Author: Rachel Coffman

Smoky Mountain Glamping: Sleep Under the Stars

Posted on July 18, 2019 by - Blog, Lodging, Townsend

Little Arrow Resort glamping

Not all those who cherish the serenity of nature enjoy the ritual of traditional camping; packing up everything they own, finding the perfect spot, pitching a tent, unloading supplies, sleeping on the hard ground, and sharing restroom facilities with strangers. For those individuals, we have the perfect compromise—a relatively new concept called glamping. Smoky Mountain glamping gives the adventurer the ability to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the mountains while maintaining modern amenities and luxury. This fusion of glamour and camping allows for a broader diversity of travelers to immerse themselves into a nature experience which once may have seemed improbable.

Smoky Mountains’ First Glamping Resort

If this seems like an ideal vacation experience, look no further than glamping in Townsend at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort. In 2017, Kevin and Shelly Clayton, along with Brad and Carmen Simpher, purchased the campground and started renovations, remodeling the bathhouse, RV sites, existing cabins, pool area and on-site camp boutique, along with bringing in new tiny homes and glamping tents. Little Arrow sets itself apart from other facilities in the area with unique accommodations and attention to detail. They have worked hard to identify everything needed to have an enjoyable and comfortable stay. They take great pride in the supportive feedback from their visitors, who have referred to them as the “Disney World” of campsite facilities. They look forward to introducing a new generation of travelers into the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, helping support and grow local businesses and organizations.
Little Arrow Resort glamping

The Accommodations at Little Arrow Resort

In their luxury accommodations, you can find multiple bedrooms with clean and comfortable bedding, private bathroom facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, cable tv, wi-fi, electric heat and air, a wood burning fireplace, a spacious deck area with seating, and a fire pit for making smores and campfire delicacies. Each facility offers a unique combination of convenience and space based on budget and needs, even offering an ADA compliant cabin for those who need handicap accessible living. Successfully bringing the comfort creatures of home into a camping community creates an exhilarating combination of freedom and security.
Little Arrow not only caters to the glamping demographic, but they also have a large selection of RV, pop-up, and tent sites, both on and off of the river. Their newly remodeled bathhouse is of a quality rarely seen in a campsite environment; I would dare say their showers are nicer than the one in my own home!  The facility also offers a variety of entertainment options to keep your party busy during their stay. Every site has multiple access points on the river, allowing for tubing, fishing, or just frolicking in the water. A private hiking trail offers a bird’s eye view of Townsend at the summit and the Point and Feather Coffee Lounge, with a children’s playroom, is open 24/7 for guest’s convenience. On-site you can also find a beautiful pool area, a playground for children, a basketball court, public fire pit, open pavilion area, or a clubhouse which can be rented out for family reunions or conferences. If you are into local seasonal veggies, they even have a community garden for guests to pick their own produce for mealtime. A short drive into town and you can find shopping, outdoor activities, the beauty of Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains, along with a variety of local entertainment and restaurants. If you chose to get out and explore or spend all of your time on-site, there is something for everyone at the outdoor living resort.

When to Camp in the Smoky Mountains

Camping season generally runs from May – July and picks up again from Oct – Nov, but this year they will stay open year-round, allowing guests to take advantage of the off-season prices and enjoy the Smoky Mountain beauty all year. For more information on pricing and availability, please go to www.camplittlearrow.com. Whether you are looking for luxury Smoky Mountain glamping or a traditional camping experience, you can’t go wrong at Little Arrow!
 
By Rachel Coffman

Smoky Mountain Lights: A Peaceful Side Christmas Experience

Posted on December 8, 2022 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

Smoky Mountain Lights Sign

It is Christmastime in the Smokies, and this year, the Peaceful Side has a new holiday experience for the whole family. Smoky Mountain Lights is a drive-thru light show located at the Townsend Visitor Center. This Christmas light display embraces all things Smoky Mountain so that you can expect bears and camping and bigfoot; oh my! It will also feature some of your Peaceful Side favorites, like the old mill, the Jeep Outpost, and the hot air balloon festival.

Smoky Mountain Lights Christmas Village

Christmas Village

Along with the Smoky Mountain Light show, you can also visit and explore the Christmas Village next door. Guests can find unique gifts in the local vendor booths, enjoy hot chocolate and kettle corn, or grab some grub at one of our food trucks. While you are rediscovering that old fashion Christmas in the Smokies, remember to take family pictures in front of the giant Christmas tree.

Smoky Mountain Lights Visit with Santa

Photos with Santa

What Christmas would be complete without a visit with Santa Clause? Each weekend throughout the holidays, Santa will be available for pictures. To ensure he received a warm Peaceful Side welcome, our own Tennessee native chainsaw artist, Bubba Daniel, has carved Santa a distinctive Smoky Mountain throne to keep him comfortable. 

