From the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Written by: Emily Huffstetler The Peaceful Side of the Smokies is home to three of Tennessee’s top public school systems and two distinguished private institutions, but excellence here extends far beyond the classroom. This fall, choose from a variety of fun, active and educational afterschool programs for your child or teen. Mountain Challenge – Camp…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Scouting out vegetarian options in the American South can feel like an Olympic sport. Even a simple bowl of grits might hide sausage, and house salads often come topped with bacon by default. When you’re on a family vacation, the last thing you want is to be that person holding up…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Looking for a unique way to celebrate Independence Day this year? Escape the usual hustle and bustle and enjoy a serene July 4th on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Here, you can immerse yourself in family-friendly festivities, breathtaking views and local flavors. Watch Fireworks Every year, the City of Townsend…
On the Peaceful Side, a heat wave doesn’t have to mean cancelled plans. There’s plenty of ways to keep cool—inside, on the water and even underground. Here are our favorites for beating the summer heat. Savor a Frozen Treat The Capitol Theatre Ice Cream Parlor is a local favorite for cooling off with a cone…
Downtown Maryville will be buzzing with energy this weekend (June 20–21) as it hosts two exciting events celebrating the start of summer in East Tennessee. The festivities kick off with Summer on Broadway, a two-day celebration featuring live music, local vendors, food trucks, a classic car show and the always-popular Smoky Mountain Dock Dogs competitions. On…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler This weekend, the Townsend Mercantile celebrates its second anniversary, carrying on a name once tied to the town’s early logging days. While the shop isn’t connected to the original company store that served the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company more than a century ago, both have shared a similar purpose:…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler The Great Smoky Mountains have a way of leaving you speechless—where words fall short, the landscape speaks for itself. Luckily, a few people have managed to capture its magic. From Franklin D. Roosevelt to Dolly Parton, here are some of our favorite quotes about the Smokies. Dolly Parton, in Her Own…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler As you drive into the Smokies from Townsend, the Peaceful Side, roll down your windows and listen. That sound? It’s the Little River, running right alongside you. Centuries ago, these waters sustained the Cherokee people. In the early 20th century, the river’s path became the route for the Little River Railroad, which…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler As temperatures climb in the region, taking a dip in the Tennessee River or pool seems like the perfect way to cool off. These are our favorite places to swim on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Townsend Campgrounds with a Pool If you’re planning a weekend getaway in the Smokies,…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler While Maryville may be situated in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, its music scene is anything but quiet. Rich in talent, heart and heritage, this small town has produced an impressive range of nationally recognized artists. Here are six Maryville natives who’ve made their mark on the music world. Every…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Long rooted in Appalachian traditions of resourcefulness and seasonal cooking, the Peaceful Side of the Smokies has quietly grown into a destination for fine dining. Here, chefs aren’t just drawing on advanced culinary training—they’re working with local farmers and finding inspiration in the Smokies themselves. These are our top picks in…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Eating out doesn’t have to cost a fortune, especially in Maryville and Alcoa. Whether you’re after tacos, burgers, soups or something more unique, these locally owned spots offer good food without the markup. Here’s a guide to places where you can eat well for $16 or less. REO Cheesewagon Cafe (Alcoa) …
