Category: Events

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.

Looking for a Place for Your Destination Wedding in the Smokies? These Venues Are Perfect

Posted on September 26, 2018 by - Blog, Events, Smoky Mountains

Have you ever dreamed of having your wedding in a destination where the view is so stunning, you don’t even need decorations? The Smoky Mountains are ideal for a lovely ceremony. The beautiful weather, the peaceful scenery, and the gorgeous venues make a destination wedding in the Smokies wonderful for any couple. Your guests will love visiting the area and having fun in nearby Pigeon Forge as well! Make your destination wedding dreams come true without worrying about breaking the bank – the Smokies are an affordable place to enjoy true beauty. Here are some of the best venues in the area.
Rustic Beauty at The Lily Barn
Townsend’s Lily Barn is a beautiful place to have a rustic chic wedding. From the covered bridge to the cabins where the groom and bride can get ready, this location has everything you need. They do catering for your reception, so there is no need to worry about getting another vendor. And your photos will be absolutely gorgeous as you explore the many quaint spots all around the property.
Southern Elegance at Colonial Estate
Maybe, rather than a rustic barn, you want the stunning view of the mountains to be all the backdrop you need. Maryville’s Colonial Estate offers an elegant setting for a ceremony. Walk down the aisle at this destination wedding location in the Smokies with the mountains framing the gazebo where you’ll exchange vows in front of your intimate wedding party.
Contemporary Meets Traditional Charm at Sampson’s Hollow
Located in Walland, Sampson’s Hollow is a property that allows for whatever kind of mountain wedding you want. Enjoy a barn ceremony, an outdoor ceremony at the Foundry, and more. The private space is perfect for having an all-day affair to celebrate your new life together. There is even a honeymoon cabin on the property for the wedding night.
Tying the Knot in the Smokies
There are many other places to host a lovely destination wedding in the Smokies. From the Townsend Hill Vineyard to the Heartland Wedding Chapel, there is something to suit any kind of couple. Getting hitched here in the mountains is a tradition for people from around the world. The area offers tons of options for vendors and wedding planners, as well as luxury cabin rentals for the honeymoon. Imagine starting your new life together by waking up to the stunning view of the sun rising over mountain peaks right outside the bedroom window.
Blount County is one of the most romantic areas in the Smokies, and is just a short drive away from lots of fun in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas as well!

October 2025 Happenings on the Peaceful Side 

Posted on October 10, 2025 by - Blog, Events, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

From pumpkin carving and spooky runs to concerts, art classes and Halloween bashes, October brings fall color and festive fun across Blount County. Here’s what’s happening this month: 

October 10 – Clay Handbuilding Class: Pumpkin 
Get your hands muddy in this guided clay handbuilding workshop at Creative Spark Studio from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., where you’ll create your own ceramic pumpkin. No experience is required. Participants ages 13 and up will shape, stamp and decorate their designs before selecting colors for glazing. 

October 11 – Howl-O-Ween Dog Show 
Bring your Jeep, your pup and your Halloween spirit to Camp Wild Flowers in Townsend from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a tail-wagging day of fun. Enjoy costume contests, a “Lick-or-Treat” trail, vendor village, food trucks, raffles and prizes for the best-dressed dogs and Jeeps. Costumes are encouraged, and advance registration is open online. 

October 11 – An Evening with Poe 
Spend a hauntingly perfect evening at The Bird and the Book in Maryville beginning at 7 p.m. with staged readings of Edgar Allan Poe’s eerie tales, paired with themed drink specials and delicious bites. Admission is free, and costumes are welcome. 

October 12 – Pumpkin Carving 
Celebrate fall by carving your own jack-o’-lantern at Studio 212 in Maryville from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Students ages 8 and up (with an adult) or 16 and up alone will learn carving and texture techniques to create unique designs. 

October 12 – Haunted House Workshop 
Create your own clay haunted house at Studio 212 in Maryville from 3 to 5:30 p.m. using guided handbuilding instruction. Add ghosts, cats and other spooky details. Ages 10 and up are welcome. 

