Tag: Smoky Mountain Tourism

The Early 20th Century on “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies”, Through Postcards

Posted on October 24, 2024 by bpintern - Blog, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

The early 20th century marked a period of transformation for the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Following the forced removal of the Cherokee people in the late 1830s, European settlers brought new developments to the region. The advent of commercial logging at the turn of the century drastically altered the natural landscape and sparked conversations about conservation. Browse through these vintage postcards and experience the Peaceful Side as it was over 100 years ago.

“The Smoky Mountains, Little River“

This postcard, postmarked in Maryville on Sept. 24, 1912, captures a tranquil view of the Little River. The Little River begins at Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and gains strength as it reaches the foothills.

In 2022, a resolution was passed to restore Clingmans Dome’s original Cherokee name, Kuwahi, which means “mulberry place.” The headwaters of the Little River, considered sacred by the Cherokee, remain a significant cultural landmark today.

^{Image Source: Great Smoky Mountains Post Cards}

“Loading Logs near Elkmont, Little River Lumber Co.“

^{Image Source: Great Smoky Mountains Postcard Collection, 1910-1955, MS.3745}

The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company, established in 1901, built 150 miles of railroads and sawed 560 million board feet of timber along the Little River and its tributaries. The last logs came out of the mountains in 1939, 15 years after the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP).

“In the heart of the Smokies. Elkmont, Tenn. Altitude 2,428 ft.”

Elkmont began as a hunting camp, but in the early 1900s, the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company turned it into a logging town. Once the company started offering train service for passengers, Elkmont became a popular getaway for wealthy locals, especially in the summertime.

“Falls, Appalachian Club, Elkmont, Tenn.”

In 1910, the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company subdivided Elkmont, selling 50 acres to the Appalachian Club, a group of wealthy Knoxville businessmen. A few years later, three brothers from Knoxville purchased 65 acres and opened the Wonderland Hotel. Both clubs closed in the early 1990s, after their rental agreements with the Tennessee state government ended. Today, Elkmont hosts the most popular campground in the GSMNP.

“In the Smoky Mountains Near Maryville, Tennessee“

^{Image Source: Ridley Wills Postcard Collection, MS.3781}

This snapshot of the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, near Maryville, was taken by Bayard Wootten (1875-1959). Wootten was a pioneering female photographer from North Carolina who became the first woman to serve in the North Carolina National Guard as “Chief of Publicity.” In this role, she used her photography to raise public awareness and support for the Guard. Wootten was also among the first women in the U.S. to take aerial photographs. Throughout her career, she produced over a million images.

“In the Appalachian Range”

Mailed from Maryville to Knoxville on July 3, 1912, this postcard provides a glimpse into early 20th-century tourism in the Great Smoky Mountains. In the foreground, two women wear white cotton dresses, serving as a reminder of how much outdoor fashion has evolved over the past century.

Interested in learning more about the history of the Peaceful Side of the Smokies? We’re home to a variety of free and low-cost museums.

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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.

The Fish are Biting in Blount County's Many Rivers, Streams and Lakes

Posted on August 10, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog

The quality of the fishing in Eastern Tennessee is famous. It’s not just good in the summer, either; people successfully dip their lines in the water all year round, in all weather conditions. Decide whether you’re a boat fisherman or a bank fisherman (or both!) and check out some of the hot spots below when you’re looking to feel a nibble on the end of your fishing rod or nab a new record.
Chilhowee Lake
If you haven’t heard the news yet, now is the time to get out on the water and make up for lost time. Chilhowee Lake was closed for 2 years so that repairs could be performed on the Chilhowee Dam, but as of summer 2017, the lake was reopened. In the past, it’s been stocked with crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, trout, and redear sunfish, as well as walleye and smallmouth bass.
The lake is bordered by both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee National Forest, so you’re guaranteed a beautiful view, one well worth appreciating the next time you find yourself with a day free of obligations and unbeatable weather.
The Little River
Once featured in a “Guide to America’s 100 Best Trout Streams,” published in Trout Unlimited magazine, the Little River is more than just a spot for great tubing. Expect tons of native brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout, as well as some small- and largemouth bass. The Little River is the most popular fishing destination in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and once you start fishing, you’ll see why!
There are three sections to the Little River: the East, Middle, and West Prongs. The West Prong of the Little River is famous for being a particularly successful spot.
Fort Loudon Dam Tailwaters
For area fishermen and women, much is owed to the effects of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s hydroelectric dams. They create lakes and “tailwaters,” or pools and fisheries, just downstream from wherever they operate, and this makes for some unique fishing opportunities. Anglers in the Fort Loudon Dam should be aware that catfishing is strictly catch-and-release, but other species, including crappie and sauger, are fair game for a dinner plate.
Don’t Miss These Creeks
A number of creeks in Blount County shouldn’t be ignored just because they’re smaller. Anglers have grabbed meals from Beard Cane Creek, Cane Creek, Hessee Creek, Laurel Creek, the Lynn Camp Prong, Marks Creek, Meigs Creek, Parson Branch, Sams Creek, and Thunderhead Prong, so make sure to include a few of those on your fishing bucket list.
Make Your Fishing Plans Now!
You may be able to fish in all weather conditions, but that doesn’t mean certain seasons aren’t better than others. Check to make sure you’ve got the right fishing licenses, put up the “Gone Fishin’” sign, and head out to the water in Blount County the next chance you get!

