From the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Grace (noun)—Unmerited divine assistance. When COVID-19 struck Townsend, Kathy Janke decided to temporarily close Gracehill Bed and Breakfast and devote herself to her art. “I thought, I’ll answer the phone; I’ll take a reservation and pay my bills. But I’m not cooking. I’m not cleaning. I’m just going to work on art,”…
In consultation with local authorities and out of an abundance of caution due to expected inclement weather produced by Hurricane Helene, the Blount Partnership made the difficult decision to cancel the Townsend Fall Heritage and Bluegrass Festival scheduled for September 27-28 at the Townsend Events Center in Townsend. With the safety of attendees, performers, and…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler With winding mountain roads and incredible scenery, it’s no surprise that the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is such a popular biking destination. Make your way down for the second-annual Smoky Mountain Bike Week, set for Sept. 28 to Oct. 5, to experience some of the world’s best riding, check out…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler In February, local leaders unveiled a master plan to revitalize Downtown Maryville, focusing on six key goals: economic investment, expanding housing options, creating interconnected public spaces, promoting placemaking, improving connectivity and accessibility, and broadening the customer base. As Downtown Maryville evolves, its historic charm endures. Take a stroll down Broadway and…
As a gateway to the Smoky Mountains, Blount County ranked eighth among Tennessee’s 95 counties in 2023 visitor expenditures at $576.1 million, a six-percent increase from $543.9 million in 2022, according to the Economic Impact of Travel on Tennessee Counties report issued by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Gov. Bill Lee. On an…
A new National Park Service report shows that 13,297,647 visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2023 spent $2.2 billion in communities near the park. That spending supported 33,748 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $3.4 billion. “I’m so proud that our parks and the…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler In 1900, a Pennsylvanian man named J.W. Fisher found himself in a predicament. The tannery he recently started in Blount County had taken off, producing up to 400 hides a day, and his local tanbark providers couldn’t meet the demand. Meanwhile, in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, a businessman named Colonel W.B. Townsend was…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler Downtown Maryville offers a range of nightlife experiences for visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re interested in live music, a friendly game of pool or a quiet dinner, you’re bound to find a bar or brewery to suit your tastes. Two Doors Down Two Doors Down offers daily entertainment. On Mondays,…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler On the Peaceful Side, the start of the school year doesn’t have to mean the end of summer fun. Your family won’t want to miss out on these exciting weekend adventures planned for August and September. Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival Celebrate the start of the school year with…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler From pool parties to scenic hikes, the Peaceful Side of the Smokies offers a variety of dog-friendly activities. Whether you’re a local resident or just vising the area, there are plenty of opportunities for your furry friend to play, socialize and enjoy the great outdoors. Paws in the Pool – Springbrook…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler The Great Smoky Mountains continues to be the most-visited national park, welcoming over 13 million visitors in 2023. This immense popularity can strain the environment and wildlife. Fortunately, you can reduce your footprint by supporting these local nonprofits. Appalachian Bear Rescue In the past decade, an average of 339 negative human-bear…
Written by: Emily Huffstetler On the Peaceful Side, date night doesn’t have to be same ol’, same ol’. And it doesn’t just have to be for singles. Consider these ideas when you and your significant other want to spend quality time together. Active Adventurers – Townsend Start the morning off exploring Tuckaleechee Caverns, the highest-rated…
