On September 2, 1940, thousands gathered at Newfound Gap to dedicate Great Smoky Mountains National Park. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, standing against the backdrop of spruce and fir, promised the land “to the service of the millions of American people.”1
“There are trees here that stood before our forefathers ever came to this continent; there are brooks that still run as clear as on the day the first pioneer cupped his hand and drank from them. In this Park, we shall conserve these trees, the pine, the red-bud, the dogwood, the azalea, the rhododendron, the trout and the thrush for the happiness of the American people,” Roosevelt said.
That moment didn’t come without a cost. When Congress authorized the park in 1926, Tennessee and North Carolina set out to buy nearly half a million acres from private owners. For many residents, the outlook was grim. Offers often amounted to only half of a farm’s value, and when owners resisted, the state invoked eminent domain. More than 5,000 people ultimately left their homes.
By the early 1930s, the park was a patchwork of cut-over timberlands, abandoned farms and rough roads—a challenge only deepened by the Great Depression.
Change arrived in 1933 with Roosevelt’s creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The program put young men to work on conservation and infrastructure projects across the country. In the Smokies, it became the single most important force in shaping the new park.
The first CCC camps arrived that May. Within a few years, there were 22 across the Smokies, with Tennessee sites at Sugarlands, Elkmont, Cades Cove, Greenbrier, Cosby Creek and along the Middle Prong of Little River. At the program’s peak in 1935, 17 camps operated at once—nearly 15 percent of all CCC camps in national parks nationwide.2
From 1933 until the program ended in 1942, enrollees transformed the Tennessee side of the park. They cut and graded trails across rugged ridges and converted logging railroad beds into roads still traveled today, including the Little River Road. Road crews stabilized slopes, laid culverts and rebuilt bridges near Cades Cove and Townsend.3
Stone masonry became one of the CCC’s most lasting signatures. Workers built miles of guardrails and dozens of bridges with locally quarried rock. In Elkmont, they completed the arched stone bridge over the Little River, still in use over 80 years later.
Key sites across the Smokies also bear their imprint. At Newfound Gap, crews landscaped the overlook, created parking areas and erected the Rockefeller Memorial. Near Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), they carved a trail to the summit and, in 1938, raised a 40-foot wooden observation tower. In Sugarlands, they laid the foundation for the park’s headquarters complex.3
The CCC also supported park management, stringing telephone lines, maintaining fire breaks and building nine fire towers with lookout cabins. At Kephart Prong, they constructed a fish hatchery that stocked mountain streams with trout.
In Cades Cove, crews turned their attention to cultural preservation. Between 1935 and 1937, they restored the Cable Mill and moved historic farm buildings to the site, creating the park’s first outdoor museum. They stabilized homesteads belonging to the John Oliver, Elijah Oliver, Henry Whitehead and Peter Cable families, ensuring some of the cove’s oldest structures survived.3
By the time the last camps closed in 1942, more than 4,000 men had passed through 22 Smokies camps.3 What Roosevelt dedicated in 1940 as a promise to the American people was, in large part, the hard work of the CCC.
The CCC’s work also included documenting the landscape. In 1933, a young enrollee named Lester Maynard Moe was assigned to photograph panoramic views from fire towers as part of a nationwide project to map and manage the new parks.
Moe later continued the effort with the National Park Service, producing nearly a hundred sweeping images of the Smokies. His photographs remain among its earliest enduring records.
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.
In the decades following the Civil War, Maryville was a town in transition. The war had left Downtown Maryville in ruins, and rebuilding came slowly. Brick and frame storefronts began to rise again, and on the city’s edges, new homes appeared. Among them was Indiana Avenue, where Quaker settlers from Indiana purchased land and built homes east of town.
By the 1880s and 1890s, Indiana Avenue had become the preferred address for Maryville’s professors and businessmen. Its hilltop setting beside Maryville College gave the neighborhood special distinction. Founded in 1819 and relocated from downtown after the war, the college drew faculty and administrators to settle nearby, establishing “College Hill.”
Victorian architecture became a defining feature of the street. The J.C. Barnes House (116 Indiana Avenue), with its corner tower and wide porch, remains Maryville’s only true towered Queen Anne. In recent decades, the house was painted pink, earning its neighborhood nickname as “the Pink House.” The house was painted grey in 2019.