Christmas Light Bigfoot

Event Details

  • Smoky Mountain Lights is open from November 25, 2022, to January 1, 2023. Visitor hours begin at 5:00 pm and closes at 10:00 pm.
  • Located at the Townsend Visitor Center, which is easily accessible for visitors traveling to the area, situated 30 minutes from the Tyson McGee airport, with direct access from the major interstates.
  • All ages are welcome, and entry is $25 per car.
Townsend Jeep Christmas Lights

As the inaugural event, Kim Mitchell, the director of tourism for the Blount Partnership, looks forward to sharing this light show with both residents and visitors to the area.

“Townsend is a beautiful winter destination with stunning scenery and plenty of activities. And with the light show, we want to offer a fun holiday event while sharing what the area has to offer this time of year,” said Mitchell. “The area is growing, and there are new places to visit while enjoying the Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains, like Company Distilling, Peaceful Side Social, and Towns End Coffee Co. While families experience the Smoky Mountain Lights, we recommend they check out the other great venues and attractions Townsend offers.”

Smoky Mountain Lights is an addition to the area that will encourage more visitors during the holiday travel season. Townsend is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National park. It offers a tranquil getaway to escape the holiday hustle with numerous options for family-friendly activities during the winter season. Townsend is the home of award-winning, sold-out festivals like Grains & Grits, the Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Bigfoot Festival, and the Scottish Festival, to name a few. We’re excited to have a Smoky Mountain Christmas event join the list of high-caliber entertainment celebrating the area’s heritage.

Visit smokymountain.org to learn more about planning your winter trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.

Townsend Snowman Christmas Lights

 For more winter fun on the Peaceful Side, check out these past blog posts:

Snow in the Smokies

Smoky Mountain Coffee Houses

Smoky Mountain Spelunking at Tuckaleechee Caverns

Posted on July 16, 2019 by - Activities, Blog, Townsend

beat the summer heat at Tuckaleechee Cavern

If you are looking for a break from the warm summer weather while vacationing in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, let us recommend a trip to Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend, TN. It is true the gorgeous mountain trees will give you ample shade during your hikes, and the refreshing river water will cool your feet while you splash in the water like you did when you were a kid, you will still surely find yourself working up a sweat and looking for a brief escape from the heat. What better place to cool down than the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies,” where the average temperature is a comfortable 58 degrees year-round?
 
Tuckaleechee Caverns has a deep history in Tennessee Mountains. The cave system itself dates back twenty – thirty million years, but the first recorded discovery took place approximately 100 years ago by two young boys named Bill Vananda and Harry Myers, as they played at the mouth of the cave as children. But it wasn’t until their time at Maryville College when they started tossing around the idea of re-opening the cave for the public in 1954, that this national landmark became such a significant turning point in their lives. The cave had been opened briefly for the public in 1939, but because of the depression, it closed after only a year. Unable to find financing for their endeavor, Mr. Vananda and Mr. Myers traveled to Alaska on a work expedition to raise money, finally opening for the public in 1953.
 
Only a year after they opened to the public, the National Speleological Society discovered what is now called the “Big Room,” which is 400 feet long, 300 feet across, and 150 feet deep; that’s big enough to fit a football stadium in the space. The newest discovery was a waterfall which is 210 feet tall from top to bottom, making it the tallest subterranean waterfall in the Eastern United States. Both of these spaces are open to the public and can be seen during your 1.25-mile round trip adventure.
 
However, Tuckaleechee Caverns offers a lot more to our country than it’s beauty and magnitude alone. It houses the most sensitive seismic station on Earth. The seismic station was originally installed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as they began construction on Norris Dam, to monitor how the water displacement affected tectonic plates. After the US Military realized how accurate and precise the station was able to track the global tectonic movement all around the Earth during the Cuban Missle Crisis, they began upgrading equipment to help detect other nuclear activity across the globe. Currently, the Tuckaleechee Caverns AS107 seismic station is monitored 24/7 and transmits via satellite to the Department of Defense, US Military, Geneva Switzerland, Vienna Austria, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and the Pentagon. It is has been able to detect nuclear testing in North Korea, as well as monitor earthquake activity as far away as the Great Sendai Earthquake, which caused the massive tsunami that hit Fukushima, Japan. Please take a moment during your tour of the cave to check out this insightful data.
 
Voted the highest-ranking cave or cavern of 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 and 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!

For other adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains, check out the blog posts below.