The Fish are Biting in the Smokies' Many Streams and Rivers

Posted on April 24, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Spring in the Smokies brings with it the opportunity to enjoy any number of adventures; there are hikes to take, whitewater to raft, zip lines to zip, and so much more. But, one of the most popular outdoor activities on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is grabbing a fishing pole and hitting the many streams and rivers in search of trout. Locals say that fishing in and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is considered to be one of the most challenging adventures you are likely to have.
Over 2,100 Miles of Streams
What you may not know is that there are more than 2,100 miles of streams running through the park for your fishing pleasure. You can fish these streams from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Your limit is five rainbow, brown, or brook trout over 7 inches in length or any combination adding up to five. Along with this, you can keep 20 rock bass. Be sure you grab a fishing license if you don’t already have one. They are readily available at many of the local hardware stores.
While we certainly see many first timers looking for that perfect place to drop a line in the water, we see many who come here every year for spring fishing. They come to catch fish to be sure, but for many, it is more about the memories they are creating, memories that center around a fishing pole, a line in the water, and a few days of glorious spring weather on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.
Fond Memories Start Here
Fishing is a skill that has been around for millennia, and for many families, it has become a fun activity they can all share in. One that creates amazing feasts while sitting around the campfire talking about the infamous, “One that got away!” Fishing isn’t just for the guys, it’s a pastime the entire family can enjoy, including mom.
Kids of all ages love to fish, the younger you start letting your kids start, the faster they will master the skills needed. Kids are amazing in how quickly they pick up and master new skills. Be sure you have the camera ready for the moment your child pulls their first fish out of the water. The look of awe, amazement, and joy will blow your mind and make a great photo to put in the family album.
You Don’t Need to Bring Your Gear
While you might be okay with bringing your fishing gear with you, it’s not necessary. Several outfitters in the area can help set you up with the right equipment and bait for this area. You can start out looking at their websites and choosing your gear before you go. Many have current fishing reports that let you know what’s biting and where they are biting. This way you have a little bit of an idea for a starting point to drop your lines. The rest is up to you, spring is here, the fish are biting, and the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is the place to be.

The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival

Posted on July 31, 2023 by Rachel Coffman - Blog, Events, Townsend

great smoky mountain hot air balloon festival

Are you looking for a little spice in your life? Have you been missing that warm comfort from home? No worries, we have reds, oranges, and yellows ready to offer an ocular hug. Maybe you are over this insanely hot summer and need to take a refreshing break and find an ethereal sense of peace. To you, we offer you greens, purples, and blues to splash your senses into clarity. Whatever your emotional state, The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival on August 19 brings a kaleidoscope of color to satisfy your hunger and spark your curiosity.

What to Expect at the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival

Although the hot air balloons are obviously the main attraction, we have plenty of fun activities leading up to the big Balloon Glow. We will have a wide variety of food and beverage vendors ready to taunt your taste buds and fill your bellies with goodness. You will be able to find everything from southern BBQ to Cuban cuisine, or maybe brats and shaved ice are more your style. We have something for all ages and palates. And what festival is complete without a cold beer? Our beer tent will be serving visitors over 21 years of age, saving you from the dehydrating summer sun.

