Category: Activities

Downtown Maryville’s Historic Capitol Theatre Has a Speakeasy, the Emerald Room

Posted on December 7, 2017 by - Activities, Blog, Drinking, Maryville

Down a clandestine staircase and through a secret passage is a best-kept-secret, the Emerald Room, modeled after a speakeasy. One of several spaces within Maryville, Tennessee’s Capitol Theatre, this newest addition to the venue conjures images from the 1920s prohibition-era.


The Theatre, located on Maryville’s bustling Broadway Street in the historic downtown area, draws both local residents and those from throughout the region and country.


The venue goes beyond just a theatre space and offers a unique and glamorous venue for wedding receptions and ceremonies, proms, birthdays and small business and corporate events and provides catering and DJ services.


Capitol Theatre Event Director Haley Schweitzer finds the space covers a wide variety of events.
“We have old Hollywood style and vintage ambiance, but events range from traditional weddings and events to themed events like a 1920sparty,” said Schweitzer. “The space lends itself to many different styles and leaves guest smiling and with fun memories they’ll never forget.”


In addition to the theatre space and Emerald Room, the Capitol Theatre offers a balcony and a 1940s-themed Hollywood Lounge. It even has a coffee and ice cream shop, which is open throughout the week to the public.


The coffee and ice cream shop receives frequent foot traffic from those taking a coffee break during work and tourists visiting the Smoky Mountains and enjoying Maryville’s vibrant downtown.


“About 20 percent of our weddings are destination weddings coming from places like Chicago, Charlotte, Atlanta, and even as far away as Seattle,” said Schweitzer. “The uniqueness of the venue, and the beauty and peacefulness of the Smoky Mountains draws them here. The Downtown Maryville location of the coffee and ice cream shop brings foot traffic in, and some of these visitors like our venue so much they book it for their wedding.”


The venue also draws business travelers, with Maryville and the surrounding Blount County area being a prime destination for conferences and corporate events and retreats. A scenic escape, Maryville is 10 minutes from the McGhee Tyson Regional Airport and has access to major highways like I-40, with the larger city of Knoxville just 20 minutes away.


“The attendees at our corporate events have many hotels and accommodations to choose from,” said Schweitzer. “We’re close to the Airport Hilton, but also not far from scenic resorts like Dancing Bear Lodge.”


First built in 1934, the Capitol Theatre was originally a premier entertainment place. The largest of Maryville’s downtown theatres, it sat approximately 1,000 guests. It closed its doors in the 1970s and then housed a number of different businesses. In 2002, it was purchased by the current owner, artist Heath Claiborne, as his art gallery. In 2008, the building underwent a complete renovation aimed at restoring its former look and created an entertainment and event center with state-of-the-art audio and video equipment. Claiborne’s studio and gallery still resides at the Capitol Theatre where visitors can view and purchase his original artwork and reproductions.


The downtown area of Maryville has experienced a revitalization in recent years. Earlier this year, an initiative to renovate the downtown culiminated with the approval of the Tennessee Main Street designation in January. The designation will open up the city to receive training, resource support and grant opportunities that will assist in the downtown area’s revitalization and economic development efforts.


“We love downtown Maryville,” said Schweitzer.”It’s a great location for the Capitol Theatre. We have lot of great restaurants and retailers, and ample parking. We’re excited to be part of the downtown’s history.”


For more information about the Capitol Theatre, or to book an event, visit http://www.bookthecapitol.com/.

Enjoy a Driving Tour of Cades Cove with the Family

Posted on June 13, 2018 by - Activities, Blog

Heading out into the wilderness seems simple, but it can be complicated – especially when the whole family, with everyone’s disparate ages and tastes, is heading out together. The teenagers in the group want to tackle a challenging trail, while the older and younger crowds are looking for something that’s a little slower-paced. Grandparents and grandchildren may need stroller and walker accessibility, and some members of the family would just as soon be lounging on the back of a pontoon boat, waiting for the fish to bite. How can you keep everyone together?

Take Everyone on a Drive Through Cades Cove

Anyone coming to the Blount County sections of Great Smoky Mountains National Park who hasn’t heard of Cades Cove is sure to get the scoop eventually. It’s well-known for good reason. The Cove is a broad, green, lush mountain valley in the middle of the Smokies, and one of its most popular destinations.

