From the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Written by: Emily Huffstetler On the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, veterans who have served our country continue to serve the community through their businesses. This Veterans Day and throughout the year, giving back can be as simple as choosing where to eat, shop or stay. Here are just a few veteran-owned businesses to consider. …
Smoky Mountain seasonal celebrations peppered with warm gatherings, festivals and holiday happenings are getting underway in the Greater Smokies Region. From mountain-town merriment to twinkling Christmas lights and tables filled with Appalachian comfort food, the region offers a season full of reasons to gather, celebrate and slow down. On the Peaceful Side of the Smokies,…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Located next to Maryville and home to McGhee Tyson Airport, Alcoa has miles of connected greenways and local places to eat and shop. Here’s how to spend a day exploring the city. Start the Morning at SpringBrook Farm Begin at SpringBrook Farm, a growing shopping and dining development on the former…
The Parkman Resort announces the opening of Ranger’s Smokehouse & Market next week in the historic Carriage House Restaurant space. Developed in partnership with Bryan Lewis, Ranger’s builds on his award-winning Highlands Smokehouse in Highlands, North Carolina, and brings together the craft of barbecue, the flavors of East Tennessee, and the welcoming spirit of the…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler As the story goes, a man was chased all the way to his front porch by a mysterious cat. Exhausted from running, he stopped to catch his breath. Then, the cat spoke. “Some footrace we had.” The man wasn’t interested in conversation. He replied, “Not like the one we’re going to…
Two Blount County restaurants were recognized at the 2026 MICHELIN Guide American South ceremony held in Nashville on October 21, 2026. After opening last fall, The Raven, an upscale steakhouse backed by Gemini Hospitality in Maryville, landed a recommended spot on the Michelin Guide. Additionally, The Restaurant at RT Lodge was highlighted for the second…
This week, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the second annual restaurant selection for the 2026 MICHELIN Guide American South at a ceremony that took place at The Pinnacle in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Two Maryville restaurants earned a spot on the Amercan South’s 2026 Recommended restaurants list. Raven Steakhouse made the list for the first time and…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Whether you’re stopping for coffee, sitting down to dinner or looking for something sweet, there’s plenty of fall flavor to discover on the Peaceful Side. Apple butter chai, pumpkin tiramisu, squash-and-pear pasta and cranberry cocktails are just a few of the seasonal specials available across Maryville, Alcoa and Townsend. Coffee Shops …
Written by: Emily Huffstetler October is in full swing on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, and the calendar only gets busier as the month goes on. From community festivals and craft fairs to haunted attractions, horror films and costume contests, here’s what’s ahead through Halloween weekend. Maple Lane Maze and Tennessee Terror Maple Lane Maze is…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler In 1945, James Baldwin “J.B.” Shelton put his memories of mountain life on paper. He was writing to Elkmont summer resident Maidee DeLoche Adams, who was collecting his photographs and recording information about the people and places in them. Shelton wrote about the Walker Sisters from a perspective few others could. He…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Fall has long been one of the defining seasons of the Southern Appalachians. From the trails and streams to local markets and restaurants, here are eight ways to experience it on the Peaceful Side. Fall color arrives gradually. Elevation stretches the season over several weeks, with leaves beginning to turn high…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler In just a few weeks, the summer heat will break, and East Tennessee will be ablaze with fall foliage. What better way to experience this spectacular transition than a camping trip? Since the Great Smoky Mountains is the nation’s most-visited national park, it’s a good idea to start planning early. Just…