Once you’ve quenched your thirst and have completed your rounds at the food truck court, it’s time to enjoy the activities. We will have crafter booths, both demonstrating their skills and selling their artwork. And in keeping with the event’s theme, there will also be water balloons and balloon animals. We will also have plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep your little ones entertained throughout the day, as well as live entertainment for everyone.

The Grand Finale begins at dusk when the tethered balloons are inflated and light themselves with the giant flame produced by a gas propane tank. The vibrant balloons glowing with the Smoky Mountains in the backdrop is MUST SEE event! Imagine the sky filled with a vision of multicolored, gigantic light bulbs.

This Year’s Festival Includes:

Family-Friendly Activities
Live Entertainment
Crafters – Both Demonstrating and Selling Their Artwork
Tethered Group Rides ($25 each)
Food Truck Court
Beer Tent
Exclusive VIP Lift Off! – An Elevated Festival Experience!

VIP Package Includes:

VIP Experience from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Premium Tented area
Tethered Balloon Ride (1 per ticket)
Commemorative Swag
Catered meal from The Abbey
Signature cocktails by Company Distilling and Old Forge Distillery
Wine by Cades Cove Cellars
Beer provided by Cherokee Distributing
Live music

How much does it cost to ride a hot air balloon?

To ride is $25 per person, and only ages 8+ are allowed to ride in balloons. Rides will last approximately three minutes, will go 30 feet into the air, and will begin around 6:00 pm and go through 10:00 pm.

Tethered group rides can also be purchased independently but are dependent on the weather. In the unlikely case the balloons are not permitted to fly, we will refund our tethered ride guests for their purchase after the close of the event. Tickets must be purchased online before August 19, 2023.
Parking passes can be purchased online for $20, or they can be purchased on-site for $25 on the day of the event. Event tickets are $5 per person (cash only accepted at the gate).

Pets are permitted to attend the Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival, but keep in mind balloon inflation can often be very loud and frightening for our four-legged friends. And it goes without saying that if you bring your pet, you are responsible for bringing and using your poop bags.
For more information or to pre-purchase tickets, go to our website at www.gsmballoonfest.com. We look forward to seeing you soon!!

Check out other Peaceful Side activities on the links below:

Kid-Friendly Activities on the Peaceful Side

Peaceful Side Spotlight | Millennium Manor Castle

By Rachel Coffman

The Smoky Mountains are Harley-Davidson Paradise

Posted on July 22, 2019 by Rachel Coffman - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

Would a ride through the Tail of the Dragon, with its 318 consecutive banked curves in 11 miles, get your blood pumping? Or maybe a trip on the Cherohala Skyway, a road featured as one of Discovery Channel’s Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America, is more your style. Why not plan the ultimate ride and add the Blue Ridge Parkway and a stop to admire the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountain National Park to your trip? Riders from all over the world have said there is no better place to ride than the Smoky Mountains. So, when owner Scott Maddox decided to turn his love of music and motorcycles into a full-on destination experience, he knew Maryville, Tennessee would be the perfect hub for his Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson Dealership. As the #1 Harley-Davidson Dealership in the world in 2017, it is safe to say the experience they have created is second to none.
Nestled in the valley of the Smokies, this is not your typical Harley dealership. The Retail Showroom stuns with its locally sourced building materials, a massive inventory of bikes, and all the motor clothes a biker’s heart can imagine. The extensive Parts Department carries everything from engine kits, audio, and electronics to bags, luggage, racks, helmets, and more. With worldwide visitors, the Service Team understands the importance of getting travelers back on the road in a hurry. Whether you run into technical problems, tire issues, need simple maintenance, or want to upgrade accessories, they are available seven days a week. (Appointments are preferable, but they understand unexpected needs arise for travelers.) To learn your way around a bike and take a full course to get your motorcycle license, they also offer a Riders Academy. Check out their website at www.smh-d.com for more dealership information.

