Category: Events

19th Annual Taste of Blount

Posted on August 26, 2021 by - Blog, Dining, Drinking, Events

Taste of Blount vendor food samples

It is no secret that the restaurant industry has taken a significant hit over the past year, and although this is Blount County’s 19th Annual Taste of Blount, this year is a little different. This year we need to come together and support our local restaurant industry more than ever. And what’s a more flavor-filled and exciting way to do that than attending this year’s Taste of Blount?

Frisby full of food

What is Taste of Blount?

Taste of Blount is a collection of savory food favorites from restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and gourmet grocers who offer samples to event attendees. In return, each ticket holder places a vote for their favorite “Culinary Excellence Awards,” including Best Appetizer, Best Sandwich, Best Beverage, Best Main Course, Best Dessert, Best Presentation, and Best Overall.

Vendor Booth festival serving

Who is Participating in the 19th Annual Taste of Blount?

  1. A Spoonful of Sugar – Buttermilk Pie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Brownies
  2. A&R Texas BBQ – Baby Back Ribs, Brisket, and Texas Twinkies
  3. Apple Valley Cafe – Chicken Salad Mini Croissants, Tony’s Townsend Brownies
  4. Between the Slices – Salted Caramel Cheesecake, Almond Wedding Cake, Apple Crumble Pie
  5. Clean Eatz Cafe – Bowl of Happiness, Energy Bites, Clean Crunch
  6. Crafted Jolt – Caramel Frappe, Iced Mocha Cold Brew Latte, Sunshiner Lemonade, Ocean Breeze Italian Soda
  7. DaddyO’s Filipino Food Truck – Filipino BBQ, Turon
  8. Dunkin’ Donuts – Donuts, Munchkins, Coffee
  9. Full Service BBQ – Pork, Chicken and Beef Sliders, Banana Pudding, Sweet Tea
  10. It’s Not the Coffee – Ridin’ Shotgun Coffee
  11. Joe’s Italian Cuisine – Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan
  12. Little River Pub & Deli – Moonshine BBQ, Pork Nachos, Pimiento Cheese w/Pita Chips
  13. McAlister’s Deli – Tea
  14.  Metz Culinary – Chicken Fajita, Shrimp Quesadilla, Churro Bites
  15. Petro’s – The Petro, Hint of Orange Tea
  16. Pistol Creek Eats – Brisket, Banana Pudding
  17. “Pop” Korns – Assorted Gourmet Popcorn Flavors
  18. Quick Fix Coffee – Brewed Favorites
  19. REO Cheesewagon – Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Featuring Old Favorites and Unexpected Pairings
  20. Richy Kreme Donuts – Braised Short Ribs, Myrtles Bakehouse Cookies, Donut Bread Pudding, Rosemary Lemonade
  21. Rocky’s Jamaica Sunrise – Jerked Pulled Pork, Jerk Chicken, Rice & Beans, Mac ‘n Cheese
  22. RT Lodge – Watermelon Salad, Pimento Cheese
  23. Sadie’s BBQ – BBQ
  24. Shaun & Sherrie’s Soul Food – Meatloaf, Mac ‘n Cheese, Green Beans, Mini Fried Apples Pies
  25. Southern Grace Coffee Co. – Jam Bar, Pumpkin Muffin, Iced Chai Latte, Iced Butterbear Cold Brew Latte, Southern Blend Brewed Coffee, and Smoky Mountain Sunset
  26. The Colonel’s Coffee Co. – The Colonel, Cafe ConBon, Raspberry-Chocolate Frappe, Nitro, Latte, Pear-Raspberry Green Tea
  27. Walnut Kitchen – Charcuterie, Smore’s Cheesecake
  28. Windy City Grille (Maryville) – Sandwiches
  29. Windy City Grille on the Water (Friendsville) – Shrimp Tacos
Food Cooking on an open grill

Event Details

  • Who? – The Taste of Blount is hosted by the Blount County Chamber of Commerce.
  • Where? – Theater in the Park in Maryville, TN
  • When? – Thursday, September 9, 2021, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
  • How? – Tickets are $25 (plus tax) for Chamber members and $30 (plus tax) for the public. All children, five years and under, get in free. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber office (201 S. Washington St., Maryville, TN), on the Chamber website, or by phone at 865.983.2241. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event on a cash-only basis.