The Hershey House (203 Indiana Ave.) shows a restrained Victorian style with weatherboard and shingles, while the E.E. Combs House (128 Indiana Ave.) stands out in brick with Romanesque touches—arched windows and roof dormers.
The turn of the century brought new influences. Colonial revival details—Doric and Tuscan columns, dentil molding and classical sidelights—were added to both new and existing homes. On Court Street, Samuel H. Dunn’s imposing Classical Revival residence featured paired Ionic columns. Several homes on Indiana Avenue were similarly updated with classically inspired porticos.
By 1905, Maryville’s population had grown to about 3,000. Residential development stretched along the ridgeline above Pistol Creek and continued eastward toward the college. The establishment of Alcoa (1914-1920) spurred even more growth.
The early 20th century brought dozens of Bungalows and Craftsman homes, many built from pattern books or even Sears, Roebuck & Co. Kits. These featured large porches, grouped windows, wide eaves with exposed brackets, and hipped or gabled roofs.
These homes belonged to many notable Maryvillians, including Robert Pflanze, President of the Cherokee Lumber Co. (321 Goddard Ave.); W.M. Caldwell, Director of the Bank of Maryville (138 Stanley Ave.); and W.F. Alien of the Maryville Electrical System (304 Indiana Ave.).1
Since the 1940s, very few houses have been built in the neighborhood, but a handful have been subdivided into boarding houses or apartments. In 1989, the Indiana Avenue Historic District (now known as the College Hill Historic District) was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Interested in exploring Maryville’s living museum of historic homes? The College Hill Historic District invites visitors to its annual Fall Home Tour on October 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at www.collegehillhometour.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.
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!
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. ThePistol 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.
If you are wondering where you might travel to enjoy an unforgettable Christmas in the Smokies, you may find that the Peaceful Side offers a surprising array of holiday experiences for people of all ages.
Winterfest
For most, it all begins with the different Winterfest kickoff events that occur in the larger towns of the area. Winterfest is an annual event that sees the region draped in millions of holiday lights and really celebrating the season with all kinds of special events, programs and decorations. The kickoff events usually include parades, such as the Townsend Christmas Parade or the parades in Gatlinburg, Sevierville or Pigeon Forge. In fact, Winterfest is thought to be one of the most anticipated celebrations throughout the entire Smokies region. You can partake of it by following one of the different self-guided auto routes, or you can have just as much fun by staying in the towns. This is because the many different businesses get in on all of the fun and host everything from special food or beverage tastings to entertainment, meetings with Santa and more.
Trolley Rides
As part of the Winterfest experience, you can also enjoy one of the different trolley rides that let you savor the views and hop on or off whenever you see something you’d like to do. The trolleys are affordably priced and you can even find tickets online for some of them. Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in Kodak (near Sevierville) is a popular destination and offers lots to see and do.
Dollywood
As one of the most family-friendly spots in the country, Dollywood also really shines at Christmas. Guests will meet costumed characters, enjoy a parade of lights, see the “Carol of Trees” and be able to catch a musical show that features Dolly Parton herself (well, a hologram of her!)
Views Galore
Another way to really savor the magical holiday experience in the Smokies is to use one of the destinations that brings travelers far above the towns and lets them get a birds-eye view of the seasonal displays. Ober Gatlinburg is one such example and is the only ski facility in the region. You don’t have to ski to enjoy it, either; you can just take a ride up the aerial tram. There is also the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel in Pigeon Forge for a stunning look at the millions of lights. Of course, the views and magical experiences don’t have to be grand and overwhelming. Take the charming Holiday Model Train Exhibit at the GSM Heritage Center in Townsend, with a garden scale train and winter wonderland theme. The Santa Mouse Christmas House Craft Show is also a nice way to see some cheery holiday sights, and the mid-November Holiday Homecoming in Townsend is also a magical way to kick off the season with music, a Christmas village, a visit from Santa, crafts, food and more.
A Peaceful Side wedding marries breathtaking mountain scenery with ease of access. Loved ones from afar can fly in at the McGhee Tyson airport, a quick drive from a multitude of incredible venues. Here’s a glimpse of our favorites.
A Blackberry Farm wedding unfolds on an enchanting 4,200-acre estate tucked into the foothills of the Smokies. Their wedding packages accommodate up to 140 overnight guests in a variety of luxurious rooms, cottages and private homes.
Indulge in farm-to-table dining, custom menu planning and exclusive access to upscale venues for your events. Leading up to the wedding ceremony, enjoy curated group activities, from clay shooting to guided hikes, along with a wealth of recreational options.