For those coming from long distances, who want to ride, but can’t bring their bikes, they also partner with Eagle Rider, making bike rental an easy process. Project Ride More is a program where they have staff on board to lead group rides several times a week. The rides are open to anyone who wants to join; just show up the day of the journey with a bike and a sense of adventure. Ride sizes vary, from groups as small as 5-6 bikes up to larger groups of 30-50 bikes. Scheduled rides generally stay within a 100-mile radius, with a variety of shorter or full-day ventures. Find a complete ride schedule at www.smh-d.com.
In conjunction with the dealership side of Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson, they also have an award-winning restaurant and concert venue called The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint. The restaurant offers delicious East Tennessee BBQ smoked on the premise, freshly prepared sides, cocktails, and cold beer, for lunch and early dinner, seven days a week. Not to be outdone by the showroom and smokehouse, the concert venue has a huge stage, state of the art sound rig and lighting, and holds a sold-out crowd of 2000 concert goers. They pride themselves in booking shows with artists on the verge of stardom like Brent Cobb, or top acts like Old Crow Medicine Show and Jamey Johnson. The Shed introduced artists like Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell to East Tennessee well before they were household names. Concerts are scheduled every Saturday, from April through September, with encore shows and local/regional artists playing on Thursdays and Fridays. For concert schedules and ticket information, please go to www.theshedtickets.com.
On your next trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, be sure to stop in at SMOKY MOUNTAIN HARLEY-DAVIDSON – 1820 W. LAMAR ALEXANDER PKWY, MARYVILLE, TN 37801 and immerse yourself into a little slice of Harley-Davidson Paradise!

These 3 Driving Tours are the Best for Smoky Mountain Scenery

Posted on August 16, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

One of the best reasons to visit the Smoky Mountains is the chance to explore the gorgeous view up close and personal. You don’t have to be an athlete to get an amazing adventure in the Smokies. There are many beautiful places to drive, with loops that don’t have traffic passing through – so you can take your time cruising by the sights. Think of it as a hiking trail for your car. This is a great way to enjoy the Smokies if you have young children, older or disabled family members, or just want to stay in the air conditioned car while you explore!
Driving Tours in the Smokies: Foothills Parkway West
This is a 17-mile one-way trip that stretches between Townsend and Chilhowee Lake. You’ll drive through the Chilhowee Valley, seeing green stretches of mountain all along the drive. It’s a gorgeous part of the Foothills Parkway that shouldn’t be missed. You’ll also see Cumberland Mountains along the way, and if you want to walk part of the way, you can get out at the Lake and take a 15-minute hike up to Look Rock. This is a great place to get a scenic view of the whole area before you head back.
Drive Along the Appalachian Trail As Long as You’d Like
Another great way to get a view of the Smokies is to hit Newfound Gap Road. This trail starts in Gatlinburg, passes through Blount County, and stretches all the way into North Carolina. You can drive for as long as you like, and the trip will take you up to the highest point of the National park, at 5,046 feet. You’ll see everything from pine-covered forests to rolling hills, to beautiful mountain peaks along the way. There are stops for hiking and resting, as well.
Cades Cove: Famous Among Driving Tours in the Smokies
The most famous driving tour in the Smokies is Cades Cove, an 11-mile loop that is separated from the main road. You can really take your time driving through this area to see historic buildings, wildlife, and gorgeous scenery. You can stop and explore the old buildings, like the historic churches and working grist mill, as well as log cabins and barns. There are many stops that lead to hiking trails, such as the five-mile loop to Abrams Falls, if you want to stretch your legs. You’ll see things like fox, turkey, deer, and maybe even a distant black bear as you drive by.
Come Visit the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Here in Blount County, the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains defines the local lifestyle. After your wonderful drive through the view, come visit us to relax and unwind!

