelines require all staff to report any illness to supervisors and provide notification of any COVID-19 positive cases within their households. We will send home any suspected or confirmed cases and instruct to self-quarantine based on CDC recommendations.
 Smoky Mountain Trails are Open for Hikers

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP WHILE VISITING

The biggest thing you can do to help keep everyone healthy and safe is to maintain social distancing. Be sure to look for signage and stay in your designated area while waiting and participating. Increase personal hygiene by washing hands regularly and using hand sanitizer, when available. Call ahead for reservations to reduce clusters of waiting groups and wear facemasks when in public. If you feel ill at any time during this COVID-19 pandemic, please STAY HOME.
Smoky Mountain Shops are Open

For ideas on how to enjoy yourself in the Great Smoky Mountains, try these:

https://smokymountains.org/blog/lodging/smoky-mountain-glamping/
https://smokymountains.org/blog/activities/family-trip-to-the-smokies/
https://smokymountains.org/blog/smoky-mountains/spring-in-the-smokies-is-glorious-here-are-our-top-5-favorite-choices-for-the-best-spring-photos/

Blount County Guide to Antiquing

Posted on February 24, 2023 by - Activities, Blog

Antiquing in Blount County

Blount County, located on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, is known for its connection with nature, historical landmarks, and antique shops. It is home to many antique stores and markets that offer various antiques and collectibles, including furniture, pottery, glassware, books, and much more. Many of these stores are located in historic downtown areas, offering a unique mix of modern and vintage merchandise. Below you will find a helpful Blount County Guide to Antiquing.

Guide to Antiquing in Blount County

Blount County Antique Shops

4 Chics and a Cat

116 E. Broadway Ave.

Maryville, TN

865-233-5666

www.4chicsandacat.com

Antique Outlet Mall

4531 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy

Walland, TN 

865-977-8641

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071054904425

Antique Time Clock Shop

319 Magnolia St.

Maryville, TN

865-977-0270

Druid Hill Antique Mall

2726 Druid Hills

Maryville, TN

865-233-5365

https://www.facebook.com/DruidHillAntique/

Five Point Finds

1523 E. Broadway Ave.

Maryville, TN

865-789-0212

https://www.facebook.com/Fivepointfinds/

Foothills View Antiques

3723 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy

Maryville, TN

865-981-9590

https://www.facebook.com/Anitasantique/

Hoo La La Vintage

564 N. Foothills Plaza

Maryville, TN 

865-233-4868

https://hoolalavintage.com/

Hwy 411 South Antiques

5003 US Hwy 411 S

Maryville, TN

865-856-5500

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057337154687

McQuade Antiques

3731 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy

Maryville, TN 

865-696-1268

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057096144903

Resurrected Relics

114 S. Washington St.

Maryville, TN

865-963-6693

https://resurrectedrelicstn.com/

Rivermill Antique Mall

4618 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy

Walland, TN

865-977-0810

http://www.rivermillantiquesetc.com/

Resurrected Relics

Peaceful Side visitors can also schedule their trips to include antique shows and events in Blount County throughout the year, such as the Townsend Spring and Fall Festivals, Old Timer Days, and the Foothills Quilt Guild Showcase. We are also home to several historic sites and museums that offer a glimpse into the region’s past, such as the Cades Cove Museum, the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum, and the Blount County Historical Museum.

Blount County offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for antique enthusiasts and casual shoppers. Antique shopping is just one small treasure on the Peaceful Side. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park or fishing in the Little River.

Antique hutch at Rivermill Antique Mall

For More Peaceful Side info, check out the blog posts below:

The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival: A Kaleidoscope of Entertainment

Best Views for Sunrises and Sunsets

Bronco Super Celebration East

Posted on April 4, 2022 by - Blog, Events

Bronco Super Celebration East orange vintage Bronco

If Broncos make you squeal like a middle school girl at a boy band concert, you need to know about the Bronco Super Celebration East. Hosted in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies since 2006, one of the largest bronco enthusiast gatherings in the world is a four-day event in Townsend, TN. Whether you come to show or are just coming to visit and dream of a bronco of your own, be sure to mark April 20 -23 on your calendar.

