The Smokies are home to wonders that feel magical—synchronous fireflies, a rainbow waterfall and bioluminescent mushrooms, to name a few. Take a walk on the Peaceful Side and discover fairy villages and a troll bridge nestled in the woods, where fairytales and reality meet.
Fairy Villages in The Townsend River Walk & Arboretum
The Townsend River Walk & Arboretum, nestled between the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway and the Little River, has several enchanting points of interest, including two fairy villages. Maintained by visiting children, these villages spark creativity and invite young imaginations to flourish.
The villages are part of the Children’s Discovery Garden, a lively space filled with activities like a mud pie kitchen, a seesaw, a wooden tent and a sandbox.
As you stroll along the trail, you’ll discover whimsical artwork by local artisans, including wood carvings of spirits and animals, as well as stones decorated with bird paintings. If you look closely, you’ll also spot a tree embracing a road sign and a cave tucked away in the woods.
This hidden gem is free to explore and wheelchair accessible at the north end. Visit the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum website for a preview of what’s in bloom throughout the year.
While many of the structures have been torn down, a few remain, including the “Troll Bridge”. Tucked away from regular foot traffic, this moss-covered stone bridge looks like something straight out of a fairytale.
To reach the Elkmont Troll Bridge, set off on the Little River Trail. About 100 feet in, you’ll see a small side trail that leads to the bridge. Just follow the stone walls, and you’ll soon reach your destination.
Have you found something magical on the Peaceful Side? Share your photos with us on social media (@peacefulsmokies).
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
The Downtown Maryville Alliance in partnership with the City of Maryville, the Blount Partnership and the Clayton Center for the Arts is proud to announce its advancement to the public voting phase for the prestigious Levitt AMP Music Series Grant, a multi-year funding opportunity that could bring a free, outdoor concert series to Maryville beginning in 2026.
This initiative is made possible through a strategic partnership between the Levitt Foundation, a national leader in creative placemaking and community-building through music, and the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, with additional support from the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
The Levitt AMP Music Series Grant provides up to $120,000 over three years to selected Tennessee-based nonprofits to produce a vibrant, inclusive concert series featuring professional musicians across diverse genres. The program is designed to activate underutilized public spaces and foster community engagement through the power of live music. If selected, Maryville would join a network of cities across the country hosting up to 180 free concerts statewide during the 2026–2028 grant cycle.
The Downtown Maryville Alliance has submitted a proposal to host the concert series in the Charles West Amphitheater at Jack Greene Park, transforming it into a dynamic cultural destination for residents and visitors alike. The proposal is now live on the Levitt Foundation website, where the public can cast their vote to help bring this opportunity to Maryville.
How to Vote
Online: Visit levitt.org/vote
Text: Send the keyword MARYVILLE to 877-409-5525
Voting Period: September 5 at 1 p.m. ET through September 15 at 8 p.m. ET
Voters may select up to five proposals
Public voting is a critical component of the selection process, reflecting the Levitt Foundation’s commitment to community-driven programming. The number of votes received will be a key factor in determining the six Tennessee-based finalists, to be announced on November 18, 2025.
“We’re thrilled to be in the running for the Levitt AMP Music Series Grant and excited about the opportunity to bring a free, outdoor concert series to the heart of Maryville,” said Amanda Gillooly, Executive Director of the Downtown Maryville Alliance. “This initiative would not only celebrate the power of live music but also transform an underused public space into a vibrant gathering place for our community. We encourage everyone to vote and help us make this vision a reality—let’s show Tennessee how strong Maryville’s spirit truly is!”
The Downtown Maryville Alliance encourages residents to spread the word and rally support by sharing voting information with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.
For more information and to cast your vote, visit levitt.org/vote.
The Downtown Maryville Alliance in partnership with the City of Maryville, the Blount Partnership and the Clayton Center for the Arts announced that it has been awarded a multi-year grant of $36,000 in matching funds to present a free outdoor music series at the Charles West Amphitheater at Jack Greene Park in 2026, 2027, and 2028. The schedule, along with performing artists, will be released in early 2026.
“We are thrilled to bring the Levitt AMP Maryville Music Series to life at Jack Greene Park,” said Amanda Gillooly, Director of the Downtown Maryville Alliance. “This grant allows us to create a vibrant, welcoming space where our community can come together and celebrate the power of live music. It’s more than concerts—it’s about building connections, supporting local culture, and making downtown Maryville a destination for everyone.”
Levitt Music Series Grants are an exciting, multi-year matching grant program bringing the joy of free, live music to towns and cities across the country. Each Levitt Music Series location presents 7-10 free outdoor concerts per year, injecting new life into underused public spaces and creating joyous, welcoming community destinations. Levitt Music Series Grants encompass several grant opportunities, including the Levitt AMP program that the Downtown Maryville Alliance will be presenting as the Levitt AMP Maryville Music Series.