This year’s event will also include the ability to purchase cold brews and spirits, thanks to a partnership with Cherokee Distributing and members of the East Tennessee Distillers Guild, including Heath Clark, Old Forge, and Sugarlands & Co. Distilling.

Make sure to get your tickets ahead of time because this will be a sold-out event. We look forward to sharing some fantastic food and beverages with everyone next month!

Taste of Blount Fall Presentation

Check out these posts for similar activities in Blount County:

Smoky Mountain Coffee Houses

Gourmet S’more Ideas

Eat Your Way Through the Peaceful Side at These Local Restaurants

Beer Lovers Unite at Maryville – Hops in the Hills

Posted on June 19, 2023 by - Activities, Blog, Drinking, Events, Maryville

Pint of Hops in the Hills

Warm summer nights, good music, friendly conversation, and local craft beer – what else could you ask for from an evening in the East Tennessee Mountains? Our Hops in the Hills brew festival isn’t just another regional beer fest; it’s an event planned with both patron and brewer experience in mind.

Only 1000 tickets are sold for this Hops in the Hills event, keeping lines short and allowing brewers to discuss brewing processes and product distinctions with an engaged crowd. And don’t worry about spending additional money on top of your ticket price because each ticket also gets you tastings, food, an official event t-shirt, and great live music.

Hops in the Hills

Are you an IPA guy or a Porter gal? Have you always wondered how a grapefruit Saison tastes? Spend the evening sampling a wide variety of drafts from 30 of the most well-known breweries in the region. Past partners include Yeehaw Brewing Company, Blackberry Farm Brewery, Black Horse Brewing Company, and Fanatic Brewing Company.

Calfkiller Brewing Company at Hops in the Hills

For those of you with a competitive streak, we offer games like life-size beer pong and Jenga, or you can challenge your friends to a neighborly game of cornhole. Located in the Maryville Greenway Amphitheater, this Celebration of Fermentation is a great way to dive into summer and experience the joys of craft beer.

“Hops in the Hills is a great way for people to join the community and experience the Smoky Mountains and Maryville’s vibrant, historic downtown and thriving craft beer scene,” says Blount Partnership Tourism Director Kim Mitchell. “It’s always a highly-anticipated event.”

Drink Local Hops in the Hills

Join us from 5:00 – 9:00 pm on Saturday, June 24th, 2023, for a tasting experience you won’t forget! Tickets can be purchased online at www.hopsinthehills.com for $65 per person or $40 per designated driver, which will include everything but the beer.

Don’t just come for the evening; join us for the whole weekend. Friday night, start your experience with our Hops in the Hills Craft Brew Crawl, provided by Knox Brew Tours. Purchase tickets for $15 per person. The night will begin at The Casual Pint – Maryville (this is where you will get on the bus, receive your wristband and Brew Crawl Official Cup), and buses will run continuously throughout the night, from 6:00 – 10:00 pm, allowing you to stay as long as you like at each stop. Stops will include Casual Pint – Maryville, Brackins Blues Club, Two Doors Down, Tri-Hop Brewery, and Blackberry Farms Brewery.

Tap Pour From Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival

As part of the weekend-long Summer on the Broadway celebration, Hops joins other exciting festivities such as a sanctioned BBQ Cookoff, Farmer’s Market and Craft Fair, Car Show, Dock Dogs, Kid’s Zone, and the Headphone Silent Disco. Dance the night away with your own headphone set, choosing from two different DJs to find your favorite genre.

 

Printshop Beer at Hops in the Hills

So, whether you want to start your adventure with a hike, see the area on horseback, or take a refreshing float down the river, we have it in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Local accommodations are ready to welcome you with southern hospitality and charm, so get your tickets and book your rooms today!

Beautiful Moss Covered Antique Stone Bridge Near the Little River The Great Smokies Mountains National Park

For more events like these, check out the following posts:

Smoky Mountain Coffee Houses

Grains & Grits Festival: Townsend’s Annual Outdoor Event

Bronco Super Celebration East

Posted on April 4, 2022 by - Blog, Events

Bronco Super Celebration East orange vintage Bronco

If Broncos make you squeal like a middle school girl at a boy band concert, you need to know about the Bronco Super Celebration East. Hosted in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies since 2006, one of the largest bronco enthusiast gatherings in the world is a four-day event in Townsend, TN. Whether you come to show or are just coming to visit and dream of a bronco of your own, be sure to mark April 20 -23 on your calendar.

