Spring is in the air, and that means it must be time for the Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timers Day! This free two-day event celebrates the rich history of the Appalachian way of life. You will find plenty of Bluegrass music, handmade crafts, and delectable food choices. Bring a chair or a blanket for sitting back and enjoying the fresh mountain air. You will want to plan to stay all day because this event is packed to the brim with historical fun. There will be bands to listen to, handmade goods to peruse, food to sample, and other activities to participate in. Head out to Townsend, TN on May 3rd and 4th to join the fun.
About Townsend Spring Festival
On May 3rd, the fun will start at 10am with the craft vendors and food vendors opening up their booths. The demonstrators will begin showing off their talents at 10 am as well. At noon, the music will kick in to really get the party started. The festivities will last all day with bands playing until 10 pm. You can expect the same basic schedule on the 4th with except that the bands will start a little earlier. While the full list of vendors and bands is yet to be announced. There are a few activities that you can expect. The author of the book “The Last Man from Tremont,” Roy Oliver, will be in attendance. If you would like to have a book signed or just simply have a chat, make sure to stop by and see Mr. Oliver. The pickers in attendance will definitely want to check out the tents for Jammers. Other area initiatives and associations will be on hand to help you learn more about the area. These groups include:
Appalachian Bear Rescue
Cades Cove Preservation Association
Great Smoky Mountains Institute of Tremont
Keep Blount Beautiful
Chilhowee Area Ministries
Some of the bands scheduled to play so far include Wayne Wright Review, Blackberry Jam, Grandview Pickers, Appalachian Grass, Raven Welch and Crew, Foothills Express, Steve Jordan Band, Muleskinner, and many more!
Parking at the Event
Parking at the event can be purchased daily for $10 or you can get a two-day pass for $15. The parking fee proceeds will go to support the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department, and they can be purchased in advance at the Townsend Visitor Center and the Maryville Visitor Center. However, if you do not purchase in advance, you will be able to pay at the gate when you arrive. If you would like to experience a little more of what Townsend has to offer, you can take the FREE shuttle from the Townsend Visitor Center and get a good tour of the town. The shuttles will start running at 10:30 am and continue until 6 pm on both days. The Townsend Spring Festival is an annual event that is beloved by all. Come for the bluegrass once, and you will find yourself making the trip back year after year. The beauty of the Appalachian way of life will call to you across the miles.
Autumn is upon us, and that means it’s time to break out everybody’s favorite fall traditions. Whether you’re in the mood for corn mazes, haunted houses, apple picking, or any of the rest of the season’s highlights, if you’d typically enjoy them with a beer or a glass of wine, consider trying a hard apple cider to really capture autumn’s spirit. There are plenty of locally-made hard apple ciders to choose from, and they’ve got all the flavors of the season, brewed, bottled, and available to people in Blount County.
Wyile Cider in Sevierville
You’ll find plenty of varieties to choose from at Wyile Cider in nearby Sevierville. Made in small batches since 1998, this cidery offers both sparkling sweet and sparkling dry hard apple cider, as well as 16 other flavors of hard apple cider. Featuring everything from blueberry to mango to blackberry to mulled cider, this cidery’s ciders all have an apple base and natural fruit concentrates or extracts, and all the apples are sourced exclusively from Appalachian orchards. Ciders are aged from 3 to 12 months and are made without any added sugars or chemicals. You can visit the Wyile Cidery for tastings by going to the Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park at 3757 Thomas Lane in Sevierville.
Mill Bridge Winery in Pigeon Forge
If you’ve got a mix of wine and cider lovers heading out for an afternoon or evening’s tasting, you won’t want to miss the Mill Bridge Winery over in Pigeon Forge. They offer four different hard apple ciders, including the South Cider, a blend of different kinds of apples, the Cider House Blues, featuring sweet apples and blueberries, their Farmhouse Cider, an English-style dry apple cider, and finally their Iconic Tonic, with a fresh honey taste and crisp lemon finish. Unbeatable wines are also available, of course, and you’ll find the Mill Bridge Winery at 3331 South River Road in Pigeon Forge, just off the Parkway and Old Mill Avenue. Mill Bridge Winery is also a member of the Rocky Top Wine Trail, so be sure to visit them if you’re on a tasting trip!