Event Registration Details

  • $75 per Bronco
  • Show Field Parking for your Bronco
  • Event access to yourself and your family
  • Drive Participation
  • Show N Shine Card
  • $10 Food Truck Voucher
  • Event T-Shirt
  • Raffle Tickets
  • Truck & Trailer Parking (if needed)
Past Bronco Super Celebration

Bronco Super Celebration Info

This year’s theme is The Year of the Bronco Clubs.

Tuesday, April 19th 

  • Vendor Set-Up Day and Early Arrivals. There will be a Special Early Bird Scenic Destination Drive (location TBD).

Wednesday, April 20th 

  • Bronco Club Day Sponsor – Tennessee Bronco Club will supply fun daily games and prizes at the Tennessee Club Tent.
  • Daily Field Activities 
    • 8:00 – Registration and Event Tent opens  
    • 11:00 am – Food Trucks arrive 
    • 4:00 pm – Judging and Game Activities begin
  • Scenic & Destination Drives  
    • Douglas Dam to the Bush Beans Museum Drive at 9:00 am (estimated 80 miles in 4 hours) 
    • Top of the World Drive at noon (estimated 35 miles in 2 hours) 
    • Ghost Town of Elkmont Drive at 3:00 pm (estimated 25 miles in 2 hours)

Thursday, April 21st 

  • Bronco Club Day Sponsor – 2GENKIN Club (’78-’79 Broncos) will provide a scavenger hunt, prizes, and awards at the 2GENKIN Club Tent.
  • Daily Field Activities 
    • 8:00 am – Show Field opens (The Vendor and Field Entrances close at 6:00 pm, while the Field Exit will be locked at 10:00 pm.)
    • 10:00 am to 12:00 pm – Bronco Judging Tent opens
    • 11:00 am – Food Trucks open
    • 3:00 pm – RC Bronco Challenge Course set up for practice 
    • 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Bronco Judging Tent opens
    • 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Participants must turn in the Scavenger Hunts.
  • Scenic & Destination Drives 
    • Dragon to Fontana Dam Drive at 9:00 am (estimated 80 miles in 4 hours) 
    • Roaring Fork Nature Drive at 11:00 am (estimated 90 miles in 3.5 hours) 
    • Cades Cove Drive at 1:00 (estimated 30 miles in 2-3 hours) 
    • Tour of Townsend Drive at 3:00 pm (estimated 15 miles in 1 hour)

Friday, April 22nd

  • Bronco Club Day Sponsor – Georgia Bronco Club will provide a Special Poker Run and great prizes. Get your game board at the Georgia Bronco Club Tent for $20.
  • Daily Field Activities
    • 8:00 am – Show Field opens (The Vendor and Field Entrances close at 6:00 pm, while the Field Exit will be locked at 10:00 pm.)
    • 10:00 am – 12:00 pm – Bronco Judging Tent opens
    • 11:00 am – Food Truck opens
    • 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Bronco Judging Tent opens
    • 4:00 pm – Fun & Festivities at the Georgia Bronco Club Tent for everyone
    • 5:00 pm – Bronco RC Challenges
    • 6:00 pm – Participants must turn in Poker Run Cards 
    • 8:00 pm – After-Hours Bonfire at Tally Ho with Captain Ron
  • Scenic & Destination Drives
    • Rich Mountain Road Drive at 9:00 am (estimated 40 miles in 2.5 hours)
    • Foothills Parkway Drive at 10:00 am (estimated 70 miles in 3 hours)
    • Tennessee/North Carolina Overlook Drive at noon (estimated 70 miles in 3 hours)
    • Ghost Town of Elkmont Drive at 2:00 pm (estimated 25 miles in 2 hours)
  • Special Dirt & Danger Drive – For the Adventurous
    • Windrock Off-Road Park Drive at 8:30 pm (estimated 120 miles in 6 hours) *Limited number and 4WD required*

