From the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Written by: Emily Huffstetler A Peaceful Side wedding marries breathtaking mountain scenery with ease of access. Loved ones from afar can fly in at the McGhee Tyson airport, a quick drive from a multitude of incredible venues. Here’s a glimpse of our favorites. Blackberry Farm – Walland Up to 140 guests A Blackberry Farm wedding…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler In the weeks leading up to Christmas, children in Blount County wrote letters to Santa Claus for publication in the local newspaper. These letters, spanning the 1920s through the 1960s, record Christmas wishes and everyday life across the county. The 1920s In the 1920s, Blount County was still rural, and Christmas lists…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Sometimes, the best gifts don’t fit under the tree. They’re the memories you make with the people you love and the stories you’ll tell for years to come. Here are our favorite giftable experiences on the Peaceful Side. For the Outdoor Adventurer: A Day Out with Smoky Mountain Guides Smoky Mountain Guides offers guided day hikes for all levels,…
RT Lodge announced the retirement of General Manager Gary Doyle, whose leadership has shaped the property for more than two decades. Doyle will remain on RT Lodge’s board of directors but will pass the role of general manager to seasoned hospitality executive and Blount County native Kelley Harris at the end of this month. RT…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler No need for a DD this holiday season. Daisy’s Non-Alcoholic Bar and Bottle Shop is Maryville’s hot new hub for sober fun. Across the country, more people are rethinking their relationship with alcohol. Recent national surveys show that 49% of American adults say they’re actively trying to drink less. Meanwhile, Gallup finds that only 54% of U.S. adults say they…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler From tree lightings and makers markets to concerts, fun runs and cozy workshops, December on the Peaceful Side is full of festive fun. Here’s a preview of what’s happening this month, with a late November event to kick things off. November 29 – City of Maryville Tree Lighting Wrap up the downtown holiday market with the City of Maryville…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler While fall gets all the fame, winter is a magical time to hike the Smokies. With the leaves down, the mountains open up, revealing views you’d never see otherwise. Here are our top tips for making the most of it, while staying safe. The higher you climb, the colder and more…
The Downtown Maryville Alliance in partnership with the City of Maryville, the Blount Partnership and the Clayton Center for the Arts announced that it has been awarded a multi-year grant of $36,000 in matching funds to present a free outdoor music series at the Charles West Amphitheater at Jack Greene Park in 2026, 2027, and…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Whether you’re hunting for a gift from the heart, a new ornament for the tree or just a little extra holiday cheer, local makers have you covered. Here’s a preview of holiday markets on the Peaceful Side. November 15 – Maryville Farmers’ Market Holly Day Market The Maryville Farmers’ Market wraps…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler With an abundance of new places to dine, shop and play, downtown Maryville is undergoing a revival. Behind the scenes, city archivist Mark Bennett is bringing its history back to life. Bennett, a Maryville native, stepped into his role about four years ago. Before that, he worked in genealogy, helping people trace their family trees. “I’ve always been interested in the past ever since I was…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Townsend is the perfect place for a seniors’ day out. You can spend the whole day on fairly flat ground, park close to what you want to see and find plenty of places to sit. Tuesdays and Thursdays are the calmest days to visit, so try to plan for those if…
Amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, the nonprofit Friends of the Smokies will continue to provide funding to ensure Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains open with basic visitor services and limited staffing from Nov. 3, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026. The latest agreement allows the popular Cades Cove Loop Road to remain open to the…