These Blount County Parks are the Perfect Spots to Relax in Tennessee

Posted on May 30, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog

The warmer seasons are upon us, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to get outside! Sometimes, though, just sitting out on the lawn won’t do. To really relax, you need to stretch your legs and spread your wings, but where should you go? Check out these local parks to experience some of the best free recreation Blount County has to offer.
A Park for Teams of All Sorts
Need to get the whole gang together? Pearson Springs Park could be just the place you need to meet up. The park includes 2 irrigated soccer fields, 2 Little League practice softball fields, a pavilion with 10 tables, and a large charcoal grill. The 8-acre park is connected to the Greenway, and can be found in Maryville, just off Montvale Station Road. Since the pavilion is such a pleasant place to spend a warm afternoon, it’s best if you check online to see if it’s been booked before you go. Or, better yet, just plan ahead and reserve it for yourself!
A Park for Anglers
Singleton Park, just off of Topside Road, may be small, but offers great fishing. Launch your boat from the boat ramp, or just use any one of the 4 fishing benches. There’s also a dock that will get you out over the water, and picnic tables, should you decide to break for lunch. It’s open from dawn until dusk, so you should have plenty of opportunities to see if the fish are biting.
A Park for Disc Golfers
The Clayton Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole disc golf course normally, though the front 9 holes will be out of commission until the fall of 2018. However, don’t let that deter you – the back 9 holes will still be in use all summer long. The entire course is 120 acres, and you can find it next to the Clayton Corporate Headquarters, as well as near Clayton Road. Signs are posted throughout the course to guide you, and green and blue baskets are available for long and short courses, respectively. Fore!
A Park for Dogs and Their Friends
Maryville’s first public dog park is the Petsafe Pistol Creek Dog Park, a park near McCammon Avenue that offers a pavilion and benches to those on two legs, and an acre and a half for those on four. The park is divided for safety reasons, with half an acre for smaller dogs, and a full acre for those larger breeds who need room to run. The park is also purpose-built, with waste stations, dogs-only water fountains, and an unleashing area. Parking is available nearby, with limited availability on McCammon, and a municipal lot and parking garage just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
A Park for Everyone
Sandy Springs Park has a little something to offer all kinds of park visitors. The 20-acre (linear) park in Maryville is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic outdoors, with a concession stand, 2 picnic areas with 14 tables, 5 charcoal grills, and a pavilion with 6 tables and a charcoal grill. Athletes can appreciate the 4 lit tennis courts, 2 lit basketball courts, 3 softball fields (2 are lit) as well as the fun of the Smoky Mountain Classic Softball Tournament, held there every July. There’s 1.7 miles of walking trails to stretch your legs, and 3 playgrounds kids can enjoy.
Whether you’ve found a great park to spend your summer or just an afternoon, don’t hesitate to visit the Blount County Parks & Rec website to check out even more parks and learn about how getting outside in Blount County can enrich your life!

Top 5 Things To Do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Spring

Posted on March 15, 2019 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park…just its name alone inspires all kinds of visions and thoughts. There are, of course, the mountains, but there are also the 100+ waterfalls, the miles of trails, the scenic drives, the historic buildings and settlement areas, the wildlife…there is so much to see and do!
Naturally, that is why more than nine million visitors pass through the park each year, and as you might guess, there are times when there are many more travelers than there are at other times. However, if you book a visit in the spring you may beat a lot of the crowds and enjoy experiences that you cannot at other times of the year.
Here are our top five things we think you should do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this spring:

Just Go!

It seems silly to make that one of the things to do in the park, but to put it plainly, you won’t enjoy the area if you don’t book the trip. That means finding accommodations, choosing the things you’ll do and making all of the other arrangements. Then, you can head out and get to the park!

The Trails

There are many hiking trails throughout the park, and they can be found in any level of skill or experience. Whether you want a trail safe for your toddler or a senior family member or you are eager to enjoy an advanced hike with stunning views from high up in the mountains, you’ll find plenty of options. Among the most popular in the spring are the Alum Cave Trail and the Chimney Tops Trail. You will also want to hike to Rainbow Falls and Mouse Creek.
And speaking of waterfalls, remember that the spring thaws mean lots of water and stunning waterfall action!

Cades Cove

It is fair to say that you haven’t experienced the park until you’ve paid a visit to famous Cades Cove, and because it is so popular, the spring is a great time to enjoy it without the traffic or high number of fellow visitors who will arrive in the summer. It is an 11 mile drive with lots of spots to stop, explore, walk, picnic and learn. The mountain scenery is staggering and you’ll probably see lots of park wildlife.
Don’t forget that spring is wildflower season, and while Cades Cove is great for them, they are bound to be almost everywhere you go!

Clingman’s Dome

Re-opening in the spring, it is the highest point in the mountains and along the entire Appalachian Trail! Obviously that means you get show-stopping views, and if you are eager to hike, you can carry on to Andrews Bald for even more stunning scenery.

Drive

Here’s a wonderful thing about the park – you don’t even have to exit the vehicle to enjoy it. If you are short on time or have limited mobility, the park is still a stunning spot to visit in the spring with all kinds of scenic parking spots, drives and roads to take in the views.
So, if you haven’t booked a spring getaway just yet, make sure you aim yourself towards the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and savor a truly beautiful experience.
Source
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/maps.htm

Townsend Fall Heritage and Bluegrass Festival Canceled Due to Hurricane Helene

Posted on September 26, 2024 by jmuir - Uncategorized

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 vendors as the top priority, this decision was made in light of the significant rainfall and high winds expected in the region as a result of the hurricane. These conditions are anticipated to create hazardous travel and saturated grounds, posing a safety risk for those attending and participating in the event.