In a first of its kind collaboration, the Levitt Foundation—a national social impact funder supporting the largest free outdoor concert series in America—has partnered with the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, with support from the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, to award six communities based in Tennessee with multi-year Levitt AMP matching grants, which will bring up to 180 free concerts across the state over three years.
Levitt AMP grants support free, live music in towns and cities with a population of up to 250,000. Levitt AMP concert series reflect the three goals of the Levitt AMP program: Amplify community pride and a city’s unique character; enrich lives through the power of free, live Music; and illustrate the importance of inclusive and vibrant public Places. From rural Alaska to Appalachian Main Streets and Midwestern locales to now six locations in Tennessee, the Levitt AMP Music Series is a catalytic opportunity for towns and cities across America to realize a shared mission—building community through music to create a healthy and thriving future for all.
“Since the Levitt AMP Music Series began ten years ago in 2015, we’ve seen dynamic social and economic impact as nonprofits across the nation activate public spaces through the power and joy of free, live music,” said Sharon Yazowski, President & CEO of the Levitt Foundation. “Levitt concert series are community destinations, brought to life when friends, families, and neighbors of all ages and backgrounds come together for a shared experience. Through this exciting partnership with the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, the Levitt Foundation is thrilled to welcome [Your Organization Name] as a new grantee and watch as the Levitt AMP [Your City/Town] Music Series plays a meaningful role in strengthening the social fabric, creating economic vitality, and adding to the cultural vibrancy of your community.”
Including the Downtown Maryville Alliance, the six Tennessee Levitt AMP grantees represent towns and cities from across the state. In addition to presenting artists hailing from around the world and nation, these music series will also feature award-winning performers and musicians drawn from the vibrant music communities of Tennessee.
“Tennessee has always been a place where creativity and innovation flourish. Building on our proud history and tradition of progress, we are expanding the state’s entertainment sector and driving local economic growth and tourism thanks to this partnership with Levitt. This series will bring Tennesseans together to celebrate the extraordinary talent that defines our state,” said Deputy Governor and Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter.
Combining a total of 34 new and 32 returning grantees, the Levitt Foundation will award over $7 million dollars over the next three years to nonprofits serving towns and cities across the U.S. as part of the Levitt Music Series Grants. Levitt Music Series reach a broad range of communities across America, presenting seasoned, award-winning artists to acclaimed, emerging talent in a wide array of music genres, spanning pop, rock, folk, World music, country, jazz, Latin, children’s shows, blues, and more.
The bridges on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies bring charm to local trails, parks and scenic spots. From unique pedestrian walkways to historic covered bridges, each crossing offers a glimpse into the area’s past and invites exploration. Here are a few of our favorites.
The Sunshine Bridge, a rustic covered bridge in Townsend, connects both sides of the Little River and serves as a link between the past and present. This nearly 190-foot bridge, with its tin roof and graceful arches, was once a one-lane river crossing for vehicles and is now part of the Townsend Historical Trail.
Originally known as the Kinzel Springs or Wilson Bridge, it gained the nickname “Sunshine” in honor of a historic hotel in Townsend. Today, it’s a community landmark offering views of the river and places to walk, bike or even fish. Completed thanks to local leaders, particularly the late Jim Hind, the Sunshine Bridge celebrates Townsend’s heritage while welcoming new memories.
Nestled alongside The Abbey in Townsend, the Dark Island Swinging Bridge accommodates up to four visitors at a time. Known for its gentle sway, the bridge is a fun stop for stretching your legs on the way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or after a hearty meal at a nearby restaurant.
The Joy M. Bishop Bridge, a scenic spot on the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway, offers a view of a tranquil pond where visitors can often see ducks and even the occasional beaver. This bridge, a favorite among walkers and nature enthusiasts, was recently named in honor of Joy M. Bishop (1934–2023).
Bishop had a distinguished 30-year career with the United States Air Force, where she was the first woman to be appointed to the Senior Executive Service. Her dedication to civic service in Blount County extended through volunteer efforts with a wide variety of local organizations.
This pedestrian bridge links Maryville College to the heart of downtown over East Lamar Alexander Parkway. Plans for a new College Street Corridor will soon add an archway over the bridge, along with refreshed sidewalks, lighting and a distinctive tartan-themed crosswalk honoring the college’s Scots heritage. The bridge’s location and proposed enhancements reflect the importance of Maryville College as a vibrant part of the city’s cultural and social scene.
