Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro has been named to OpenTable’s 2026 Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America, earning the distinction as the only restaurant in East Tennessee to appear on the national list.

Based on more than 14 million verified diner reviews, the honor recognizes restaurants that consistently deliver exceptional food, service, and atmosphere. For Dancing Bear, the recognition reflects a long-standing commitment to creating meaningful guest experiences rather than chasing trends.

“There’s a lot of noise in the restaurant world,” said Houston Oldham, VP of Operations, “but what really matters is the table in front of us. Romance lives in the details—the way you’re welcomed, the pace of the evening, the quiet moments that happen naturally.

Whether it’s a proposal, an anniversary, or a Tuesday night dinner, those details are what keep people coming back.”

Led by Executive Chef Je\ Carter, the Bistro is known for refined Appalachian cuisine served in a warm, intimate setting that resonates with both visitors and locals alike.

Located in Townsend, Tennessee—the Peaceful Side of the Smokies—Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro continues to be a destination for memorable dining rooted in Appalachian hospitality.

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is honored to announce that it has been awarded with TripAdvisor’s prestigious Top 25 Fine Dining Restaurants in America for 2023.

This accolade is bestowed upon a select few restaurants in the world who have consistently received outstanding reviews and opinions from the TripAdvisor community over a 12-month period. Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro not only earned this esteemed recognition worldwide, but also secured a place in the top 25 fine dining restaurants in the United States.

TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards are known for celebrating excellence in the travel and dining industry. These awards are granted to businesses that consistently deliver exceptional experiences and have met TripAdvisor’s rigorous trust and safety standards. Less than 1% of the 8 million listings on TripAdvisor receive the Best of the Best recognition, underscoring the remarkable achievement and commitment to excellence that Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro has demonstrated.

“We are absolutely delighted to receive the TripAdvisor Top 25 Fine Dining Restaurants in America Award,” said Mark Oldham, CEO at Oldham Hospitality, which owns Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro. “This recognition reflects the dedication and passion of our entire team to provide exceptional Appalachian-inspired cuisine and unparalleled dining experiences. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal patrons and the TripAdvisor community for their continued support and outstanding reviews.”

Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro has become a culinary destination known for its locally-sourced, farm-to-table fare and its comfortable rustic ambiance. The restaurant’s commitment to crafting innovative dishes inspired by the Appalachian region, combined with its picturesque natural surroundings, has made it a favorite among travelers and locals alike.

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro has consistently received glowing reviews from diners who have praised its culinary creativity, attentive service, and inviting atmosphere. This consistent stream of above-and-beyond feedback has culminated in this prestigious accolade.

As one of the top 25 restaurants in the nation, Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro continues to set the standard for excellence in the hospitality industry. This award is a testament to their dedication to providing an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.

For more information about Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro and to make reservations, please visit www.dancingbearlodge.com.

View complete list.

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is proud to announce that, for the second consecutive year, it has earned a place among TripAdvisor’s Top 1% Fine Dining Restaurants worldwide for 2024. This prestigious accolade underscores the restaurant’s commitment to delivering unforgettable culinary experiences and consistently earning outstanding reviews from the TripAdvisor community.

Being recognized in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for two years in a row is a testament to Dancing Bear’s relentless pursuit of excellence. The award is given to less than 1% of the 8 million businesses listed on TripAdvisor and celebrates those who consistently offer remarkable experiences while meeting rigorous trust and safety standards.

“We are beyond thrilled to be recognized again among the finest dining establishments in the United States,” said Mark Oldham, CEO of Oldham Hospitality. “Our team’s passion for showcasing Appalachian-inspired cuisine and creating memorable dining moments for our guests is at the heart of what we do. This award belongs to our entire team and to the guests who continue to support us with their kind reviews.”

Nestled in the tranquil beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is celebrated for its locally sourced, farm-to-table approach to Appalachian cuisine. Diners have praised the restaurant’s innovative dishes, attentive service, and inviting rustic ambiance—-qualities that have earned this repeat distinction.