Event Registration Details

  • $75 per Bronco
  • Show Field Parking for your Bronco
  • Event access to yourself and your family
  • Drive Participation
  • Show N Shine Card
  • $10 Food Truck Voucher
  • Event T-Shirt
  • Raffle Tickets
  • Truck & Trailer Parking (if needed)
Past Bronco Super Celebration

Bronco Super Celebration Info

This year’s theme is The Year of the Bronco Clubs.

Tuesday, April 19th 

  • Vendor Set-Up Day and Early Arrivals. There will be a Special Early Bird Scenic Destination Drive (location TBD).

Wednesday, April 20th 

  • Bronco Club Day Sponsor – Tennessee Bronco Club will supply fun daily games and prizes at the Tennessee Club Tent.
  • Daily Field Activities 
    • 8:00 – Registration and Event Tent opens  
    • 11:00 am – Food Trucks arrive 
    • 4:00 pm – Judging and Game Activities begin
  • Scenic & Destination Drives  
    • Douglas Dam to the Bush Beans Museum Drive at 9:00 am (estimated 80 miles in 4 hours) 
    • Top of the World Drive at noon (estimated 35 miles in 2 hours) 
    • Ghost Town of Elkmont Drive at 3:00 pm (estimated 25 miles in 2 hours)

Thursday, April 21st 

  • Bronco Club Day Sponsor – 2GENKIN Club (’78-’79 Broncos) will provide a scavenger hunt, prizes, and awards at the 2GENKIN Club Tent.
  • Daily Field Activities 
    • 8:00 am – Show Field opens (The Vendor and Field Entrances close at 6:00 pm, while the Field Exit will be locked at 10:00 pm.)
    • 10:00 am to 12:00 pm – Bronco Judging Tent opens
    • 11:00 am – Food Trucks open
    • 3:00 pm – RC Bronco Challenge Course set up for practice 
    • 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Bronco Judging Tent opens
    • 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Participants must turn in the Scavenger Hunts.
  • Scenic & Destination Drives 
    • Dragon to Fontana Dam Drive at 9:00 am (estimated 80 miles in 4 hours) 
    • Roaring Fork Nature Drive at 11:00 am (estimated 90 miles in 3.5 hours) 
    • Cades Cove Drive at 1:00 (estimated 30 miles in 2-3 hours) 
    • Tour of Townsend Drive at 3:00 pm (estimated 15 miles in 1 hour)

Friday, April 22nd

  • Bronco Club Day Sponsor – Georgia Bronco Club will provide a Special Poker Run and great prizes. Get your game board at the Georgia Bronco Club Tent for $20.
  • Daily Field Activities
    • 8:00 am – Show Field opens (The Vendor and Field Entrances close at 6:00 pm, while the Field Exit will be locked at 10:00 pm.)
    • 10:00 am – 12:00 pm – Bronco Judging Tent opens
    • 11:00 am – Food Truck opens
    • 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Bronco Judging Tent opens
    • 4:00 pm – Fun & Festivities at the Georgia Bronco Club Tent for everyone
    • 5:00 pm – Bronco RC Challenges
    • 6:00 pm – Participants must turn in Poker Run Cards 
    • 8:00 pm – After-Hours Bonfire at Tally Ho with Captain Ron
  • Scenic & Destination Drives
    • Rich Mountain Road Drive at 9:00 am (estimated 40 miles in 2.5 hours)
    • Foothills Parkway Drive at 10:00 am (estimated 70 miles in 3 hours)
    • Tennessee/North Carolina Overlook Drive at noon (estimated 70 miles in 3 hours)
    • Ghost Town of Elkmont Drive at 2:00 pm (estimated 25 miles in 2 hours)
  • Special Dirt & Danger Drive – For the Adventurous
    • Windrock Off-Road Park Drive at 8:30 pm (estimated 120 miles in 6 hours) *Limited number and 4WD required*

Saturday, April 23rd

  • Bronco Club Day Sponsor – The Bronco Nation
  • Daily Field Activities
    • 8:00 am – Show Field opens
    • 10:00 am – Food Truck opens
    • 10:00 am – 12:00 pm – Bronco Judging Tent opens
    • Noon – Live Broadcasts from Nashville Early Broncos
    • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Kid’s 6 Volt Show N Shine and races
    • 2:30 pm – Bronco Show N Shine Awards-HK FAB
    • 3:00 pm – Bronco Driver Magazine Product Raffle
    • 6:00 pm – END OF EVENT (Field Closes)
  • Scenic & Destination Drives
    • Foothills Parkway Drive at 10:00 am (estimated 70 miles in 2.5 hours)
    • Cades Cove Drive at 4:00 pm (estimated 30 miles in 2-3 hours)

Area Lodging & Campground Info

Some of these offer discounts to Bronco owners, so be sure to ask for the Bronco Driver Magazine discount!