Stretching 225 feet across Highway 129, this pedestrian bridge in Alcoa was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It connects western Alcoa neighborhoods with the scenic Alcoa Greenway, creating a safe and direct path for pedestrians. The bridge is part of a broader greenway system that encourages outdoor activity and exploration for Alcoa residents and visitors.
This bridge is a key feature of the Alcoa Greenway, linking Alcoa High School, Marconi Boulevard and East Edison Street. It is part of a 2.2-mile greenway stretch completed in 2022. Offering picturesque views of Pistol Creek, the bridge gives both residents and students a scenic route for walking, jogging or biking through the area.
The Elkmont Troll Bridge in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park feels like something out of a storybook. Located just off the Little River Trail near the Elkmont Campground, this moss-covered stone bridge arches gracefully over a small creek, creating a magical backdrop for photos.
Do you have a favorite bridge on the Peaceful Side? We’d love to hear about it. Be sure to tag us on social media (@peacefulsmokies).
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
Long rooted in Appalachian traditions of resourcefulness and seasonal cooking, the Peaceful Side of the Smokies has quietly grown into a destination for fine dining. Here, chefs aren’t just drawing on advanced culinary training—they’re working with local farmers and finding inspiration in the Smokies themselves. These are our top picks in Maryville, Townsend and Walland.
The Restaurant at RT Lodge — Maryville
Tucked in the Maryville College woods, The Restaurant at RT Lodge combines rustic charm with a refined, seasonal menu focused on from-scratch cooking. The kitchen makes everything in-house, from pickles to pimento cheese, and sources locally whenever possible. After dinner, guests are invited to enjoy s’mores by the fire pit. This hidden gem was ranked one of the top 13 things to do in Maryville by Southern Living.
About the Chef:
Executive Chef Trevor Stockton brings thoughtful, Southern-inspired dishes to life with precision and creativity. Named one of Plate Magazine’s “Top Chefs to Watch,” he’s helping put Maryville on the culinary map.
Tucked inside a century-old, cathedral-like barn on the grounds of Blackberry Farm, The Barn offers a fine dining experience unlike any other in the region. This James Beard Award-winning restaurant crafts multicourse meals using seasonal Appalachian ingredients—many harvested just steps from the kitchen. Elegant service, a world-class wine cellar and a 300+ bottle spirits list elevate every meal into a celebration.
Please note, the Barn is open to outside guests by reservation only. Availability resumes Winter 2025.
About the Chef:
Executive Chef Cassidee Dabney leads the culinary team with a deep-rooted respect for seasonality and Southern heritage. A New England Culinary Institute grad with a Four Seasons pedigree, she’s earned national acclaim including multiple James Beard nominations and features in Food & Wine and Art Culinaire.
At Dancing Bear, modern Appalachian cuisine takes center stage, rooted in local tradition and elevated with contemporary flair. Known for its warm ambiance and award-winning cuisine, it’s an ideal spot for romantic dinners and special occasions. The bistro has earned national attention, including multiple Travelers’ Choice Awards from TripAdvisor and a spot on OpenTable’s list of the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the U.S.
About the Chef:
Executive Chef Jeff Carter brings deep regional roots and serious culinary pedigree to the table. His elevated approach to comfort food reflects the heart of the Smokies—warm, soulful and beautifully composed. In 2025, he was recognized by Cityview Magazine as the region’s top chef, sweeping first place in appetizer, entrée, dessert and overall experience.
With its upscale-rustic charm and devotion to Tennessee-grown ingredients, The Walnut Kitchen delivers a refined yet approachable dining experience. Set in a restored historic building in downtown Maryville, the restaurant blends Southern hospitality with contemporary culinary technique. The open kitchen, wood-fired grill and thoughtful seasonal menus highlight the best of East Tennessee’s bounty, from prime cuts to heirloom vegetables.
About the Chef:
Executive Chef Jason Scott brings both precision and heart to the kitchen. A Massachusetts native with family ties to the restaurant world, he’s spent the last decade honing his craft in Tennessee. Formerly Executive Chef at Knoxville’s Lonesome Dove, he was named Cityview Magazine’s Top Chef in 2022 (Dessert Category) and now leads the Walnut Kitchen’s culinary team with passion, technique and a love for elevated Southern fare.
Rooted in the Appalachian tradition of the community mill, Foothills Milling Company transforms the spirit of the Smokies into an elegant fine dining experience. What began as a humble 13-table restaurant in Wears Valley has evolved into one of Maryville’s most celebrated destinations, known for its seasonal menus, Southern hospitality and devotion to local sourcing.
