From the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Is there anything more fun than the thought of packing up the family RV and hitting the road when the weather is finally heating up? Spring has arrived in the Maryville area, and we’ve got plenty of ways to enjoy the view. If you’re planning to take some RV trips in Maryville or the surrounding…
Are you looking for something to do to shake off the cabin fever of winter? As the weather heats up, there’s always something in the Smokies that is perfect for kids of all ages. But heading outdoors isn’t always the solution. One great way to find fun activities for kids indoors in the area is…
Down a clandestine staircase and through a secret passage is a best-kept-secret, the Emerald Room, modeled after a speakeasy. One of several spaces within Maryville, Tennessee’s Capitol Theatre, this newest addition to the venue conjures images from the 1920s prohibition-era. The Theatre, located on Maryville’s bustling Broadway Street in the historic downtown area, draws both…
Fall foliage season in the Smoky Mountains is nearly upon us, as mountain vistas across East Tennessee don a stunning array of reds, oranges, yellows and deep earthy tones. Blount County, Tennessee, the “Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains,” offers some of the best views during this season, and the opportunity for a quiet escape…
Nestled in the foothills of the scenic Smoky Mountains with a quaint yet vibrant downtown, it’s no wonder Maryville, Tennessee, is recognized for its quality of life. Situated in a prime locale, this East Tennessee city is just 30 miles from picturesque Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, providing hiking trails, stunning…
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…