Loveland, CO, USA – August 29, 2021: Vintage, first-generation, Ford Bronco ranger wagon with an upgraded front bumper and winch promoting Falken Tires. This legendary model was manufactured from 1972-1976.

To learn more about Spring activities on the Peaceful Side, see below:

Start Planning Your Spring Trip

Visit These 3 Picnics Spots in the Smoky Mountains This Spring

Waterfalls in The Great Smoky Mountains

Celebrate Appalachian History at the Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timers Day

Posted on April 5, 2019 by - Blog, Events, Townsend

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.
 

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

Posted on March 18, 2019 by - Blog, Drinking, Events

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 by Round 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, the Smoky 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 the Blackberry 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 the Tri-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.
 

Experience the Holiday Season Starts in the Smoky Mountains

Posted on November 7, 2018 by - Blog, Events

We have to agree with the old song, Christmas really is the  most wonderful time of the year. The smell of peppermint, pine, and sugar cookies seems to permeate everything, there are holiday lights and songs cascading throughout the stores, and if you are headed to the Smokies, it is when the area has some really dynamic holiday events.
Winter Fest in Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is fun and fantastic to visit at any time of the year, but imagine it draped in more than five million holiday lights. This is exactly what happens every winter, when the town is transformed into an authentic winter wonderland. Their Winterfest begins in early November and runs all of the way through February (proving that the season is the best time of the year!)
And while a town glittering with millions of twinkle lights is more than enough for most, the decorations are just the beginning. There are lots of different shows and events throughout the period, too. For instance, Dollywood has a Smoky Mountain Christmas with all kinds of activities, parades and fun. The Old Mill Square sets up a covered bridge and creates a magical spot in a historic setting. The Smoky Mountain Opry also dolls itself up for the season and if you are there around Thanksgiving, you can experience the region’s opening celebrations and fireworks display!
The Island at Pigeon Forge becomes a major Christmas destination and features a half a million lights of its own on display in the trees and Santa’s workshop. There is a Dinner Show, and of course, the amazing Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights running from early November to the end of February.
Winter Magic in Gatlinburg
Not to be outdone by its neighbor, Gatlinburg has its Winter Magic events that run from November through February, as well. The town is draped with millions of light and eco-friendly visitors will appreciate that every single display and decoration is now environmentally friendly!
The displays include LED lights and feature all kinds of themes and figures. You can enjoy the display from your car or book yourself some seats on the far more comfortable Gatlinburg Trolley Ride of Lights. You enjoy a guided tour through the entire display in town and remain cozy and warm throughout.
Keep in mind that there is more than the lights and special events. There is also the amazing natural scenery, and since the park is open throughout the year, a winter day hike or a drive through spots like Cades Cove and other beautiful routes could be a good way to kick off your holiday visit.
Don’t forget that Ober Gatlinburg is a premiere ski destination, and the famous Village in Gatlinburg is a wonderful Christmas destination. And at the end of the day, a stay in one of the cozy cabins throughout the region could add that perfect touch of magic. After all, you can sit by the fire, gaze out at the views, and savor the twinkling stars above the twinkling lights in the towns below!

Experience the Magic of Dollywood at Christmas Time

Posted on December 10, 2018 by - Blog, Events

Dollywood is known as one of the finest and most family-friendly destinations in the country. A theme park, it is also a cultural institution that introduces millions of visitors to many different elements of the Smokies region and the people who have lived there for centuries. Yet, for all of the amazing entertainment, food and activity that happens there throughout the year, it becomes an entirely enchanted spot at Christmas.
In fact, it is fair to say that Dollywood actually glows when the season comes around, and from November through January of every year, it becomes a perfect spot to bring kids of all ages.