Make the Peaceful Side of the Smokies Your Home Base for Smoky Mountain Adventures
Have Small Kids with You? Check Out These 3 Hikes, Suitable for the Little Ones
Next to Heaven Ranch Offers Horseback Rides and Zipline Adventures

 

Smoky Mountain Wedding Venues: Where to Tie the Knot in Blount County

Posted on February 19, 2020 by - Blog, Events, Groups

There is nothing more important in wedding planning than finding the ideal location to share your love with friends and family. Each couple brings a unique personality to their wedding day. While some couples want a quiet outside ceremony, others will thrive in the spotlight of their loved ones. The focus of some weddings maybe the intimacy of the vows, while others are only happy when the food and drinks are flowing. We have put together several distinctively different Smoky Mountain Wedding Venues for your perfect day.
Smoky Mountain Wedding Venue

Capitol Theatre

Do you dream of feeling like a celebrity on your wedding day? This historic Maryville theater literally rolls out the red carpet. Dripping with Old Hollywood glamour, the newly renovated Capitol Theatre offers so many one-of-a-kind experiences: Take elegant bridal portraits in the oversized standing mirror. Relax in the Hollywood man-cave, complete with a pool table for the groom and his boys. This venue offers Art Deco-style dinner theater seating, a lighted stage for the ceremony and a huge dance floor. Your guests can enjoy the on-site coffee and ice cream parlor or the vintage photo booth. See you and your spouse’s names in lights on the theater’s marquee at this grand wedding venue.
Wedding venues in the Smoky Mountains

RT Lodge

If you want to include everyone in the weekend’s festivities, why not keep all of your wedding guests in one location? Hidden in the forest on a historic college campus in Maryville, RT Lodge offers outdoor settings and interior spaces. Wedding parties will have exclusive access to the lodge for accommodations, rehearsal dinner, bridesmaids luncheon, ceremony, cocktails on the veranda and reception all weekend long. Exchange vows on the main lawn or one of the smaller venues on the grounds or in the garden. If you choose an outdoor reception, RT Lodge will provide a custom Sperry Tent, including dance floor and entertainment. 
Where to get married in the Smoky Mountains

Marblegate

Do you have so many friends and family you are worried about finding a venue big enough to cater to everyone? This Friendsville waterfront wedding and event venue can host up to 400 guests and still offers breathtaking views. Wedding planners are available for the couple who wants a stress-free day. Choose from several different locations on the property for both the ceremony and reception, and finish up any last-minute touches before the ceremony in Marblegate’s bridal suite. Say “I do” waterfront or opt for a farm setting, depending on your aesthetics. With reception venues like the Wedding Hall, the Farmhouse or the Barn, you have plenty of choices to make your special day uniquely you.
Where to Get Married in the Smoky Mountains: Marble Gate in Friendsville, Tennessee

Sampson’s Hollow

If you’re looking for both variety and options, check out the selection of ceremony sites comprising Sampson’s Hollow: Bonny Red Barn, which includes a covered front porch in a traditional chapel floor plan with mountain views; Sarah’s Glen, offering a private location, surrounded by nature and nestled among a forest of trees; the Pergola in the Meadow, overlooking the blooming meadow of wildflowers and grasses; the Foundry, a wooden-beam structure with an all-weather covered seating area; and the Cross and Footbridge, a shaded area with views of the wildflower meadow and wet-weather creek provides an intimate setting. This venue even offers concierge wedding services and planning for out-of-state couples.
Where to Get Married in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee

Meadhaven on the Lake

Are you looking for an outdoor wedding with historic charm? You’ve found it: This lakefront venue in Louisville boasts a gorgeous white, 1981 home, designed in pre-Civil War architecture as your backdrop. Celebrate your union lakefront in the estate gardens or the apple orchard. White picket fences enclose the property, making for authentic Southern wedding photography. Full-service wedding planning is available, including both bridal and groom suites. Send your guests home with a little local honey, so they never forget the sweetness of your day.

Written by Rachel Coffman

Photography by Jamie Weiss

Snow in the Smokies

Posted on January 18, 2021 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

river in the snow

Something is enchanting about watching the snowfall. It brings a sense of childlike joy and quietens the soul, especially in the South. Snow in the Smokies slows things down, allowing us to savor the beauty of stillness and regain the giddiness of snow days past. So, what can you do if it snows during your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains?

Snowy Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a Smoky Mountain favorite, so imagine how beautiful it looks in its winter snow attire. Check out this video from the cute couple from Yankees in the South Smoky Mountain Adventure Channel as they tour Cades Cove in the snow.

Frozen Waterfalls

Meigs Falls – Take Little River Road in the park, and at roughly 13 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center, you will find the pull-off area for year-round views of the falls. Don’t go fast because it is a “blink and you miss it” pull-off. You will be astonished at the volumes of ice build-up on these lovely falls.
The Sinks – This is another set of falls located along the Little River Road. You will hit this one around 12 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It has an easier-to-find parking area. Though the falls are not as high as others, they are often stunning because the river’s entire volume flows through this area, building up loads of ice.
If you wish to hike, you can easily reach spots like Laurel Falls, situated at the northern end of the park, or Tom Branch Falls at the southern end. Both are reached by moderate hikes that are well worth the effort. In fact, Laurel Falls is popular all year long and is just a 1.3-mile paved trail with truly stunning scenery. Skilled hikers may head to Rainbow Falls, a 5.5-mile trail, or Alum Cave Bluff Trail that is the tallest peak in the park.
river in the snow