This luxurious 53-acre estate has been owned and operated by the Jopling family for over 30 years, promising exceptional service. Indoor ceremony sites include an upscale party barn, a spacious veranda or an airy tent, while the outdoors offers panoramic mountain views, a dazzling pond and a secluded garden. Any location is available for a private elopement.
Accommodation is available for you and your guests at the Country Manor Inn and Hayloft Sky Cabin, both fully equipped with modern amenities. Just kick back and relax while the experienced staff handles the planning—down to a horse-drawn carriage.
Photo courtesy of Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro.
Up to 200 guests
Experience the magic of a wedding in the Smokies at Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro. This award-winning venue offers exceptional cuisine and a variety of exciting pre-wedding adventures.
Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, their versatile spaces can be customized to suit your vision. Choose from an open-air pavilion, a grand event center, an outdoor lawn with a gazebo, a dining room with a seasonal fireplace or a cozy covered patio.
Willow Oaks is a hidden gem nestled among 150 acres of rolling countryside in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. The venue’s post-and-beam Granary blends rustic charm with modern elegance, offering a warm and inviting indoor space for celebrations of all sizes.
Exchange vows lakeside with breathtaking mountain views as your backdrop, then enjoy an evening by the hand-forged kettle-style fire pit. A spacious covered veranda ensures a seamless event, rain or shine.
Photo Courtesy of Willow Ridge Special Event Center.
Up to 200 guests
Willow Ridge Special Event Center offers tranquility and dreamy mountain views. The venue features a bridal suite, grooms’ quarters and a lodge for family to lounge in. Tie the knot on the scenic ridge or beside the magical Willow Pond. Then, dine and dance the night away at the spacious manor, which features a large fireplace for cooler weather.
Wild Laurel Golf Course boasts private panoramic views of the Smokies. Their clubhouse and veranda are excellent spaces for your ceremony and reception. Make a splash at the pool, bust a move on the dance floor or cozy up by the fireplace—at Wild Laurel, there’s fun for all seasons.
Family-owned and operated, Smith Event Centers truly cares about your special day and offers a variety of indoor and outdoor venues. Their popular Smithview Pavilion is situated on four acres of picturesque green space, but still offers the conveniences of the indoors—climate-controlled suites, a kitchen and restrooms.
The historic Browns Creek Bridge, which formerly served as the gateway between the city of Maryville and Townsend, is the perfect spot for a romantic elopement. This moss-covered bridge offers a lush backdrop for your intimate moment (and great photos). With the additional ceremony package, you can invite up to 50 of your loved ones.
Concealed in a secluded forest on the historic Maryville College campus, just a few minutes’ drive from the regional airport, RT Lodge offers the perfect balance between serenity and accessibility.
From Friday through Sunday, the property is all yours—elegant dining rooms and common areas, outdoor leisure space and an array of ceremony and reception options. The professionals at RT Lodge guide you through the planning process, and the chef designs his menus based on the best the season has to offer.
This 5,000 square foot venue provides plenty of room for celebration, accommodating up to 350 guests. Originally built in the 1930’s, the space has a life of its own, featuring rustic brick walls and elegant vintage décor. Your guests will enjoy free parking and the quaint outdoor patio.
Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Maryville, this lively 7,000 square foot venue can accommodate up to 100 seated guests. It has a private room for intimate gatherings, a prep/catering kitchen, upscale restrooms and a newly refurbished elevator. A variety of additional amenities are available, including a contemporary bar and bar service, bridal lounge and more.
This venue, nestled in the heart of Townsend just minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers an all-in-one mountain wedding escape. The two-level event lodge accommodates up to 240 guests, while up to 130 newly renovated rooms and suites keep everyone just steps from the celebration. With flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, trusted catering partners and resort-style amenities, it’s easy to turn your wedding day into a full Smoky Mountain getaway.
White Star Station, located in Historic Downtown Maryville, brings history to life. The building was erected in 1800 and housed Maryville’s first bus line in 1926, before becoming a magical place to say, “I do” in 2020. At 10,000 square feet, it’s one of the most spacious venues on the Peaceful Side, able to accommodate up to 350 guests and customizable to your desires. Their creative partners can help you design the finer details of your wedding, from entertainment to hair and makeup.