Now housed in a historic 1920s-era building once home to a Studebaker showroom, the restaurant honors its heritage through both its name and its philosophy, blending refinement with a deep respect for the land and people of East Tennessee. Dishes are crafted with ingredients from regional producers like Benton’s Bacon, Cruze Farm and Vienna Coffee, celebrating the bounty and resilience of Appalachian foodways in every bite.
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.
Whether you’re searching for a new way to spend time with family or thinking about picking up a relaxing hobby, birdwatching in Cades Cove is hard to beat. The open fields, quiet woods and mountain views make it one of the best spots in the Smokies to see birds up close. From bright bluebirds to rare golden eagles, this guide will help you know what to look for and where to find it.
Tips for Birding Cades Cove
Arrive early: Dawn is peak bird activity.
Drive slow, stop often: Use pull-offs to avoid blocking the loop road.
Scan fence lines and open fields: Many species perch in plain view.
Bring binoculars and a field guide: Even “easy” birds are more fun up close.
Listen first, look second: Calls often lead you to your bird before you see it.
Easy – Great First Targets
These birds are abundant or common here, active in the open and easy to identify even without binoculars.
Eastern Bluebird: Fairly common year-round resident. Brilliant blue and orange, often perched on fenceposts along the loop road.
Wild Turkey: Fairly common year-round resident. Large flocks graze in the fields, sometimes holding up traffic as they cross.
Mourning Dove: Common year-round resident. Soft gray with a gentle coo, often spotted on barn roofs or overhead wires.
Eastern Meadowlark: Common year-round resident. Bright yellow chest with a black “V,” usually singing from a fence rail or post.
Moderate – A Bit More Effort
These birds are less abundant, more skittish or require listening and patience.
American Kestrel: Uncommon year-round resident. A small, colorful falcon that hovers over open fields or perches on high wires, scanning for prey.
Red-headed Woodpecker: Occasional year-round resident. Easily recognized by its striking all-red head and bold black-and-white wings, often found near open woods or dead snags.
Killdeer: Uncommon year-round resident. A plover with a loud, high “kill-deer” call, often seen in open grassy or gravel areas.
Challenging – Seasonal or Rare Treats
These species are uncommon to rare in Cades Cove, often appearing only in certain seasons or during migration.
Bobolink: Uncommon spring migrant. Males sing a bubbly, metallic song from meadows during migration; females are more subdued and harder to spot.
Savannah Sparrow: Uncommon winter and spring migrant. Small and streaky with a faint yellow eyebrow; blends perfectly into tall grass.
Golden Eagle: Rare winter visitor. This massive raptor occasionally soars above the valley, often mistaken for an immature bald eagle.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
On September 2, 1940, thousands gathered at Newfound Gap to dedicate Great Smoky Mountains National Park. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, standing against the backdrop of spruce and fir, promised the land “to the service of the millions of American people.”1
“There are trees here that stood before our forefathers ever came to this continent; there are brooks that still run as clear as on the day the first pioneer cupped his hand and drank from them. In this Park, we shall conserve these trees, the pine, the red-bud, the dogwood, the azalea, the rhododendron, the trout and the thrush for the happiness of the American people,” Roosevelt said.
That moment didn’t come without a cost. When Congress authorized the park in 1926, Tennessee and North Carolina set out to buy nearly half a million acres from private owners. For many residents, the outlook was grim. Offers often amounted to only half of a farm’s value, and when owners resisted, the state invoked eminent domain. More than 5,000 people ultimately left their homes.
By the early 1930s, the park was a patchwork of cut-over timberlands, abandoned farms and rough roads—a challenge only deepened by the Great Depression.
Change arrived in 1933 with Roosevelt’s creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The program put young men to work on conservation and infrastructure projects across the country. In the Smokies, it became the single most important force in shaping the new park.
The first CCC camps arrived that May. Within a few years, there were 22 across the Smokies, with Tennessee sites at Sugarlands, Elkmont, Cades Cove, Greenbrier, Cosby Creek and along the Middle Prong of Little River. At the program’s peak in 1935, 17 camps operated at once—nearly 15 percent of all CCC camps in national parks nationwide.2
From 1933 until the program ended in 1942, enrollees transformed the Tennessee side of the park. They cut and graded trails across rugged ridges and converted logging railroad beds into roads still traveled today, including the Little River Road. Road crews stabilized slopes, laid culverts and rebuilt bridges near Cades Cove and Townsend.3
Stone masonry became one of the CCC’s most lasting signatures. Workers built miles of guardrails and dozens of bridges with locally quarried rock. In Elkmont, they completed the arched stone bridge over the Little River, still in use over 80 years later.