Tips for Hiking in the Snow

  1. Always check the weather and be prepared for it to change.
  2. Snow/ice spikes and trekking poles will help with traction and stability.
  3. Don’t be afraid to spend the extra money to get top quality winter gear. Waterproof and windproof gear can be lifesavers when the windchill at the higher elevations create dramatic temperature drops. 
  4. Layering is essential. Choose wet-wicking material and a light but warm coat, such as a down jacket. Be prepared to layer up or down depending on changing altitudes and surprise weather. Wool socks and appropriate hiking boots will keep your feet warm, and a toboggan will prevent body heat from escaping through your head.
  5. Extras. Pack extra socks and gloves in case the ones you are wearing get wet. Extra HotHands or hand warmers are great for putting in your sleeping back for overnight hikes. Remember, it is better to have a heavier pack, with everything you need, than finding yourself hurt or in danger.

Snowy bridge in Great Smoky Mountains
 
Before visiting the park in the winter, please call (865)436-1200 for road closures and weather information – extension 631 for updates on temporary road closures and extension 630 for the weather forecast. You can click here for a real-time weather update and follow road status updates on Twitter at https://twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps.
 

For more winter ideas in the Great Smoky Mountains, check out these posts:

Want to Warm Up from the Inside Out? These Distilleries Will Do Just That
Enjoy the Quiet and Visit the Smokies in the Off-Season for a Stress-Free Vacation

Springtime in the Smokies Photography Workshop

Posted on March 14, 2020 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

Photography Classes at Great Smoky Mountain Tremont Institute: Townsend, Tennessee

Life sure has thrown us some curveballs over the past couple of weeks. With the constant stream of worst-case scenarios finding their way into our newsfeed, sometimes you need to slow down and let the power of nature heal your soul. Join us at the Spring Photography Workshop at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and accomplish both. Unlike many photography workshops, their price includes meals, lodging, and instruction by one of the finest teams of photography instructors anywhere in the country. Celebrate the beauty of life while improving your nature photography skills this spring. Our instructors will teach you new methods, help you discover a new side of the Smoky Mountains. Capture the beauty of the mountains, while meandering through the forests looking for wildflowers, and streams.

Photography Workshop at Great Smoky Mountain Tremont Institute instructed by Bill Lea: Townsend, Tennessee

Photo by Bud Snihall

Smoky Mountain Photography Workshop Details

Who: Calling All Photographers
What: Spring Photography Workshop
Where: Tremont Institute, 9275 Tremont Rd., Townsend, TN 37882
When: April 24, 2020 – April 27, 2020. Plan to arrive on Friday between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm for Check-In. Dinner begins at 6:00 pm. Beginning at 3:00, there will be an optional early session for those who arrive early. After the weekend workshop, the program ends on Monday following an optional late morning presentation.
Cost: $708
Equipment Needed: Participants should bring their own cameras, but laptop computers (installed with Adobe Photoshop CS6) are available for $50 (payable to GSMIT). Requests for laptops must be made no later than two weeks before the start of the workshop.
How to Register: Anyone interested in participating in the workshop can click on the Spring Photography Workshop link above or call their office at 865-4498-6709.

Photography Workshop at Great Smoky Mountain Tremont Institute instructed by Bill Lea: Townsend, Tennessee

Photo by Susan Milinkovich

Instructors

Lead Instructor

Bill Lea is a nationally recognized nature photographer, most known for his artistic documentation of various deer and bear behavior in the Great Smoky Mountains and southern ecosystems. He has written several photography books, and over 7000 of his photos have appeared in a variety of publications, including Audobon calendars, BBC Wildlife,  Defenders of Wildlife, National Geographic, Nature Conservancy, and National Wildlife. His latest book, Cades Cove: Window to a Secret World, is in its fourth printing.

Assistant Photographers

Tom Vadnais 
Todd Moore – www.naturephotog.com
Jeff Miller – www.mountainlens.com
Susan Milinkovich – www.susanmilinkovich.com
Steve Zigler – www.stevezigler.com

Photography Workshop at Great Smoky Mountain Tremont Institute instructed by Bill Lea: Townsend, Tennessee

Photo by Susan Milinkovich

Photography Workshop Overview

Bill has taught this annual workshop since 1992, which emphasizes wildlife, landscape, and macro photography. His team of instructors helps tailor each program to meet individual interests and skill levels with plenty of one-on-one instruction. Field sessions and lectures will cover the use of light, composition, and equipment. The workshop includes lodging at the Tremont Institute and meals throughout the event.