October 16 – Halloween Horror Trivia 
Test your spooky smarts at The Bird and the Book in Maryville starting at 7 p.m. during this Halloween-themed trivia night hosted by Lisa and Lynn. Enjoy themed food and drinks and come dressed to impress. Costumes are encouraged. 

October 17 – Walloween 2025 
The beloved two-night Walloween event returns to The Bird and the Book in Maryville beginning at 5 p.m. with live bands, art and community spirit—all to benefit the American Parkinson’s Disease Association. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. 

October 17 – Very Scary 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run 
Run, walk or zombie crawl through the Smokies in this spooky nighttime race at The Abbey in Townsend from 8 to 10 p.m. Participants receive themed swag, medals and shirts. Expect surprises—and a few scares—along the route! 

October 18 – Fall Festival 
Enjoy a day of family fun at The Learning Lab Parking Lot in Maryville from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with local crafts, food and activities at this annual outdoor fair hosted by Blount County Public Library. 

October 18 – Watercolor Class: Three Witches 
Paint a magical watercolor scene at Creative Spark Studio in Maryville from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. featuring three whimsical witches, guided step-by-step by local artist Yvonne. No drawing skills needed. 

October 18 – Pumpkin Carving 
Carve a new clay pumpkin creation at Studio 212 in Maryville from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in this hands-on seasonal workshop. Tools and materials are provided; ages 8 and up with an adult or 16 and up independently. 

October 18 – DIY Spooky Books 
Transform old books into eerie Halloween décor at Creative Spark Studio in Maryville from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in this imaginative class. All materials are provided, though participants may bring their own book or embellishments. 

October 18 – Trinity Dental Fall Costume Ball 
Support local smiles at this festive fundraiser for Trinity Dental Clinic at White Star Station in Maryville from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy music by DJ Porter, food from The Lily Barn, a silent auction and costume contests. 

October 21 – Appalachian Ghost Stories 
Local authors share ghostly tales from “25 Tales: Even More Appalachian Ghost Stories & Mysteries” at Neighborly Books in Maryville from 6 to 7 p.m. 

October 23–25 – Dracula 
The Appalachian Ballet Company presents a daring new production of “Dracula” at the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville. This world premiere blends movement, music and mystery in an intimate setting. 

October 24 – DIY Pumpkin Décor 
Create two custom fabric pumpkins to match your home’s fall décor at Creative Spark Studio in Maryville from 1 to 3 p.m. Choose from chunky yarns, ribbons and embellishments. 

October 24 – Downtown Maryville Spooktacular Extravaganza 
Bring the whole family downtown from 5 to 8 p.m. for this free Halloween celebration featuring trick-or-treating, a dog costume contest, a street dance party, carnival games and food vendors along West Broadway Avenue. Rain or shine. 

October 25–26 – Beetlejuice JR 
It’s showtime at Broadway Center for the Arts in Maryville. Enjoy a family-friendly performance of “Beetlejuice JR,” packed with laughs, music and Halloween spirit from talented young performers. 

October 25 – Halloween on the Lot 
Celebrate the season at Leonard Truck Outfitters in Maryville from 4 to 8 p.m. with candy handouts, raffles, games and costume prizes. Local businesses will showcase products and host fun activities for all ages. 

October 26 – Monster Mug Workshop 
Sculpt your own spooky monster mug at Studio 212 in Maryville from 2 to 4 p.m. using handbuilding and sculpting techniques. Ages 10 and up are welcome with reservation required. 

October 31 – Halloween Spooktacular 
Gather around Papa Pete’s Fire Pit at Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro in Townsend from 5 to 9 p.m. for fireside storytelling and seasonal bites at this adults-only Halloween event. Tickets include one beverage and appetizers; dinner reservations are separate. 

October 31 – Halloween Bash with Them Dirty Roses 
Rock out with Them Dirty Roses, Bones Owens and Johnny Mullenax at The Shed in Alcoa from 6 to 11 p.m. Enjoy BBQ, beverages and costume contests for kids and adults. Kids under 12 get in free. Rain or shine event. 