Start your married life on 263 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, surrounded by charming historic buildings. Maryville College and the Clayton Center for the Arts, located on campus, have a variety of picture-perfect spots to choose from. If your wedding is planned for June or July, they even offer overnight housing and meals for your out-of-town guests.
This unique old Hollywood-style venue is an eight-time Wedding Wire Couples’ Choice Awards winner. Receive a stylish introduction when the red curtains reveal you and your sweetheart against a sparkling starry backdrop. The performance stage, 30-foot silver screen, dance floor, and state-of-the art sound and lighting will make the momentous occasion even more special.
Photo courtesy of the The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint.
Up to 100 guests
The Shed brings a fun, laid-back twist to your special day with live-music vibes, Southern barbecue and plenty of character. Host your celebration in the Smokin’ Monkey Lounge, ideal for up to 100 guests standing or 50 seated, or customize an outdoor pavilion package that fits your vision. With in-house catering, a dedicated bartender and flexible bar options, it’s easy to throw a memorable, music-filled wedding or rehearsal dinner right next to Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson.
Nestled beneath J. Danforth Mercantile in Historic Downtown Maryville, The Landmark is an intimate brick-lined venue with a classic wood bar and fireplace, ideal for rehearsal dinners, showers and micro-weddings. With space for up to 130 guests and easy downtown parking, it’s a relaxed spot for low-key celebrations in the heart of Maryville.
Photo courtesy of The Barn Event Center of the Smokies.
Up to 200 guests
Located minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Foothills Parkway, The Barn Event Center of the Smokies offers indoor and outdoor wedding spaces with award-winning gardens and a Cantilever Barn. The venue includes a great room with exposed beams and a vaulted ceiling, plus a built-in stage and dance floor. Onsite catering is available, along with AV equipment, lighting, banquet accommodations and a bridal suite for getting ready.
Are you planning a wedding 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 storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
A wedding day is such a significant event, and it is so easy to get caught up in the planning and accommodating of everyone’s wishes that you might neglect your own. While you may find yourself stuck with a larger bridal party than you wanted, or inviting a lot more guests than you intended, you should commit to hosting it in a place of beauty and significance. Your wedding venue is a wonderful way to celebrate in a setting that helps to mitigate your and your future spouse’s stress, tension or nervousness. If the Smokies have a special place in your hearts, it may surprise you to learn of just how many wedding venues are found on the more peaceful side of the Smokies in Blount County, TN.
Where to get married outdoors in the Smokies
For those who are curious about the options, we present a varied collection of sites popular as wedding venues and for other specialty events. The Barn at Meadow Farms Located near Friendsville, TN, The Barn at Meadow Farms is as it is described and offers up a fully finished and remarkably appealing barn with party space well suited to even a large-scale event. The expansive lawns can be used for the wedding itself, and any sort of décor can be used. It has a full kitchen, bridal suites, a fireplace, full bathrooms and more. Heartland Little River Wedding Chapel Looking for adorable? Want a fairy tale setting? Then this is the place. Tucked along the Little River in Townsend and offering one of the most charming settings for a wedding event, it has honeymoon cabins as well as wedding packages of all kinds. Colonial Estate Weddings Located in Maryville, it features natural gardens and stunning views of the Smokies. It is a spot for both the ceremony and reception and features full-service wedding planning. Just nine miles from the Knoxville airport, it is serene and tranquil and promises an unforgettable day. The Lily Barn Set on 100 acres and just five minutes from the Cades Cove entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Townsend, The Lily Barn is a place dedicated to natural beauty and lush gardens. Enjoy the evergreen maze or time your wedding to coincide with the amazing array of lilies and native plants that bloom every year. Book the gazebo and get married by the pond and then host your reception in the charming Lily Barn. Smithview Pavilion Also located in Maryville, this site has an outdoor venue as well as an event hall and it can be an ideal choice as a one-stop destination for rehearsal dinner, wedding, bridal events before the big day, brunch after the big day and more. Pleasant Hill Vineyards Set on a historic farm property less than a half of an hour’s drive from Knoxville (in Maryville), it is a full-service destination with outdoor wedding space for up to 100 guests and indoor event space for more than 300. Enjoy the use of the lawn, wine rooms and more.
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 theDavy 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.