Round 6 Brewing in Maryville
Craft beer enthusiasts who want to mix it up with a little cider are in luck. They can stay in Blount County and visit Round 6 Brewing, where they offer a hard pear cider on tap from Bold Rock Hard Cider that’s a blend of New Zealand pears and apples from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Considered “refreshingly delicious” and “superbly drinkable,” this pear cider is sure to satisfy even the “apple-only” purists among cider drinkers. Family owned by Will and Kathy Wesselman, Round 6 also offers beers from around the United States and Europe, and can be visited at 427 Whitecrest Drive in Maryville.
Looking for a unique way to celebrate Independence Day this year? Escape the usual hustle and bustle and enjoy a serene July 4th on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Here, you can immerse yourself in family-friendly festivities, breathtaking views and local flavors.
Watch Fireworks
Every year, the City of Townsend puts on a spectacular 4th of July fireworks display. Festivities kick off at 6:30 p.m., and the fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m. Enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers and snow cones for sale as part of the Townsend Fire Department’s annual fundraiser. Don’t forget to bring lawn chairs or a blanket for a comfortable spot to watch the show.
Before the fireworks, you can also check out Concert on the Fourth at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. This exuberant musical celebration features a 35-piece American brass band, special guests and live portrayals of revolutionary-era figures in 1776 costume. The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. in the Heritage Center’s large covered amphitheater, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. (overflow seating available on the lawn). The first 300 guests will receive complimentary American flags.
Under the direction of internationally acclaimed conductor Danny Griffin, the performance will feature rousing Sousa marches, Appalachian-themed pieces and a heartfelt salute to active-duty military and veterans. Best of all, the concert will wrap up with plenty of time to make your way to downtown Townsend to enjoy the fireworks.
Admission is a suggested $10 donation to support the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, which preserves historic homes, exhibits and educational programs.
If you prefer to launch your own fireworks at home, please note that cities on the Peaceful Side have updated their rules last year to respect neighbors with PTSD and pets. You can find the new fireworks ordinances for each city here:
For a quieter celebration, enjoy a picnic with a stunning view. A sunset in the Smokies can be just as brilliant and breathtaking as fireworks, without the noise.
The Foothills Parkway offers 22.5 miles of mountain views, with plenty of roadside pull-offs for picnicking. If you’re up for a one-mile round-trip hike, Look Rock Tower is the ultimate spot for panoramic mountain scenery. At 2,652 feet, this observation tower offers views of the Chilhowee Mountain ridge and the Tennessee Valley lowlands.
Have a Get-together at a Local Park
Did you know that you can reserve pavilions in our city and county parks for gatherings? Host a picnic by the Alcoa Duck Pond, the lake at Louisville Point Park, or the playgrounds at Sandy Springs Park. With over a dozen pavilions to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect space (and plenty of parking) to entertain friends and family.
Many of the pavilions have grills nearby, excellent for a barbeque. But you can also keep it simple and order award-winning BBQ from Small Town BBQ in Friendsville.
Enjoy a Frozen Treat
No summer celebration is complete without a frozen treat. These are our favorite places to get ice cream on the Peaceful Side.
Peaceful Side Social Creamery opened in Townsend last spring. Their ice cream is made with locally sourced ingredients and served in house-made waffle cones. With a daily changing menu advertised on their social media, there’s always something new to try. Don’t miss the kids’ play area and cornhole in the outdoor seating area.
Located in a historic building in downtown Maryville, the Capitol Theatre ice cream parlor is a local favorite. It boasts a Hollywood-themed menu with treats like the Pirate’s Treasure salted caramel sundae, the I’m Melting! Melting! lava fudge cake sundae, and sweet, foamy Butter beer.
