From the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
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…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Do you believe in ghosts? According to a recent poll, about 39% of Americans do. While Southern Appalachia has become a trending ghost-hunting hotspot on TikTok, the Peaceful Side of the Smokies seems—well, peaceful. You won’t hear many ghost stories floating around Blount County. But in the spirit of Halloween, here…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Art in Public Places, presented by Dogwood Arts, has returned to Blount County with six new outdoor sculptures. These works can now be seen around Maryville and Alcoa, including the Clayton Center for the Arts, the Alcoa Municipal Building, Greenway Village and Pistol Creek near downtown Maryville. Founded in 2007 by…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler From pumpkin carving and spooky runs to concerts, art classes and Halloween bashes, October brings fall color and festive fun across Blount County. Here’s what’s happening this month: October 10 – Clay Handbuilding Class: Pumpkin Get your hands muddy in this guided clay handbuilding workshop at Creative Spark Studio from 5:30 to…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler While some national park services are limited during the federal shutdown, Townsend and Blount County remain open and welcoming. Great Smoky Mountains National Park itself is still accessible, but with fewer staffed facilities, some visitors may want additional options to round out their trip. Tourism is essential here. In 2024, visitors…
Blount County and the Townsend community remain open and welcoming to visitors while federal agencies operate with reduced staffing. We are closely coordinating with Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) officials and local emergency services to prioritize visitor safety and protect our natural and cultural resources. What visitors should know now: Townsend & Blount County…
