Category: Blog

Smoky Mountain Coffee Houses

Posted on July 24, 2020 by Rachel Coffman - Blog, Drinking

Almost every vacation, no matter how relaxing or well planned, needs the occasional pick-me-up. There is no easier and more delicious energy boost in the world than an expertly made coffee. When we travel, it is easy to find coffee from the nationally marketed chains, but one of the joys of experiencing new locations is trying out the local flair. We want to introduce you to several of our local favorite Smoky Mountain Coffee Houses for your jolt of caffeine.
.

Liquid Hug in a Mug

The Artistic Bean, located in Townsend, TN, offers an in-house, small-batch roastery, guaranteeing a quality roast on every bean. Using only top of the line, fair trade, organic coffee, they provide chemical-free selections to ensure unparalleled flavor. This Smoky Mountain coffee house not only serves excellent coffee, but they also pride themselves in helping out the local community. Your coffee money goes a long way here. They have partnered with the A21 Campaign, which helps rescue girls from sex trafficking and helps them find hope again. They have also stepped up during the Covid-19 pandemic by raising over $13,000 to help support those financially affected.
If you want to make a difference in the world while purchasing a top-notch brew and homemade pastries, check out Artistic Bean’s website for a full menu. Or visit them at 8027 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882.

Experience a Coffee Cocktail

Located in Townsend, TN, Dancing Bean Coffee House is working hard to demystify the coffee world. Their goal is to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable while educating guests on all of their different coffee selections and offering suggestions based on preferences, including caffeine-free options like frozen lemonade and bubble tea.
Their hospitality extends beyond their human customers, as well. As a pet-friendly establishment, they also offer complimentary pup cups to their four-legged friends. To top off their unique atmosphere, they offer a selection of coffee cocktails. Manager, Amie Wendel, came from a bartending background and having access to Dancing Bear’s liquor license sparked her creativity. As she said, “Beautiful things happen when a bartender becomes a barista.” All baristas have basic bartending skills, and a small bar gives patrons a place to sit and watch their drinks be made, while their cocktail menu changes from hot to cold as the season dictates. Right now, they are offering a standard Irish Coffee, a Royal White Russian, and a Cold Brew Mountain Man.
To see a full menu, go to their website, or feel free to stop in at 7142 East Lamar Alex Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882, and let their baristas help you make the right decision.

Southeast Market Leader in Craft Coffee

Vienna Coffee is one of the OG Smoky Mountain coffee houses. John Clark, Vienna’s Roastmaster, started Vienna Coffee Company in his garage over ten years ago and has grown to be one of the Southeast’s premier craft coffee roasters. The coffee house, located in Maryville, TN, offers a wide variety of house-roasted coffee options and a delicious dining menu. Their location provides easy accessibility, allows ample space for social distancing (including two patio areas), and is walking distance from Maryville College and Downtown Maryville. You can find their coffee in many local restaurants and stores. Their most recent acquisition, a heritage brand founded in Chattanooga in 1925, including Stone Cup Coffee Roasting Company and Fleetwood Coffee Company, allows them to now supply 23 local convenient stores.
To see this Blount County staple’s menu, go to their website or stop in for a visit at 212 College Street, Maryville, Tennessee 37804.

Additional Local Smoky Mountain Coffee Houses

Also, be sure to visit our other local coffee houses like Southern Grace Coffee Company and Little River Coffee Company for their individual takes on southern coffee house hospitality.

For more dining options in the area, check out the following articles:

Eat Your Way Through the Peaceful Side at These Local Restaurants

Celebrate St. Patty’s Day with a Visit to One of Our Local Breweries

Smoky Mountain Fly Fishing

Posted on June 16, 2020 by Rachel Coffman - Activities, Blog

Smoky Mountain Fly Fishing is an ideal way to spend an afternoon with over 2100 miles of rivers and streams running through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and year-round open waters. We welcome everyone to come and enjoy the solitude and peace of a little fishing on the river.

What You Need to Know

Permits – Obtain a fishing license to fly fish in the Smokies. Anyone over the age of 13 can find a license that can be purchased in nearby towns or purchased online. The park allows fishing on all streams from thirty minutes before official sunrise until thirty minutes after official sunset.
Quantity Limits – Five (5) brook, rainbow or brown trout, smallmouth bass, or a combination of these in possession, whether fresh, stored in ice, or otherwise preserved.
Size Limits – Brook, rainbow, and brown trout must be a 7-inch minimum. Smallmouth bass must be a 7-inch minimum.
Safety – Because of changing water levels and currents, slippery rocks, and water temperature, standing and wading in streams can be dangerous. Pay attention to the changing water conditions to avoid hypothermia and slick footing.
Water Temperature – The water temperature is the single most defining condition to determine the level of fish and aquatic insect activity. Because most insect activity decreases during colder months, few fish are feeding. Most experienced anglers agree when the perfect conditions for great fishing are once the water temperatures reach 58 degrees.
Manners – Be a clean fisherman by taking everything you brought into the park back out with you. Moving rocks to form channels and dams is illegal and harmful to both fish and aquatic insects living in our streams.