Each booth is based on a different movie, including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Back to the Future. Alternatively, outdoor seating lets you immerse yourself in the vibrant downtown scene.
Recently opened in Maryville, Andy’s Frozen Custard is serving up the All-American Cherry Pie Concrete, available until July 8, with real cherries and creamy vanilla custard. Make a quick pit stop at the drive-through, or linger a while at the picnic benches.
Will you be joining us this 4th of July on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies? We’d love to hear about it. Be sure to tag us on social media (@peacefulsmokies).
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.
What could be better than celebrating St. Patty’s Day than sharing a pint or two at your favorite watering hole. A trip to Ireland and Guinness on tap? Well, that might be fantastic, but on a more realistic note, why not try some of the craft beers made right here on the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies?” Craft beers have become very popular in the U.S. with hundreds of small breweries pumping out an even larger number of excellent beers that we just can’t seem to get enough of. What better day to sample some of the local brews crafted right here?
Round 6 Brewing
Drop byRound 6 Brewing located at 427 Whitecrest Dr, Maryville where the taproom serves over a dozen craft beers brewed on location along with a small selection of their favorite beers from other breweries. With five large-screen TVs, Round 6 is the perfect place to watch your favorite sports while sipping on a pint of your favorite brew. It’s also the ideal place to party on St. Patty’s Day with your friends. The Taproom seats 99, but there is an outside deck with room for 40 and a quiet patio with room for 20.
Smoky Mountain Brewery
Located in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Turkey Creek, and Maryville at 743 Watkins Rd, theSmoky Mountain Brewery serves up more than a fantastic selection of beers brewed on-site. The restaurant serves up tasty subs, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, their famous “WET Wings,” and much more. Always on tap are Cherokee Red Ale, Helles, and Mountain Light, plus three others. There are also four seasonal brews along with the “Brewmaster Special” that change every couple of weeks.
Blackberry Farm Brewery
You’ll find theBlackberry Farm Brewery at 106 Everett Avenue, Maryville. Whether you are coming out for a special occasion, like St Patty’s Day or just looking for a great craft beer to enjoy at home, the taproom here offers you the opportunity to sup one of their craft brews while standing just a few feet from the tanks. Along with a long list of beers that are available all year round, there is always a rotating selection of limited-edition brews on tap for you to try that are only offered in the taproom.
Tri-Hop Brewery
Drop into theTri-Hop Brewery at 205 Court St in Maryville; you can always find a wide range of craft brews on tap from breweries located throughout Tennessee. The idea for the business came from co-owners Matthew Tipton and Nick Pierce love of homebrewing. While the tap room is not serving any on-site brews, things will not be this way for long. Both Tipton and Pierce say that they are already working on turning the downstairs into a craft brewery that lets them finally realize their dream of sharing their love for craft brewed beer with locals and tourists alike. There is always a food truck outside, live music and the place is pet and family friendly.
The Institute at Tremont, in the Great Smoky Mountains, has been serving the Walker Valley community for 50 years. It all started in 1969 when a group of local leaders and educators came together to turn a group of old Job Corps buildings, slated for demolition, into a residential environmental learning center. The idea was to offer hands-on outdoor discovery experiences accessible to everyone. The successful implementation has only grown stronger and flourished over the years, with programs for everyone – from young children to adults, and educators to the curious public.
To celebrate this golden anniversary, they have invited everyone to attend their annual Homecoming gathering on the weekend of October 12 – 14, 2019. A full weekend package is available online, which will include Saturday and Sunday night lodging in their dormitory. Four meals will be provided, including Saturday supper, Sunday breakfast, a sack lunch, and Homecoming dinner. Many informal activities have been planned, such as a campfire and moonlight walk, a waterfall hike, and a tour of Tremont’s new property in Townsend. Space is limited, so if you are interested, please go to http://gsmit.org/event/homecoming-full-weekend-package/ to register.
