From the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Mother’s Day weekend is here, and there are plenty of ways to spend it close to home. From brunch reservations to craft classes, here’s what’s happening around Maryville, Townsend and Louisville. Saturday, May 9 Mudder’s Day Madness Mud Run 5K & Fun Run Camp Montvale, 4901 Montvale Road, Maryville, TN 37803 5K at 10 a.m.; fun…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler On Wednesdays from May 6 through Sept. 30, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close Cades Cove Loop Road to motor vehicles. The closure gives cyclists, walkers and runners access to the 11-mile loop without regular car traffic. Here’s what to know before you go. Don’t Count on Early-Morning Parking Vehicle-Free Wednesdays are popular, and parking…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Three routes on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are now part of BikeTN, a statewide program from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development that highlights road and gravel rides across Tennessee. The local additions include a shorter paved ride in Townsend, a gravel climb into Cades Cove and a longer Foothills Parkway challenge. Townsend Out-and-Back …
Written by: Emily Huffstetler The best memories are made outdoors—and even better with your dog by your side. From morning walks along the river to evenings around the campfire, the Peaceful Side offers plenty of ways to plan a pet-friendly trip. Here’s where to camp, where to eat and what to know before you go. Where to Camp with…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler On the Peaceful Side, there’s still plenty to do after sunset. These nine outings range from synchronous fireflies in Elkmont to live music in Townsend, sunset hayrides in Cades Cove and movies at the drive-in in Maryville. See Synchronous Fireflies Synchronous fireflies are one of the Smokies’ most unusual natural events. For a brief window…
Whether you’re spending Easter weekend in Blount County or just looking for a place to worship while you’re here, there are plenty of local churches to choose from. Here’s a roundup of Easter services happening in Maryville, Townsend and Alcoa. Maryville 1st United Methodist Church, Maryville7:00 a.m. sunrise service at Montgomery Ridge Intermediate School8:15 a.m.…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Just beyond Townsend, a quiet trail leads to one of the Smokies’ best-preserved homesites. Starting at Metcalf Bottoms, the 3.4-mile route passes Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse and follows an old roadbed to a preserved cabin, springhouse and corn crib. Six sisters, all unmarried, lived here together as the surrounding land became Great Smoky Mountains National Park. John and Margaret Jane Walker raised 11…
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…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Little Arrow Outdoor Resort has become one of Townsend’s standout places to stay by offering a version of camping that feels a little more comfortable and a lot more memorable. Located on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, the resort features RV sites, cabins, glamping tents, tiny homes, Airstreams and vacation…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Forget the famous names in history. At the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, one series turns its attention to the daily life of an ordinary settler family in 1830s Blount County. The center’s “A Year in the Life of an Early-American Family: The Davis Family of Seymour, Tennessee, c. 1835” uses the Davis family’s historic log house and…
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, the award-winning culinary heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, is proud to announce it has been awarded a one-star accreditation by The World of Fine Wine in its annual “World’s Best Wine Lists” competition. This global recognition places Dancing Bear among an elite group of establishments worldwide recognized for the quality,…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been the most visited U.S. national park since 1944. With the right stops, the park’s views, history and wildlife can be enjoyed by visitors with a wide range of abilities. Here are our top picks for an accessible summer vacation on the Peaceful Side of…