Equipment Needed

The best rods to use in the Smokies are 3wt, 4wt, 5wt, or 6wt rods in 7′ to 8.5′ in length. A longer length rod will make controlling your line less difficult.
Only permitted to use artificial flies with a single hook, either nymphs or dry flies. You can use dropper flies and can only have up to two flies on a leader.
Most anglers choose not to use waders but instead use felt-soled wading boots, or sandals because of slick and uneven stream beds.
Dress in colors like green and brown to blend in with your environment and prevent skittish trout from avoiding your fishing spot. We also recommend a light rain jacket due to the wet nature of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, regardless of the forecast.
Wearing polarized sunglasses (in amber, copper, or brown) will help cut the water glare and improve your chances of catching a fish.

Where to Fish

You can find miles of quality fishing readily available, from remote, headwater trout streams to large, cool-water smallmouth bass streams. The Little River is one of the largest streams in the Smokies and is right off of Little River Road, connecting Townsend and Gatlinburg. Little River splits into five distinct sections: Little River above the Elkmont Campground, Little River above Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, Little River below the Sinks, Little River through Townsend, and Little River below Townsend. Once the river leaves the boundaries of the park, it takes on a different nature, and fishing regulations change.
Middle Prong, along Tremont Road, is an active stream to fish and is easily accessible. West Prong is a smaller stream but offers lots of eager rainbow trout. It is usually one of the first streams available after a heavy storm. Abrams Falls is also a popular stream for fly fishing and can be found just inside Cades Cove. Another popular section is the “Horseshoe” but takes a full day to fish, so you will need to prepare for at least 8 hours and will not be able to bail out midway through.
Extensive maps and guidebooks can be found in most local outfitters in the area, or you can look online. Check out the following guide for more ideas: Fly-Fishing Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains by Don Kirk.

Just Learning

Smoky Mountain fly fishing isn’t just an adventure for experienced anglers. Several local businesses offer lessons and guided tours, but because of the ongoing pandemic, limited times and attendance vary among businesses. A great place to start your search for local guidance is through our friends Little River Outfitters.

Smoky Mountain Glamping: Sleep Under the Stars

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

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.

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 Rachel Coffman - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Snow in the Smokies

Smoky Mountain Coffee Houses

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

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

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

Smoky Mountain Spelunking at Tuckaleechee Caverns

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Rachel Coffman - 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 Mountains National Park is Open All Year; Experience the Exhilaration of Hiking in the Winter

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

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

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

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

Snow in the Smokies

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

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.

Tips for Hiking in the Snow

Always check the weather and be prepared for it to change.
Snow/ice spikes and trekking poles will help with traction and stability.
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.
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.
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.

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

Sober Holiday Fun in Maryville: Daisy’s Non-Alcoholic Bar & Bottle Shop

Posted on December 5, 2025 by bpintern - Blog, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

No need for a DD this holiday season. Daisy’s Non-Alcoholic Bar and Bottle Shop is Maryville’s hot new hub for sober fun.

Across the country, more people are rethinking their relationship with alcohol. Recent national surveys show that 49% of American adults say they’re actively trying to drink less. Meanwhile, Gallup finds that only 54% of U.S. adults say they drink at all, the lowest in almost 90 years of polling.

Inspired by her own sober journey and the growing Non-Alcoholic (NA) movement, Lindsay Elsten created Daisy’s as a place where you don’t have to explain why you aren’t drinking. The menu boasts a variety of handcrafted mocktails, functional beverages, zero-proof spirits and NA beers and wines.

Around the holidays, office parties, family gatherings and New Year’s toasts tend to revolve around alcohol. Daisy’s offers a different kind of celebration with festive zero-proof cocktails. The Salty Grinch uses Lion’s Mane and ginger for a warming, slightly salty sip, while The Sweet Cindy layers classic winter flavors with ashwagandha and valerian root for a calmer, cozier night.

If you’d like to pair your mocktail with plans, Daisy’s has a full calendar of events this month.

December 5 – Holiday Candle-Pouring Workshop

Create your own candle, guided by Light Your Way, from 7 to 10 p.m. Space is limited.

December 6 – Mocktail Tasting

From 7 to 10 p.m., sample a flight of mocktails, including a Rosemary Grapefruit Paloma, Elderberry Gin & Tonic and Mint Mojito with Lime. All options are vegan, gluten-free and low in calories.

Every Sunday in December – Sunday Brunch

Every Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., enjoy a generous brunch buffet with cozy favorites, seasonal dishes and Daisy’s soon-to-be-famous Bloody Mary “Meal,” plus spirit-free cocktails crafted to order.

December 11 & 18 – Live Music: Kevin McGuire

Enjoy an all-ages live music night from 6 to 9 p.m. as singer-songwriter Kevin McGuire brings his Smokies-rooted sound to Daisy’s.

