Category: Townsend

An Afternoon Chocolate Break at Townsend's Fudge Kitchen and Sweet Shoppe

Posted on June 4, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Dining, Townsend

Everyone knows what 3 PM feels like, that particular circumstance when it’s too early for dinner, but you’ve been busy sightseeing and shopping since lunch and are ready for a break. You feel a little tired, a little listless…you really could use a break, after all.
Plenty of breaks are designed to be as quick as possible – maybe a trip to the vending machines, or a quick snack from a gas station. Some days this just doesn’t feel right, though. There has to be a little more enjoyment in those few moments we have with ourselves and our nearest and dearest, doesn’t there – especially when you’re on vacation? A chance to step away from what you’re doing and treat yourself could be just the thing to get you back on track.

Head to the Fudge Kitchen and Sweet Shoppe!

The Little River Village Fudge Kitchen and Sweet Shoppe, at 8521 E Lamar Alexander Parkway in Townsend, Tennessee, is a hidden gem in the Smokies region. It has a little something for everyone, with delicious fudge, ice cream, and other sweets, as well as souvenirs like T-shirts and bear-themed items, like bear backpacks. The goodies are fresh, and the service is friendly. Oh, yeah, and about that fudge itself?

The Fudge is Incredible

Something pretty great is coming out of the kitchen at the Fudge Kitchen and Sweet Shoppe: fudge! OK, no surprise there – but what will surprise you is just how good this fudge is, and how many different flavors there are. With over a dozen varieties available, including creative flavors like Jelly Donut, Better than Butterfinger, Pumpkin, and Carrot Cake, plus stalwarts of the fudge trade, like Peanut Butter and Maple Nut, there’s sure to be one that’s a perfect match for your taste buds. You don’t even have to buy to try; they offer free samples.

There’s Amazing Ice Cream, Too

The Fudge Kitchen and Sweet Shoppe serves hefty scoops of Blue Bell ice cream, known for its mastery of classic flavors like rocky road, Dutch chocolate, mint chocolate chip, strawberry, and chocolate chip cookie dough, as well as southern favorites like banana pudding and buttered pecan. They’ll even dip your cone in chocolate for you! There’s nothing like sitting down with a few good scoops piled on top of a cone in the middle of a summer afternoon, is there?

Why Not Stop By Today?

Every lifetime comes with a few regrets, but squeezing in a few moments with friends and family, sharing delicious treats made with care, is never one of them. The Little River Village Fudge Kitchen and Sweet Shoppe closes in the winter, so don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to treat yourself. Make a few moments perfect with handcrafted fudge, and enjoy some of the best flavors in the Smokies while you can!

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

Posted on April 5, 2019 by dstech - 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.

Enjoy a Picnic Lunch at Spruce Flats Falls

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

Looking for a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch while you are in the Townsend, TN area? The 1.9-mile hike to the Spruce Flats Falls may be just what you are looking for. The trail is moderate and may be challenging for smaller children, but older kids and adults should have no problem. Along the way, you will encounter some steep, rocky sections of trail, especially as you reach the end of the trail at the falls.

What to Expect on Your Trip to the Spruce Flats Falls

While this is one of the less commonly hiked trails, the journey is more than worth the effort. The trailhead begins as the Great Smoky Mountain Institute. You need to park on the right side to find the trailhead. The trail to Spruce Flats Falls branches off of the Buckeye Trail, but your journey starts on the Lumber Ridge Trail. You have to look for the sign that says “Falls Trail” as you won’t find the trail listed on any maps.
The trail to the Falls tends to be like most in the area with more than its fair share of roots, rocks, and foot traps. You must keep an eye out as you go unless, of course, you want to twist an ankle. At one point, you have to cross Bull Branch and then do your best log walking trick across a log with steps cut into it. Once you cross the log, it’s just a short trip down to the bottom of the Spruce Flats Falls.
Although the trail might not show up on maps, the falls are relatively popular among waterfall enthusiasts and nature photographers. Not only is the early morning light the perfect time to view the falls, it is also the perfect time to take awe-inspiring photographs.