Saturday, April 23rd

  • Bronco Club Day Sponsor – The Bronco Nation
  • Daily Field Activities
    • 8:00 am – Show Field opens
    • 10:00 am – Food Truck opens
    • 10:00 am – 12:00 pm – Bronco Judging Tent opens
    • Noon – Live Broadcasts from Nashville Early Broncos
    • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Kid’s 6 Volt Show N Shine and races
    • 2:30 pm – Bronco Show N Shine Awards-HK FAB
    • 3:00 pm – Bronco Driver Magazine Product Raffle
    • 6:00 pm – END OF EVENT (Field Closes)
  • Scenic & Destination Drives
    • Foothills Parkway Drive at 10:00 am (estimated 70 miles in 2.5 hours)
    • Cades Cove Drive at 4:00 pm (estimated 30 miles in 2-3 hours)

Area Lodging & Campground Info

Some of these offer discounts to Bronco owners, so be sure to ask for the Bronco Driver Magazine discount!

Loveland, CO, USA – August 29, 2021: Vintage, first-generation, Ford Bronco ranger wagon with an upgraded front bumper and winch promoting Falken Tires. This legendary model was manufactured from 1972-1976.

To learn more about Spring activities on the Peaceful Side, see below:

Start Planning Your Spring Trip

Visit These 3 Picnics Spots in the Smoky Mountains This Spring

Waterfalls in The Great Smoky Mountains

Celebrating 50 Years at Tremont

Posted on September 11, 2019 by - Activities, Blog

Monarch butterfly tagging. Photo by Stephanie Bowling.

The Institute at Tremont, in the Great Smoky Mountains, has been serving the Walker Valley community for 50 years. It all started in 1969 when a group of local leaders and educators came together to turn a group of old Job Corps buildings, slated for demolition, into a residential environmental learning center. The idea was to offer hands-on outdoor discovery experiences accessible to everyone. The successful implementation has only grown stronger and flourished over the years, with programs for everyone – from young children to adults, and educators to the curious public.
Monarch butterfly tagging. Photo by Stephanie Bowling.
To celebrate this golden anniversary, they have invited everyone to attend their annual Homecoming gathering on the weekend of October 12 – 14, 2019. A full weekend package is available online, which will include Saturday and Sunday night lodging in their dormitory. Four meals will be provided, including Saturday supper, Sunday breakfast, a sack lunch, and Homecoming dinner. Many informal activities have been planned, such as a campfire and moonlight walk, a waterfall hike, and a tour of Tremont’s new property in Townsend. Space is limited, so if you are interested, please go to http://gsmit.org/event/homecoming-full-weekend-package/ to register.
If you aren’t able to make the homecoming celebration, there are many other ways to get involved with the Institute at Tremont. A popular fall activity is their Monarch Tagging program in Cades Cove. Each year monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico for the winter and Tremont Institute using tagging as a way to track their migratory patterns and monitor population status. Tremont has been tagging monarch butterflies for many years, and each year their volunteer pool grows because of its popularity with participants from every age group. Grab your butterfly net and play in the fields of Cades Cove, while also using a field guide to identify the different species. Monarch tagging is just one of several Citizen Science programs, which allows the public to gather hands-on experience with real scientific research. Other Citizen Science programs throughout the year include bird banding, salamander monitoring, phenology tracking, and otter spotting. If you are interested in volunteering and want more information about the Citizen Science programs, please check out http:/gsmit.org/citizen-science/.

The Institute at Tremont also has summer camps and adult programs that are open to the public. Summer camps start at age four and are available through high school ages. They have family camps that allow families to stay on-site and offer all kinds of outdoor activities. Leave the planning to the Tremont Institute and come and enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains in a structured and educational environment. They offer a Firefly Camp, which allows a parent or grandparent to accompany children from four to nine for a one, two, or three-night adventure. There are also discovery camps, science camps, and backpacking camps. Leave the kids for a unique camp experience while you and your spouse enjoy some private time alone in the mountains for the week. With so many different camp experiences, there is one for any family.

Not to leave the adults out of the fun, Tremont has a wide variety of programs for the older generation, as well. There are Road Scholar hiking trips, Sierra Club hikes, and a Women’s Fall Backpacking excursion. Twice a year, they offer photography workshops, which allow students to stay at the facility and sharpen their nature photography skills. They also provide Naturalist Classes and Certifications under the Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program, which is a field-based program in Southern Appalachian ecology and interpretive techniques. The Wilderness First Responder course is led by instructors from Roane State Community College and meets the Tennessee Emergency Medical Services curriculum standards. If you love the outdoors, Tremont Institute has the program for you.

