Apr 11, 2022
Hidden Treasures in the Peaceful Side
If you are a curious tourist, there are many unique hidden treasures in the Peaceful Side. While you’re visiting, don’t miss out on these local gems such as the Faerie Knoll, Rutherford’s Farm, the Townsend Abbey, Hot Rods 50’s Diner, and much more. See the full list below.
The Bird & The Book
Hours: 4:30pm – 10:00pm (Wed-Sat)
Address: 1509 E. Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37804
Quoted as “Blount County’s home of Counter Culture,” The Bird & The Book is a great place to find unity through diversity. This friendly neighborhood pub offers a fantastic menu, a variety of craft beers, and a wine list that won’t break the budget. Check out their Facebook page to see what’s on the calendar when you are in town. It could be a drag show, live music, a comedy show, trivia night, wrestling, community theater, or a book release…the possibilities are limitless.
Richy Kreme Donuts
Address: 2601 E. Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37804
Hours: 6:00am – Donuts Run Out (Tues-Sat)
Ricky Kreme has been a staple in Blount County since 1939. Their doughnuts offer a variety of new flavor combinations, as well as everyone’s favorites, but you need to get there early because they don’t last long.
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 Little River. Their outdoor seating area overlooks the river, allowing customers 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. They also offer dinner specials each weekend and have been voted “Trip Advisor Top Ten Percent of Restaurants in the World” in 2020 and 2021. This hidden gem is the perfect stop for some refreshments after a day of hiking the Smokies.
Hot Rods 50’s Diner
Address: 373 Hannum St., Alcoa, TN 37701
Hours: Open Daily 11:00am – 9:00pm
Hot Rods is a throwback to simpler times, with its 50’s style decor, including neon lights, pinball machines, and superb service. This family-owned and operated diner offers over 80 different burgers cooked and prepared daily, including vegan options. Click here to see a full menu.
Smoky Mountain “Faerie Knoll“
Where: Hidden off of Twin Creek Trail
Twin Creek Trail is a reasonably easy 4.5-mile hike out and back and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Unfortunately, because of our promise to the faeries, we can’t tell you exactly where their home is, so you’ll have to do a little exploring to find it.
Rutherford’s Farm | Pick Your Own
Address: 337 Mint Rd, Maryville, TN 37803
Hours: Produce available April – December (Mon-Sat)
Rutherford’s Farm started in 1976 with one produce field but has grown to four and offers some of the freshest produce available. They estimate strawberries will be ready to pick 3 to 4 days around April 20th. In addition to strawberries, their Spring season should have green onions, broccoli, cauliflower, green and purple cabbage, various lettuces, beets, zucchini, and yellow crook-neck squash. They also provide beans, tomatoes, and corn during the Summer season, and greens and sweet potatoes in the Fall. For more information, click on their name above for their Facebook page.
Studio 212
Address: 934 E. Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37804
Hours: By Appointment
If you are looking for something a little different on your trip to the Smokies, we recommend trying a pottery class. Studio 212 offers one-time Saturday classes called “Try A Pot,” allowing a spin at the pottery wheel. They also offer private parties where you create and take home one piece of handcrafted pottery. Private parties must include a minimum of 6 people but no more than 16. Click on their name above to get info to schedule classes before your visit.
Rocky Top Rage Room
Address: 1813 E. Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37801
Hours: By Appointment
Need a break from the family while visiting the Peaceful Side of the Smokies? Why not embrace your extreme side and get rid of some of that frustration by smashing things? Click on their name above and see which of their six Rage Packages fits your needs.
Cades Cove Cellars
Address: 7126 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882
Hours: – Thurs 10:00am – 5:00pm, Sat 10:00am – 6:00pm, &
Sun 11:00am – 5:00pm
Two generations of the Birkholz and Reed families founded Cades Cove Cellars, offering 80 years of combined experience in the winemaking industry. The team has been working together for 12 years, keeping fresh fruit and trusted recipes at the heart of their process. The tasting room was crafted with all local materials, and their hospitality offers a sense of home away from home. The very popular Icewater Springs is April’s wine of the month, which is a blend of locally grown Seyval Blanc grapes and sweet strawberries. Click on their name above for more information.
Birch & Twine
Address: 161 Painted Trillium Way, Townsend, TN 37882
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00am – 5:00pm, Sun 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Birch & Twine is a fairly new addition to the Peaceful Side. They offer many unique gifts, allowing visitors to take a little piece of the Smoky Mountains home.
The Golden Age 1942
Address: 316 Court St, Maryville, TN 37804
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00am – 8:00pm
The Golden Age 1942 is a comic book store for everyone. They stock comics of all types, host events to celebrate the genre, have a game room available for D&D adventures, and offer memorabilia of all kinds. This place is a must-do when you are in the area.
Hoo La La Vintage
Address: 564 N Foothills Plaza Dr, Maryville, TN 37801
Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00am – 5:30pm, Sat 10:00am – 4:00pm
Hoo La La Vintage started with three friends in a garage turning unloved pieces of furniture into one-of-a-kind treasures. And that’s what you will find, a unique gift and home décor destination that exemplifies the southern hospitality you expect from the Peaceful Side.
Bigfoot Popcorn
Address: 8215 TN Hwy 73, Townsend, TN 37882
Hours: Tues-Sat 11:00am – 5:00pm, Sun 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Bigfoot Popcorn is the brainchild of two high school friends, looking to make some money while still in college. Since Bigfoot is known to avoid crowds, it only makes sense that they made their home on the Peaceful Side. Try their signature flavor, Bigfoot Poop, when stopping in for a vintage soda or looking for their retro candy selection.
The Shoppes at Homespun
Address: 1410 Sevierville Rd, Maryville, TN 37804
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00am – 6:00pm, Sun 1:00om -6:00pm
Located in the Old Cherokee Lumber Company, this nostalgic building with its different angles, beams, and open structural layout was the perfect location. The Shoppes at Homespun creates an ideal home for the wonderful vintage and country primitives, antiques, and home decor found inside.