The Spruce Flats Falls

The Spruce Flats Falls drop 30 feet over four stages into the pond below. The pool is the perfect place for a cool refreshing swim after the hike down to it on a hot summer day. This is also the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing family picnic. There is plenty of shade in which to relax and then take an afternoon dip in the pool below the falls before heading back out. Just remember, if you pack it in, pack it out: don’t leave your mess behind, including your kids!
While the trail to the falls may be a little steep in places for some families, those of you who like to “backpack” your littlest ones should have no problem. With so much shade and a good sunblock, your kids can hang out and play to their heart’s content. There are a number of smaller pools that are perfect for letting the kids wade in and chase salamanders under a watchful eye.
Although Spruce Flats Falls is not one of the better-known waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains, it is quite beautiful and well worth making a day hike out of your journey. Pack a tasty picnic, take the family, and make the most out of getting back to nature.

Enjoy Mountain Music on the Pickin' Porch at Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop

Posted on October 31, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Townsend

There’s more to the Smokies than just industry and the great outdoors. Cultural traditions brought to the Smokies by different waves of immigrants and frontier settlers have taken on lives of their own in the mountain hollows that dot the region, and they continue to provide great entertainment to locals and visitors alike.
In particular, the music of Appalachia and the Smokies has its own rich history, one that’s kept alive today in Blount County and especially at the Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop. Read on to learn more about it, as well as how you can get a taste of it for yourself right in Blount County.

Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop Dates Back to the 18th Century

Immigrants from Ireland and what is now called the United Kingdom first settled in the mountain foothills of the southeastern U.S. in the late 18th century, bringing their traditional ballads and dance music (typically fast-paced violin or “fiddle” music) with them. Here, these traditions intersected with others, like banjo-playing, which came up from farther down South. Banjo playing was actually first documented in Knoxville in 1798, so it’s been a part of the region’s legacy for quite some time.
The dulcimer was also a major part of this tradition. Interestingly enough, although the first Appalachian dulcimer was played by Scots-Irish immigrants, there’s no record of anything like the dulcimer in Scotland or Ireland. The instrument itself seems to be a true Southern original, much like the Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop.

Visit Wood-N-Strings to See Dulcimers in Action

Anyone is welcome to come down to Wood-N-Strings in Townsend, Tennessee, which is not a just a shop, but a destination in its own right for fans of the region’s traditional music. The shop offers CDs and books about traditional music, as well as different kinds of dulcimers and other instruments like banjos, lap harps, and even some steel drums. Owners Mike and Connie Clemmer are happy to introduce anyone interested to the virtues of the dulcimer and the joy of playing an instrument that’s relatively easy to learn, and yet provides tremendous satisfaction to both players and audiences.

Check Out the Pickin’ Porch

If it’s summertime, it’s pickin’ time at Wood-N-Strings. Connie and Mike Clemmer play host to local and traveling musicians on their Pickin’ Porch at Wood-N-Strings every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturday at 7 PM, from May through September. Bring your lawn chairs and relax at their woodsy riverside location, while musicians share their talents and commitment to preserving tradition just for the love of it.
When winter rolls around, that doesn’t mean there’s no pickin’ left to enjoy. TheWood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop has a section of the website dedicated to sharing videos from past Pickin’ Porch evenings, so you can still listen to old and new favorites long after the camping chairs have been folded up for the season.

Go Horseback Riding at Davy Crockett Riding Stables in Townsend

Posted on June 15, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Townsend

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 the Davy 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.

Grains & Grits Festival: Townsend’s Annual Spirited Event

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

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.

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

International Beer Day

Posted on August 4, 2022 by Rachel Coffman - Activities, Townsend

It is #InternationalBeerDay, and in celebration, we put together highlights from some of our favorite watering holes on the Peaceful Side. We’ve also listed some of the local Maryville breweries so you know what to look for while visiting.