For anyone who has ever been camping as a child, I would dare to assume one of your favorite activities was roasting marshmallows. If you were really lucky, you turned that roasted yumminess into a classic childhood favorite, the s’more. We sat around the firepit during a recent trip to Dancing Bear Lodge and experimented with their S’more Station. A staff suggestion to switch out the traditional chocolate bar with a piece of Apple Valley fudge, started a journey to up our s’more game a notch, adventuring into the realm of Gourmet S’Mores.
Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend, TN
We Bring you the Gourmet S’more: A Guide to Upgrading Your Next Camping Trip.
Creativity Begins Here
The obvious place to start our campout culinary exploration is the ingredient that ties everything together. So, let’s start with some different options for the base of our s’more. The obvious go-to is the traditional graham cracker, but there are so many other tasty options. Next time try using a chocolate graham cracker, a waffle cookie, or even a chocolate chip cookie. If you want to branch out even further, try out some ginger snaps, snickerdoodles, or Rice Krispie treats. If you are trying to reduce your sugar intake, unsalted crackers are ideal. Don’t be afraid to let your inner child guide your creativity.
Put You Inner Child In Charge
Next, we need to add a little variety to our typical chocolate layer. Think bigger. If you’re in the mind of more is always better, substitute plain chocolate with a Reese’s Cup, a Peppermint Patty, or caramel-filled chocolate. You can also use substitute with peanut butter, hazelnut spread, white chocolate, or cookie butter. While we’re at it, let’s shatter the conventional idea of the classic s’more and trade out chocolate for something completely different altogether. If you want an organic or natural option, add sliced fruit. Bananas, strawberries, apples, peaches, and pitted cherries are great healthy options. And as we begin to think about fruit, don’t forget all of your favorite homemade jams. The key is to go crazy and don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings.
Don’t Leave Out The Best Part
We can’t leave out the marshmallows. Beyond the plain marshmallow, feel free to play around with a variety of flavored marshmallows. Some of our favorites are caramel, strawberry, cinnamon, and vanilla. If you enjoy playing in the kitchen, you can prepare homemade flavored marshmallows ahead of time. You can even go wild and dip your marshmallows in chocolate, your favorite crushed cereal, or roasted coconut. Want to blow your kids’ minds, use some Peeps in your gourmet s’more experiment.
To give you a headstart back into your childhood campfire fantasies, we’ve put together a few of our favorite campfire delicacies.
GOURMET S’MORE RECIPES
APPLE VALLEY S’MORE Graham crackers + Apple Valley fudge + marshmallow SPICED LEMON S’MORE Gingersnaps + lemon curd + marshmallow PEACHES & CREAM Honey graham crackers + peaches + white chocolate + marshmallow THE GRASSHOPPER Chocolate graham crackers + Peppermint Patty + marshmallow THE SAMOA Graham crackers + salted caramel-filled chocolate + coconut flakes + marshmallow THE ELVIS Graham crackers + Reece’s Cup + sliced banana + marshmallow THE SUGAR PIG Graham crackers + caramel-filled chocolate + bacon + marshmallow We would love to take all of the credit for all of these fantastic recipes, but we must give credit where credit is due. For these recipes and more s’more insanity, check out the following blog posts:
When COVID-19 struck Townsend, Kathy Janke decided to temporarily close Gracehill Bed and Breakfast and devote herself to her art.
“I thought, I’ll answer the phone; I’ll take a reservation and pay my bills. But I’m not cooking. I’m not cleaning. I’m just going to work on art,” Janke said.
Janke had dabbled in oil painting for about 45 years, producing a piece about every five years. Given the unique opportunity to pursue her work seriously, she created seven paintings and 24 baskets in just a couple months.
When Janke reopened the B&B, her guests found themselves surrounded by her artwork and expressed interest in purchasing it.
To her delight, she sold everything.
“At that point, I thought, instead of retiring, I think I’ve got one more business in me,” Janke said.
Janke had previously pursued a variety of professions and ventures. She majored in Biology at Northern Illinois University, which led to an 11-year career in policework. Then, she and her mother moved to Townsend and spent the next decade running Little River Village Campground (now the Townsend KOA). Afterwards, Janke pursued landscaping.
Janke built Gracehill Bed and Breakfast and operated it for 20 years before deciding to establish Gracehill Fine Art & Basketry, her very own gallery.
Photo courtesy of Kathy Janke.
“I made that decision when I was 66. I didn’t think it was going take me until I was 70 to flip the open sign, but that’s how long it was,” Janke said.
