Tag: Smoky Mountain Tourism

Cherokee Place Names in and Around Blount County 

Posted on September 19, 2025 by - Blog, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

Many East Tennessee place names come from the Cherokee language, especially from the Overhill Cherokee—settlements along the Little Tennessee River that English traders in the 1700s reached by traveling “over the hills.” Some names remain nearly unchanged, while others were adapted by settlers. Here are a few examples located in and around the Peaceful Side. 

Timberlake’s “Draught of the Cherokee Country.”

Kuwohi 

In 2024, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names restored Kuwohi as the official name for the Smokies’ highest peak—long called Clingmans Dome. The name has been translated by Cherokee speakers as “mulberry place,” though the precise meaning is debated.  

Kuwohi was a site of ceremony for Cherokee medicine people, and its renaming came through a partnership between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the National Park Service. Each year, the park closes Kuwohi to the public for three days to give Cherokee students the opportunity to learn about its history.   

Cades Cove and Abrams Falls 

Cades Cove was once a seasonal Cherokee hunting ground. Its Cherokee name, Tsiyahi, means “place of the otter.” The cove’s current name is believed to honor a leader remembered as Chief Kade. Nearby Abrams Creek and Abrams Falls are named for Oskuah, a Cherokee leader later called Abram (or Abraham) by settlers. 

Chilhowee and Tallassee 

Two major Overhill Cherokee towns—Chilhowee and Tallassee—once stood along the Little Tennessee River. Their sites were inundated by the construction of Chilhowee Dam in 1957. However, the names remain on the map: Chilhowee Mountain is a local landmark, and the unincorporated community of Tallassee lies just downstream along U.S. 129. 

Tuckaleechee 

Modern-day Townsend lies within Tuckaleechee Cove, named from the Cherokee word Tikwalitsi. The original meaning has been lost, though many affectionately interpret it as “Peaceful Valley.” Tuckaleechee Caverns, the largest cave system in East Tennessee, carries the name today. 

Tellico 

South of Blount County, Tellico Plains preserves the name of the Cherokee town of Great Tellico. Located at the junction of the Trading Path and the Warrior Path, Great Tellico was one of the most important Cherokee towns of the late 18th century. 

Tanasi 

Along the Little Tennessee River in what is now Monroe County stood the Cherokee town of Tanasi. Early colonial maps recorded its name, which was later carried to the Tennessee River and eventually to the state itself. 

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. 

Company Distilling Announce Grand Opening Details

Posted on May 31, 2022 by - Uncategorized

Master Distiller of Company Distilling stands in front of steel still.

Company Distilling announced today the official Grand Opening weekend of their first newly constructed distillery in Townsend, TN on July 8-10. Throughout the weekend, guests can expect to experience live music, enjoy a cocktail, and tour the facility. The full product portfolio for Company Distilling will also be available to sample, including their Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished with maple wood, which hit the shelves last November as their inaugural offering.

Since their founding in 2020, Company Distilling’s goal has been to create spaces where people can gather around and enjoy exceptional spirits. Formed by a group of industry leaders with a goal of creating a strong culture, the focus of Company Distilling is people, places, and communities.

“Our initial vision for Company Distilling was to be more than just a whiskey brand. We envisioned being a full portfolio spirits company, and we had a collective group experience that I thought brought different areas of expertise to the table. We were stronger together especially when we were thinking about doing more than just one thing,” says Jeff Arnett, Master Distiller,

“I think one of the greatest things about where we are is the freedom that comes from being a small, nimble group of people controlling our own destiny.”

Kris Tatum, President, further elaborates on the togetherness aspects of Company. “We’re committed to living up to our promises. We have high expectations and a team that collectively has years of industry experience. Our uncommon bond and friendships drive us to continue to make quality spirits that bring people together.”