Townsend Abbey

Address: 7765 River Rd., Townsend, TN 37882

Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm (Thurs-Sun)

Townsend Abbey is a renovated wedding chapel located on the quaint Little River. Outdoor seating overlooks the river, allowing patrons to watch tubers lazily float their summers away. Most weekends, the outside area offers entertainment like cornhole, Connect-4, and live music (cover free). They offer the finest local craft beers paired with pizza, sandwiches, small bites, and shareable medium plates. The Abbey also offers dinner specials each weekend and has been voted “Trip Advisor Top Ten Percent of Restaurants in the World” in 2020 and 2021. Bring your thirst for fun and beer to this little piece of heaven.

Little River Pub & Deli

Address: 7503 W. Old Hwy 73, Townsend, TN 37882

Hours: 12:00pm – 9:00pm (Every day, BUT Thursday)

The Little River Pub & Deli sits at the front of the Strawberry Patch Inn on the Little River. This family-owned business boasts a casual, relaxed atmosphere with an outdoor beer garden overlooking the rambling river. Sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while sipping craft brews from the local Maryville and Knoxville areas. Besides drinks, they also provide a creative dining menu, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and kid-friendly selections. The hardest decision you will have to make here is who will pick up the tab.

Peaceful Side Social Brewery + Craft Kitchen

Address: 7967 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882

Hours: 11:00am – 8:00pm (7 Days a Week)

Nothing says International Beer Day like a cold german beer on a warm summer afternoon. The Peaceful Side Social offers guests an upscale, fast-casual environment to pop in for a quick beer and a bite. Their in-house brew selection brags traditional German principles, with their own IPA 1.0 and IPA 2.0 and a variety of local micro-brews on tap. The chef-driven menu includes Stone Hearth oven-baked pizzas, sandwiches, and small plates, keeping all allergy or ethically sensitive patrons in mind. They are dog-friendly, offering water bowls, leash hooks, treats, and greenspace for your furry family. Sip + Savor + Support is a program that allows Peaceful Side Social to give back to chosen local non-profits who work hard to impact the community and environment.

Peaceful Side Social Brewery + Craft Kitchen

Maryville Breweries

Round 6 Brewing – 427 Whitecrest Drive, Maryville
Tri-Hop Brewery – 205 Court Street, Maryville
Blackberry Farm Brewery – 106 Everett Avenue, Maryville
Smoky Mountain Brewery – 743 Watkins Road, Maryville

For more adventures on the Peaceful Side, check out the blog links below:

Kid-Friendly Activities on the Peaceful Side

Best Views for Sunrises and Sunsets

It’s Camping Season: Places to Stay in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Posted on October 10, 2022 by jmuir - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

With cooler temperatures and the emergence of vibrant red and orange hues, fall is upon us, which means camping season is here. Bundle up! These are the top places to camp in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.

Make it a family vacation.

Big Meadow Family Campground (RV only)

It’s no surprise the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds named this RV park its National Small Park of the Year in 2013 and 2019. They offer easy in, easy out pull-through campsites on concrete pads and patios, protected by 24/7 security. Their full hook up sites include water, sewer, major cable, Wi-Fi and 30/50 AMPs. And with a dog park, workout room, splash pad, basketball court and corn hole, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.

Townsend Great Smokies KOA (RV, tent and cabin)

With recreational activities abounding, including an outdoor cinema, a playground, a basketball court, wagon rides, a pool, bike and tube rentals, tie-dyed t-shirts and more, Townsend Great Smokies KOA is a great family vacation destination. Rough it in a tent, park an RV and plug into 50 AMPs, or book a cabin. Deluxe cabins feature private bedroom(s), bathroom, patio with a grill, and full linens. You can even stay right on the Little River.

Little River Campground & RV (RV, tent and cabin)

Little River Campground is a great place to make memories with your family. Go tubing in the Little River, swim in the pool, or play in the game room. There are arts/crafts to do on Fridays, including souvenir t-shirt decorating, and there are hayrides on Saturdays. The campsite has 30/50 AMPs, Wi-Fi and Direct TV.

Go on an adventure.

Twin Valley B&B Horse Ranch (Cabin and primitive shelter)

If you’re down for an adventure, consider camping at Twin Valley B&B Horse Ranch. They offer horseback trail riding and miniature horse hiking, and you can swim and fish in a spring fed pond on your own time. Lodge in a fully furnished cabin, or backwoods “rough it” in a one-room, four-sided primitive shelter. To make things easy, they can even pick you up and drop you off at the airport.