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, the award-winning culinary heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, is proud to announce it has been awarded a one-star accreditation by The World of Fine Wine in its annual “World’s Best Wine Lists” competition.

This global recognition places Dancing Bear among an elite group of establishments worldwide recognized for the quality, curation, and character of their wine programs. The World of Fine Wine awards are judged by a distinguished panel of world-leading wine critics and Masters of Wine.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from such a respected global authority,” said Houston Oldham, Director of Operations for Oldham Hospitality. “The World’s Best Wine Lists awards are essentially the Michelin stars of the wine world, and earning this accreditation validates our commitment to excellence. It’s a reflection of our team’s dedication to providing a world-class experience right here in Townsend.”

The Bistro’s wine program, which features over 300 labels, is designed to complement the “Appalachian Bistro” concept—a blend of rugged mountain tradition and refined technique.

“Our goal was to build a list that feels both adventurous and deeply intentional,” said Michelle LaBorde, Sommelier at Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro. “Receiving this star is a tribute to the storytelling we do through each bottle. We strive to find wines that respect the land and the producer, ensuring every glass enhances Chef Jeff Carter’s seasonal menus.”

The one-star rating distinguishes the Bistro’s wine list for its:

• Breadth and Depth: A selection that demonstrates a clear personality and a high standard of selection.
• Curation: A cellar that balances iconic global vintages with unique, terroir-driven selections.
• Integration: A seamless harmony between the wine program and the modern Appalachian cuisine.

This accolade adds to a growing list of honors for the Bistro, which consistently ranks in the Top 1% of Fine Dining Restaurants worldwide by TripAdvisor and was recently featured among Open Table’s Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the USA.

Located on the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro continues to define luxury mountain dining through its farm-to-table philosophy and world-class beverage program.

Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro announces plans for two outdoor concert events this spring and summer. Concert attendees will enjoy live bluegrass music on Dancing Bear Lodge’s outdoor lawn while enjoying the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

On Thursday, April 27th, celebrated American mandolinist and 3-time Grammy award-winner, Sam Bush, and his Band will perform on the outdoor stage at Dancing Bear. A member of the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, Sam Bush’s progressive approach to bluegrass music earned him the title “Father of Newgrass.” The Travelin’ McCourys will jam on the Dancing Bear lawn on Thursday, July 6th. The Nashville-based bluegrass band includes impressive sounds from the group’s fiddle, mandolin, banjo, bass, and guitar.

Concert goers also have the option to purchase access to a pre-concert dinner prepared by Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro’s culinary team. The Appalachian Harvest Meal will be served buffet style immediately prior to the concert, and will include a bounty of seasonal dishes.

Each concert is family friendly and open to the public with ticket purchase. All seating is general admission on the property’s lawn directly in front of the outdoor stage, providing an intimate concert experience where every seat is a good seat. Chairs will be provided to attendees; additional picnic blankets are welcome. No outside chairs, food or beverages permitted. On-site parking is available.

Ticket package options include:

• Ticket Only – Doors open at 7PM. Parking will be available at the Apple Valley Mountain Village.
• VIP Tickets – For VIP ticket holders, doors open at 6PM to enjoy the Appalachian Harvest Meal. VIP tickets also include on-property parking.
• Cabin Guests – All Lodge guests staying on-site that night will enjoy concert access, dinner prepared by Executive Chef Jeff Carter and his culinary team.

Prices vary per ticket. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit DancingBearLodge.com.

Diamondjack at Little Arrow, a new dining destination featuring approachable, southern novelties executed at a high level, is now open at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Located at 118 Stables Drive in Townsend, Diamondjack at Little Arrow offers public dine-in and takeout options for guests with parking available at their respective sites or accommodation. Visitors not staying at the resort can park along Stables Drive. With a maximum capacity of 16 people, guests can expect an intimate and personalized dining experience.

Little Arrow, an idyllic resort nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, is excited to partner with Diamondjack and offer a new amenity to its guests and the community. “Little Arrow is thrilled to partner with the sophisticated folks at Diamondjack by offering this new amenity and partnership for our guests and community to be able to enjoy,” said Cassie Halley, Little Arrow’s COO and CMO. “The future looks bright…and delicious! We’re just getting started and can’t wait to expand as we grow.”