With 50 years of experience, the Institute at Tremont has been instrumental in serving our community with environmental educations resources and programs. Their journey is far from over, as new environmental concerns arise, they are prepared to teach the public how to get involved and make a difference. For more information on the Tremont Institute or any of their programs, please go to their website at www.gsmit.org.

Gourmet S'more Ideas

Posted on June 4, 2020 by - Activities, Blog

Gourmet S'More collage

For anyone who has ever been camping as a child, I would dare to assume one of your favorite activities was roasting marshmallows. If you were really lucky, you turned that roasted yumminess into a classic childhood favorite, the s’more. We sat around the firepit during a recent trip to Dancing Bear Lodge and experimented with their S’more Station. A staff suggestion to switch out the traditional chocolate bar with a piece of Apple Valley fudge, started a journey to up our s’more game a notch, adventuring into the realm of Gourmet S’Mores.

Gourmet S'More collage
Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend, TN

We Bring you the Gourmet S’more: A Guide to Upgrading Your Next Camping Trip.

Creativity Begins Here

The obvious place to start our campout culinary exploration is the ingredient that ties everything together. So, let’s start with some different options for the base of our s’more. The obvious go-to is the traditional graham cracker, but there are so many other tasty options. Next time try using a chocolate graham cracker, a waffle cookie, or even a chocolate chip cookie. If you want to branch out even further, try out some ginger snaps, snickerdoodles, or Rice Krispie treats. If you are trying to reduce your sugar intake, unsalted crackers are ideal. Don’t be afraid to let your inner child guide your creativity.

Put You Inner Child In Charge

Next, we need to add a little variety to our typical chocolate layer. Think bigger. If you’re in the mind of more is always better, substitute plain chocolate with a Reese’s Cup, a Peppermint Patty, or caramel-filled chocolate. You can also use substitute with peanut butter, hazelnut spread, white chocolate, or cookie butter. While we’re at it, let’s shatter the conventional idea of the classic s’more and trade out chocolate for something completely different altogether. If you want an organic or natural option, add sliced fruit. Bananas, strawberries, apples, peaches, and pitted cherries are great healthy options. And as we begin to think about fruit, don’t forget all of your favorite homemade jams. The key is to go crazy and don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings.

Don’t Leave Out The Best Part

making s'mores at the fire pit in the Smokies

We can’t leave out the marshmallows. Beyond the plain marshmallow, feel free to play around with a variety of flavored marshmallows. Some of our favorites are caramel, strawberry, cinnamon, and vanilla. If you enjoy playing in the kitchen, you can prepare homemade flavored marshmallows ahead of time. You can even go wild and dip your marshmallows in chocolate, your favorite crushed cereal, or roasted coconut. Want to blow your kids’ minds, use some Peeps in your gourmet s’more experiment.

To give you a headstart back into your childhood campfire fantasies, we’ve put together a few of our favorite campfire delicacies.

GOURMET S’MORE RECIPES

APPLE VALLEY S’MORE
Graham crackers + Apple Valley fudge + marshmallow
SPICED LEMON S’MORE
Gingersnaps + lemon curd + marshmallow
PEACHES & CREAM
Honey graham crackers + peaches + white chocolate + marshmallow
THE GRASSHOPPER
Chocolate graham crackers + Peppermint Patty + marshmallow
THE SAMOA
Graham crackers + salted caramel-filled chocolate + coconut flakes + marshmallow
THE ELVIS
Graham crackers + Reece’s Cup + sliced banana + marshmallow
THE SUGAR PIG
Graham crackers + caramel-filled chocolate + bacon + marshmallow
We would love to take all of the credit for all of these fantastic recipes, but we must give credit where credit is due. For these recipes and more s’more insanity, check out the following blog posts:

  1. Amy’s Party Ideas 
  2. That Winsome Girl 
  3. Allrecipes 
Up Close of Ingredients at Dancing Bear Lodge


 
For more camping activities, check out some of our past posts.