This marks the first time in the festival’s 30-plus year history that it has been completely canceled, underscoring the severity of the weather forecast. The festival, a beloved annual celebration of heritage, bluegrass music, and community spirit, will be sorely missed this year, but the decision reflects the Partnership’s commitment to the well-being of all involved.

“While we are deeply disappointed to cancel this year’s event, the safety of our attendees and everyone involved must come first,” said Blount Partnership Communications Director Jeff Muir. “With the saturated grounds and continued rainfall, we could not guarantee a safe and enjoyable environment for our festival-goers.”

The Blount Partnership encourages all those who planned to attend to stay safe and monitor local weather updates. They also extend their gratitude for the ongoing support of the community and look forward to hosting the festival again next year under safer conditions.

Event sponsors are Danielle Snipes Allstate Insurance, Century 21 Legacy, Harvest Thyme, Leaf Filter, Little Arrow Outdoor resort, Renewal by Andersen, Rocky Branch Mountain Music, and Senior Care Partners of East Tennessee.

Townsend's Romantic Richmont Inn Provides Stunning Views of the Smokies

Posted on July 20, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Lodging, Townsend

It’s not obvious at first glance, but the stunning view the Richmont Inn offers is right there in the name. That’s right! The “Richmont” in Richmont Inn refers to Rich Mountain, which is the majestic, lush, and endlessly scenic mountain that the Inn overlooks. Read on to find out more about this Appalachian treasure!

A Family-Owned Property in the Smokies Since 1991

Jim and Susan Hind opened Richmont Inn in 1991 as their own escape from corporate life. The couple grew up in the region and wanted to build a different kind of business, and one that would honor the history and culture of Appalachia and its people. When you’re not looking at their incredible view, you might notice that the design of the Inn’s main building evokes a traditional Appalachian cantilever barn, and the décor and furnishings throughout the property are styled to honor and enhance the traditional aesthetics of the Smokies.

The Richmont Experience Is Elegant

Staying at the Richmont offers much more than just a place to hang your hat. Guests of the Inn enjoy a gourmet breakfast, and can choose from upscale offerings like French baked eggs, homemade seven-grain granola, ambrosia oatmeal, and French Toast l’Orange, as well as all the standards like yogurt and freshly-squeezed orange juice. They have a candlelight dessert and coffee service each evening as well, which includes treats like Crème Brulee Kahlua and Strawberry Cassis Soufflé.
No expense is spared on the rooms, either. Named after icons of the Smokies, the stylishly-appointed rooms feature amenities like wood-burning fireplaces, whirlpool tubs for two, mini-fridges, Bose satellite radio, private balconies, and even skylights in the top-floor rooms. Still have your mind on the views? The Nancy Ward room comes with a private sitting balcony with views of the forest and nearby waterfall, and the Stickley Suite features a striking view of Rich Mountain.

Looking for a Wedding Venue?

Anyone looking for a stylish wedding or special events venue on the Peaceful Side of Smokies is in luck – The Richmont Inn is ready to play host! For those planning nuptials, they offer both indoor and outdoor wedding venues, including their romantic Chapel in the Woods and their great room overlooking Rich Mountain. They can arrange everything from the photography to catering to in-room massages for the honeymooners, and, of course, they can provide lodging for the wedding party and guests. Ask them about their wedding packages!
Small- to medium-size groups can also take advantage of the Richmont Inn’s facilities, whether they’ve come for a family reunion or a corporate training seminar. The Richmont offers catered dinners, full A/V support, corporate suites, and access to some of the best hiking and fishing the Smokies has to offer.