Photography Workshop at Great Smoky Mountain Tremont Institute instructed by Bill Lea: Townsend, Tennessee: Val Westong

Photo by Val Weston

Note: Feature Photo by Jane Palmer

For more exciting ways to experience the Spring in the Smokies, start here:

Springtime in the Smoky Mountains

Posted on March 20, 2021 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

It is officially springtime in the Smoky Mountains. Today, Saturday, March 20, at 5:37 A.M. EDT began the first day of spring and the vernal equinox. The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night”—aequus (equal) and nox (night). So on this first day of Spring 2021, it brings a nearly perfect balance of daytime and nighttime across the world. Equinoxes are the only two times a year that the Sun rises due east and sets due west for all of us on Earth.

Spring Has Sprung

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, many ancient sites mark the equinoxes (and solstices). One of the most famous ancient Spring equinox celebrations was at Chichen Itza in Mexico. The Mayans built a giant pyramid around the year A.D. 1000. The play of the Sun’s light on it signals the beginning of the seasons, and during the spring equinox, it looks like a majestic snake is slithering down the steps. Mayans called this day “the return of the Sun serpent.” 

Black snake in the Great Smoky Mountains

Photo by Randy Ratliff

Lodging

One of the best parts of visiting the Smokies during early spring (March to May), you will also get the benefits of fewer crowds and lower lodging rates. Reserve a glamping tent at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort or park your R.V. at Big Meadow Family Campground. Or if you aren’t really into camping, check into something a little cozier at Dancing Bear Lodge, Highland Manor Inn, or Tremont Lodge and Resort.

Spring Waterfall in the Smokies

Photo by Randy Ratliff

Springtime in the Smoky Mountains

Because of our great friend (and hidden gem) Randy Ratliff, whom I met in the Facebook group Hiking The Smokies, we have some gorgeous spring photos. It was so hard to decide which to feature; I’ve decided to cut back the words, add some springtime quotes and let the spring pictures show you the magic. Hiking The Smokies, an open group for those who love to hike in and around our beloved Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Burrow into the Smokies

Photo by Randy Ratliff

“But only a person in the depths of despair neglected to look beyond winter to the spring that inevitably followed, bringing back color and life and hope.”― Mary Balogh

fungi in the smoky mountains

Photo by Randy Ratliff

“Had I known that you would be my first glimpse of spring, I would’ve kissed every fallen petal of my hope along the way.” ― Sai Pradeep

spring blooms in the Smokies

Photo by Randy Ratliff

“In spring, the dead trees, roots, and animals come to life again exactly as they were, thus providing hundreds of thousands of examples, specimens, and proofs of the supreme resurrection.” ― Master Nursi

Amphibian frog toad Smokies

Photo by Randy Ratliff

“Animate or inanimate, all bodies under the sun give expression to their vitality. Especially on a fine day in spring!” ― Henry Miller

skunk in the great smoky mountains

Photo by Randy Ratliff

“Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it’s a rebirth of the spirit.” ― Toni Sorenson

daffodils in the smoky mountains

Photo by Randy Ratliff

“The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.” – Henry Van Dyke

turkey in the great smoky mountains

Photo by Randy Ratliff

“The point is that the pleasures of spring are available to everybody, and cost nothing.” ― George Orwell

wildflowers in the smoky mountains

Photo by Randy Ratliff

For more fun Springtime in the Smoky Mountain options, check out these posts:

The Best Spring Trails in the Smoky Mountains

Enjoy These Spring Break Ideas in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Start Planning Your Spring Trip

Posted on February 21, 2022 by - Activities, Blog

Springtime in the Smokies is one of the most beautiful times of the year, so this is the perfect time to start planning your spring trip. Whether you want to four-wheel in the mountains or cozy up with the family in a cabin- we’ve got ideas to ensure you make the most of your time here.

The Adventurous Spring Breaker

Bouldering in the Smokies

What is Bouldering? It’s a form of free climbing performed on small rock formations without the use of ropes or harnesses. An ideal place for bouldering on the Peaceful Side is Look Rock, off Foothills Parkway. The climbing options are short, with the difficulty level topping out at about 5.10. In total, you will find five climbs at Look Rock; 40% boulder (below Look Rock Tower) and 60% top rope. This sandstone crag is the perfect spot to refine your skills or learn your ropes for traditional rock climbing. With amazing views and parking close by, this is a superb spot for a day’s adventure.

Bouldering on Look Rock
McKay Savage

UTV/Motorcycle Rentals

Experience your spring trip through the Smokies with the wind in your hair. Rent a Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV), Slingshot, or motorcycle for a scenic drive through Cades Cove, River Road, or the infamous Tail of the Dragon. Go off-roading

Rental Information

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

Pictured: Little Arrow Outdoor Resort Cabin

This outdoor resort has accommodations for every kind of nature lover. Whether you need nothing more than a tent and a campsite or prefer to sleep in the comforts of a cabin, Little Arrow has you covered. There are campsite spots for tent campers and RV owners. Or folks who enjoy their outdoor living in a little more luxury, glamping tents, tiny houses, and cabins are available. 

Family Trip Ideas

Tuckaleechee Caverns

See Tuckaleechee Caverns on your spring trip to the Smokies.