If you aren’t able to make the homecoming celebration, there are many other ways to get involved with the Institute at Tremont. A popular fall activity is their Monarch Tagging program in Cades Cove. Each year monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico for the winter and Tremont Institute using tagging as a way to track their migratory patterns and monitor population status. Tremont has been tagging monarch butterflies for many years, and each year their volunteer pool grows because of its popularity with participants from every age group. Grab your butterfly net and play in the fields of Cades Cove, while also using a field guide to identify the different species. Monarch tagging is just one of several Citizen Science programs, which allows the public to gather hands-on experience with real scientific research. Other Citizen Science programs throughout the year include bird banding, salamander monitoring, phenology tracking, and otter spotting. If you are interested in volunteering and want more information about the Citizen Science programs, please check out http:/gsmit.org/citizen-science/.
The Institute at Tremont also has summer camps and adult programs that are open to the public. Summer camps start at age four and are available through high school ages. They have family camps that allow families to stay on-site and offer all kinds of outdoor activities. Leave the planning to the Tremont Institute and come and enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains in a structured and educational environment. They offer a Firefly Camp, which allows a parent or grandparent to accompany children from four to nine for a one, two, or three-night adventure. There are also discovery camps, science camps, and backpacking camps. Leave the kids for a unique camp experience while you and your spouse enjoy some private time alone in the mountains for the week. With so many different camp experiences, there is one for any family.
Not to leave the adults out of the fun, Tremont has a wide variety of programs for the older generation, as well. There are Road Scholar hiking trips, Sierra Club hikes, and a Women’s Fall Backpacking excursion. Twice a year, they offer photography workshops, which allow students to stay at the facility and sharpen their nature photography skills. They also provide Naturalist Classes and Certifications under the Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program, which is a field-based program in Southern Appalachian ecology and interpretive techniques. The Wilderness First Responder course is led by instructors from Roane State Community College and meets the Tennessee Emergency Medical Services curriculum standards. If you love the outdoors, Tremont Institute has the program for you.
With 50 years of experience, the Institute at Tremont has been instrumental in serving our community with environmental educations resources and programs. Their journey is far from over, as new environmental concerns arise, they are prepared to teach the public how to get involved and make a difference. For more information on the Tremont Institute or any of their programs, please go to their website at www.gsmit.org.
There is something about being on vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains that seems to make just about everyone wake up hungry. It could be the water, maybe it’s the fresh air, or perhaps it’s all that extra hiking you’ve been putting in. But, if you wake up hungry in the Townsend, TN area on the weekend, we suggest you try these great local restaurants that serve up some amazing weekend brunches.
Country Steak N’ Eggs
Located at 7613 Old Highway 73, Townsend, Country Steak N’ Eggs serves up a full range of All-American brunch fare, vegetarian fare, and vegan dishes. From steak and eggs cooked to perfection to some of the finest biscuits and gravy, you will leave full and happy. Their famous “Garbage Can” omelet may be the largest omelet you have ever seen. There is an outside dining area where you can enjoy your brunch while looking out over the river.
Riverstone Family Restaurant
Located at 8503 State Highway 73, Townsend, the Riverstone Family Restaurant serves a range of American cuisine and vegetarian-friendly food. Come for western omelets and country ham or try the frog’s legs, rainbow trout, or be brave and have a good old-fashioned fried bologna sandwich. The service here is superb, the food excellent, and the prices are very reasonable, plus they are right outside the gateway into the park.
Carriage House Restaurant
Located at 8310 State Hwy 73, Townsend, the Carriage House Restaurant offers buffet-style dining with a breakfast/brunch bar, homemade bread, fried okra, burgers, fried chicken, and many other tasty dishes. You can also order eggs cooked to your tastes, have custom-made omelets, and best of all, for one low price, the Carriage House offers all you can eat. No need to be shy here; be sure you bring your appetite, as you need plenty of fuel for your afternoon hike.
Elvira’s Café
Located at 4143 Wears Valley Rd. in Sevierville, Elvira’s Café is home to fresh food made every day using locally sourced ingredients. You just can’t get any fresher than this. Elvira’s serves up a range of local Southern Tennessee dishes with a slight Russian twist to them as a nod to Elvira’s homeland. Enjoy a Mountain Man omelet, your choice of breakfast or sweet crepes, and so much more. They also cater to vegetarian and vegan diets and are one of the most popular restaurants in the area.