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.   

Peaceful Side of the 2022 Smoky Mountain Events

Posted on January 30, 2022 by - Blog, Events

Welcome to our 2022 Smoky Mountain Events! We are thrilled to bring the Peaceful Side of the Smokies a year of inviting events from the Bigfoot Festival to Grains and Grits. Check out all of this year’s events below and book your trip now.

blue ford bronco

Bronco Truck Show (April 20 – 23)

Bronco Driver Magazine presents Super Celebration at Townsend Visitor Center. It has been hosted annually since 2006 in the quiet Smoky Mountain Town of Townsend, Tennessee (Just outside of Pigeon Forge).

This four-day event – is the world’s largest bronco enthusiast gathering: on-site activities, daily drives, awards, product giveaways, and more. Click here for Registration Info.

bigfoot on saxaphone

Bigfoot Festival (May 7, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm)

The Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival offers live music, vendors, food trucks, a bigfoot calling competition, oral history, famous bigfoot researchers, and so much more.

  • The festival kicks off with a 5K and fun run.
  • The Cryptopunkologist himself, Kenny W. Irish, author of AMERICAN CRYPTIDS In Pursuit of the Elusive Creatures, shares his knowledge.
  • East Tennessee Bladesmith Christy Whitaker, featured in the Netflix show “Forged in Fire,” will be showcasing her skills.
pipe and drum band

Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games (May 21-22, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm)

Scottish or not, this event will give you and your family a glimpse into the rich traditions and history of our area’s Scottish and Scots-Irish settlers.

  • Vibrant cultural and educational presentations
  • Scotch tasting seminars
  • Border Collies herding demonstration 
  • Kilted athletes compete in traditional Scottish competitions.
  • Dozens of colorful Pipe and Drum band competitions 
  • Traditional and Modern International Celtic entertainers
  • Specialty selected vendors offering Scottish, Irish, and Celtic goods and foods
  • Highland dance demonstrations
  • Clan tents with genealogical information

Click here for a complete Schedule of Events

Dock Dogs

Summer on Broadway & Big BBQ Bash (June 24-25, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm.)

The weekend-long Summer on Broadway celebration, set against the backdrop of the Smokies, offers exciting outdoor festivities such as a sanctioned BBQ Cookoff, Farmer’s Market and Craft Fair, and Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival. You can also enjoy the Car Show, Dock Dogs, Kid’s Zone, Food Trucks, as well as live music downtown. This summer festival offers a hometown atmosphere while attracting visitors from surrounding cities and states.

sample pour of craft beer

Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival (June 25, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm) 

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 Craft Beer Festival isn’t just another regional beer fest; it’s an event planned with both patron and brewer experience in mind. Limiting ticket sales for the Hops in the Hills event helps keep lines short and allows brewers to discuss their process and product distinctions with an engaged crowd. Ticket prices get you beer tastings, food, an official event t-shirt, and great live music.

Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloons in Townsend, Tennessee

Hot Air Balloon Festival (August 20, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm)

 Against the backdrop of a Tennessee Smoky Mountain sunset, watch as professional balloonists light up the sky with a kaleidoscope of color. Then, during the onset of dusk, the tethered balloons begin to inflate and glow through sundown into the night sky. You can expect a day of live bands and entertainment, activities for all ages, food trucks, a beer tent, and the grand finale at sunset.

taste of blount food spread

Taste of Blount (September 8, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm)

Taste of Blount is a collection of savory food favorites from local restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and gourmet grocers who offer samples to event attendees. This friendly competition is back for its 20th year at the Theater in the Park in Maryville.