Key sites across the Smokies also bear their imprint. At Newfound Gap, crews landscaped the overlook, created parking areas and erected the Rockefeller Memorial. Near Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), they carved a trail to the summit and, in 1938, raised a 40-foot wooden observation tower. In Sugarlands, they laid the foundation for the park’s headquarters complex.3
The CCC also supported park management, stringing telephone lines, maintaining fire breaks and building nine fire towers with lookout cabins. At Kephart Prong, they constructed a fish hatchery that stocked mountain streams with trout.
In Cades Cove, crews turned their attention to cultural preservation. Between 1935 and 1937, they restored the Cable Mill and moved historic farm buildings to the site, creating the park’s first outdoor museum. They stabilized homesteads belonging to the John Oliver, Elijah Oliver, Henry Whitehead and Peter Cable families, ensuring some of the cove’s oldest structures survived.3
By the time the last camps closed in 1942, more than 4,000 men had passed through 22 Smokies camps.3 What Roosevelt dedicated in 1940 as a promise to the American people was, in large part, the hard work of the CCC.
The CCC’s work also included documenting the landscape. In 1933, a young enrollee named Lester Maynard Moe was assigned to photograph panoramic views from fire towers as part of a nationwide project to map and manage the new parks.
Moe later continued the effort with the National Park Service, producing nearly a hundred sweeping images of the Smokies. His photographs remain among its earliest enduring records.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
In the decades following the Civil War, Maryville was a town in transition. The war had left Downtown Maryville in ruins, and rebuilding came slowly. Brick and frame storefronts began to rise again, and on the city’s edges, new homes appeared. Among them was Indiana Avenue, where Quaker settlers from Indiana purchased land and built homes east of town.
By the 1880s and 1890s, Indiana Avenue had become the preferred address for Maryville’s professors and businessmen. Its hilltop setting beside Maryville College gave the neighborhood special distinction. Founded in 1819 and relocated from downtown after the war, the college drew faculty and administrators to settle nearby, establishing “College Hill.”
Victorian architecture became a defining feature of the street. The J.C. Barnes House (116 Indiana Avenue), with its corner tower and wide porch, remains Maryville’s only true towered Queen Anne. In recent decades, the house was painted pink, earning its neighborhood nickname as “the Pink House.” The house was painted grey in 2019.
The Hershey House (203 Indiana Ave.) shows a restrained Victorian style with weatherboard and shingles, while the E.E. Combs House (128 Indiana Ave.) stands out in brick with Romanesque touches—arched windows and roof dormers.
The turn of the century brought new influences. Colonial revival details—Doric and Tuscan columns, dentil molding and classical sidelights—were added to both new and existing homes. On Court Street, Samuel H. Dunn’s imposing Classical Revival residence featured paired Ionic columns. Several homes on Indiana Avenue were similarly updated with classically inspired porticos.
By 1905, Maryville’s population had grown to about 3,000. Residential development stretched along the ridgeline above Pistol Creek and continued eastward toward the college. The establishment of Alcoa (1914-1920) spurred even more growth.
The early 20th century brought dozens of Bungalows and Craftsman homes, many built from pattern books or even Sears, Roebuck & Co. Kits. These featured large porches, grouped windows, wide eaves with exposed brackets, and hipped or gabled roofs.
These homes belonged to many notable Maryvillians, including Robert Pflanze, President of the Cherokee Lumber Co. (321 Goddard Ave.); W.M. Caldwell, Director of the Bank of Maryville (138 Stanley Ave.); and W.F. Alien of the Maryville Electrical System (304 Indiana Ave.).1
Since the 1940s, very few houses have been built in the neighborhood, but a handful have been subdivided into boarding houses or apartments. In 1989, the Indiana Avenue Historic District (now known as the College Hill Historic District) was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Interested in exploring Maryville’s living museum of historic homes? The College Hill Historic District invites visitors to its annual Fall Home Tour on October 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at www.collegehillhometour.com.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
A Peaceful Side wedding marries breathtaking mountain scenery with ease of access. Loved ones from afar can fly in at the McGhee Tyson airport, a quick drive from a multitude of incredible venues. Here’s a glimpse of our favorites.
A Blackberry Farm wedding unfolds on an enchanting 4,200-acre estate tucked into the foothills of the Smokies. Their wedding packages accommodate up to 140 overnight guests in a variety of luxurious rooms, cottages and private homes.
Indulge in farm-to-table dining, custom menu planning and exclusive access to upscale venues for your events. Leading up to the wedding ceremony, enjoy curated group activities, from clay shooting to guided hikes, along with a wealth of recreational options.
This luxurious 53-acre estate has been owned and operated by the Jopling family for over 30 years, promising exceptional service. Indoor ceremony sites include an upscale party barn, a spacious veranda or an airy tent, while the outdoors offers panoramic mountain views, a dazzling pond and a secluded garden. Any location is available for a private elopement.