Company Distilling is proudly partnering with local businesses to provide guests with an exceptional distillery experience that is unique to Blount County. Maryville-based restaurant, Amici, will have a permanent menu at the distillery, allowing visitors to gather with friends and enjoy delicious food and fine spirits. The new restaurant space will be called “Amico,” which means “a friend” in Italian.

“We are thrilled to share the Amici experience with Company Distilling and their visitors,” says, Chris Thompson, Chef/Owner. “Food has consistently been a contributor to creating friendships and impactful impressions for our guests. It’s clear Company Distilling has similar goals of creating long-lasting relationships by bringing people together to share something they can all enjoy.”

The grand opening weekend festivities will include a concert on Friday night at 7 PM featuring

Southerland and a concert on Saturday night at 7 PM featuring The Coveralls.

Company Distilling Becomes Official Bourbon of the Tennessee Theatre

Posted on December 19, 2022 by - Uncategorized

For the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Company Distilling and the historic Tennessee Theatre will work towards a shared vision of celebrating Tennessee’s rich heritage in distilling, arts, and history.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the partnership with Company Distilling. With their team having deep roots in Tennessee, a passion for bringing people together, and a dedication for progressing the arts in the region forward, we know this partnership will yield a lot of new ideas and creativity for both organizations,” said Becky Hancock, Executive Director of the Tennessee Theatre.

The new partnership is effective immediately, making Company Distilling Bourbon the official bourbon of the Tennessee Theatre. Guests of the Tennessee Theatre will have the opportunity to enjoy Company Distilling Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Maple Wood and Ghost Rail Tennessee Dry Gin at shows throughout the season. Additionally, there will be opportunities to win tickets and participate in special events. Be sure to follow both Company Distilling and the Tennessee Theatre on social media for more information and announcements.

The Tennessee Theatre is 94 years old and opened on October 1, 1928, as a grand movie palace in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. In the early 1980s, the theatre was purchased by James A. Dick, who ensured its future as a performing arts venue. Soon after the purchase, both the Knoxville Opera and Knoxville Symphony Orchestra became resident companies. In 1996, it was turned over to a newly formed non-profit, the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation. The theatre is home to broadway shows and live music throughout the year and continues to develop their programming within downtown Knoxville.

Company Distilling opened its Townsend, Tennessee, location officially in July of 2022. The distillery, bottle shop, and tasting room is a short 31 miles from downtown Knoxville and offers visitors the opportunity to taste fine spirits as they enjoy The Peaceful Side of the Smokies, less than a mile away from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Company Distilling was founded by leaders in Tennessee distilling with a passion for history and elevating the craft distilling industry in their home state. Kris Tatum and Jeff Arnett have been instrumental in the growth of distilling in the state of Tennessee. The Company Distilling team is proud of their Tennessee heritage and looks forward to the partnership with the Official State of Theatre of Tennessee. “The partnership with the Tennessee Theatre fits perfectly with our vision for Company Distilling: the history, high level of service, quality of productions, and the goal of bringing people together. We’re excited to grow together over the next few years,” said Jeff Arnett, Master Distiller.

Growing up just down the road from the theatre in South Knoxville, Kris Tatum, President & Founder, reflected on his experiences at the theatre and what ultimately helped shape his love for movies and film. “Every time I walk into the Tennessee Theatre, I am blown away by its beauty and history. It’s somewhere I want to bring family and friends to spend time together. The work the team is doing to continue to preserve its heritage is something we admire as a company and was what drew us to want to partner. We have big plans for the impact this partnership can have on our home communities in East Tennessee.” 

The founders of Company Distilling will continue their passion for the state of Tennessee, its rich history, and education by hosting the “Distilling Greatness” podcast. Recorded inside the beautiful Tennessee Theatre, listeners can Gather Around with the Company Distilling team and a few of their friends to get a taste of the people and places that make up the rich stories of whiskey in Tennessee. Initial episodes include:

  • Gather Around: Tennessee Whiskey & Tennessee Theatre History + Why You Should Care – To be released on January 5, 2023
  • Gather Around: The Science of Tennessee Whiskey – February
  • Gather Around: Whiskey Tourism & Sense of Place – March

The podcast will be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and CompanyDistilling.com. 