Visitors to Gracehill Fine Art & Basketry are pleasantly surprised by what they discover. Janke’s alcohol ink paintings and Southern Long Leaf pine needle baskets transcend traditional techniques and reflect the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Photos courtesy of Kathy Janke.
Unlike slow-drying oil paints, alcohol inks offer “spontaneity and brilliant color,” Janke said. She made the transition to this medium during the pandemic, finding it to be gentler on a recent shoulder replacement. Through alcohol inks, Janke captures the park’s incredible vistas and flora.
In a roundabout way, Janke discovered pine needle basketry through her late father. While she was away at college, he gave oil painting lessons to a little girl who lived next door. After he passed away at 48, Janke’s mother chose to give the art supplies to the neighbor, knowing she’d put them to good use.
Janke’s neighbor had dreams of studying art in college, but her parents disapproved, leading her to pursue a career in heating and air conditioning instead. Decades later, after taking time off work due to cancer, she was cleaning out her basement and stumbled upon the old art supplies.
“She started dabbling, and now she’s an award-winning pastel artist recognized nationally,” Janke said.
“In her spare time, she started weaving pine needle baskets. I saw one on her Facebook page and thought that I wanted to try it one day. So, when Covid hit, I did,” Janke said.
It turned out to be even more exciting than Janke expected.
Photos courtesy of Kathy Janke.
“I love pine needle basketry because there’s no pattern. You can take it in any direction you want to go. And the basket really does speak to you as you’re working on it, and gives you input on what’s good and what isn’t.”
Janke teaches classes on both of her favorite mediums. She offers a six-hour class on creating landscapes with alcohol ink and another six-hour class on floral designs. She also teaches a six-hour class on long-leaf pine needle coiling with a porcelain center, as well as a two-day class that involves coloring gourds with alcohol ink before coiling.
Students at any skill level are welcome.
“Artists that are very good in one medium usually can slide into another medium a little easier, but, by far, the majority of my students have no artistic background. They have never experimented with art before but are interested. Some are just doing it as a pleasant way to spend the day, and others really want to learn,” Janke said.
Janke provides everything but lunch. As a self-proclaimed “professional collector of art supplies for 45 years,” she’s happy to share.
“It’s not like you go out and make a $150 purchase of a pastel set and paper and whatever [else]. You have everything you need to practice and see if it’s something you want to continue with,” Janke said.
Janke will teach two classes in Tellico Village in March, but she plans to hold everything else at her gallery throughout December and February, March and April 2025. Those interested can call or email Kathy Janke. Her contact information is on her website.
“From policework, to the campground, to landscaping, to the B&B and now this—I feel like, at 70, this is probably my last job,” Janke said with a chuckle. Most days, except Tuesdays, you can find her at her gallery located at 110 Mountain Ave in Townsend.
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.
Any East Tennessee history buff can tell you plenty about the long history we have with Grains & Grits, liquor and bootleg in this neck of the woods. Corn whiskey dates back as far as the early settlers of the Appalachian foothills. Moonshining, named from the practice of distilling under the moonlight to avoid unwanted attention, became especially popular as state and national prohibition laws started to take hold across the country. During this time, many moonshiners were forced to either shut down their stills and lose their additional income or find themselves on the wrong side of the law. With the demand for whiskey at a prime, many folks took to the back roads of the Tennessee mountains, spending the rest of their careers avoiding the law. Lucky for us, as whiskey has made a resurgence in popularity, a talented few have taken their family recipes and turned them into legal distilleries across the region.
On Saturday, November 5, 2022, we will celebrate these legendary distillers at our annual Grains & Grits Festival in Townsend, TN. It will be a festival of regional craft spirits and local gourmet cuisine, tucked into the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the Tennessee Distillers Guild members you will be able to sample at the event:
Company Distilling
Old Forge Distillery
Sugarlands Distillery
Old Dominick Distillery
Jack Daniels
George Dickel
H Clark Distillery
Short Mountain Distillery
Leiper’s Fork Distillery
Old Glory Distilling Co.