The Main Christmas Events at Dollywood

The entire park takes on a winter wonderland appearance for the season, and visitors can enjoy:

  • Parade of Many Colors
  • Award-Winning Shows
  • Visits with Rudolph and Friends
  • Entertainment
  • Seasonal Dining

And illuminating all of this is more than four million holiday lights. In fact, beginning in 2018, the Dollywood park has a brand-new themed area along with the more familiar scenes and landscapes. Known as Glacier Ridge Wonder, it has a 50-foot video motion Christmas tree that turns the plaza into a symphony of lights. There is a stunning Northern Lights display, with an unbelievable “aurora borealis” effect, and there is also an all-new winter wonderland that brings the North Pole to Tennessee.

The Songs of Christmas

Entertainment options include the famous Christmas in the Smokies stage show that is a holiday tradition in Dollywood. The park also has a presentation of It’s a Wonderful Life based on the famous film, a version of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and limited musical performances that include the Appalachian Christmas, a Southern Gospel show, performances by The Mistle Tones, and a presentation of O’ Holy Night. The daily Parade of Many Colors also includes musical performances along with stunning light displays and floats.
And to ensure that kids (or kids at heart) truly enjoy every moment spent at Dollywood, there are many family-friendly activities that include meetups with Santa, Rudolph and more.
There are also the park’s award-winning seasonal foods and treats that will satisfy even the most discerning (i.e. picky) eaters. From southern specialties at Aunt Granny’s Restaurant to new takes on old classics at the Front Porch, and from the treats at Miss Lillian’s Smokehouse to the Appalachian specialties at Granny Ogle’s Ham ‘n’ Beans, there are many delicious ways to experience a new holiday dining tradition.
Other eateries at Dollywood include Red’s Drive-In, Frannie’s Famous Fried Chicken food truck, Victoria’s Pizza, Lumber Jack’s Pizza, the Big Skillet, the wonderful snacks at the Grist Mill, Dogs N Taters, Crossroad’s Funnel Cakes, the Grandstand Café and the amazing Sweet Shoppe and Candy Kitchen. Grab some additional goodies from Spotlight Bakery or just step in to look at one of their 25-pound apple pies.
And if you want to share some worship time with the kids, Dollywood has its charming Smoky Mountain Christmas Chapel, which is an authentic country church beautifully decorated for the season!

Get in the Christmas Spirit in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Posted on December 7, 2018 by - Blog, Events

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.

Getting Married in the Smokies this Year? Consider these Outdoor Wedding Venues

Posted on January 10, 2019 by - Blog, Events, Smoky Mountains

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.

Don’t forget to explore The Barn at Wildwood Springs, Country Manor Acres, Sampson’s Hollow and the other wonderful wedding venues throughout the region.

 

Grains & Grits Festival: Townsend’s Annual Spirited Event

Posted on October 5, 2022 by - Blog, Events, Townsend

Ring of Fire BBQ

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
Bar of Company Distilling


Sugarlands Distilling Company Moonshiners
Old Forge Distillery Pigeon Forge, TN
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.
Ring of Fire BBQ

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. 
Friends celebrating at Grains and Grits in Townsend, TN
 

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.

Friends playing cornhole at Grains & Grits in Townsend, TN

See below for other events in Blount County:

Beer Lovers Unite at Maryville – Hops in the Hills

The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival: A Kaleidoscope of Entertainment