Cades Cove also includes an 11-mile loop road that circles the Cove in one direction and is open to tourists year-round. Bicyclists and hikers can enjoy it traffic-free every Wednesday and Saturday morning before 10 AM; otherwise it’s “open season” for motorists on driving tours. Taking everyone on a driving tour is a great way to keep the family connected – you’re all in the same car (or caravan!), and you can listen to the music of your choice and chat about the scenery as you cruise past.

What You Might See in Cades Cove

Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove are famous for wildlife viewing, including white tail deer, coyote, elk, fox, and black bears, as well as groundhogs, turkeys, raccoons, and skunks (be careful!). That’s not all – the loop road has a rich history, as well.

As you drive along the loop road, you can see (or park and walk to) buildings like churches, a working grist mill, log houses, and other buildings from the 19th century that have been restored since being originally built by the area’s first migrants from Europe. Numerous trails are also accessible from the road, so you – or just the more active members of your party – can park and walk off the beaten path for a closer look at some Tennessee wilderness.

Get More Details at the Visitor Center

When planning your drive of the Cades Cove loop road, make sure to dedicate at least 2 to 4 hours for the experience, especially during the summer and fall seasons when traffic can be heavy. Cades Cove is accessible from Laurel Creek Road year-round, and Parson Branch Road or Rich Mountain Road during the warmer months.

Cades Cove also includes a Visitor Center halfway around the loop that features restrooms and a bookstore, as well as trail maps and guides that provide more information on the history of the trail and of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Open every day but Christmas, it’s there to provide visitors with a more educational, immersive, safe and fun Smokies experience.

Enjoy a Peaceful Getaway to Whispering River Resort

Posted on May 28, 2018 by - Activities, Blog, Lodging

Is there anything more relaxing than a winding river on a warm summer’s day? If there is, visitors to Whispering River Resort will be too chilled out to go searching for it. Boasting thousands of feet of access to the Little River, Walland, Tennessee’s Whispering River Resort connects visitors to the beautiful natural environment of the “quiet side of the Smokies.”  
Tents, RVs, and Cabin Renters All Welcome
One of the unique things about the Whispering River Resort is how well it accommodates different kinds of vacationers. Looking for the perfect site to pitch your tent? Whispering River has tent sites with water access, clean, modern bathrooms, hot showers, coin laundry, and a general store.
Need space for your RV? Pull-through, pull-in, and back-in RV sites with hook-ups are available, and RV campers, of course, have access to the same facilities and amenities that tent campers do. However, what if you’re traveling without your own lodging? What then?
Whispering River Resort also has three cabins, 2 that are perfect for couples or small families, and 1 that lets the whole gang get together. The Treehouse sleeps up to 4, and includes an indoor Jacuzzi and outdoor hot tub, kitchen, DVD player and TV, and all of it right up on the riverbank. The Otter House cabin includes all the same amenities, plus a charcoal grill and central A/C. The Lodge sleeps up to 10, and includes a fireplace, large-screen satellite TV, DVD, hot tub, claw-foot bathtub in the master bedroom, and game room with pool table.  
Activities at Whispering River
Not sure what to do while you’re there? It may be because there’s so much to choose from. With convenient river access, this is a great chance to go kayaking, tubing, or fishing. Whispering River also has a playground and a horseshoe pit, volleyball, a pool and a hot tub, and great walking trails along their half-mile of Little River access. Everyone gets access to free WiFi to stay connected, and even “best friends” can join in the fun (pets are allowed at the RV and tent campsites).
All This, and it’s Convenient!
People come to the Smokies region for lots of reasons. Maybe it’s the famous Dollywood amusement park, home to rides, shows, festivals, events, and – oh yeah – a massive water park. Well, it, as well as the sights and sounds of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, are just a 30-minute drive away. Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Tuckaleechee Caverns are even closer, and perfect if you want to focus on the natural beauty that the Smokies are famous for.
A meeting room, club room, and an event center is also available, so if you’re excited to show your coworkers the best of the region and are looking for a place to host your company retreat or seminar, this could be it. Give your crew a shout – it’s time to book your vacation at Whispering River Resort.

