Tag: family trips

Tiny Treasures in Townsend, TN 

Posted on July 9, 2026 by - Blog, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler 

Townsend is all about slowing down. Look closer, and you’ll find the small stops many visitors miss, from a bakestand under a great oak tree to a neighborhood book box and faerie villages along the River Walk. Some are tucked along roadsides, others are hidden in plain sight, but all are worth the hunt.

Bakestand on Schoolhouse Gap Road 

Photo: Carli Williams, Bakestand on Schoolhouse

A small bakestand opened this spring at 909 Schoolhouse Gap Road. It offers a rotating selection of fresh baked goods, including cookies and baguettes.

Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to dusk. Follow the Bakestand on Schoolhouse Facebook group for updates on what’s in stock. 

Little Free Library on Tiger Drive 

Outside the Townsend Municipal Building at 133 Tiger Drive, a Little Free Library gives visitors and neighbors a place to swap books. Take a book, leave a book. The library is sponsored by the Blount County Friends of the Library and listed as Charter #57896. 

Chicken Feet Fleet Farm Egg Stand 

Photo: Chicken Feet Fleet Farm

Chicken Feet Fleet Farm is a veteran-owned small family farm in Townsend specializing in free-range eggs and produce. At 1027 Dry Valley Road, the farm keeps a self-serve roadside stand stocked with fresh eggs on weekends and select weekdays. 

The selection depends on the day and season, but if the “open” sign is up, eggs are available. Sometimes, they also offer homemade bread, butter and jelly, announced on their Facebook page. 

Townsend River Walk & Arboretum 

The Townsend River Walk & Arboretum is full of small discoveries. Along the walk, find faerie villages, painted stones, wood spirits, a hand-carved bear, the Townsend Express train, nature play areas, tree markers and other small details that reward a slower pace. 

Families can also use the Adventure Lab app to follow “Welcome to the Townsend Riverwalk and Arboretum,” a self-guided hunt along the trail. 

Geocaching Around Townsend 

Photo: Geocaching.com

Townsend has other treasures you can only find with the Geocaching app. Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt that uses your phone’s GPS to guide you to hidden caches nearby. 

Several Townsend caches are free to access with a basic Geocaching account, including Capt’n Dave’s Flying Pig near the Little River, Choo Choo Stop at the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum, An Apple a Day at Apple Valley Mountain Village and Our Smoky Mountain Heritage at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. 

A traditional geocache usually contains a small container and a logbook. When you find it, sign the log and return the cache exactly where you found it. Some caches include small trade items; the idea is to take something and leave something of equal or greater value. 

Additional caches in the area may require a paid Geocaching Premium membership. 

The next time you’re in Townsend, leave a little room in the day for the places you didn’t plan to find.

Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region. She holds a Master of Science in Conservation Education from Mississippi State University.     

Tubing the Little River in Townsend, TN 

Posted on June 5, 2026 by - Blog, Townsend, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler 

In Townsend, summer has a way of drawing people to the Little River. 

The river runs alongside the road, slips beneath the trees and winds toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For visitors and locals looking to cool off, tubing offers a direct way to experience one of the Peaceful Side’s defining features. 

Townsend has two main tubing outfitters: Smoky Mountain River Rat and River Rage Tubing. Here’s what to know before you go. 

Smoky Mountain River Rat

Smoky Mountain River Rat offers two tubing routes on the Little River in Townsend. The main tubing outpost is located at 205 Wears Valley Road, and Outpost B is located at 8435 State Highway 73. 

The routes include a relaxed float and a more active section with faster-moving water. Tubing is open to children as young as three years old, and dogs weighing 50 pounds or less are allowed on the Main Outpost route. Tube rental and shuttle transportation are included with the tubing pass. 

The 2026 tubing season runs May 23 through Sept. 7. Both outposts are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The check-in desk closes at 4:30 p.m., and the last river entry is at 5 p.m. 

Day passes start at $21.99 during the regular season, May 23 through June 19 and Aug. 10 through Sept. 7. During peak season, June 20 through Aug. 9, day passes start at $24.99. These rates include the $5 advance booking savings, which applies automatically at checkout when visitors book at least two days in advance. Season passes are $84.99. 

River Rat also offers private riverside cabana rentals for groups who want space by the water. The cabanas are available for families with children younger than three, pregnant women and older adults who want to spend time by the river without tubing the full route. 

Through June 6, Tennessee residents can receive $3 off tubing per person with a valid Tennessee ID. Online reservations are required. Use promo code TUBE26-LOCAL. Group discounts are also available throughout the season for parties of 20 or more. 

River Rage Tubing

Photo: River Rage Tubing Facebook Page

River Rage Tubing is located at 8303 State Highway 73 in Townsend, near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the road toward Cades Cove. 

The River Rage route is about 1.5 miles long. On average, the float takes one hour and 15 minutes to one hour and 30 minutes, without stops to swim or relax. The actual trip duration depends on the water level. 

This year’s season runs through Labor Day and may be extended if weather allows. Tubers are put on the river starting at 10 a.m., with the last river entry at 5 p.m.  