Keep it simple.

Riverstone Campground (RV and tent)

Perhaps, you aren’t about the razzle dazzle of most campgrounds. Riverstone Campground offers a more rustic experience. It has shaded and riverfront campsites, which come with a fire pit a picnic table and a nearby bathhouse, It also has places to park your RV. Tent sites start as low as $25 a night, with discounts available for extended stay.

Keep it classy.

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort (RV, tent and cabin)

If you like glamping, you’ll like Little Arrow. You can bring your tent or RV, or you can stay in a heated platform tent, Airstream trailer, cabin or tiny home. The resort has a full calendar of activities for everyone in the family to enjoy, as well as a Spa, community garden, pool/hot tub, cabana, dog park, food truck area and gift shop.

Dancing Bear Lodge (Cabin)

If glamping is still too rustic for you, Dancing Bear Lodge provides the “in nature” experience, without the hassle. Dancing Bear is a full-service Lodge with hotel-like amenities, like daily housekeeping and complimentary snacks. Their cabins and cottages have access to two miles of hiking trails, so you’ll never be too far away from outdoor exploration.

Stay on the Little River.

Mountaineer Campground (RV, tent and cabin)

If you’re looking for the full Smokies experience, Mountaineer Campground is just a half mile from the entrance to the national park. There are a variety of sites to choose from, including ones right on the trout stocked river, with 30/50 amp service. If glamping’s more your speed, there are also cabins with kitchen and bath. In your downtime, enjoy the wildlife photo gallery, playground, pool, pavilion, cable TV and Wi-Fi.

Whispering River Resort (RV, tent and cabin)

Whispering River Resort has more direct river access than any other resort or campground in the area—and it’s yours to enjoy. Go kayaking, enjoy the swimming beach or simply walk the trails. Then, kick back at the bonfire area or pool. Tent and 30/50 AMP RV sites, as well as cabins, are available. There’s even a meeting room and an event center.

Lazy Daze Campground & Motel (RV, tent and cabin)

This family-owned and operated campground has a mix of cabins and campsites—including ones right on the river. Take a splash in the pool, or let your kids get their wiggles out on the playground. Wind down with complementary cable and Wi-Fi. With 24/7 laundry, bathhouses and 30/50 AMPs, this Lazy Daze has all the essentials.

For some fun camping ideas, check out the blog posts below:

Visit Cades Cove

Gourmet S’more Ideas

Learn About the History of the Region with a Tour of Cades Cove

Posted on March 1, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

If you are coming to the Townsend, TN area for a vacation, a trip into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must. And if you really want to learn all about the history of the region, then the best place to do so is by taking a tour of Cades Cove.

A First-Hand View of Cades Cove

If you are looking for a first-hand experience of what it must have been like to live here “back in the day,” then you have only to go inside the park and visit Cades Cove. From long walks through the grassy valleys, hikes in the mountains, a chance to see some of the local wildlife, or a walk through the historic buildings, this is the place to be. You and your family can get a taste of what it was like to live here in the early days.
The Cades Cove Loop Road typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to drive, but if you go this fast, you might miss out on a lot. Most of those who come here tend to be here all day since there is so much to see and do.

Things You Might Not Know About Cades Cove

Many of the buildings on display here in Cades Cove have been moved here from elsewhere or were built here after the park opened. For example, the Gregg-Cable House was built out on Forge Creek Road in 1879 by Leason Gregg. Many of the buildings around the John P. Cable Mill have been moved from their original location.
Did you know that the Cades Cove area is the most popular spot in the entire park, bringing in 2 million visitors every year? They come for the hiking trails, the biking opportunities, the spectacular scenery, and the deep history the area has to share with everyone who visits here.