Enjoy a Romantic Weekend on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Posted on July 9, 2018 by - Activities, Blog, Lodging

Blount County is the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is one of the most spectacular national parks in the United States. Throughout the county, you will find cozy cabins, romantic lodges, and magnificent hotels for your stay. No matter how you look at it, Blount County makes the perfect place for a romantic weekend just for the two of you.

Your Weekend Starts with a Romantic Cabin

Blount County is home to a number of honeymoon and romantic getaway cabins. Many are bed & breakfasts; some offer dinners, as well. Imagine waking up in the morning to the sun shining through the window of your room, a view of the misty mountains in the distance, the sound of birds in trees, and the smell of fresh-brewed coffee coming up from the dining room. This is how spending a romantic weekend in Blount County should start.
Continue your morning with a romantic horseback ride along the many trails scattered throughout the Great Smoky Mountains. There are several stables in the area; some offer you the option to take a picnic lunch and stop for a romantic meal in the shade by a waterfall. Whether you are an experienced rider or have never been on a horse before, your guide will work with you until you are comfortable.
Once your ride is over, why not head over to the local winery for a little wine tasting and a tour of the vineyards? To bring your first day here to an end, there are a number of excellent restaurants in Maryville, Townsend, and surrounding communities to try out. Take a stroll through downtown Maryville before returning to your cabin or room for the night.

On Your Next Day

Why not be a little more adventurous on the second day of your weekend? There are several high-flying ziplines to try out. Imagine soaring high above the treetops laughing all the way down. The view from up here is spectacular, just ask any bird you meet along the way.
You can, of course, take the short hike out to Spruce Flat Falls; the hike is easy, and the falls at the end are more than worth the hike. The beauty here never stops: finish up your day with a picnic at Cades Cove before packing the car and heading back home.
When you want a quiet, charming place for your next romantic weekend, try Blount County. The entire area is home to some of the most romantic scenery in the country. The views are beautiful, the locals are incredible, and there is no shortage of fun and romantic activities to enjoy during your stay here.

Enjoy Mountain Music on the Pickin' Porch at Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop

Posted on October 31, 2018 by - Activities, Blog, Townsend

There’s more to the Smokies than just industry and the great outdoors. Cultural traditions brought to the Smokies by different waves of immigrants and frontier settlers have taken on lives of their own in the mountain hollows that dot the region, and they continue to provide great entertainment to locals and visitors alike.
In particular, the music of Appalachia and the Smokies has its own rich history, one that’s kept alive today in Blount County and especially at the Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop. Read on to learn more about it, as well as how you can get a taste of it for yourself right in Blount County.

Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop Dates Back to the 18th Century

Immigrants from Ireland and what is now called the United Kingdom first settled in the mountain foothills of the southeastern U.S. in the late 18th century, bringing their traditional ballads and dance music (typically fast-paced violin or “fiddle” music) with them. Here, these traditions intersected with others, like banjo-playing, which came up from farther down South. Banjo playing was actually first documented in Knoxville in 1798, so it’s been a part of the region’s legacy for quite some time.
The dulcimer was also a major part of this tradition. Interestingly enough, although the first Appalachian dulcimer was played by Scots-Irish immigrants, there’s no record of anything like the dulcimer in Scotland or Ireland. The instrument itself seems to be a true Southern original, much like the Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop.

Visit Wood-N-Strings to See Dulcimers in Action

Anyone is welcome to come down to Wood-N-Strings in Townsend, Tennessee, which is not a just a shop, but a destination in its own right for fans of the region’s traditional music. The shop offers CDs and books about traditional music, as well as different kinds of dulcimers and other instruments like banjos, lap harps, and even some steel drums. Owners Mike and Connie Clemmer are happy to introduce anyone interested to the virtues of the dulcimer and the joy of playing an instrument that’s relatively easy to learn, and yet provides tremendous satisfaction to both players and audiences.