Hillbilly’s Restaurant
Located near the middle of the strip in Wears Valley, TN, Hillbilly’s Restaurant/Wears Valley Café is easy to spot. It’s the only place in the area with a 1950s pickup truck on the roof. Once you walk in, the first thing you will see is another 50s-style truck with a whiskey still in the bed. The pancakes are to die for; you can order yours straight up with syrup, add fresh strawberries or blueberries, chocolate chips, or your choice of nuts. Add in the best burgers in the area, and a host of sandwiches, and you can’t go wrong, especially when you always get ham, bacon, or sausage with your breakfast.
Many East Tennessee place names come from the Cherokee language, especially from the Overhill Cherokee—settlements along the Little Tennessee River that English traders in the 1700s reached by traveling “over the hills.” Some names remain nearly unchanged, while others were adapted by settlers. Here are a few examples located in and around the Peaceful Side.
Timberlake’s “Draught of the Cherokee Country.”
Kuwohi
In 2024, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names restored Kuwohias the official name for the Smokies’ highest peak—long called Clingmans Dome. The name has been translated by Cherokee speakers as “mulberry place,” though the precise meaning is debated.
Kuwohi was a site of ceremony for Cherokee medicine people, and its renaming came through a partnership between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the National Park Service. Each year, the park closes Kuwohi to the public for three days to give Cherokee students the opportunity to learn about its history.
Cades Cove and Abrams Falls
Cades Cove was once a seasonal Cherokee hunting ground. Its Cherokee name, Tsiyahi, means “place of the otter.” The cove’s current name is believed to honor a leader remembered as Chief Kade. Nearby Abrams Creek and Abrams Falls are named for Oskuah, a Cherokee leader later called Abram (or Abraham) by settlers.
Chilhowee and Tallassee
Two major Overhill Cherokee towns—Chilhowee and Tallassee—once stood along the Little Tennessee River. Their sites were inundated by the construction of Chilhowee Dam in 1957. However, the names remain on the map: Chilhowee Mountain is a local landmark, and the unincorporated community of Tallassee lies just downstream along U.S. 129.
Tuckaleechee
Modern-day Townsend lies within Tuckaleechee Cove, named from the Cherokee word Tikwalitsi. The original meaning has been lost, though many affectionately interpret it as “Peaceful Valley.” Tuckaleechee Caverns, the largest cave system in East Tennessee, carries the name today.
Tellico
South of Blount County, Tellico Plains preserves the name of the Cherokee town of Great Tellico. Located at the junction of the Trading Path and the Warrior Path, Great Tellico was one of the most important Cherokee towns of the late 18th century.
Tanasi
Along the Little Tennessee River in what is now Monroe County stood the Cherokee town of Tanasi. Early colonial maps recorded its name, which was later carried to the Tennessee River and eventually to the state itself.
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.
Ask travel experts and they’ll tell you that “spring break” is a season that can start as early as late in February and run into the middle of April. Typically, March is the peak of the season, and while it is often seen as a time of crazy parties for college kids, a lot of families book getaways while kids enjoy a short holiday from the regular school schedule. Lasting around a week, it is the perfect amount of time to visit a place of natural beauty. If you are considering a spring break vacation this year, you would be hard pressed to find something as ideal as the “Peaceful Side” of the Smokies. Why a Visit to the Smokies is Ideal in Spring If you are not sure just where in the Smokies, we suggest you opt for the “Peaceful Side” in the area around Blount County. Why? Well, here are 5 very good reasons to do so:
Fewer People – If you have never visited the Smokies, you may not know that it is an area that sees millions of visitors, and the peak of travel is in the summer season. This means that roads, restaurants, shops and even accommodations can be quite full, and if you are eager to really savor your time in places like the National Park, you’ll see a lot of fellow travelers. The spring is also popular, but there are markedly fewer visitors, and this can allow you to experience a sense of having many places all to yourself! Plus, as its name indicates, the Peaceful Side is less crowded and more peaceful than other areas in the Smokies like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Nature – There is little that can compare to the beauty of the Smoky Mountain area during the spring months. All of the different colors of green that spring to life from the trees and plants combine with the first blossoms and blooms, the return of migratory birds and the gentle babble of the streams (and even the waterfalls) to make an unforgettable experience.