December 12 – Winter Notes & Warm Light: Holiday Concert

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., enjoy an intimate holiday concert featuring cello and violin, festive zero-proof drinks and light bites. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door.

December 13 – Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Starting at 3 p.m., wear your ugliest sweater to unlock 20% off any gift card purchase all day. Stick around for the 5 to 8 p.m. sweater contest, followed by a holiday movie and board games from 8 to 11 p.m.

December 14 & 28 – Dungeons & Dragons

Pair Daisy’s noon to 5 p.m. brunch with a Dungeons & Dragons session from 3 to 5 p.m.

December 19 – Stoked & Sober Comedy Hypnosis Show

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for this 7 p.m. comedy hypnosis show, a free-to-attend night raising donations for SoberFrog Recovery.

December 20 – Live Music with Tony & Mary Negron

From 5 to 7 p.m., husband-and-wife duo Tony and Mary Negron bring warm harmonies and acoustic soul to Daisy’s for an early evening of live music and good company.

December 31 – New Year’s Eve at Daisy’s

Celebrate from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with hourly countdowns from 6 p.m. to midnight, table games and conversation, plus a $15 special that includes Southern-style cornbread, collard greens and a zero-proof toast.

Planning your own event? Daisy’s doubles as a mobile NA bar service. They offer alcohol-free bar packages for weddings and rehearsal dinners; corporate events and team-building; birthdays, showers, graduations and family gatherings; and community workshops and advocacy events. Learn more at www.daisysnabar.com.

Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.

Spectacular Fall Drives in the Smokies

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

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

Cades Cove Loop Road

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

Newfound Gap Road

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

Blue Ridge Parkway

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

Spend a Day Exploring Maryville, Tennessee

Posted on January 8, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Maryville

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

What to Do in Maryville

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

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

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

Spend a Day on East Tennessee’s Little River

Posted on May 30, 2025 by bpintern - Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

As you drive into the Smokies from Townsend, the Peaceful Side, roll down your windows and listen. That sound? It’s the Little River, running right alongside you. Centuries ago, these waters sustained the Cherokee people. In the early 20th century, the river’s path became the route for the Little River Railroad, which hauled timber deep from the mountains.

Today, the river continues to teem with life. You might spot a great blue heron fishing the shallows or a river otter slipping between rocks. Beneath the surface, trout, salamanders and aquatic insects thrive. Fed by over 85 inches of annual rainfall, the Little River nourishes more than 2,000 miles of streams within the park. And the best part? You don’t have to admire it from the car. Here are our favorite ways to spend a day on the Little River.

Walk the River’s Edge

Go for a stroll along The Townsend River Walk & Arboretum, nestled between the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway and the Little River. You’ll come across several points of interest, including fairy villages, a pollinator garden, a children’s discovery garden and artwork made by locals.

Cast a Line: Fly Fishing

The Little River’s cool, clear waters are home to rainbow, brown and native brook trout. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisher or just starting out, there’s something special about stepping into the river with a fly rod in hand and letting the current guide your rhythm.

Upper sections of the river, especially near Elkmont, are ideal for backcountry solitude and wild trout, while the stretch through Townsend offers easier access and plentiful stocked fish. Local outfitters like Little River Outfitters offer gear, guided trips and expert advice to help you make the most of your time on the water.

Reminder: Check fishing regulations and bring a valid Tennessee fishing license.

Float the Day Away: River Rat Tubing

When the summer heat sets in, nothing beats a cool float down the Little River. Just a few miles from the park entrance, you’ll find River Rat Tubing, a family-owned outfitter that’s been in business since 1995. Choose between two routes: one perfect for families (and small dogs) with gentle currents and scenic views, and another with a bit more excitement for the adventurous crowd.

You can even splash out on a rental cabana to turn your river day into a full-on retreat. These shaded, private cabanas come with seating, a gift of your choice, and the option to add towel service and a stocked cooler.

Pro Tip: Book online a day or more in advance for $5 off per person.

Go for a Swim: The Townsend Wye

Nestled just inside the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where Little River Road and Lamar Alexander Parkway intersect, the Townsend Wye is one of the most popular swimming holes in the area.

Besides swimming, it’s a great spot for snorkeling, floating or simply relaxing by the water. You’ll find shallow areas, especially along the pebbly shore, as well as deeper spots where you can’t touch the bottom.

Safety First: The GSMNP advises against water recreation in the park due to numerous hazards and dangers. If you choose to swim here, take necessary precautions, and remember to supervise children.

Lend a Hand: Little River Watershed Association

*^{Photo courtesy of the Little River Watershed Association.}*

The Little River Watershed Association (LRWA) is a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving the health of the Little River and its surrounding environment. They organize river cleanups, streambank restoration projects, water quality monitoring and educational programs for all ages. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, volunteering or donating is a great way to give back.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy the Little River? Tag us on social media (@PeacefulSmokies) for a chance to be featured.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________