Kris Tatum, President & Founder, spoke in jest that he wasn’t sure “why anyone would listen to myself and Jeff talk to our friends about things we love, but there seems to be a lot of interest in hearing us make fun of each other.” With Company, making fun of each other is part of the process; when pleasantries are replaced with a little provocation. In an environment like this, there are no politics, there is no posturing. And meetings don’t feel like meetings at all. They’re just informal gatherings of like-minded people with their own unique set of skills – exchanging ideas and keeping each other honest. This is where real collaboration comes from and how actual progress is made. Because, in the end, the last thing anyone wants to do is let down a friend.

Considering Spring Break in the Smokies? Here are 5 Great Reasons to Make Reservations on the Peaceful Side

Posted on February 11, 2019 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Ask travel experts and they’ll tell you that “spring break” is a season that can start as early as late in February and run into the middle of April. Typically, March is the peak of the season, and while it is often seen as a time of crazy parties for college kids, a lot of families book getaways while kids enjoy a short holiday from the regular school schedule. Lasting around a week, it is the perfect amount of time to visit a place of natural beauty. If you are considering a spring break vacation this year, you would be hard pressed to find something as ideal as the “Peaceful Side” of the Smokies.
Why a Visit to the Smokies is Ideal in Spring
If you are not sure just where in the Smokies, we suggest you opt for the “Peaceful Side” in the area around Blount County. Why? Well, here are 5 very good reasons to do so:

  • Fewer People – If you have never visited the Smokies, you may not know that it is an area that sees millions of visitors, and the peak of travel is in the summer season. This means that roads, restaurants, shops and even accommodations can be quite full, and if you are eager to really savor your time in places like the National Park, you’ll see a lot of fellow travelers. The spring is also popular, but there are markedly fewer visitors, and this can allow you to experience a sense of having many places all to yourself! Plus, as its name indicates, the Peaceful Side is less crowded and more peaceful than other areas in the Smokies like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
  • Nature – There is little that can compare to the beauty of the Smoky Mountain area during the spring months. All of the different colors of green that spring to life from the trees and plants combine with the first blossoms and blooms, the return of migratory birds and the gentle babble of the streams (and even the waterfalls) to make an unforgettable experience.
  • Outdoor experiences and attractions – The return of the warmer weather (daytime highs never reach 80 and night time lows average around 40) means that you can bike, hike, walk, jog, ride your motorcycle, book time at one of the canopy tours, take a brisk ride down the Little River or another body of water, and generally enjoy all of the summer activities with fewer lines and crowds.
  • Budget friendliness – It makes good sense to travel outside of the peak season anywhere in the world, and this applies to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, too. Traveling in the spring means you don’t pay the higher seasonal rates, saving money and yet giving you access to exactly the same activities.
  • The Cabins and accommodations – One of the most unique things about a visit to the region is the abundance of mountain cabins available to rent. Many are little destinations all on their own with everything from fireplaces to outdoor hot tubs. A spring break at one of these cabins could become your newest and most favorite way to celebrate the arrival of the season.

Whether traveling on your own, with a sweetheart or the whole family, you’ll want to give serious consideration to a visit to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies and its many appealing activities, beautiful scenery, great restaurants and excellent accommodations.
 

Courtship in Cades Cove: Corn Husking, “Sparking” and Weaner Cabins 

Posted on February 12, 2026 by - Blog, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler 

Still looking for a Valentine? In Cades Cove, you might have started with a corn husking. 

Cades Cove’s first permanent Euro-American settlers arrived in 1818, and the community grew steadily through the mid-1800s. By 1850, the Cove’s population was in the high six hundreds.   