Check Out the Pickin’ Porch

If it’s summertime, it’s pickin’ time at Wood-N-Strings. Connie and Mike Clemmer play host to local and traveling musicians on their Pickin’ Porch at Wood-N-Strings every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturday at 7 PM, from May through September. Bring your lawn chairs and relax at their woodsy riverside location, while musicians share their talents and commitment to preserving tradition just for the love of it.
When winter rolls around, that doesn’t mean there’s no pickin’ left to enjoy. TheWood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop has a section of the website dedicated to sharing videos from past Pickin’ Porch evenings, so you can still listen to old and new favorites long after the camping chairs have been folded up for the season.

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

Posted on March 20, 2019 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

Springtime on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies means a riot of color and crisp mountain air as the over 1,500 varieties of local flowering fauna burst into bloom. Many believe spring to be the best time of year to visit Smoky Mountain National Park and the surrounding areas. It’s also the perfect place for those looking to enjoy a quieter spring break far from the partying crowds, noise, and the aftermath. If you are looking for a place to bring the whole family, the Smoky Mountains in the Townsend and Maryville, TN area offers plenty of fun affordable things to do in a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, for everyone in the family.

Hike It or Bike It

There are plenty of trails running deep into the Smokies for you to hike or ride your bicycle on. For example, there is a two-mile hike that takes you to Abrams Falls, where you can cross the footbridge and enjoy the beautiful beach sitting at the base of the falls. For the more adventurous, there is the 11-mile trail running around the peaceful valley that incorporates Cades Cove. This trail takes you between two 5, 000-foot mountain peaks and is excellent for experienced hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.

Go Deep into the Caverns

Often referred to as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies,” the incredible Tuckaleechee Caverns are only twenty minutes by car from Cades Cove. The one thing that makes these caverns so amazing is the huge rooms with vaulted ceilings. The “Big” room is longer than a football field (that’s over 100 yards). The formations are spectacular including the famous “Silver Falls.” The caverns open on Mar 15, just in time for spring break and are free to kids under four years of age.

Grab a Bite to Eat

Whether you just need a snack or it’s time to feed your family a complete meal, there are plenty of places to eat in Townsend, Maryville, and the surrounding areas. You can find everything from “good ole down-home” Tennessee cooking to fine dining in the area. Of course, you can always pack a picnic and hike back to Abrams Falls and eat your meal sitting on the beach.

Do a Little Shopping

One of the best things about spending your spring break on the peaceful side of the Smokies is being able to enjoy the great outdoors. But this doesn’t mean you can’t get in a little shopping in the many antique stores in Townsend including the Antique Outlet Mall. There are treasures to be found in many of the various country stores in town.
 

Explore These Frozen Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park This Winter

Posted on January 18, 2019 by - Activities, Blog

Millions of people pay a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, and they don’t limit their visits to the spring, summer or fall. It is a year-round destination, full of beautiful and unmatched scenery, lots of native flora and fauna, and many things to do. After all, you can enjoy visits to historic buildings while in the park, take driving tours along amazing roadways and scenic highways (including the brand-new section of the Foothills Parkway), and even go hiking.

Winter Hiking in the Smokies is Amazing

In fact, the winter hiking is quite amazing with trails for all levels of experience. And if you are considering a hike into the glorious wintertime landscape in the Smokies, you may want to pay attention to any opportunities for waterfall viewing. The National Park Service explains that there are “over 2,000 miles of streams in the Smokies, dotted with sparkling waterfalls and cascades” and around 40 waterfalls that you can reach by trail or even by car.
If you are going to be paying a visit to the area this winter, you don’t even have to get dressed up for a day on the trails because there are also several gorgeous waterfalls that you can reach and view by car!

The Winter Waterfalls of the Smokies

Let’s start with the waterfalls easiest to enjoy from the coziness of your car or truck. There are several spots recommended by experts and hikers alike.
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 that build up on these lovely falls.
The Sinks – This is also another set of falls located along the Little River Road, and you will hit this one around 12 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It has an easier-to-find parking area, and though the falls are not as high as others, they are often stunning because the entire volume of the river 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.
Do pay attention to the weather reports no matter what sort of waterfall viewing you have planned and reschedule if any extreme conditions are predicted. The scenery from your cozy cabin can be just as appealing as anything you might see from the car or during a hike, and you can plan a return visit in the spring if you want to see the falls when they wake back up for the season!
 