Smoky Mountain Runners

Smoky Mountain Half-Marathon (September 10, 7:00 am – 11:00 am)

Escape to the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” with a gorgeous race through the woods. The race starts at 7:00 am in Maryville, TN, and ends at 11:00 am in Townsend, TN. This is a 13.1-mile course in Townsend, TN, United States. The route has a total ascent of 727.48 ft and has a maximum elevation of 1,156.23 ft. It will be an “open course,” meaning there will be cars on the road, as well as runners.

townsend fall festival band

Townsend Fall Festival & Old Timers Day (September 23-24, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm)

The foothills of the Smoky Mountains come to life with Bluegrass music, arts and crafts, time-honored traditions, and Appalachian cooking at the Townsend Fall Festival. This free community event provides an atmosphere where family and friends of all ages can partake in time-honored Appalachian traditions.

Photo of table with whisky bottles and the Grains and Grits logo on the left

Grains and Grits Festival (November 5, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm)

This event celebrates the legendary prohibition liquor 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. Along with a variety of seasonal gourmet foods, you can also enjoy live music, and the raved about “Ring of Fire.”

For More Info on Fun Places in the Smokies:

Snow in the Smokies

Tennessee Winter Beer Fest

Quilts Often Tell a Story: Learn More About this Appalachian Craft Tradition

Posted on March 25, 2019 by - Blog, Events

It has long been said that every picture tells a story, but here in the Smoky Mountains, this truth dates far back before the first camera took a photograph. It dates to the days when the hardy women who lived here began making quilts. While they weren’t the first ones to make quilts, they turned this simple chore into an art form.
In the early days when the Peaceful Side of the Smokies was barely settled, the women would use virtually any scrap of material they could find. It could be the scraps left over from making clothes for the family, flour and bean sacks, seed bags, old clothes that have outlived their usefulness, literally anything that could be cut and sewn into the span of the quilt. Some were made to match the patterns of the time, others used a family pattern or even no pattern at all.
Today’s electric sewing machines, readily available fat squares have changed what was for many an art built out of necessity has become one that is more often than not done simply for the pleasure of doing so. Here on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, the skill of quilting is very much still part of our heritage. If you’re interested in quilting, there are several amazing quilt and quilt supply shop in the area, here are three of our favorites.

Quilts to Go at Lid’l Dollies Factory Store

The Lid’l Dollies Factory Store in Pigeon Forge has over three hundred quilt patterns for you to choose from in their store or at their online store. For 200 years Lid’l Dollies has been handcrafted quilts, dresses, and more. Today, they are proud to offer you a piece of true Tennessee heritage to take home with you after your visit to the peaceful side of the Smokies.

Foothills of the Smoky’s Quilt Shop

The Foothills of the Smoky’s Quilt Shop is located a little north of Pigeon Forge in Cosby. The shop is inside a historic log cabin and carries a vast selection of the finest in quilting materials and supplies. They also offer plenty of expert advice and are always happy to provide instruction on your quilting project. Be sure take the short drive out here and check out their fabulous selection of local patterns.

In Stitches Memory Quilts

In Stitches Memory Quilts, located in Maryville, TN says they will take your old t-shirts, sweatshirts, and polos, and create a custom quilt for you from them. The shirts you provide are used by the lovely ladies here to determine the custom pattern of your quilt.

The Cherry Pit

Located in historic downtown Sevierville, The Cherry Pit is an all-in-one quilting store. Along with selling completed quilts along with a fantastic selection of fabrics and patterns for which to choose. They also offer classes for beginners all the way up to advanced quilter. Each year the Cherry Pit participates in Quilt Fest and Shop Hop. They also sponsor an annual quilter retreat that features quilters from all over the country.

Spring Festivals on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies 

Posted on March 25, 2026 by - Blog, Events, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler 

Spring on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies brings Broncos, Bigfoot, bagpipes and craft beer to Townsend and Maryville. Here are four festivals to put on your calendar. 

Bronco Super Celebration 

April 15-18, 2026 | Greater Smokies Event Grounds  

Bronco Super Celebration welcomes Ford Bronco owners and enthusiasts to Townsend for four days of shows and drives. Vendor booths, club parking, giveaways and rows of classic and newer Broncos fill the event grounds. Hosted annually since 2006, the event has grown into the world’s largest Bronco enthusiast gathering. 

