From the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Gary Doyle didn’t want this treasure to remain hidden. For 20 years, RT Lodge in Maryville, Tenn., hosted corporate retreats, weddings and other events in its elegant, secluded setting next to the Maryville College Woods. But by 2016, demand had climbed high enough to justify opening the Ruby Tuesday-owned deluxe hotel and restaurant to the…
Mark Oldham faced a dream disguised as a dilemma. He had sold his business and traveled the world for six months with his wife, Sharon. Now, he was hunting for a fresh career venture. “When we sold the business in Nashville, we could have retired,” Oldham said. “We felt too young to retire, but we…
When realtors Mike and Becky Johnson were charged with the task of selling a stunningly scenic 1,000-acre property along the Foothills Parkway in Blount County, they passed. Instead, they bought the land for themselves and turned it into a camping and fishing haven for their family. The result? Memories that were so special, the Johnsons…
Every autumn travelers journey to the Smoky Mountains from all over the world to experience the crisp air, comfortable temperatures and fall foliage. Affectionately called “leaf peepers,” these visitors seek the best and brightest leaves of the season, stay in the coziest inns and eat popular local cuisine, all at the best rates. Planning a…
With attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; Ober Gatlinburg; University of Tennessee athletics; and Dollywood; hundreds of hiking trails and fishing areas; a seasonably mild climate and as much shopping as one could ask for, it is no surprise that East Tennessee has become a popular tourist destination in the Southeast. While much…
Townsend, Tennessee is known as “the peaceful side of the Smokies,” and for good reason. As visitors drive toward this tranquil town on Highway 321, they are slowly enveloped by towering trees and embraced by the rising hills. A stay here isn’t complete without a blissful ride on the Little River or along the bicycle…
East Tennesseans who live near the Smoky Mountains know their home is a special place. This area is so special, in fact, that it hosts one of the rarest sights in the world: synchronous fireflies in the Smokies. Every year, this species of firefly gathers in the Smokies for their two-week mating season in late…
Maryville College plays host to the annual Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games every May. The home of the fighting Scots seems an appropriate venue for this event, although many of the attendants would say that pairing the words “fighting” and “Scots” is entirely redundant. The festivities commenced on Friday night at the opening gala. People…
Thanks to our friends at the Black Bear Solar Institute, electric vehicle charging stations are now free at various locations across the Peaceful Side!
When strolling through Maryville, passersby may notice a large smoker on the side of the road near downtown. That smoker belongs to Full Service BBQ, a locally-owned outdoor barbecue joint nestled in the same lot on South Washington Street that’s been around since 2007. If you’re looking for the perfect meal to pick up on…