Outdoor experiences and attractions – The return of the warmer weather (daytime highs never reach 80 and night time lows average around 40) means that you can bike, hike, walk, jog, ride your motorcycle, book time at one of the canopy tours, take a brisk ride down the Little River or another body of water, and generally enjoy all of the summer activities with fewer lines and crowds.
Budget friendliness – It makes good sense to travel outside of the peak season anywhere in the world, and this applies to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, too. Traveling in the spring means you don’t pay the higher seasonal rates, saving money and yet giving you access to exactly the same activities.
The Cabins and accommodations – One of the most unique things about a visit to the region is the abundance of mountain cabins available to rent. Many are little destinations all on their own with everything from fireplaces to outdoor hot tubs. A spring break at one of these cabins could become your newest and most favorite way to celebrate the arrival of the season.
Whether traveling on your own, with a sweetheart or the whole family, you’ll want to give serious consideration to a visit to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies and its many appealing activities, beautiful scenery, great restaurants and excellent accommodations.
For courting couples, Sunday was another chance to see each other.
Large households shaped the logistics of dating. Families of 10 to 12 children weren’t unusual, and privacy was limited in one- and two-room cabins. That pushed conversations outside, on porches and in yards.
One interpretive guide for the Cove published by the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont points visitors to a porch bench near Cable Mill used for “sparking,” an older term for courting.
The word also shows up in a recorded Cades Cove interview from the 1930s, where a speaker recalls older boys teasing children about “sparking,” and an adult stepping in to explain what it meant.
“This picture was taken at Maryville Tenn on Saturday afternoon of January 26, 1901… Next day, Sunday, Nancy Ann and I rode horseback… to Cades Cove a distance of 20 miles… We were 22 years old and not married. We were married Sept. 4, 1901.” —John W. Oliver
Oliver (1878–1966) is the author of the Fifty Years in Cades Cove memoirs, a handwritten account of the valley’s families and daily life from early settlement through the early 1900s.Photo courtesy of University of Tennessee, Knoxville. “Fifty Years in Cades Cove Collection.” John W. Oliver and wife, Nancy Ann (Maryville, 1901).
Sparking often moved toward marriage. In much of Southern Appalachia, weddings were informal during this era, staged in either the bride’s or groom’s home.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
The Peaceful Side of the Smokies is a renowned cycling destination. Over the past 30 years, the local Tour de Blount has attracted thousands of cyclists from across the nation. With scenic mountain roads and quiet countryside rides, discover why so many visitors love cycling on the Peaceful Side.
Maryville and Alcoa
The Maryville-Alcoa Greenway features over 18 miles of trails running alongside Pistol Creek and through scenic parks throughout Maryville and Alcoa. Bikes are also allowed in designated areas within Maryville College’s 140-acre woods.
Cycology Bicycles, a family-owned business in Maryville, sells a variety of bikes, apparel and accessories. Their experienced staff can assist you with all your cycling needs.
They host free intermediate group rides every Tuesday and Thursday, covering 35 to 45 miles at a 15 to 17-mph average pace. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, rides start at 8:30 a.m., then shift to 10 a.m. after the holiday. On Greenway Sundays, which run from April to October, a shorter ride departs from Pearsons Springs at 4 p.m. and turns around at Clayton Homes.
The Cycology Women’s Rides Series (CWRS), now in its 12th year, offers a women’s cycling program from April through October. It caters to all levels with four no-drop pace groups.
Maryville Bike & Trail, named the Best Bicycle Shop by The Daily Times in 2023, offers a variety of bike sales and rentals.