Just Like It Used to Look

Perhaps the one thing that makes Cades Cove the perfect place to learn about the history of the area is the number of historic buildings and structures you get to see as you drive or walk along the route. There are churches, barns, a working grist mill that just got a new waterwheel, plenty of log houses, and many others to see. Make sure you pick up one of the Tour Guide Booklets at the entrance to the loop.
The guide can provide you with a vast amount of information on the various buildings, the park, and the history of the entire region. Be sure you stop by the Cades Cove Visitors Center to learn about the many Park Ranger-led tours scheduled for the day you plan to be here. Between the knowledgeable and friendly staff in the visitors’ center and your tour guide, you can learn all about the history of Cades Cove, the park, and the surrounding area.
When you are all done for the day, be sure you stop back in at the visitors’ center and pick out a few souvenirs to take home with you. No matter what else you do, be sure you take lots of pictures so you can show the folks back home how beautiful the Peaceful Side of the Smokies truly is!

Learn About the Peaceful Side's Native American Heritage

Posted on January 14, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

A recent article out of Maryville, TN asks a very simple question: “Do you know who lived in your house before you did? How about what stood a century ago on the land where your house now sits?” And it is a good question to ask anyone since few of us could explain who may have lived in our family home or on our family’s land. We might guess that Native Americans may have lived in certain areas, but few of us are certain of the facts.
If you are eager to discover the facts about the Native American history of the Great Smoky Mountains region, you have a rare chance to do so thanks to a permanent display created by the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.
Asking just that same question as the one above (Do you know who lived on your land before you?), but increasing the time to ten thousand years, the museum offers a great deal of information as an answer to it.

Looking Back Thousands of Years in the Smokies’ History

The modern city of Townsend, Tenn. was once the home of the Cherokee people. They lived in the region more than ten thousand years ago and inhabited the area today known as the Tuckaleechee Cove area. The Heritage Center has a collection of more than one thousand artifacts by this ancient people, and even had the Townsend Archaeology Project from 1999 to 2001 in order to gather and curate the collection on display.
Because so many people envision pioneers as settling the area, they overlook that there is a great deal more history to discover prior to the pioneer days. Today, there are still Cherokee people in the area, but there is a difference between those who live today and the ancient Cherokee. Historians and archaeologists even have a specific way to describe them, calling them historic Cherokee since their land holdings actually ran from modern day Cincinnati over to Atlanta and eastward to Asheville, NC as well as westward towards Birmingham, AL. They lived through three different periods, known as the Archaic, Woodland and Mississippian, and visitors can see artifacts dating from all three eras of the historic Cherokee peoples.
It is difficult to imagine a time of hunters and gatherers in modern North America, but this is precisely what the historic Cherokee of the Smokies area were. They followed their animal game and foraged for wild foods. Artifacts include some of the actual arrowheads used in hunting, and even fishing tools and household tools like axes. They were also adept with clay pottery and built wooden structures in which to live.
If you want to learn all that you can about these historic people, the Center’s Native Americans of East Tennessee Collection is on permanent display at the Heritage Center and can be viewed whenever you pay a visit to this fascinating destination.

Next to Heaven Ranch Offers Horseback Rides and Zipline Adventures

Posted on April 26, 2019 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Townsend

If you are looking for a great family adventure or two while vacationing on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, look no further than the Next to Heaven Ranch. You can find this spectacular ranch between Pigeon Forge and Townsend on Wears Valley Rd. They have a nice big sign out front; you can’t miss it. Here you will find fun activities for everyone in the family from the youngest to the oldest!

Breathtaking Views

Perhaps one of the reasons so many visitors to the area visit the Next Heaven Ranch, is the breathtaking views as your horseback ride takes you up to the lookout point oat the top of the trail. You never know what you might see on your ride, people report seeing bears, deer, raccoons, and numerous other critters scurrying around in the woods.
What better way to take in all this beauty than from the back of a horse? An outfitter will match each member of your party with a horse and from this point on you’re in the hands of your equine companion for the one-hour long unguided tour. Not to worry, all the horses know exactly where they are going (they have built-in GPS) and won’t let you get lost.
Enjoy the gentle pace, the fresh air, and the chance to let everything go as you take in the beauty of the Smokies. Bring your camera and be sure you take lots of photos to put in your scrapbook or family photo album. When you get stressed-out at home, bring out the pictures and let them take you back to that feeling of complete relaxation!