Organized drives send participants into the Smokies and onto nearby scenic roads. Back at the event grounds, Battle of the Broncos, the RTI flex ramp challenge and a live Bronco auction keep the action going between time checking out builds and connecting with other owners. 

Register for the event at www.broncodriver.com. 

Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival 

May 2, 2026 | Greater Smokies Event Grounds 

The Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival returns to Townsend for its sixth year as a Bigfoot Birthday Bash. Guest speakers, live music, food trucks and vendors are all on the lineup, along with cupcakes, candles and confetti. Visitors can sign Bigfoot’s giant birthday card and take photos with Party Sasquatch. 

The day starts early with the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot 5K and 1-mile fun run at Peaceful Side Social. The 1-mile begins at 8:50 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9 a.m. Race participants receive festival entry, free parking and a swag bag. 

Get your tickets at www.thebigfest.com. 

Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games 

May 16-17, 2026 | Greater Smokies Event Grounds 

Recognized as Tennessee’s oldest festival of Scottish, Irish and Celtic culture, the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games is back for its 44th year. The weekend includes heavy athletics, piping and drumming, Highland dance, live music, demonstrations and traditional food and drink. 

More than 50 Scottish clans take part, along with cultural heritage organizations focused on Scots-Irish history in East Tennessee. Clan hosts can help visitors discover their clan connections. Sheep herding demonstrations, whisky tastings, axe throwing, children’s activities, clan challenges and ceremonies like the Parade of Tartans and the Sunday dog parade round out the weekend. 

Tickets are on sale now at www.smokymountaingames.org. 

Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival 

June 13, 2026 | Maryville Greenway Amphitheater 

Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival closes out the spring festival season in its 11th year. The event showcases regional craft beer, with tastings, food and live music throughout the evening. Held at the Maryville Greenway Amphitheater, there’s plenty of room to play games and set up a lawn chair. 

Brew Week leads up to the festival June 8-11, with stops at participating spots in Maryville and Townsend. This year’s lineup includes The Casual Pint, Two Doors Down, Peaceful Side Brewery, Swäˈrā Brewing Company, Brackins Blues Club and Tri-Hop Brewery. 

Purchase tickets at www.hopsinthehills.com. 

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.  

Take in the Smoky Mountain Winterfest by Making Reservations to Stay on the Peaceful Side

Posted on January 22, 2019 by - Blog, Events

‘Tis the season for fun, snow, holiday lights, and, of course, shopping for that perfect gift for friends and family. Now imagine going out shopping under more than 5 million tiny sparkling holiday lights! If you can’t picture what this feels like, you need to head over to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville for the annual Winterfest. This year, the lights will keep shining on the holidays from when they were turned on early in November until the end of February.
And, when you’ve had your fill of light displays, crowds, and bustle, do yourself and your family a favor, and make reservations to stay on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Enjoy some uninterrupted quality family (or couple!) time each night after a busy day enjoying Winterfest. Every form of lodging imaginable is available.
From amazing light displays to incredible holiday shows and so much more, the Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration has something spectacular for everyone, no matter how young or old. Take a look at the many things there are to do as part of this year’s Winterfest.

So Much More to Do in the Smokies

Pile the kids in the car so you can get out there and enjoy the Winterfest Driving Tour of the Lights. Driving tour maps for the 3 main towns celebrating Winterfest can be found here: Sevierville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. No matter how many times you have visited the Smokies, coming here for the holidays and the Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration is the perfect way to usher in the holidays and create amazing memories with family and friends!                   
The Pigeon Forge light display, alone, features more than 5 million lights! Light displays feature trees, snowmen, Santa, forest animals, snowflakes, dancing fountains, rocking horses (and everything in between) and cover light posts, streets, bridges and the ground, all to spectacular effect.

What Else Besides the Driving Tour of Lights?