Accommodation is available for you and your guests at the Country Manor Inn and Hayloft Sky Cabin, both fully equipped with modern amenities. Just kick back and relax while the experienced staff handles the planning—down to a horse-drawn carriage.
Photo courtesy of Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro.
Up to 200 guests
Experience the magic of a wedding in the Smokies at Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro. This award-winning venue offers exceptional cuisine and a variety of exciting pre-wedding adventures.
Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, their versatile spaces can be customized to suit your vision. Choose from an open-air pavilion, a grand event center, an outdoor lawn with a gazebo, a dining room with a seasonal fireplace or a cozy covered patio.
Willow Oaks is a hidden gem nestled among 150 acres of rolling countryside in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. The venue’s post-and-beam Granary blends rustic charm with modern elegance, offering a warm and inviting indoor space for celebrations of all sizes.
Exchange vows lakeside with breathtaking mountain views as your backdrop, then enjoy an evening by the hand-forged kettle-style fire pit. A spacious covered veranda ensures a seamless event, rain or shine.
Photo Courtesy of Willow Ridge Special Event Center.
Up to 200 guests
Willow Ridge Special Event Center offers tranquility and dreamy mountain views. The venue features a bridal suite, grooms’ quarters and a lodge for family to lounge in. Tie the knot on the scenic ridge or beside the magical Willow Pond. Then, dine and dance the night away at the spacious manor, which features a large fireplace for cooler weather.
Wild Laurel Golf Course boasts private panoramic views of the Smokies. Their clubhouse and veranda are excellent spaces for your ceremony and reception. Make a splash at the pool, bust a move on the dance floor or cozy up by the fireplace—at Wild Laurel, there’s fun for all seasons.
Family-owned and operated, Smith Event Centers truly cares about your special day and offers a variety of indoor and outdoor venues. Their popular Smithview Pavilion is situated on four acres of picturesque green space, but still offers the conveniences of the indoors—climate-controlled suites, a kitchen and restrooms.
The historic Browns Creek Bridge, which formerly served as the gateway between the city of Maryville and Townsend, is the perfect spot for a romantic elopement. This moss-covered bridge offers a lush backdrop for your intimate moment (and great photos). With the additional ceremony package, you can invite up to 50 of your loved ones.
Concealed in a secluded forest on the historic Maryville College campus, just a few minutes’ drive from the regional airport, RT Lodge offers the perfect balance between serenity and accessibility.
From Friday through Sunday, the property is all yours—elegant dining rooms and common areas, outdoor leisure space and an array of ceremony and reception options. The professionals at RT Lodge guide you through the planning process, and the chef designs his menus based on the best the season has to offer.
This 5,000 square foot venue provides plenty of room for celebration, accommodating up to 350 guests. Originally built in the 1930’s, the space has a life of its own, featuring rustic brick walls and elegant vintage décor. Your guests will enjoy free parking and the quaint outdoor patio.
Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Maryville, this lively 7,000 square foot venue can accommodate up to 100 seated guests. It has a private room for intimate gatherings, a prep/catering kitchen, upscale restrooms and a newly refurbished elevator. A variety of additional amenities are available, including a contemporary bar and bar service, bridal lounge and more.
This venue, nestled in the heart of Townsend just minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers an all-in-one mountain wedding escape. The two-level event lodge accommodates up to 240 guests, while up to 130 newly renovated rooms and suites keep everyone just steps from the celebration. With flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, trusted catering partners and resort-style amenities, it’s easy to turn your wedding day into a full Smoky Mountain getaway.
White Star Station, located in Historic Downtown Maryville, brings history to life. The building was erected in 1800 and housed Maryville’s first bus line in 1926, before becoming a magical place to say, “I do” in 2020. At 10,000 square feet, it’s one of the most spacious venues on the Peaceful Side, able to accommodate up to 350 guests and customizable to your desires. Their creative partners can help you design the finer details of your wedding, from entertainment to hair and makeup.
Start your married life on 263 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, surrounded by charming historic buildings. Maryville College and the Clayton Center for the Arts, located on campus, have a variety of picture-perfect spots to choose from. If your wedding is planned for June or July, they even offer overnight housing and meals for your out-of-town guests.
This unique old Hollywood-style venue is an eight-time Wedding Wire Couples’ Choice Awards winner. Receive a stylish introduction when the red curtains reveal you and your sweetheart against a sparkling starry backdrop. The performance stage, 30-foot silver screen, dance floor, and state-of-the art sound and lighting will make the momentous occasion even more special.
Photo courtesy of the The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint.