They host beginner rides on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and intermediate rides on Thursdays at 6 p.m. The beginner rides are about 5 miles long, while the intermediate rides cover about 15 miles at a 10-mph average pace. Holiday social rides are advertised on their Facebook page.
Townsend
Vee Hollow, a 14-mile mountain bike trail network, is free to use and open year-round. It has four distinct zones for riding, ranging from easy to difficult, with a skills area, jump trails, mountain trails and more. Bikes are available for rent for up to three days.
Cades Cove Loop Road is motor vehicle-free on Wednesdays starting in June through September, allowing the perfect opportunity for cycling. The loop is 11 miles long, with historical buildings to check out along the way.
The Townsend Historical Trail spans 4.5 miles on both sides of US 321/Lamar Alexander Parkway, totaling 9 miles. The trail runs along Little River and features a 0.3-mile unpaved River Walk.
Walland offers routes such as Ellejoy Jaunt, a 20.5-mile loop starting at Coulter Bridge with scenic farmland and panoramic mountain views, and Old Walland Hwy, a 17.6-mile out-and-back paved ride. Cyclists should be mindful of motor vehicles on these roads.
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a beginner, the Peaceful Side of the Smokies has a variety of trails and resources to ensure an enjoyable ride.
Interested in Tour de Blount? This event takes place every spring. You can learn more on their website.
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.
On the Peaceful Side, date night doesn’t have to be same ol’, same ol’. And it doesn’t just have to be for singles. Consider these ideas when you and your significant other want to spend quality time together.
Active Adventurers – Townsend
Start the morning off exploring Tuckaleechee Caverns, the highest-rated cavern of the Eastern United States. Along the 1.25-mile tour, there are millions of formations and a 210-foot waterfall to admire. At the end, you’ll experience total darkness in a room big enough to fit a football stadium.
Then, put on your water shoes and head to River Rat, the highest-rated Tubing Outpost in Tennessee. Outpost A, a calmer, two-hour route, features a private rock jump and swimming holes. Meanwhile, Outpost B offers an hour-long, heart-pumping adventure.
You can tube once, or you can go until closing with a Day Tubing Pass. Pro Tip: If you book a day or more in advance, you’ll receive a $5 discount per person.
If you’re not looking to spend money, consider hiking instead. These are a few of our top picks, ranging from easy to strenuous:
All of these hikes have rewarding scenery, ranging from waterfalls to panoramic mountain views. To beat the summer heat (and the crowd), start your trek earlier in the morning, and be sure to bring plenty of water.
Get an early start to the weekend at the Maryville Farmers’ Market, which operates on Saturday mornings from April to November. You can grab coffee, sweet treats, produce, flowers—whatever your heart’s desire.
If you’re looking for a weekday adventure with your sweetheart, embark on a 3.5-hour Cades Cove Heritage Tour. Enjoy a break from driving in a comfortable ADA-compliant bus, while experienced guides reveal the history of Cades Cove and point out wildlife.
Townsend has a variety of museums to explore any day of the week. Dive into East Tennessean history at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, where you and your loved one can experience live demonstrations and tour 17 preserved Appalachian structures.
Or head down the road to the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum, which preserves the heritage of what was once one of the largest commercial logging operations in southern Appalachia. This museum is free to visit, although donations are appreciated.
Retro Lovers – Maryville
Take a blast to the past at a drive-in movie. But first, you’ll want to get some snacks.
Start your evening off with sweet treats at the Capitol Theatre in Downtown Maryville. There are a variety of movie-themed sundaes, floats, candies and bottled drinks to choose from. The two of you can enjoy ice cream there and pick something else to take with you.
Then, take a short drive to Bigfoot Popcorn. There are unique flavors, like Bigfoot Poop and banana pudding, as well as traditional ones like cheddar and caramel.
Before dusk, make your way to the Parkway Drive-In off East Lamar Alexander Parkway. If you get there early enough, you’ll be able to pick a prime parking spot. You can stick around for both movies or call it a night after the first. Either way, it only costs $10 per adult.