All-day passes are $25, and season passes are $75 each. The minimum age for tubing is six years old. 

River Rage has changing rooms and portable bathrooms on site. Pets are not allowed. Visitors can book online and view real-time availability. 

River Rat vs. River Rage: Which is Right for You?

Both outfitters get visitors on the Little River, but the details vary by route, price, age requirement and amenities. Here’s a side-by-side look.

Little River Campground

Little River Campground & RV Resort, located at 7261 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Townsend, also offers tubing for overnight guests. 

Tube rentals are currently available at the office for $18 each. The campground describes the route as a lazy river experience. Children 12 and under must wear life jackets in compliance with the TWRA, and water shoes are highly recommended. 

While the tubing season is underway, its final day depends on conditions. To confirm availability before booking, call Little River Campground at (865) 738-3665. 

After spending time on the Little River, consider giving back. The Little River Watershed Association supports conservation, education and recreation along the river through donations, volunteer cleanups and community programs. 

Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region. She holds a Master of Science in Conservation Education from Mississippi State University.     

What to Do in Blount County on a Rainy Day

Posted on April 4, 2025 by - Blog, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

On the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, rainy days don’t have to put a damper on your plans. Here’s a guide to some of our favorite spots in Maryville and Townsend where you can stay dry and still have an adventure. 

Maryville 

The Capitol Theatre, dating back to 1934, was once the largest of three movie houses in Downtown Maryville. After a renovation in 2008, this art-deco gem now houses a unique coffee shop and ice cream parlor. 

The parlor is filled with movie memorabilia from floor to ceiling, and the menu features a variety of themed sundaes, floats, candies and bottled drinks to choose from. Indulge in treats like the Pirate’s Treasure, a salted caramel sundae, or get energized with espresso drinks like the Flux Capacitor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take on the eight-scoop King Kong Sundae. 

If you’d prefer something more casual, head down the road to Vienna Coffee House, with signature drinks like Muddy Pond Mocha (espresso, steamed milk, Muddy Pond sorghum, Ghirardelli chocolate and vanilla) and the Thunderhead Latte (Thunderhead Espresso, steamed milk, local honey, nutmeg and cinnamon). They serve breakfast and lunch until 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 

Photo courtesy of Southern Grace Coffee Co.

Southern Grace Coffee Co. is another local favorite, offering fair-trade organic coffee, tea and gluten free baked goods. Right next door, Southern Grace Manor serves breakfast and lunch. With dreamy porches and expansive windows, these renovated historic houses are the perfect place to cozy up on a rainy day. 

Photo courtesy of Pinkie Mistry.

While you’re downtown, immerse yourself in the local arts scene at Pinkie Mistry Art, a fine art and gallery studio, or stop by the Clayton Center for the Arts on the Maryville College campus. This dynamic performing arts venue features concerts, plays, dance performances and art exhibitions throughout the year. 

If you’d like to stay active despite the weather, the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church of Maryville offers plenty of options during the week. Take advantage of group fitness classes, an indoor track, weight machines and cardio equipment, or join a game of basketball, volleyball, pickleball or racquetball. On the weekend, shake up your routine at the Roll Arena Party Zone roller skating rink. 

Townsend 

Tuckaleechee Caverns has been drawing visitors underground for over a century, showcasing towering stalagmites, flowing underground streams and the impressive Big Room—large enough to fit a football field. Rainy days are the perfect excuse to explore this subterranean wonder, where the temperature remains a cool 58 degrees year-round. 

If you prefer to stay above ground, Townsend is home to several museums that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. 

Photos courtesy of Appalachian Bear Rescue.

At Appalachian Bear Rescue’s Visitor and Education Center, learn about the rehabilitation of orphaned and injured black bear cubs before they are released back into the wild. While the bears themselves aren’t on display, interactive exhibits and educational presentations provide an up-close look at their journey. 

Photo courtesy of the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.

Step back in time at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, where historic cabins, preserved artifacts and rotating exhibits tell the story of the region’s early settlers and Indigenous peoples. Wander through the museum or take a guided tour to learn about Appalachian traditions, crafts and daily life from centuries past. 

Photo courtesy of the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum.

The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum offers another fascinating look at Townsend’s history. This small but engaging museum highlights the impact of the logging industry on the Smokies, featuring historic locomotives, railroad artifacts and exhibits on the early days of tourism in the region. 

Photo courtesy of Kathleen A. Janke.

Find inspiration at the Townsend Art Center, home to the Townsend Artisan Guild. This creative hub showcases the work of local painters, potters, woodworkers and fiber artists. Or check out Gracehill Fine Art & Basketry, featuring alcohol inks, photography and basketry by Kathy Janke. 

If you’re wanting to grab a bite to eat, but also want to stretch your legs, Apple Valley Mountain Village is just the place. They have a cafe, coffee shop and general store with plenty of goodies to take home. 

What’s your favorite rainy day activity on the Peaceful Side? Tag us on social media (@PeacefulSmokies) to share your thoughts. 

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Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.