Foothills Parkway Offers Quiet Escape During Fall Foliage Season

Posted on October 4, 2017 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

Fall foliage season in the Smoky Mountains is nearly upon us, as mountain vistas across East Tennessee don a stunning array of reds, oranges, yellows and deep earthy tones.
Blount County, Tennessee, the “Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains,” offers some of the best views during this season, and the opportunity for a quiet escape against a breathtaking backdrop.
Foothills Parkway, located off US Highway 321 in Walland, is a not-to-miss destination for those looking to experience vibrant fall foliage in the Smokies. This parkway is less busy than other roads in the park, making it a great place to get away from crowds and traffic.
The 16.9 miles of parkway traverses the western flank of Chilhowee Mountain in Blount County, intersecting with US 129 at Chilhowee Lake. Along the way, the road meanders up the mountain beneath a canopy of trees, with scenic pull-offs and overlooks interspersed throughout.
Each scenic overlook offers a unique panoramic view of the mountains with grassy areas ideal for picnicking, relaxing or photography.
One of the most popular destinations along Foothills Parkway is Look Rock, a natural observation ledge overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. An easy half-mile hike leads to the observation tower that provides a spectacular 360-degree view.
Car and motorcycle enthusiasts will find Foothills Parkway to be of particular interest: where US 129 intersects with the Parkway, the road becomes the world-renowned section of highway to the south known as “The Dragon” for its 318 curves in 11 miles. “The Dragon” is an exhilarating experience as sports cars and motorcycles navigate the twisting road.
While the Parkway is a wonderful experience for motorists, it’s also a prime target for bicyclists. The crisp mountain air and beautiful scenery attract road bikers who enjoy the challenging uphill climb followed by a downhill decent through the mountains.
Blount County and the Foothills Parkway are easily accessible to those traveling to the area. The McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is less than 20 minutes away with easy access to major highways like I-40 and I-140.
The area also boasts a plethora of options for accommodations with fall foliage views. Dancing Bear Lodge, a resort located in Townsend and just 10 minutes from Foothills Parkway, offers luxury cabins with comfortable places to lounge and enjoy the scenery like rocking chairs, porch swings or their fire pit. Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, located at the Lodge, serves regionally inspired cuisine with fresh, quality sourced ingredients for an exceptional dining experience.
Situated just one mile from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tally Ho Inn is another great option providing mountain beauty with their private balconies and terraces.
While staying in the Blount County area to ride or drive Foothills Parkway, visitors can also take advantage of other activities like the numerous hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or walking or biking the Alcoa or Maryville Greenways. Cades Cove, a valley surrounded by mountains, has an 11-mile paved road with historic buildings and an abundance of wildlife that can be experienced by car, on foot or by bike.
Those looking to experience the “Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains,” and Foothills Parkway, are encouraged to visit www.smokymountains.org or contact the Blount County Chamber of Commerce at (865) 983-2241 for more information on accommodations, travel and dining and entertainment options.

For a Unique View of the Smokies' Fall Foliage, Saddle Up and See it from Horseback

Posted on November 21, 2018 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

Are you planning an autumn visit to the Smokies? If so, you’ll love the peacefulness of the season. The summer crowds have departed, and colors of fall are settling into the region. Look up at the peaks and you’ll see the first hints of red, gold and orange, and along with those colors comes a wonderful change in the weather. Cool and sunny days make it easier than ever to spend most of your time outdoors in the amazing landscape.
And while there are many amazing trails, drives and attractions to visit, you don’t have to walk or drive to all of them. In fact, one of the best ways to take in the views of the autumn season are from the back of a horse!

Smoky Mountains Activities

A lot of travelers think of spending their time in the area in their cars, on foot, on bicycles or even floating in a boat or inner tube, yet the beauty of the autumn season can also be experienced via horseback riding. There are many different stables available, and all of the horses are well-accustomed to first-time riders as well as experienced travelers.
There are not many options for unguided journeys, but if you wish to go on your own along the trails, it is possible. Either way, whether as part of a group and guided ride or on your own, you’ll find the woods remarkably quiet and peaceful and the experience unforgettable.