In a working valley, neighbors relied on each other. Seasonal labor brought people off isolated farms and into the same place at the same time. 

Corn husking, molasses making and gathering chestnuts were some of the community events where young people could mingle under adult supervision. 

One local account describes a tradition that turned the search into a game. If a young man found a red ear of corn in the husking pile, the discovery earned him the right to “kiss the lady of his choice.” 

Weekly church services brought people together, too. Baptist life split into two congregations in 1839, when a group left over mission work and other practices. Methodists also had an established church presence in the Cove by the 1820s.

For courting couples, Sunday was another chance to see each other. 

Large households shaped the logistics of dating. Families of 10 to 12 children weren’t unusual, and privacy was limited in one- and two-room cabins. That pushed conversations outside, on porches and in yards. 

One interpretive guide for the Cove published by the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont points visitors to a porch bench near Cable Mill used for “sparking,” an older term for courting. 

The word also shows up in a recorded Cades Cove interview from the 1930s, where a speaker recalls older boys teasing children about “sparking,” and an adult stepping in to explain what it meant. 

“This picture was taken at Maryville Tenn on Saturday afternoon of January 26, 1901… Next day, Sunday, Nancy Ann and I rode horseback… to Cades Cove a distance of 20 miles… We were 22 years old and not married. We were married Sept. 4, 1901.” —John W. Oliver 

Oliver (1878–1966) is the author of the Fifty Years in Cades Cove memoirs, a handwritten account of the valley’s families and daily life from early settlement through the early 1900s. Photo courtesy of University of Tennessee, Knoxville. “Fifty Years in Cades Cove Collection.” John W. Oliver and wife, Nancy Ann (Maryville, 1901). 

Sparking often moved toward marriage. In much of Southern Appalachia, weddings were informal during this era, staged in either the bride’s or groom’s home.  

Some newlyweds would spend their early days of marriage in a “weaner cabin,” far enough away for independence but close enough for family assistance. 

After the ceremony, friends sometimes returned late at night to “serenade” the couple. They’d go from house to house making noise, ringing cowbells and even firing guns. This was part of a wider rural tradition known elsewhere as a “shivaree” or “charivari.” 

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. 

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro Earns Named to OpenTable’s Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants

Posted on February 6, 2024 by - Uncategorized

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, nestled in the heart of East Tennessee at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, has been honored with the distinction of being named one of the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the USA by OpenTable. This exclusive recognition was officially announced on January 31st, 2024, solidifying Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro as a standout establishment in the realm of romantic dining experiences.

OpenTable, a leading provider of online restaurant reservations, compiled this annual list based on millions of verified diner reviews across the country. Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro’s commitment to exceptional culinary offerings, warm hospitality, and an enchanting ambiance has set it apart as the sole representative from East Tennessee.

Known for its rustic charm and idyllic setting on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro has captivated the hearts of diners seeking a romantic and memorable experience. The restaurant’s dedication to crafting innovative Appalachian-inspired cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients has garnered widespread acclaim, including being named one of TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Top 25 Fine Dining Restaurants in the USA in 2023.

Mark Oldham, CEO of Oldham Hospitality, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We are thrilled to be acknowledged by OpenTable as one of the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the USA. This accolade is a testament to the hard work and passion our team puts into creating an unforgettable dining experience. Being recognized for providing a uniquely romantic setting is a really fun and appreciated honor as we begin celebrating the Valentine’s Day holiday with our guests this month!”

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro invites patrons to celebrate this accomplishment by experiencing the romance and culinary excellence that have earned them a place among the nation’s elite dining establishments. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the restaurant is set to deliver an enchanting celebration for couples seeking a memorable and romantic evening between February 10th-17th where they will feature curated Sweet Heart menus for guests.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.DancingBearLodge.com/Events or contact 865-448-6000.

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro Named to OpenTable’s 2026 Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America

Posted on February 2, 2026 by - Uncategorized

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 Named Top 25 Fine Dining Restaurant

Posted on October 4, 2023 by - Uncategorized

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.