Complete your holidays with a trip to Dollywood for a Smoky Mountain Christmas. Christmas in Dollywood brings you over 4 million lights, plenty of rides to enjoy, holiday music playing throughout the park and the nightly Parade of Lights. This year sees the addition of “Dolly’s Parade of Many Colors,” with many new floats, songs, and specialty characters, as well as a stage production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” for the first time.
Don’t pass up on the chance to visit the Old Mill District, to get to the Old Mill Square’s Holiday Open House; you must drive through the “covered bridge” constructed from thousands of miniature lights that takes you into one of the most “historic” areas of Pigeon Forge. Take the kids out to Christmas at the Smoky Mountain Opry where you might just get to catch Jolly Old St. Nick in the act of making a rooftop delivery. The theatre is decorated with numerous huge trees and thousands of tiny lights.

Don’t Forget to Take in Dolly Parton’s Christmas Stampede

Whoever said a stampede is no fun has never seen a stampede put on the way Dolly Parton does it. Talk about a place to take the kids for some magical memory-making time! The 60-foot tall Christmas tree is a sight to behold. Covered in colorful lights, sparkling ornaments, and ribbons from top to bottom with a twinkling star at the top, this is the perfect place to take pictures for your social media post or annual Christmas cards.
Meanwhile, over at the Island in Pigeon Forge, they have put together all-new decorations and three new Christmas trees, the tallest of which stands 40-feet tall. Decorators used approximately 40,000-holiday ornaments, 500,000 lights, and more than 5,000 feet of garland to decorate the Island for the holidays. Santa and Mrs. Claus have a new workshop this year and will greet their guests while listening to the roving troupe of singers belting out Christmas carols.

Places to Stay in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

While these activities are all a lot of fun, if you are coming in from out of town, don’t forget to choose a place to stay over on the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” where you and your family will find several great choices of more peaceful accommodations.  From hotels like the pet-friendly Best Western Cades Cove, where you can enjoy a free breakfast buffet, to cabins such as the Chimney Tops Cabin where you and your significant other can enjoy a 2-bath, 1-bedroom rustic cabin, the options are endless.
There are plenty of amazing places on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies to park your suitcases while you enjoy a great Smoky Mountain Christmas vacation with your loved ones.

The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival

Posted on July 31, 2023 by - Blog, Events, Townsend

great smoky mountain hot air balloon festival

Are you looking for a little spice in your life? Have you been missing that warm comfort from home? No worries, we have reds, oranges, and yellows ready to offer an ocular hug. Maybe you are over this insanely hot summer and need to take a refreshing break and find an ethereal sense of peace. To you, we offer you greens, purples, and blues to splash your senses into clarity. Whatever your emotional state, The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival on August 19 brings a kaleidoscope of color to satisfy your hunger and spark your curiosity.

gsm hot air balloons

What to Expect at the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival

Although the hot air balloons are obviously the main attraction, we have plenty of fun activities leading up to the big Balloon Glow. We will have a wide variety of food and beverage vendors ready to taunt your taste buds and fill your bellies with goodness. You will be able to find everything from southern BBQ to Cuban cuisine, or maybe brats and shaved ice are more your style. We have something for all ages and palates. And what festival is complete without a cold beer? Our beer tent will be serving visitors over 21 years of age, saving you from the dehydrating summer sun. 
kids at the gsm balloon festival
Once you’ve quenched your thirst and have completed your rounds at the food truck court, it’s time to enjoy the activities. We will have crafter booths, both demonstrating their skills and selling their artwork. And in keeping with the event’s theme, there will also be water balloons and balloon animals. We will also have plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep your little ones entertained throughout the day, as well as live entertainment for everyone.  

couple in front of flower and butterfly hot air balloon
The Grand Finale begins at dusk when the tethered balloons are inflated and light themselves with the giant flame produced by a gas propane tank. The vibrant balloons glowing with the Smoky Mountains in the backdrop is MUST SEE event! Imagine the sky filled with a vision of multicolored, gigantic light bulbs.