Horseback Riding Stables in the Smokies

For those eager to see for themselves just how wonderful a visit to the Smokies might be when a horseback riding adventure is included, we suggest the following stables:

Next to Heaven Mountain Adventures

This is for those who want an unguided experience. You are carefully matched with your horse and you can then follow the existing trail that leads into the mountains surrounding the stables. The horses are so clever that you just cannot possibly get lost, and even if you get confused, they’ll take you right back home! The site also makes ziplining available in the canopy of trees overhead.

Cades Cove Riding Stables

This is one of the most familiar and famous because it is the only option within the actual Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are fully guided trails, and riders can rest assured that the horses are incredibly gentle and patient. You can also book a hayride or a carriage ride.

Davy Crockett Stables

Another of the stables open to people of all riding levels or skill is Davy Crockett Stables. You can take half day rides or shorter adventures, and most of the tours lead into the woodlands and beautiful, natural areas.
You can also book your accommodations at a ranch, the Twin Valley Horse Ranch and enjoy full or half day rides, and if you don’t yet know how to ride, why not enjoy a day spent in the autumn landscape at the Rolling Hills Farm Equestrian Center or the Mountain Meadow Equestrian Center?
The fall colors come and go quickly, and you can really make the most of them when you enjoy them from the comfort of a calm, friendly horse’s back!

Fun Activities for Kids in Maryville, TN: Perpetual Motion

Posted on May 4, 2018 by - Activities, Blog

Are you looking for something to do to shake off the cabin fever of winter? As the weather heats up, there’s always something in the Smokies that is perfect for kids of all ages. But heading outdoors isn’t always the solution. One great way to find fun activities for kids indoors in the area is to head to Perpetual Motion!
What Is Perpetual Motion?
This is a six-acre indoor gym and outdoor play place for kids located in East Maryville, where kids have so much to do that they’ll never want to leave. Inside the 22,000-square-foot building, kids have tons of gymnastics equipment, art supplies, and areas to run, jump, climb, and have a blast. Cheerleading and gymnastic classes are offered as well, so there is an abundance of things to learn and do.
Outside, Perpetual Motion offers two swimming pools, a soccer field, a volleyball court, a picnic area, several playgrounds, and lots of grass for a good game of tag. Add that to the big parking lot, and you’ve got yourself a heaven on earth for busy families that just need to let off some steam!
Why Visit Perpetual Motion?
Are your kids stressed out? Bored? Tired of being still? Driving you up the wall with all their energy that you can’t contain? Is even the dog wishing for a nap after a long day with your toddler? If you can relate, then you need to come to Perpetual Motion. It’s the ideal place to get all those wiggles out for kids of all ages. Bigger kids will find tons of fun things to do while the younger ones have places to play out of harm’s way. As a busy parent, you get the luxury of knowing that your kid will sleep very well after tiring themselves out with all the fun to be had.
Get in touch with Perpetual Motion 4 Kids at 865-984-1253 or online to learn more.
Other Fun Activities for Kids in Maryville
While we think Perpetual Motion is one of the best places to go in Maryville for kids of all ages, there are many other activities to take advantage of, as well. Have older kids that want to get outdoors? Head to Frontier Anglers and set up a guided trout fishing trip. For families of all ages who need more family time, head to Crest Bowling Lanes or the Smoky Mountain Skate Center.
For quieter activities for kids, try the Cades Cove Museum to learn the history of the region, or the Parkway Drive In, where you can watch movies the old-fashioned way! Art classes at Studio 212 Arts are another great way to have fun together with your children.
There is so much for families to explore here in Blount County. Head to Maryville, TN for more fun activities for kids!

Get Back to Nature at Maryville's Pistol Creek Wetlands Center

Posted on May 18, 2018 by - Activities, Blog, Maryville

One of the least popular parts of living in a modern city is the concrete jungles they have become. These days, finding trees, let alone animals, can be challenging. But for those who come to visit Maryville, TN to get away from it all and grab some fresh Smoky Mountain air, there is one place you simply cannot afford to miss. The Pistol Creek Wetland Center is a peaceful haven filled with local flora, fauna, and wildlife designed to be enjoyed by schools, civic organizations, families, and just about anyone who wants to get back in touch with Mother Nature.