Trains in Townsend: The History of The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company

Posted on July 29, 2015 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Groups, Townsend

Townsend, Tennessee is known as “the peaceful side of the Smokies,” and for good reason. As visitors drive toward this tranquil town on Highway 321, they are slowly enveloped by towering trees and embraced by the rising hills. A stay here isn’t complete without a blissful ride on the Little River or along the bicycle trails. Townsend is a world unto itself.
The people who live here know how special their town is, which is why, 33 years ago, a group of residents formed a non-profit to preserve Townsend’s heritage: The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company. Sandy Headrick, the board treasurer, explains, “The Lumber Company really started Townsend.”
Visitors to the museum learn how this area was brought into the industrial age by the efforts of a man named General Townsend. At the turn of the 20th century, Townsend was invited to open a lumber company here by the operators of a tannery in Walland. The two businesses benefitted from each other’s presence, but soon Townsend exhausted the supply of easily-obtained lumber. It became necessary to construct a railroad into the mountains to acquire more, and thus the Little River Railroad came to be.
Townsend was a well-loved entrepreneur. He provided area residents with their first steady paycheck. The Little River Lumber Company offered employee housing, ensured education and church for its families, and formed sports teams for recreation. Townsend even initiated a workers’ comp program, which was extremely novel at the time. When it came time to establish the national park, he was the first to sell his land for the cause.
This heritage and more is on exhibit in the museum, which is housed in the building that was once the Walland Depot–the original depot for the Little River Railroad. Most tourists visiting the museum come for the history, but the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company also has a following of train enthusiasts.
Dave Ezell, grandson of a former LRR postmaster and museum volunteer, highlights that one of the museum’s major attractions is its Shay engine locomotive. This train model is notable for its ability to pull heavy loads up the mountain and because there are so few left.
Interestingly, the Little River Railroad was arguably the beginning of tourism in Townsend, and now the museum continues the tradition. In the 1900s, affluent families from Knoxville would ride a train into Walland, then transfer to the Little River Railroad to make their way to the national park. The museum displays photographs of men and women wearing suits, white dresses, and hats for the holiday, despite the fact that they would get covered in soot.
Fortunately, no one has to dress up to visit the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company museum. Admission is always free; the museum operates solely on donations and souvenir sales. Hours are seasonal and can be found on the non-profit’s website.

Travel the Newly Completed Foothills Parkway for Gorgeous Smoky Mountain Views

Posted on January 2, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Although the United States Congress authorized the creation of the Foothills Parkway far back in 1944, it has remained incomplete for more than 50 years. Yet, a giant step forward has been made with the completion and opening of the 16-mile stretch running between Wears Valley, TN and Walland, TN, in November of 2018.
Though it is unclear if the original plans for a 72-mile stretch of highway will be complete, the segments that are finished can be accurately said to do as was intended, and “provide magnificent views into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from a road corridor that was outside the Park.”
The only incomplete of the seven Congressionally Mandated Parkways created at that time, it is intended to run from Cosby, TN to Chilhowee, TN. Though construction has been stop and go for years, and sees the Parkway divided into eight sections (known as 8A and 8H), it has been the 1.5 mile section known as the “missing link” that has been keeping the project from completion.
Obstacles and Challenges
For many years, travelers could drive eastern end’s 5.5-mile portion from Interstate 40 to Cosby. Additionally, many have traversed the 17-mile stretch in Blount County that runs from U.S. 129 to Walland.
However, the 16 mile stretch recently completed proved a real difficulty. According to a report from WBIR, “Crews spent a couple of decades working on a 16-mile segment from Walland to Wears Valley and nearly finished it. But right in the middle, the construction hit rugged peaks and valleys too tough to overcome. The walls they built crumbled and the soil was filled with minerals that caused environmental damage.” By the late 1980s, crews stopped work and a 1.65 mile gap – the missing link mentioned above – remained.
Around 2009, work began again and brand-new bridge building technologies were put to use in solving the challenges posed by the missing link. According to that report, this tech has allowed the gap to be closed through “several bridges that essentially float along the edge of the mountain and minimize the number of cuts that plow through the mountain.”
Using technologies similar to the Linn Cove Viaduct in North Carolina, they are actually cantilevered bridges that preserved the surrounding landscape and offered only a small amount of interference or environmental impact. A real bonus is that they also emphasize the scenery and give a sense of being out in the wilderness, above the treetops and flying above it all!
With minimal impact and unimpeded views, the solution could not have been more ideally designed. Expected to become one of the prettiest drives in the country, Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander said that the Foothills Parkway will be the “only way you can see the highest part of the mountains in the eastern United States” from such a viewpoint. So, when visiting Blount County, be sure you make a point to take a scenic drive along the newly-completed portion of the stunning Foothills Parkway.