Journey 150 feet underground to see the tallest subterranean waterfall in the Eastern United States at Tuckaleechee Caverns. The Caverns are open March – November and a great all-weather option for your Smoky Mountain Vacation.

Biking

spring trip biking through the Smokies

Vee Hollow is a new addition to the Peaceful Side, offering 14 miles of biking trails at the base of the Smoky Mountains. The trails are open year-round, seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset, with trail ratings from beginner to expert. This bike trail is a must-do while planning your spring trip.

Cades Cove is a lush, isolated area surrounded by 4000-foot mountains. One of the best ways to see the park is to hop on a bike and ride around with the family. The bike paths are as smooth as the views are rugged and there’s always so much to see

Horseback Riding

Photo Courtesy of macimccarley on Instagram

The Peaceful Side offers riding experiences for first-time riders and seasoned riders who want to bring their horses to the Smokies. Experience the trails in much the same manner as the early explorers did when they first discovered the area by traversing the trails on horseback. See below for local riding stables and lodging that includes stables for your horse.

Cabin Rentals

Pictured: Little River Tiny House

The Peaceful Side of the Smokies has perfect cabin rentals for all family sizes and budgets. You can find cabins with breathtaking mountain views, places along the Little River, or secluded lakeside retreats. We’ve listed several popular cabin rentals to get you started for the perfect family trip.

Rental Information

Find a complete list of cabin rentals in our Townsend Vacation Guide.

Whether young or old, traveling alone or with family, the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is the perfect place to plan your next spring trip. We look forward to seeing you this Spring! Until then, check out the blogs below for more spring planning ideas:

Visit These 3 Picnics Spots in the Smoky Mountains This Spring

Cardinal in Cades Cove
Photo by Randy Ratliff

The Fish are Biting in the Smokies’ Many Streams and Rivers

Crane in stream in the Smokies
Photo by Randy Ratliff

Terminal 1346: Smoky Mountain Staycation

Posted on June 23, 2020 by - Blog, Lodging, Maryville

Platform 1346 Airbnb Exterior

TERMINAL 1346: SMOKY MOUNTAIN STAYCATION

Platform 1346 Airbnb Exterior

We found an East Tennessee jewel for your Smoky Mountain Staycation. Terminal 1346 is an Airbnb property that offers a unique and unexpected place to stay in Maryville, TN. In 2016, the Smith family purchased a six-acre plot of land that housed an old airplane hangar and a World War II train car. A year later, they took on the task of renovating the structures, resulting in an architectural masterpiece. This two-bedroom space offers comfort, luxury, and magazine-worthy design.
Read all about why travel writer Kristin Luna calls Terminal 1346 one of her all-time, top three short-term rentals here.

 

For other lodging ideas in the Great Smoky Mountains, check out these links.

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

Townsend’s Romantic Richmont Inn Provides Stunning Views of the Smokies

Enjoy a Peaceful Getaway to Whispering River Resort

The Company Distilling Tasting Experience

Posted on January 25, 2023 by - Blog, Drinking

Company Distilling Tasting Room in Townsend, Tennessee

Townsend has a unique way of bringing the history of The Great Smoky Mountains in current and relevant ways to everyone who visits. To add to this custom of keeping our traditions alive comes a welcomed new addition: Company Distilling & their Tasting Experience. Opened July 8, 2022, their Townsend tasting room is set along 13.5 acres between the Little River and the Townsend Greenway, about a mile from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. You can expect the following upon visiting the distillery:

  • Views of the production area while you enjoy tasting or cocktail. Tours are available on select days.
  • Bottles and retail items available for purchase.
  • Portfolio tastings or cocktails served from the bar within the tasting room.
  • Food items from in-house restaurant Amico (the second location for the Maryville-based restaurant).
Premium Portfolio Tasting at Company Distilling in Townsend, TN

Choose Your Company Distilling Experience

Portfolio Tasting (Select 5) – $15/per person

  • Sample five products in Company’s portfolio while being guided by a knowledgeable staff member on tasting notes for each spirit. This experience takes approximately 20 minutes; remember to bring your photo ID.
  • First, I want to give Dominique Vitanza, Company’s newest team member in Townsend, a solid shout-out. She went above and beyond to make our experience both knowledgeable and fun. When my husband and I visited earlier this month, I chose the Portfolio Tasting. I tried the Company’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Maple Wood, Ghost Rail Tennessee Dry Gin, and three of the Ace Gap Flavored Spirits. My biggest surprise was that I actually enjoyed the gin. Due to 21st birthday gin and juice PTSD, I can’t even stomach the smell of gin, but Ghost Rail was light on juniper, and the botanicals were very refreshing. I’m still in shock.