Irish hot air balloon illuminated

This Year’s Festival Includes:

  • Family-Friendly Activities
  • Live Entertainment
  • Crafters – Both Demonstrating and Selling Their Artwork
  • Tethered Group Rides ($25 each)
  • Food Truck Court
  • Beer Tent
  • Exclusive VIP Lift Off! – An Elevated Festival Experience!

Tethered Ride

VIP Package Includes:

couple with their dog at the great smoky mountain hot air balloon festival

How much does it cost to ride a hot air balloon?

To ride is $25 per person, and only ages 8+ are allowed to ride in balloons. Rides will last approximately three minutes, will go 30 feet into the air, and will begin around 6:00 pm and go through 10:00 pm.

Tethered group rides can also be purchased independently but are dependent on the weather. In the unlikely case the balloons are not permitted to fly, we will refund our tethered ride guests for their purchase after the close of the event. Tickets must be purchased online before August 19, 2023. 
Parking passes can be purchased online for $20, or they can be purchased on-site for $25 on the day of the event. Event tickets are $5 per person (cash only accepted at the gate).

Pets are permitted to attend the Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival, but keep in mind balloon inflation can often be very loud and frightening for our four-legged friends. And it goes without saying that if you bring your pet, you are responsible for bringing and using your poop bags.
For more information or to pre-purchase tickets, go to our website at www.gsmballoonfest.com. We look forward to seeing you soon!!

dad with daughter on his shoulders in front of hot air balloon

Check out other Peaceful Side activities on the links below:

Kid-Friendly Activities on the Peaceful Side

Peaceful Side Spotlight | Millennium Manor Castle

By Rachel Coffman

Try Something New in Maryville: Banjos, Billiards, Biking and More 

Posted on July 25, 2025 by - Blog, Events, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler 

In Maryville, Tennessee, trying something new doesn’t have to mean taking on a big commitment. You don’t need to train for a marathon, sign up for a six-month course or spend a fortune on gear. Around here, a fresh experience might look like biking a new trail, rolling up to a jam session or stepping into a yoga class for the first time. 

If you’re looking to add a little variety to your week, here are a few low-key options happening regularly around town. 

Community Benefit Sale 

Fourth Fridays | 8:30–11:30 a.m. | New Providence Church 

Each month, volunteers host a large community sale in the church gym. You’ll find secondhand clothes, housewares, toys, seasonal items and more. Proceeds support over 20 local charities, and the sale’s been running for more than 50 years. Arrive early and keep your elbows out to snag the best deals. 

Splatter Vault at Creative Spark Studio 

Photo courtesy of Creative Spark Studio.

By reservation | Creative Spark Studio 

You get a canvas, 30 minutes and a room designed for making a mess. The Splatter Vault is a paint-flinging, low-stakes way to try something creative without worrying about the outcome. Protective gear is provided, and you leave with a unique work of art. 

Maryville College Downtown Center Workshops 

Photo courtesy of Maryville College.

Ongoing | Maryville College Downtown Center 

The Maryville College Downtown Center, recently established, opens up their hands-on workshops to the community. Recent topics have included cheese making, canning and beginner homebrewing. Visit their website to see what’s up next. 

Maryville Farmers’ Market 

Saturdays | 8:30–11:30 a.m. | Founders’ Square 

Every Saturday from April to November, vendors set up in downtown Maryville selling produce, baked goods, handmade crafts and more—all grown or made by the folks behind the tables.  

Craft vendors join the market once a month. Upcoming dates include Aug. 16, Sept. 20, Oct. 18 and two holiday markets, set for Nov. 8 and 15. 

Brewhouse Flow Yoga 

Saturdays | 10:45 a.m. | Peaceful Side Brewery 

Brewhouse Flow Yoga takes place right inside Peaceful Side Brewery, and it’s as relaxed as it sounds. This all-levels yoga class wraps up with a post-stretch pint and brunch in the taproom. 

Townsend Community Yoga 

Saturdays | 9:30–10:30 a.m. | Peaceful Side Social (Townsend) 

If the brewery flow isn’t your vibe, head just down the road to Townsend for a quiet, beginner-friendly yoga class in Peaceful Side Social’s garage room. 