Diamondjack is equally excited about the partnership with Little Arrow and the opportunity to become part of the Townsend community. Rachel Talley, the owner of Diamondjack said, “Diamondjack can’t wait to be a part of the Townsend community in the unique environment that Little Arrow provides.”

The Downtown Maryville Alliance in partnership with the City of Maryville, the Blount Partnership and the Clayton Center for the Arts is proud to announce its advancement to the public voting phase for the prestigious Levitt AMP Music Series Grant, a multi-year funding opportunity that could bring a free, outdoor concert series to Maryville beginning in 2026.

This initiative is made possible through a strategic partnership between the Levitt Foundation, a national leader in creative placemaking and community-building through music, and the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, with additional support from the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

The Levitt AMP Music Series Grant provides up to $120,000 over three years to selected Tennessee-based nonprofits to produce a vibrant, inclusive concert series featuring professional musicians across diverse genres. The program is designed to activate underutilized public spaces and foster community engagement through the power of live music. If selected, Maryville would join a network of cities across the country hosting up to 180 free concerts statewide during the 2026–2028 grant cycle.

The Downtown Maryville Alliance has submitted a proposal to host the concert series in the Charles West Amphitheater at Jack Greene Park, transforming it into a dynamic cultural destination for residents and visitors alike. The proposal is now live on the Levitt Foundation website, where the public can cast their vote to help bring this opportunity to Maryville.

How to Vote

• Online: Visit levitt.org/vote
• Text: Send the keyword MARYVILLE to 877-409-5525
• Voting Period: September 5 at 1 p.m. ET through September 15 at 8 p.m. ET
• Voters may select up to five proposals

Public voting is a critical component of the selection process, reflecting the Levitt Foundation’s commitment to community-driven programming. The number of votes received will be a key factor in determining the six Tennessee-based finalists, to be announced on November 18, 2025.

“We’re thrilled to be in the running for the Levitt AMP Music Series Grant and excited about the opportunity to bring a free, outdoor concert series to the heart of Maryville,” said Amanda Gillooly, Executive Director of the Downtown Maryville Alliance. “This initiative would not only celebrate the power of live music but also transform an underused public space into a vibrant gathering place for our community. We encourage everyone to vote and help us make this vision a reality—let’s show Tennessee how strong Maryville’s spirit truly is!”

The Downtown Maryville Alliance encourages residents to spread the word and rally support by sharing voting information with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

For more information and to cast your vote, visit levitt.org/vote.

Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend, TN is excited to announce Grammy Award-Winning artists, The Infamous Stringdusters performing “Live on the Lawn” on Thursday, July 7th, 2022 @ 7:30 pm. This will be an intimate concert event, with only 500 tickets available. The show will open with the Sweet Lillies.

Dancing Bear Lodge boasts an outdoor event venue and has created the most intimate concert setting on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. “We are excited to host a band as popular as the Stringdusters on our unique Lawn,” says Director of Operations Houston Oldham, “Our venue is one of the most incredible spaces in the Smokies. Guests will get to enjoy the show on an amphitheater style lawn, but with less than 500 people. You won’t get to see the Stringdusters like this again!”

The optional pre-show dinner will be an Appalachian BBQ theme, featuring house smoked baby back ribs, brisket, pulled pork, white BBQ chicken, and an array of Southern-style fixings. The meal will be prepared on site using fresh vegetables from the property gardens and locally sourced and in-house smoked meats and ingredients.

The Infamous Stringdusters will be debuting their 2022 Album release “Into The Fray” Inspired by self reflection and a strong sense of solidarity, the project documents the Grammy Award-winning group’s remarkable growth as instrumentalists as well as songwriters. Released on their own label, Americana Vibes, the collection also firmly establishes the band’s stature on the modern acoustic music landscape, where they’ve built a solid and enduring fan base among traditional and progressive audiences alike.

Tickets are currently available online at www.dancingbearlodge.com. For more information on the
concert and ticket options, please visit here.