Premium Portfolio Tasting – $20/ per person

  • Sample Company Distilling’s premium products, including their award-winning Bourbon (proof), Cask Strength Bourbon (121 proof), and the newly-released Seismic Rye Single Barrel (107 proof), with guidance and notes from your tasting guide. This experience also takes approximately 20 minutes; remember to bring your photo ID.
  • As a bourbon nerd, my husband opted for the Premium Portfolio Tasting. He was happy across the board but favored the cask-strength bourbon the best. However, he was pleasantly surprised with the Seismic Rye, as he is generally a wheated bourbon guy.
Company Distilling Brand Ambassador

Company Distilling Products

  • Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Maple Wood
    • This award-winning bourbon is complex and smooth and is both column and pot-stilled. This wheated bourbon opens with sweet notes of caramel and cinnamon toast paired with green apple and finishes with a silky blend of oak and maple. (90 proof/45% ABV)
  • Cask Strength Bourbon
    • The approachable and balanced original wheat blend recipe is uncut for maximum flavor with a bold maple finish. (121 proof/44% ABV)
  • Seismic Rye Single Barrel
    • This Straight Rye Whiskey finished with Cherry Wood opens with aromas of rye grass, black licorice, oak, and vanilla, with the addition of dark cherry, black pepper, and leather flavors. It finishes with warm, lingering hints of toasted cherry and oak woods. (107 proof/53.5% ABV)
    • Seismic Rye was named after monitoring station AS107, established in 1978. The station was built inside Tuckaleechee Caverns to measure and report seismic activity in the eastern half of the United States.
  • Ghost Rail Tennessee Dry Gin
    • Company Distilling takes a different approach to gin. Using just six botanicals, they distill gin on a small, open-fired, Alembic still, allowing all flavors and aromas to create a perfect balance. (88 proof/44% ABV)

“Ghost Rails are abandoned train tracks, disappearing into our valleys, mountains, and forests. They mark where we’ve been and leave where we’re going up to each of us. Ghost Rail is our attempt to slow down, extract some deeper meaning out of life, and make real connections with the people and places around us.”

  • Ace Gap Flavored Spirits
    • Flavored Spirits, or “sophisticated shine” as Company refers to it, have a grain-neutral spirit base and natural flavors. My favorite was the coconut – yummy! Flavors include: Harvest Apple, Blackberry, Chocolate Truffle, Coconut, Espresso, Oatmeal Cookie, Peach, and Vanilla Bean. (60 proof/30%ABV)
    • Pro Tip: You can find the coordinates to the Ace Gap trailhead on the back of each bottle.

“A hundred years ago, Tennessee loggers gathered at the Ace Gap to play cards and sip spirits from a makeshift still. And while our spirits are a bit more refined, they bring the same collective joy as their storied predecessors.”

Upcoming Projects

  • Company Distilling releases a podcast each month called “Distilling Greatness”. Listeners can Gather Around with the Company Distilling team and a few of their friends to get a taste of the people and places that make up the rich stories of whiskey in Tennessee.
  • Company brews will soon be on tap in Townsend. Expect a variety of styles and flavors, including a Kolsch, American Lagers, and an American IPA.
  • Company Distilling also has plans to open a second location in Blount County, just minutes from McGhee Tyson Airport, in a development called Springbrook Farms. The timeline for this opening is still to be determined.

For more fun activities in The Peaceful Side, check out the blog posts below:

Grains & Grits Festival: Townsend’s Annual Spirited Event
Beer Lovers Unite at Maryville – Hops in the Hills

The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival

Posted on July 31, 2023 by - Blog, Events, Townsend

great smoky mountain hot air balloon festival

Are you looking for a little spice in your life? Have you been missing that warm comfort from home? No worries, we have reds, oranges, and yellows ready to offer an ocular hug. Maybe you are over this insanely hot summer and need to take a refreshing break and find an ethereal sense of peace. To you, we offer you greens, purples, and blues to splash your senses into clarity. Whatever your emotional state, The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival on August 19 brings a kaleidoscope of color to satisfy your hunger and spark your curiosity.

gsm hot air balloons

What to Expect at the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival

Although the hot air balloons are obviously the main attraction, we have plenty of fun activities leading up to the big Balloon Glow. We will have a wide variety of food and beverage vendors ready to taunt your taste buds and fill your bellies with goodness. You will be able to find everything from southern BBQ to Cuban cuisine, or maybe brats and shaved ice are more your style. We have something for all ages and palates. And what festival is complete without a cold beer? Our beer tent will be serving visitors over 21 years of age, saving you from the dehydrating summer sun. 
kids at the gsm balloon festival
Once you’ve quenched your thirst and have completed your rounds at the food truck court, it’s time to enjoy the activities. We will have crafter booths, both demonstrating their skills and selling their artwork. And in keeping with the event’s theme, there will also be water balloons and balloon animals. We will also have plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep your little ones entertained throughout the day, as well as live entertainment for everyone.  

couple in front of flower and butterfly hot air balloon
The Grand Finale begins at dusk when the tethered balloons are inflated and light themselves with the giant flame produced by a gas propane tank. The vibrant balloons glowing with the Smoky Mountains in the backdrop is MUST SEE event! Imagine the sky filled with a vision of multicolored, gigantic light bulbs.