By: Rachel Coffman

Highlands in the Foothills: Smoky Mountains Scottish Festival

Posted on June 4, 2015 by - Activities, Blog, Events, Smoky Mountains

Maryville College plays host to the annual Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games every May. The home of the fighting Scots seems an appropriate venue for this event, although many of the attendants would say that pairing the words “fighting” and “Scots” is entirely redundant.
The festivities commenced on Friday night at the opening gala. People traveled from various states to be present, many having done so for as long as 20 years, and wear the tartans of their clans. This event celebrated the history and culture of the Scots who came through Wilmington, North Carolina, and settled in this area. Their descendants remained intimately connected with their heritage, and for many these games served as a family reunion.
The gala set the tone for the weekend, combining levity and gravity. Robert Valentine, this year’s compére or Master of Ceremonies, invited laughter with jokes about Scottish temperaments, as well as reverence with reminders of Scottish courage and innovation. Later the haggis was marched in, led by the piper and followed by the armed guard, and blessed by a recitation of Robert Burns’ “Address to a Haggis.” And of course the evening would not be complete without a whiskey toast.
A theme of the night, and the whole weekend, was the importance of cultural heritage. A person may belong to many histories and cultures, and there is joy and strength in celebrating them (in this case particularly if one of them is Scottish). With the ease of connectivity nowadays, actively pursuing one’s roots or engaging with other cultures has never been more readily possible or desirable.
As he spoke, the Chief of Clan Skene, the honored clan of this year’s Smoky Mountain games, expressed his hope that Scottish Americans would not limit their political interests to their country of residence; he wanted very much for the Scots across the pond to take an active interest in contemporary Scotland. And the invitation to connection and possibility was not restricted by genealogy. As Robert Valentine said in his address, “If you’re at the Scottish games this weekend, you’re Scots. Welcome home.”
On Saturday, the games opened to the public. Most people showed up in their kilts, but those that didn’t have one need not worry—there are plenty for sale. Food was even more plentiful. For those who’ve never tasted Scottish treats like haggis or deep-fried Snickers, this was the chance to do so. The bakery tent was especially busy, as was the beer tent. Clans had set up stands where visitors could come and learn about their families, and some have even been known to “adopt.”
At noon, massed bands of pipes and drums officially opened the Scottish games. This was truly a sight and sound to behold. Dozens of bagpipes accompanied by snares and basses: there’s just nothing else like it. As they played and marched with the Smokies in the background, these musicians brought the Highlands to the foothills.
Other exceptional exhibits include sheepdog demonstrations and, of course, the sports. Both were displays of incredible dedication. Everything at the Scottish games was remarkable, but one event that was especially outstanding was the caber toss. Athletes lifted an enormous tapered pole and launched it into the air. The goal was to have the top of the caber rotate to land on the ground, and it was clearly extremely difficult.

Let Local Wedding Planners Help You Plan a Winter Wedding in the Smokies

Posted on December 24, 2018 by - Blog, Events

It seems like spring and summer weddings get all the attention when you look at the various wedding planning sites online. Typically, these times of the year are when the majority of weddings take place. But if you are thinking about having a winter wedding, then there is only one place to go: the Smoky Mountains when they are covered with snow. From cinnamon scented rooms to hot cocoa bars, the Smokies during wintertime provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding! Imagine the magical photos of you and your spouse kissing with the snow falling all around you.
Winter Weddings Take Skillful Planning
Like any wedding, no matter what time of year, a wedding in the Smokies takes careful planning to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.  To help you with this, you should consider engaging the services of a skilled wedding planner service. To go one step further, you should use one whose base of operations is close to where you plan to hold the ceremony and reception.

Using local wedding planners can help to keep costs down as they probably have an established list of local vendors such as caterers, florists, photographers, and so forth for you to choose from. Being local, these vendors won’t have as far to travel, keeping their costs and yours down. As an added advantage, they will likely show up even if it is snowing (unless it’s a blizzard)! Plus, they know the lay of the land and all of the local venues, which can also help with costs and the success of your event.
Here Are Three Highly Recommended Wedding Planners in the Smoky Mountains
If you are going to hire a wedding planner for your winter Smoky Mountain wedding, you need one who comes highly recommended.
Almost Heaven Resort & Weddings
A spectacular location for a sparkling winter wedding, this Smoky Mountain Resort covers 130 acres and includes helping you plan every aspect of your wedding. Almost Heaven can provide you with a full range of services such as catering, flowers, your wedding cake, photography, and private log cabins for your honeymoon. For more information, check out their wedding packages and services here.
Warren Weddings & Events
Warren Weddings & Events can help you plan your ultimate dream wedding in the snow-covered Smokies and serves Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. From traditional church weddings to outdoor weddings in the snow and everything you need to make your wedding perfect, Warren is here to help make planning your special day less stressful and more enjoyable. Visit them here to learn more.
Sampson’s Hollow
At Sampson’s Hollow, they love the chance to decorate for a winter wedding. Fences wrapped in garland and evergreen boughs. Staircases and banisters decorated with greenery with hundreds of tiny lights illuminating the entire room. Hot cocoa, spiced hot apple cider, flannel, and so much more. From helping plan your wedding to making sure everyone stays nice and warm throughout your ceremony and ensuing reception, the folks at Sampson’s Hollow provide full-service weddings in beautiful venue choices.
Choosing to have a winter wedding in the Smoky Mountains may be the best decision you could possibly make. From snow-covered fields and mountains to a sleigh ride for the bride and groom. It’s hard to imagine what could be better than the clip-clop of horses’ hooves under cover of snow as the sleigh takes you to your honeymoon cabin! Make your plans now for a winter wonderland wedding in the Great Smoky Mountains.

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