Let’s Pick Up the Pace a Little

The horseback ride to the top of the mountain is relaxing and should leave you ready for something a little more adventurous. The Next to Heaven Ranch has not one, not two, but no less than nine ziplines for you to check out. Their trained staff will kit you out with all required safety gear, explain how it all works and send you on your way.
In no time at all, you will be soaring out through and over the trees as you fly along one of the longest ziplines in the Smoky Mountains. The views as you zoom along between mountains are spectacular. Depending on which line you take, you may see horseback riders as you cruise over the trail.
If there is one common thread in the comments made by those who have visited the Next Heaven Ranch, it has to be how much they love the staff here. Everyone who works here from the people in the office to the ranch hands helping with the ziplines and horses is very friendly and seems to have an endless supply of patience, especially when it comes to working with the younger guests.
While the horseback rides are unguided, a guide does check in on you during the ride to make sure everything is okay. This is one of the top-rated activities in the Pigeon Forge and Townsend area and somewhere you should plan to visit while you are here.

Peaceful Side Spotlight: Bubba Daniel

Posted on September 21, 2022 by Rachel Coffman - Activities, Blog, Townsend, Uncategorized

Bubba Daniel is a unique and authentic chainsaw artist creating something special in Townsend, TN. You can currently find him and many of his creations on the plot of land behind Cades Cove Jeep Outpost and beside Bigfoot Popcorn. Although presently a work in progress, Bubba has big dreams for the property. He envisions an Art Park named Bubbatown USA, honoring the old traditions like leatherworking, blacksmithing, woodworking, glass blowing, and metalworking, but with a new, modern take. He wants to offer artists and craftspeople the ability to open their minds and play with their art.

Mr. Daniel’s path to chainsaw carving was a meandering and fascinating journey. He was born in Cleveland, TN, and he wasn’t very interested in the traditional school model, but he excelled in two classes, Art and Shop, because of their hands-on approach to learning. He eventually found his way to Austin, TX, and jumped into the music scene, constantly traveling and looking for the next gig. He even toured with guitar player Ryan Bingham, which you may recognize from his role as Walker on the hit TV show Yellowstone. Around this time, he met the talented singer-songwriter Clay Blaker, who taught him to surf. Bubba credits Clay as the person who “gave him the sea.” In fact, he followed Mr. Blaker on a two-month surf trip to Panama, where he ended up staying for eight years.

It was also around this time in his life when he met a fiddle player named Doug Moreland, who also happened to be a skilled chainsaw artist. Intoxicated by this art form, Bubba repeatedly tried to get Doug to train the skillset, but he blew him off, saying it was not an art form you could teach. It wasn’t until Halloween night in 2000 when he finally convinced Doug to give him a chance. He asked Bubba what his first three major cuts would be, and after Bubba demonstrated his ideas, Doug explained he had the visual knack, and beyond those cuts, he needed to embrace his creativity. That opportunity sparked his love for chainsaw art and inspired a career.

The next step in his career took place in Anahuac, TX, which he still calls his adopted hometown. He was actively involved in the community, and they embraced him and his artwork. The city gave him work and confidence to spread his wings and he eventually moved to East Tennessee, where Jason Benson encouraged him to carve at Creative Carvers on Wears Valley Road. Finally, he hungered for something of his own, a place he could spread his wings and experiment with his art form, and landed in Townsend. You can find his art all over town. Still, he credits the opportunity for his most enormous creation (along with many other projects) to Carmen Simpher, the CEO of Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, which houses a monstrous sculpture of Bigfoot. It is a breathtaking feat that he completed over the process of a single winter. If you haven’t seen this piece, I suggest you make those plans as soon as possible.

I have met many people writing for the travel blog, but I have to say Bubba is one of the most fascinating and fun guys I’ve ever met. Bubba’s ultimate vision for Bubbatown USA is to create a destination venue where visitors can stay for a while, enjoying a beverage, some good company, and local musicians while submersing themselves in creative energy and a one-of-a-kind artistic atmosphere. He hopes to foster awareness of the local art scene in Townsend and make it accessible to everyone. He plans to call this sanctuary Bubbatown USA, and we can’t wait to be a part of the process.