Plan a Family Picnic in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Have Small Kids with You? Check Out These 3 Hikes, Suitable for the Little Ones

Smoky Mountain Glamping: Sleep Under the Stars

Grains & Grits Festival: Townsend’s Annual Spirited Event

Posted on October 5, 2022 by - Blog, Events, Townsend

Ring of Fire BBQ

Any East Tennessee history buff can tell you plenty about the long history we have with Grains & Grits, liquor and bootleg in this neck of the woods. Corn whiskey dates back as far as the early settlers of the Appalachian foothills. Moonshining, named from the practice of distilling under the moonlight to avoid unwanted attention, became especially popular as state and national prohibition laws started to take hold across the country. During this time, many moonshiners were forced to either shut down their stills and lose their additional income or find themselves on the wrong side of the law. With the demand for whiskey at a prime, many folks took to the back roads of the Tennessee mountains, spending the rest of their careers avoiding the law. Lucky for us, as whiskey has made a resurgence in popularity, a talented few have taken their family recipes and turned them into legal distilleries across the region. 

On Saturday, November 5, 2022, we will celebrate these legendary distillers at our annual Grains & Grits Festival in Townsend, TN. It will be a festival of regional craft spirits and local gourmet cuisine, tucked into the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the Tennessee Distillers Guild members you will be able to sample at the event:

  • Company Distilling
  • Old Forge Distillery
  • Sugarlands Distillery
  • Old Dominick Distillery
  • Jack Daniels
  • George Dickel
  • H Clark Distillery
  • Short Mountain Distillery
  • Leiper’s Fork Distillery
  • Old Glory Distilling Co.
  • Bootleggers Distillery
  • Chattanooga Whiskey
  • Tennessee Legend Distillery
  • Post Modern Distillery
  • Corsair Distillery
  • Prichard’s Distillery
  • Ole Smoky
  • King Family Distillery
  • Nashville Barrel Company
  • BR Distilling Company
  • Gate 11 Distillery
  • Nashville Craft
  • Junction 35 Distillery
  • Big Machine Distillery
Bar of Company Distilling


Sugarlands Distilling Company Moonshiners
Old Forge Distillery Pigeon Forge, TN
The Ring of Fire is Back Again


Michael Sullivan- aka- The Reverend of Fat is excited to bring “The Ring of Fire” to this year’s Grains and Grits Festival.  Sullivan is heading up the culinary aspect of the event.  “It’s a unique way for attendees to be satiated while enjoying their spirit samples.”
Five chefs will encircle a large fire pit where a whole pig, lamb, chickens, and sausages will be roasted and served.  Each chef will be paired with a distillery and will incorporate the distillery’s spirit into their dish.

This year, we are honored to have Chef Rubén García take part in the Ring of Fire. Garcia spent years in a 3-star Michelin restaurant, he appeared twice on Iron Chef as the victor and is now the Creative Operating Officer and Founder of UNFOLD Hospitality where he inspires new chefs and leads concept development with restauranteurs to help realize their vision and potential.
Ring of Fire BBQ

Participating Restaurants

  • American Butcher
  • Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro
  • The Old Mill Pottery House Café and Grille
  • City Limits Barbeque
  • Motor Supply Co. Bistro
  • AMICI
  • Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant
  • Lulu Liquor Cakes
  • Willy’s Butcher Shop
  • Junction 35 Spirits


 
Along with a variety of seasonal gourmet foods, you can also enjoy live music from Pink Cadillac. As one of Nashville’s best party, funk, rock, rhythm & blues, soul, dance band featuring a smoking rhythm & horn section, and topped off with their powerhouse choreographed female vocalists, and rock and soul male lead vocalist. There is something for everyone at the Grains and Grits Festival. 
Friends celebrating at Grains and Grits in Townsend, TN
 

Join us on the Townsend Visitor Center event lawn, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, for a unique fall tasting experience you can only find in the Great Smoky Mountains.  All attendees must be 21 years or older, and the event will take place, rain, or shine. Parking opens at 5:00 pm. For more information about the event, please check out our website at https://grainsandgritsfest.com.