Up to 100 guests
The Shed brings a fun, laid-back twist to your special day with live-music vibes, Southern barbecue and plenty of character. Host your celebration in the Smokin’ Monkey Lounge, ideal for up to 100 guests standing or 50 seated, or customize an outdoor pavilion package that fits your vision. With in-house catering, a dedicated bartender and flexible bar options, it’s easy to throw a memorable, music-filled wedding or rehearsal dinner right next to Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson.
Nestled beneath J. Danforth Mercantile in Historic Downtown Maryville, The Landmark is an intimate brick-lined venue with a classic wood bar and fireplace, ideal for rehearsal dinners, showers and micro-weddings. With space for up to 130 guests and easy downtown parking, it’s a relaxed spot for low-key celebrations in the heart of Maryville.
Photo courtesy of The Barn Event Center of the Smokies.
Up to 200 guests
Located minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Foothills Parkway, The Barn Event Center of the Smokies offers indoor and outdoor wedding spaces with award-winning gardens and a Cantilever Barn. The venue includes a great room with exposed beams and a vaulted ceiling, plus a built-in stage and dance floor. Onsite catering is available, along with AV equipment, lighting, banquet accommodations and a bridal suite for getting ready.
Are you planning a wedding on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies? We’d love to hear about it. Be sure to tag us on social media (@peacefulsmokies).
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
When COVID-19 struck Townsend, Kathy Janke decided to temporarily close Gracehill Bed and Breakfast and devote herself to her art.
“I thought, I’ll answer the phone; I’ll take a reservation and pay my bills. But I’m not cooking. I’m not cleaning. I’m just going to work on art,” Janke said.
Janke had dabbled in oil painting for about 45 years, producing a piece about every five years. Given the unique opportunity to pursue her work seriously, she created seven paintings and 24 baskets in just a couple months.
When Janke reopened the B&B, her guests found themselves surrounded by her artwork and expressed interest in purchasing it.
To her delight, she sold everything.
“At that point, I thought, instead of retiring, I think I’ve got one more business in me,” Janke said.
Janke had previously pursued a variety of professions and ventures. She majored in Biology at Northern Illinois University, which led to an 11-year career in policework. Then, she and her mother moved to Townsend and spent the next decade running Little River Village Campground (now the Townsend KOA). Afterwards, Janke pursued landscaping.
Janke built Gracehill Bed and Breakfast and operated it for 20 years before deciding to establish Gracehill Fine Art & Basketry, her very own gallery.
Photo courtesy of Kathy Janke.
“I made that decision when I was 66. I didn’t think it was going take me until I was 70 to flip the open sign, but that’s how long it was,” Janke said.
Visitors to Gracehill Fine Art & Basketry are pleasantly surprised by what they discover. Janke’s alcohol ink paintings and Southern Long Leaf pine needle baskets transcend traditional techniques and reflect the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Photos courtesy of Kathy Janke.
Unlike slow-drying oil paints, alcohol inks offer “spontaneity and brilliant color,” Janke said. She made the transition to this medium during the pandemic, finding it to be gentler on a recent shoulder replacement. Through alcohol inks, Janke captures the park’s incredible vistas and flora.
In a roundabout way, Janke discovered pine needle basketry through her late father. While she was away at college, he gave oil painting lessons to a little girl who lived next door. After he passed away at 48, Janke’s mother chose to give the art supplies to the neighbor, knowing she’d put them to good use.
Janke’s neighbor had dreams of studying art in college, but her parents disapproved, leading her to pursue a career in heating and air conditioning instead. Decades later, after taking time off work due to cancer, she was cleaning out her basement and stumbled upon the old art supplies.
“She started dabbling, and now she’s an award-winning pastel artist recognized nationally,” Janke said.
“In her spare time, she started weaving pine needle baskets. I saw one on her Facebook page and thought that I wanted to try it one day. So, when Covid hit, I did,” Janke said.
It turned out to be even more exciting than Janke expected.
Photos courtesy of Kathy Janke.
“I love pine needle basketry because there’s no pattern. You can take it in any direction you want to go. And the basket really does speak to you as you’re working on it, and gives you input on what’s good and what isn’t.”
Janke teaches classes on both of her favorite mediums. She offers a six-hour class on creating landscapes with alcohol ink and another six-hour class on floral designs. She also teaches a six-hour class on long-leaf pine needle coiling with a porcelain center, as well as a two-day class that involves coloring gourds with alcohol ink before coiling.
Students at any skill level are welcome.
“Artists that are very good in one medium usually can slide into another medium a little easier, but, by far, the majority of my students have no artistic background. They have never experimented with art before but are interested. Some are just doing it as a pleasant way to spend the day, and others really want to learn,” Janke said.
Janke provides everything but lunch. As a self-proclaimed “professional collector of art supplies for 45 years,” she’s happy to share.