Cycology Greenway Rides 

Sundays | 4:00 p.m. | Pearson Springs Park 

This is a slow-paced social ride through Maryville’s greenway system. It’s a good fit if you’re just getting back on a bike or want to learn the local trails. Helmets and water are required. 

Cycology Women’s Ride Series 

Saturdays | Through October | Locations vary 

This seasonal ride series is designed for beginner and intermediate women cyclists. Rides are grouped by pace, and you’ll also have access to clinics on everything from basic maintenance to injury prevention. 

Rocky Branch Jam Sessions 

Fridays | 6:00–10:30 p.m. | Rocky Branch Community Center (Walland) 

On Friday nights, musicians with banjos, fiddles, mandolins and guitars gather at an old-school gym for acoustic jam sessions. Just make a short drive to Townsend and stay as long as the music keeps going. Admission is by donation.  

Maryville Billiards 

Photo courtesy of Maryville Billiards.

Open Daily | Downtown Maryville 

This pool room is non-smoking, family-friendly and geared toward both casual and competitive players. It features several Diamond tables and runs regular leagues and tournaments. Cues are available to rent if you’re just dropping in. 

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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.

Visiting on a Tuesday? Join Us Tuesdays at 2 and Learn More About Our Amazing Appalachian Heritage

Posted on March 22, 2019 by - Blog, Events, Townsend

Looking for something fun and educational to do when visiting Townsend, TN on a Tuesday? Don’t be fooled into thinking there can’t be anything going on just because it’s the second day of the week. Instead, take a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and enjoy their “Tuesdays @ 2 informal “coffee talk” with an incredible array of guest speakers.  
Stories that Need to Be Told
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is dedicated to protecting and preserving the rich culture and incredible history of both the Native Americans who once lived here and those who came after.
Every Tuesday the center hosts a fun and informative event in the auditorium. Each event covers a different topic ranging from folk music to history and folklore to nature. These events are free to museum members and open to guests with paid admission.
Upcoming Tuesdays@2 Events
March 19 – Ben Jarrett- The American Chestnut Foundation
The American Chestnut Foundation is dedicated to restoring the chestnut to its proper place in the Appalachian hardwood ecosystem. Ben will be here to talk about the efforts being made to bring this important hardwood tree back to the Smokies.
March 26 – Dr. Aaron Astor – Isaac Anderson
Dr. Astor has two books and numerous articles published in the New York Times “Disunion” series. He will be here to talk about the history of Isaac Anderson the founder and first president of Maryville College.
April 2 – Mark Davidson Trails and Turnpikes
Mark will talk about the area and what there is to see as you hike the many miles of trails or drive the turnpikes that take you through the peaceful side of the Smokies.  
April 9 – Missy Kane – Smoky Mountain Hiking
Missy offers a presentation covering the many trails in the Smoky Mountains to hike, the conditions to expect, what you might see, how to prepare for hiking and more.
April 16 – Jeff Hunter – Wildlife and Roadways
Jeff will be here to talk about the growing amount of wildlife crossing the roads and highways, and what is being done to help reduce the number of accidents, death, and injuries to both humans and animals. He will talk about the concept of building animal crossing bridges over I-40 where most of the accidents occur.
April 23 – Mary Beth Lima – Proper Canning Techniques
Mary Beth will be here to discuss and demonstrate a variety of canning methods, explain the proper techniques, cover safety, and offer a wealth of tips and information on the subject. The perfect Tuesday afternoon for anyone wanting to learn how to can and those who already do to spend time learning from an expert.
April 30 – Libby Weitnauer – Appalachian Music with a Jam Session Afterward
Libby is both a classical violinist and a fiddle player. She has played with numerous local orchestras including the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and the Maryville College Community Orchestra. Today she finds herself more at home playing the fiddle and the more traditional sounds of Appalachia. Once the meeting is over, there is to be a jam session, if you play bring your instrument with you for fun!
 

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