Bootleggers Distillery
Chattanooga Whiskey
Tennessee Legend Distillery
Post Modern Distillery
Corsair Distillery
Prichard’s Distillery
Ole Smoky
King Family Distillery
Nashville Barrel Company
BR Distilling Company
Gate 11 Distillery
Nashville Craft
Junction 35 Distillery
Big Machine Distillery
The Ring of Fire is Back Again
Michael Sullivan- aka- The Reverend of Fat is excited to bring “The Ring of Fire” to this year’s Grains and Grits Festival. Sullivan is heading up the culinary aspect of the event. “It’s a unique way for attendees to be satiated while enjoying their spirit samples.” Five chefs will encircle a large fire pit where a whole pig, lamb, chickens, and sausages will be roasted and served. Each chef will be paired with a distillery and will incorporate the distillery’s spirit into their dish.
This year, we are honored to have Chef Rubén García take part in the Ring of Fire. Garcia spent years in a 3-star Michelin restaurant, he appeared twice on Iron Chef as the victor and is now the Creative Operating Officer and Founder of UNFOLD Hospitality where he inspires new chefs and leads concept development with restauranteurs to help realize their vision and potential.
Participating Restaurants
American Butcher
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro
The Old Mill Pottery House Café and Grille
City Limits Barbeque
Motor Supply Co. Bistro
AMICI
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant
Lulu Liquor Cakes
Willy’s Butcher Shop
Junction 35 Spirits
Along with a variety of seasonal gourmet foods, you can also enjoy live music from Pink Cadillac. As one of Nashville’s best party, funk, rock, rhythm & blues, soul, dance band featuring a smoking rhythm & horn section, and topped off with their powerhouse choreographed female vocalists, and rock and soul male lead vocalist. There is something for everyone at the Grains and Grits Festival.
Join us on the Townsend Visitor Center event lawn, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, for a unique fall tasting experience you can only find in the Great Smoky Mountains.All attendees must be 21 years or older, and the event will take place, rain, or shine. Parking opens at 5:00 pm. For more information about the event, please check out our website at https://grainsandgritsfest.com.
The Smokies region is beautiful, but there’s something extra special about seeing it with your best friend by your side. Just you and them, enjoying the sights and sounds of Eastern Tennessee, first through your own eyes, and then through their perspective. The crisp, clean air, the sounds of rustling leaves, chirping birds, the smell of the pine trees, the fresh scent of the grass, the strong odor of animals who have been there before you, the gray of the plants, the darker gray of the trees… Oh, didn’t we mention? Your best friend just happens to be a dog! Unfortunately for them – and despite the fact that they are some of the most enthusiastic hikers – pets aren’t allowed in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (except for two small trails outside of Blount County) for reasons having to do with wildlife preservation. Thankfully, there are other options; you don’t have to leave your best friend behind to get some outdoor recreation. Check out these trails and get ready for your next great walk together!
The Maryville-Alcoa Greenway
The Maryville-Alcoa Greenway is a 9-mile trail that goes through both towns, offering a pleasant walk and access to 4 different parks in Maryville and 2 in Alcoa. It also offers links to the business and shopping districts in the towns, as well as picnic pavilions, natural areas, and fitness stations. The experience is pleasant and relaxed, with meandering streams here and there, and trails that are well-maintained and clearly-marked for different distances and directions, with water fountains and pet waste cleanup stations scattered throughout. While you’re on the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway, don’t forget to visit the Petsafe Dog Park, which is Maryville’s first public dog park. The hours are from dawn to dusk every day, with a half acre for small dogs and a full acre for larger canines. There’s also a pavilion, benches, a dogs-only water fountain, and an unleashing area.
The Look Rock Tower Trail
The Look Rock Tower Trail is a short hike (perfect for smaller dogs!) of just under a mile. The trail includes an observation tower that allows human and canine hikers to take in some lovely views of the western side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well the Maryville and Alcoa areas. Dogs are allowed, of course, but they have to be kept on leash, and it’s popular with families and kids. This paved trail is a great alternative to the non-dog-friendly Clingmans Dome trail in the National Park.
The Tremont Logging History Auto Tour
The Tremont Logging History Auto Tour is a unique trail that runs along three miles of gravel road, just south of Townsend, Tennessee. It’s actually a historical site – there was once a logging town there, around the 1900s. Dogs on leash are allowed, but so is horseback riding, and look out for drivers – when they say auto tour, they mean that you can take your car on the trail (and what dog doesn’t love a good car ride?). If you’d prefer, you can actually drive the trail, park, and get out and enjoy the streams with your dog. If you do decide to walk the trail, it’s 6.1 miles altogether. Wherever you and your best friend go together, make sure you’re ready for beautiful scenery, clean air, and all the natural beauty of the Smokies region that Blount County has to offer!
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