“It’s not like you go out and make a $150 purchase of a pastel set and paper and whatever [else]. You have everything you need to practice and see if it’s something you want to continue with,” Janke said.
Janke will teach two classes in Tellico Village in March, but she plans to hold everything else at her gallery throughout December and February, March and April 2025. Those interested can call or email Kathy Janke. Her contact information is on her website.
“From policework, to the campground, to landscaping, to the B&B and now this—I feel like, at 70, this is probably my last job,” Janke said with a chuckle. Most days, except Tuesdays, you can find her at her gallery located at 110 Mountain Ave in Townsend.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend, TN is excited to announce Grammy Award-Winning artists, The Infamous Stringdusters performing “Live on the Lawn” on Thursday, July 7th, 2022 @ 7:30 pm. This will be an intimate concert event, with only 500 tickets available. The show will open with the Sweet Lillies.
Dancing Bear Lodge boasts an outdoor event venue and has created the most intimate concert setting on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. “We are excited to host a band as popular as the Stringdusters on our unique Lawn,” says Director of Operations Houston Oldham, “Our venue is one of the most incredible spaces in the Smokies. Guests will get to enjoy the show on an amphitheater style lawn, but with less than 500 people. You won’t get to see the Stringdusters like this again!”
The optional pre-show dinner will be an Appalachian BBQ theme, featuring house smoked baby back ribs, brisket, pulled pork, white BBQ chicken, and an array of Southern-style fixings. The meal will be prepared on site using fresh vegetables from the property gardens and locally sourced and in-house smoked meats and ingredients.
The Infamous Stringdusters will be debuting their 2022 Album release “Into The Fray” Inspired by self reflection and a strong sense of solidarity, the project documents the Grammy Award-winning group’s remarkable growth as instrumentalists as well as songwriters. Released on their own label, Americana Vibes, the collection also firmly establishes the band’s stature on the modern acoustic music landscape, where they’ve built a solid and enduring fan base among traditional and progressive audiences alike.
Tickets are currently available online at www.dancingbearlodge.com. For more information on the concert and ticket options, please visit here.
The Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon and 5K returns to Townsend this year and will take place on September 10 and 11. Participants can race through trails with breathtaking views in an experience they will never forget, whether it be the 13.1 mile half marathon or the 5K “Fun Run.”
The Smokies are America’s most visited national park because of the peaceful areas, picturesque mountains, and wide range of plant and animal life. Runners will have the time of their lives experiencing this magnificent place.
Vacation Races, the organization hosting the event, selects some of the top places in the country for their races.
A race expo, with bib and packet pickup, will take place on Friday, September 10 at Talley Ho Inn located at 8314 TN-73 in Townsend, Tennessee from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Runners will receive a race shirt and are encouraged to bring a bag for vendor giveaways.
All parking will be located at the finish line at Talley Ho Inn with a shuttle to the start line at Heritage High School. The half marathon is set to start at 7 a.m. on Saturday, September 10.
Runners in the 13.1-mile half marathon will ascend over 700 feet and reach a maximum elevation of 1,156 feet. The beautiful views atone for the mostly uphill course.
The 5K “Fun Run” follows the Townsend Historical Trail. It will occur the evening before the half marathon on Friday, September 10 at 6:15 p.m. at Talley Ho Inn.
Those who are up for an extra challenge can enter the Black Bear Double which includes both the half marathon and 5K. These runners will receive additional double medals and one special swag item chosen at registration.
If runners complete the “club hikes” within 72 hours of finishing their race, they will receive a special medallion. These hikes include the Bunion Club, an eight-mile hike along Charlie’s Bunion Trail, or the LeConte Club, a more difficult 11-mile hike along Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, the third-highest peak in the Smokies. A small pin can also be earned by completing the “Trifecta” that includes activities like visiting Cades Cove, Laurel Falls, and Clingman’s Dome. Details and rules for the clubs and trifecta can be found on the race website.
The Townsend area offers many options for lodging, but places book quickly. McGhee Tyson Airport is only a 30-minute drive to Townsend and has on-site rental cars. For those traveling from home, there is access through several major highways.
The Blount Partnership Director of Tourism Kim Mitchell finds the convenient travel to the Smokies critical because runners come to the area from over 30 states.
“The Townsend area of the Smoky Mountains is serene and remote, yet it still has the necessary easy access and transportation,” said Mitchell. “We’re excited to host visitors for the race once again, and we hope they have an incredible time surrounded by nature in the one-of-a-kind national park while enjoying our diverse selection of restaurants and accommodations.”
For more information or to register for the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon and 5K, visit the race website at greatsmokymountainshalfmarathon.com.
Recent Comments