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Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro Secures Spot in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best for the Second Year in a Row

Posted on October 17, 2024 by - Uncategorized

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 Bistro Earns Prestigious One‑Star Wine Award

Posted on March 3, 2026 by - Uncategorized

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 Announces Bluegrass Concerts

Posted on March 14, 2023 by - Uncategorized

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.

Date Ideas on the Peaceful Side

Posted on July 16, 2024 by - Blog, Uncategorized

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 cavern of the Eastern United States. Along the 1.25-mile tour, there are millions of formations and a 210-foot waterfall to admire. At the end, you’ll experience total darkness in a room big enough to fit a football stadium.

Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants in Townsend, including Peaceful Side Social, Little River Pub and Deli, and The Abbey.

Then, put on your water shoes and head to River Rat, the highest-rated Tubing Outpost in Tennessee. Outpost A, a calmer, two-hour route, features a private rock jump and swimming holes. Meanwhile, Outpost B offers an hour-long, heart-pumping adventure.

You can tube once, or you can go until closing with a Day Tubing Pass. Pro Tip: If you book a day or more in advance, you’ll receive a $5 discount per person.

If you’re not looking to spend money, consider hiking instead. These are a few of our top picks, ranging from easy to strenuous:

All of these hikes have rewarding scenery, ranging from waterfalls to panoramic mountain views. To beat the summer heat (and the crowd), start your trek earlier in the morning, and be sure to bring plenty of water.

Classic Romantics – Downtown Maryville

Keep things simple and sweet. Surprise your date with flowers from a local florist, like Hartman’s Flowers and Gifts or Coulter Florist & Greenhouses. Then, go out for a romantic dinner in Downtown Maryville. Bella, Diamondjack and The Walnut Kitchen are some of our favorites.

Early Birds – Maryville

Get an early start to the weekend at the Maryville Farmers’ Market, which operates on Saturday mornings from April to November. You can grab coffee, sweet treats, produce, flowers—whatever your heart’s desire.

Once the two of you are done shopping, mosey on over to Bella, Southern Grace Coffee or Vienna Coffee House for a hearty southern brunch. Then, take a leisurely stroll on the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway or peruse shops downtown. We love Dandy Lions Gifts, J. Danforth Mercantile, Neighborly Books and Pinkie Mistry Art.

History Buffs – Townsend

If you’re looking for a weekday adventure with your sweetheart, embark on a 3.5-hour Cades Cove Heritage Tour. Enjoy a break from driving in a comfortable ADA-compliant bus, while experienced guides reveal the history of Cades Cove and point out wildlife.

Townsend has a variety of museums to explore any day of the week. Dive into East Tennessean history at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, where you and your loved one can experience live demonstrations and tour 17 preserved Appalachian structures.

Or head down the road to the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum, which preserves the heritage of what was once one of the largest commercial logging operations in southern Appalachia. This museum is free to visit, although donations are appreciated.

Retro Lovers – Maryville

Take a blast to the past at a drive-in movie. But first, you’ll want to get some snacks.

Start your evening off with sweet treats at the Capitol Theatre in Downtown Maryville. There are a variety of movie-themed sundaes, floats, candies and bottled drinks to choose from. The two of you can enjoy ice cream there and pick something else to take with you.

Then, take a short drive to Bigfoot Popcorn. There are unique flavors, like Bigfoot Poop and banana pudding, as well as traditional ones like cheddar and caramel.

Before dusk, make your way to the Parkway Drive-In off East Lamar Alexander Parkway. If you get there early enough, you’ll be able to pick a prime parking spot. You can stick around for both movies or call it a night after the first. Either way, it only costs $10 per adult.

Are you or your loved one planning a date on the Peaceful Side? We’d love to hear how it goes. Be sure to tag us on social media (@peacefulsmokies).

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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.