Friends playing cornhole at Grains & Grits in Townsend, TN

See below for other events in Blount County:

Beer Lovers Unite at Maryville – Hops in the Hills

The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival: A Kaleidoscope of Entertainment

By: Rachel Coffman

Haunted Blount County Attractions

Posted on October 21, 2021 by - Activities, Blog

Haunted Attractions in Blount County

With Halloween right around the corner, we’ve put together a great list of Haunted Blount County Attractions beyond the traditional trunk-or-treat for all age groups. Enjoy the gorgeous fall weather with us in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.

Crazy Pumpkin

October – Maple Lane Corn Maze

Open Friday 6:00 – 10:00 pm

Open Saturday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Open Sunday 12:00 – 6:00 pm

Corn Maze Tickets – $10 for 12 & older, $8 for kids 5 -11, kids four and under get in free.

Kiddie Maze Tickets – $2 (free for parents and kids four and under)

  • In 1999 Maple Lane Farms began the first mega corn maze in Tennessee and is the oldest in the Southeast.
  • A provided corn compass keeps you on track, keeping you from weathering the maze in vain. It will help you navigate your way around, so have NO fear in the Ear!
  • Enjoy the tractor-pulled hay wagons to the pumpkin patch, the Corn Maze, Kiddie Maze, Food Vendors, Campfire, Private Party Tents, Fun Photo Ops, Jumping/Slide Inflatables, and Corn Hole.
  • Visit the Country Barn Store selling a variety of fall decorations such as cornstalks, mums, orange bows, straw bales, and lots of Halloween decorations, knick-knacks, and candy treats for the kids. The barn store also offers farm antiques and a visual bulletin board of the previous corn mazes, including the history of the oldest corn maze in the Southeast.
Kids face painting at Maple Farms

October – AMS Haunted Attractions

Hotel Phobia-$10/person 

October Fridays – Sundays

Ticket sales from 7:30 – 10:30 pm on Fridays & Saturdays

Ticket sales from 7:30 – 9:30 pm on Sundays

3661 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN

Hotel Phobia is a primarily indoor attraction using some of the top known phobias to extract fear from our customers.

The Barn at Maple Lane-$20/person

October Fridays & Saturdays

Ticket sales from 7:30 – 10:00 pm

1126 Maple Lane, Greenback, TN

Enjoy an excellent witchy time on a hayride, a haunted trail, and a haunted barn.

  • Don’t forget gates open at 7:30!!! 
  • Buy tickets for both attractions for $25 at Hotel Phobia or bring your Barn ticket stub and receive half off your Hotel Phobia tickets!!!
  • 30% of proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warriors Project.
AMS Haunted Attractions

Oct. 22 – Spooky Books

Hosted by Creative Spark Studio

Friday 5:30 – 7:30 pm

2009 E. Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN

Cost for Class $38 and open to all ages

  • This class will take you step-by-step to create an original, spooky book from upcycled old books.
  • All materials are provided unless you want to bring your own book.
  • The teacher for this class will be Ms. Yvonne.
  • Register at Creative Sparks Studio…only six spots left
Cute witch posing over dark background with spell book

Oct. 22 – “Not so Spooky” Pre-Halloween Party & Fundraiser 

Hosted by TumbleBears & Foothills Gymnastics

Friday 6:00 – 8:00 pm for kids from 1 – 11 years old

919 Cherokee St, Maryville, TN

$20 per child (parents stay) – get tickets here.

  • Open Gym Play
  • Inflatable Slide
  • Air Lite Ball
  • Halloween Games/Activities
  • Photo Booth
  • Cupcake Walk
  • Treat Bags for Each Kid
  • Costume Contests
Cute little witch doing scary face. Halloween theme.

Oct. 22 – The Rock and Metal Academy Halloween Concert

Hosted by The Bird and The Book

Friday at 6:00 pm

1509 E. Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN

  • The concert is free, but bring a big appetite to enjoy the great food and drinks served by The Bird and The Book.

The Rock and Metal Academy strongly feels that music provides a healthy outlet of expression for ALL emotions and is proud to help these promote these voices.