Where It All Began

In the late 1990s the city of Maryville, TN purchased a section of the old Delozier farm on Montvale Station Rd. In 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency awarded the City of Maryville a grant that covered the entire cost of the project, leaving the city with no bills to pay.
Under the watchful eye of Dr. Ben Cash and Dr. Mark O’Gorman, students from Maryville College participated in the initial study along with post-construction activities at the Center. Once the initial construction of the Center was finished, the area grew into a sapling grove filled with invasive species.

And On to Today

Today, the Center offers visitors a chance to stroll along walkways that offer informational signs filled with educational details about the many different types of plants, native birds, and animals that have chosen to call the Center home. The entire area has been turned into a learning center. The signs also share information about the wetlands and how important they are to our environment.
Students from Maryville College continue to contribute by working with the many different school classes that come to the Center each year. They share a wealth of knowledge with the kids, covering many of the local wildlife, and often introducing them to living members of various species. This is a golden opportunity to teach today’s kids what it’s like to get in touch with nature.

The Legacy Will Continue

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Maryville College students, Dr. Matt Gray – a professor who teaches Wetlands Ecology and Management at UT – and a task team, the long-term outlook for the park is excellent.

Before You Go

If you are considering taking a civic group or school class to the facility, you should contact the Center at (865) 273-3401 to make a reservation. Book early as availability is limited and on a first come, first served basis. We recommend that schools send only one class at a time to ensure the best possible experience for the students. There is plenty of parking for busses and no charge for you to bring your kids to the center.
The Pistol Creek Wetland Center is the perfect place for kids and adults of all ages to get back in touch with nature and enjoy an incredible array of local plants and animals. Come back several times a year to see how the scenery changes with each season.

Go Horseback Riding at Davy Crockett Riding Stables in Townsend

Posted on June 15, 2018 by - Activities, Blog, Townsend

Are you looking for a new way to enjoy parts of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park that you simply won’t be able to see from the windows of your car? Interested in finding a way to get out in the fresh air and take trails that go deep into the woods and up to the wildflower-covered meadows that can only be seen from horseback? If you are and you happen to be in the Townsend, TN area, then you need to check out the Davy Crockett Riding Stables located at 505 Old Cades Cove Road.
Into the Backcountry
There is nothing more relaxing than heading off into the backcountry astride your own mount. Ride into Cades Cove or off into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park at speeds that give you plenty of time to relax, enjoy the scenery, even take pictures if you feel inclined. The Davy Crockett Stables offer instant access to a number of backcountry riding trails in the Smokies.
Riding on horseback is a wonderful way to get back in touch with nature while at the same time enjoying some serious high-quality family time. You can experience the trails in much the same manner as the early explorers and mountain men did when they first discovered the area, by traversing the trails on horseback.
No Worries About Getting Lost
At the Davy Crockett Riding Stables, the finest mountain guides are on duty to ensure you find your way. The guides can answer your questions about the local flora and fauna. Each has countless hours of training and experience that guarantees you will enjoy your ride.  
During the summer months, you can come for an “on the spot” ride or you can make reservations that guarantee the number of horses you need are ready and available. During the summer, the stables tend to be very busy, so reserving your spot makes good sense, especially if you know when you are going to be in town.
Winter Rides Too
During the winter months, guided rides are still available, but you must book your ride in advance. Peak season at the Davy Crockett Riding Stables is between March 15th and November 15th. Outside of these dates, reservations are required so be sure to plan your trip and book early.
The stables are open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm, and have been in business since 1962, providing tourists and locals with the ultimate horseback riding experience. They offer access to more than 15 miles of trails where you never have to worry about the traffic or crowds; there is nothing to do but sit back and enjoy the journey.
At the Davy Crockett Riding Stables in Townsend, TN, you can book your ride for 30 minutes, 1 hour, 1-1/2 hours, 2 hours, or a half day. Bring the whole family and create the kind of vacation memories that are sure to last a lifetime. Come once and we guarantee you will visit again and again.