Irish hot air balloon illuminated

This Year’s Festival Includes:

  • Family-Friendly Activities
  • Live Entertainment
  • Crafters – Both Demonstrating and Selling Their Artwork
  • Tethered Group Rides ($25 each)
  • Food Truck Court
  • Beer Tent
  • Exclusive VIP Lift Off! – An Elevated Festival Experience!

Tethered Ride

VIP Package Includes:

couple with their dog at the great smoky mountain hot air balloon festival

How much does it cost to ride a hot air balloon?

To ride is $25 per person, and only ages 8+ are allowed to ride in balloons. Rides will last approximately three minutes, will go 30 feet into the air, and will begin around 6:00 pm and go through 10:00 pm.

Tethered group rides can also be purchased independently but are dependent on the weather. In the unlikely case the balloons are not permitted to fly, we will refund our tethered ride guests for their purchase after the close of the event. Tickets must be purchased online before August 19, 2023. 
Parking passes can be purchased online for $20, or they can be purchased on-site for $25 on the day of the event. Event tickets are $5 per person (cash only accepted at the gate).

Pets are permitted to attend the Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival, but keep in mind balloon inflation can often be very loud and frightening for our four-legged friends. And it goes without saying that if you bring your pet, you are responsible for bringing and using your poop bags.
For more information or to pre-purchase tickets, go to our website at www.gsmballoonfest.com. We look forward to seeing you soon!!

dad with daughter on his shoulders in front of hot air balloon

Check out other Peaceful Side activities on the links below:

Kid-Friendly Activities on the Peaceful Side

Peaceful Side Spotlight | Millennium Manor Castle

By Rachel Coffman

The Smoky Mountains are Harley-Davidson Paradise

Posted on July 22, 2019 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson

Would a ride through the Tail of the Dragon, with its 318 consecutive banked curves in 11 miles, get your blood pumping?  Or maybe a trip on the Cherohala Skyway, a road featured as one of Discovery Channel’s Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America, is more your style. Why not plan the ultimate ride and add the Blue Ridge Parkway and a stop to admire the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountain National Park to your trip? Riders from all over the world have said there is no better place to ride than the Smoky Mountains. So, when owner Scott Maddox decided to turn his love of music and motorcycles into a full-on destination experience, he knew Maryville, Tennessee would be the perfect hub for his Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson Dealership. As the #1 Harley-Davidson Dealership in the world in 2017, it is safe to say the experience they have created is second to none.
Nestled in the valley of the Smokies, this is not your typical Harley dealership. The Retail Showroom stuns with its locally sourced building materials, a massive inventory of bikes, and all the motor clothes a biker’s heart can imagine. The extensive Parts Department carries everything from engine kits, audio, and electronics to bags, luggage, racks, helmets, and more. With worldwide visitors, the Service Team understands the importance of getting travelers back on the road in a hurry. Whether you run into technical problems, tire issues, need simple maintenance, or want to upgrade accessories, they are available seven days a week. (Appointments are preferable, but they understand unexpected needs arise for travelers.) To learn your way around a bike and take a full course to get your motorcycle license, they also offer a Riders Academy. Check out their website at www.smh-d.com for more dealership information.

Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson

For those coming from long distances, who want to ride, but can’t bring their bikes, they also partner with Eagle Rider, making bike rental an easy process. Project Ride More is a program where they have staff on board to lead group rides several times a week. The rides are open to anyone who wants to join; just show up the day of the journey with a bike and a sense of adventure. Ride sizes vary, from groups as small as 5-6 bikes up to larger groups of 30-50 bikes. Scheduled rides generally stay within a 100-mile radius, with a variety of shorter or full-day ventures. Find a complete ride schedule at www.smh-d.com.
In conjunction with the dealership side of Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson, they also have an award-winning restaurant and concert venue called The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint. The restaurant offers delicious East Tennessee BBQ smoked on the premise, freshly prepared sides, cocktails, and cold beer, for lunch and early dinner, seven days a week. Not to be outdone by the showroom and smokehouse, the concert venue has a huge stage, state of the art sound rig and lighting, and holds a sold-out crowd of 2000 concert goers. They pride themselves in booking shows with artists on the verge of stardom like Brent Cobb, or top acts like Old Crow Medicine Show and Jamey Johnson. The Shed introduced artists like Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell to East Tennessee well before they were household names. Concerts are scheduled every Saturday, from April through September, with encore shows and local/regional artists playing on Thursdays and Fridays. For concert schedules and ticket information, please go to www.theshedtickets.com.
On your next trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, be sure to stop in at SMOKY MOUNTAIN HARLEY-DAVIDSON – 1820 W. LAMAR ALEXANDER PKWY, MARYVILLE, TN 37801 and immerse yourself into a little slice of Harley-Davidson Paradise!