Are you or your loved one planning a date on the Peaceful Side? We’d love to hear how it goes. Be sure to tag us on social media (@peacefulsmokies).
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.
From tree lightings and makers markets to concerts, fun runs and cozy workshops, December on the Peaceful Side is full of festive fun. Here’s a preview of what’s happening this month, with a late November event to kick things off.
Wrap up the downtown holiday market with the City of Maryville tree lighting at the Maryville Municipal Parking Garage on Broadway. The tree will be lit at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Celebrate the lighting of the City of Alcoa Christmas tree at the pedestrian bridge at the Springbrook Corporate Center in Alcoa at 6:15 p.m. Following the ceremony, enjoy special music, refreshments and a visit with Santa Claus.
The annual “A Maryville Christmas” concert begins at 7 p.m. in the Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre at the Clayton Center for the Arts. The evening features the Maryville College Concert Choir performing A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, sing-along selections with the Orchestra at Maryville College, the Maryville College Community Chorus, and chamber ensembles Off Kilter, Lads and Lassies sharing beloved holiday classics.
The Blount County Courthouse lawn in Downtown Maryville will be illuminated by live Christmas trees of all sizes, colors and themes, with the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. The opening celebration includes entertainment, refreshments and Santa Claus, and the trees remain on display throughout the month for visitors to walk through or drive by and enjoy.
Presented by the Blount County Arts & Crafts Guild, the Santa Mouse Christmas House fills Dotson Memorial Baptists Church in Maryville (814 Dotson Memorial Rd) with handmade arts and crafts. Shop unique gifts and decor from local artisans throughout this three-day holiday event.
Join Peaceful Side Brewery in Maryville from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for an evening of education and tasting. Learn about the history of farmhouse brewing and taste a curated selection of Belgian and American saisons, each paired with the story behind the brewery that created it.
Broadway Center for the Arts presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a heartwarming holiday tradition filled with laughter and the true meaning of Christmas. Performances are Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., featuring a talented cast from across East Tennessee.
H.O.M.E. (Hall-Oldfield-Maryville Empowerment) and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Alcoa partner for this annual community celebration to kick off the Christmas season, with the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Enjoy family fun and light refreshments at 209 E Franklin Street.
Head to Maryville College campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Maryville Makers Market Christmas Event. Browse more than 100 makers, and enjoy live music, demonstrations, kids’ activities and food vendors.
The Appalachian Ballet Company and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra present The Nutcracker, bringing this beloved holiday classic to life at the Clayton Center for the Arts over two days. Act One features a glittering holiday party and snowy scene, while Act Two transports audiences to the Land of the Sweets with the Sugarplum Fairy, Cavalier and more.
The final leg of the Healthy Blount Triple Crown of Running features a 5K road race and 1-mile Fun Run/Walk from 2 to 4 p.m. Awards are given to Overall and Masters winners, the top three in each age division and the best male and female Christmas costumes. All Fun Run participants receive a keepsake, and a portion of proceeds benefits the Empty Pantry Fund.
Louisville Mercantile kicks off a week of holiday fun, running December 8-13. Each day features a new special, with a highlight Sip & Shop event on Thursday, December 11 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Children ages 3–6 in Blount County can receive a very special phone call from Santa Claus between 5 and 7 p.m. Thaks to volunteers from the Maryville-Alcoa Civitan Club, Santa will ring directly from the North Pole for this free program. The deadline to register is December 8.
Southern Grace Coffee Co. Hosts its annual Christmas Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., packed with local vendors, hot coffee and cocoa, baked goods (including dairy-free and gluten-free options), boutique clothing, handcrafted decor and gifts.
Experience a taste of Appalachian Christmas traditions at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center’s Christmas in the Village festivities. Enjoy living history demonstrations, evening tours of historic structures and warm refreshments during select weekend evenings (12/5–12/6, 12/12–12/13 and 12/19–12/20) from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
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.
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