2021 Halloween Rock and Metal Academy Halloween concert

Oct. 21 – Oct. 24 – Knoxville Horror Film Festival

This year they’ve split events between Maryville, Tennessee’s Parkway Drive-In, and Knoxville Horror Film Festival’s base at Central Cinema in Knoxville.

Admission is $25/person for a single-night pass or $45/person for a two-night pass to Thursday and Friday’s Parkway Drive-In programming and will also be offered admission at the gate.

  • Thursday night starts things outright with a triple feature at the Parkway, featuring John Carpenter’s The Fog (7:45 pm), followed by Studiocanal/VDM’s 40th-anniversary restoration of The Howling (9:30 pm). Then we wrap up the night with the rock and rock & roll cult obsession Trick Or Treat (11:15 pm), each accompanied by a hand-picked short film.
  • Friday night’s festivities at the Parkway includes two short films (7:30 pm), the trailers of the 2021 Grindhouse Grind-out filmmaking competition (8:15 pm), an obligatory visit to Crystal Lake with the dubiously-titled fan favorite Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (9:30 pm), and a second night of lycanthrope madness with An American Werewolf in London (11:15 pm).
  • For Knoxville film information, please check out www.knoxhorrorfest.com.
Mature couple being attacked in their car by a hoard of zombies.

Oct. 27, 29 & 30 – Rocky Horror Picture Show Live

Hosted by Natures Tavern, The Bird & The Book, The Dungeon at Southland, and Southland Books

1509 E. Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN

Cast Meet and Greet at 6:00 pm

Costume Contest at 6:30 pm – prizes involved!

The show starts promptly at 7:30 pm.

Admission is either donated animal food, litter/bedding, or animal toys. They will also be collecting non-perishable food for food pantry donations.

  • This presentation will be a wild, racy, and audience-involved ride!
  • Wednesday’s event is unique. It is a full-dress rehearsal open to the public to collect cash donations to benefit a cast member’s family who needs a new heart.
  • DUE TO THE EVENT SPACES NEW COVID REGULATIONS, YOU MUST PROVIDE A VACCINE CARD OR A NEGATIVE COVID TEST TO ENTER.
Rocky Horror Picture Show Live

Oct. 29 – Spooktacular Extravaganza

Hosted by Downtown Maryville Association

Friday 5:00 – 8:00 pm

West Broadway in Downtown Maryville

No Admission Fee

To learn more click here.

  • Trick-or-Treating
  • Dog Costume Contest
  • Street Dance Party
  • Pumpkin Contest
  • Carnival Games
  • Food Vendors
funny Dachshund puppy, dressed in a village check shirt and a cowboy hat, standing nearby a heap a pumpkin harvest at the fair in the autumn. dog prepares for Halloween, chooses a pumpkin

Oct. 29 – Spooktastic Vinyl Voyage

Hosted by Broadway Social

Friday 7:00 – 11:00 pm

102 East Harper Ave, Maryville, TN

  • Enjoy an all-Vinyl DJ set by Captain Ed and special guest DJ CassaNova
  • Music will include Goth, World Disco, Darkwave, New Wave, R&B, and much more.
Spooktastic Vinyl Voyage
.

Oct. 30 – Mischievous Movie Night

Hosted by Parkway Drive-In

Saturday 5:00 – 11:00 pm

2909 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN

  • Trunk-or-Treating
  • Fantastic Food
  • Double Feature of Spooktacular Movies (Movies still to be determined.)
  • Trunk-or-Treating starts at 5:00 pm
  • The movies begin at 7:00 pm
Creepy Clown

Oct. 30 – Natural Mystic Fall Bash

Hosted by Natural Mystic

Saturday 12:00 – 6:00 pm

1219 E. Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN

  • Costume contest
  •  Flame thrower 
  • Tarot and bone readings 
  • And, of course, candy for the kids!
  • Possible food vendor
  • Tarot Reading Natural Mystic

For more Fall activities in the Smokies, check out these blog posts:

The Spooky Side of the Smokies

Photographers Love the Smoky Mountains for their Mystical Beauty