Tag: Smoky Mountain Tourism

Celebrate July 4th on the Peaceful Side

Posted on July 3, 2025 by - Blog, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

Looking for a unique way to celebrate Independence Day this year? Escape the usual hustle and bustle and enjoy a serene July 4th on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Here, you can immerse yourself in family-friendly festivities, breathtaking views and local flavors.

Watch Fireworks

Every year, the City of Townsend puts on a spectacular 4th of July fireworks display. Festivities kick off at 6:30 p.m., and the fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m. Enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers and snow cones for sale as part of the Townsend Fire Department’s annual fundraiser. Don’t forget to bring lawn chairs or a blanket for a comfortable spot to watch the show.

Before the fireworks, you can also check out Concert on the Fourth at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. This exuberant musical celebration features a 35-piece American brass band, special guests and live portrayals of revolutionary-era figures in 1776 costume. The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. in the Heritage Center’s large covered amphitheater, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. (overflow seating available on the lawn). The first 300 guests will receive complimentary American flags.

Under the direction of internationally acclaimed conductor Danny Griffin, the performance will feature rousing Sousa marches, Appalachian-themed pieces and a heartfelt salute to active-duty military and veterans. Best of all, the concert will wrap up with plenty of time to make your way to downtown Townsend to enjoy the fireworks.

Admission is a suggested $10 donation to support the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, which preserves historic homes, exhibits and educational programs.

If you prefer to launch your own fireworks at home, please note that cities on the Peaceful Side have updated their rules last year to respect neighbors with PTSD and pets. You can find the new fireworks ordinances for each city here:

Picnic with a View

For a quieter celebration, enjoy a picnic with a stunning view. A sunset in the Smokies can be just as brilliant and breathtaking as fireworks, without the noise.

The Foothills Parkway offers 22.5 miles of mountain views, with plenty of roadside pull-offs for picnicking. If you’re up for a one-mile round-trip hike, Look Rock Tower is the ultimate spot for panoramic mountain scenery. At 2,652 feet, this observation tower offers views of the Chilhowee Mountain ridge and the Tennessee Valley lowlands.

Have a Get-together at a Local Park

Did you know that you can reserve pavilions in our city and county parks for gatherings? Host a picnic by the Alcoa Duck Pond, the lake at Louisville Point Park, or the playgrounds at Sandy Springs Park. With over a dozen pavilions to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect space (and plenty of parking) to entertain friends and family.

Many of the pavilions have grills nearby, excellent for a barbeque. But you can also keep it simple and order award-winning BBQ from Small Town BBQ in Friendsville.

Enjoy a Frozen Treat

No summer celebration is complete without a frozen treat. These are our favorite places to get ice cream on the Peaceful Side.

Peaceful Side Social Creamery

Peaceful Side Social Creamery opened in Townsend last spring. Their ice cream is made with locally sourced ingredients and served in house-made waffle cones. With a daily changing menu advertised on their social media, there’s always something new to try. Don’t miss the kids’ play area and cornhole in the outdoor seating area.

Capitol Theatre Ice Cream Parlor

Located in a historic building in downtown Maryville, the Capitol Theatre ice cream parlor is a local favorite. It boasts a Hollywood-themed menu with treats like the Pirate’s Treasure salted caramel sundae, the I’m Melting! Melting! lava fudge cake sundae, and sweet, foamy Butter beer.

Each booth is based on a different movie, including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Back to the Future. Alternatively, outdoor seating lets you immerse yourself in the vibrant downtown scene.

Andy’s Frozen Custard – Maryville

Recently opened in Maryville, Andy’s Frozen Custard is serving up the All-American Cherry Pie Concrete, available until July 8, with real cherries and creamy vanilla custard. Make a quick pit stop at the drive-through, or linger a while at the picnic benches.

Will you be joining us this 4th of July on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies? We’d love to hear about it. 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.

Celebrate St. Patty's Day with a Visit to One of Our Local Breweries

Posted on March 18, 2019 by - Blog, Drinking, Events

What could be better than celebrating St. Patty’s Day than sharing a pint or two at your favorite watering hole. A trip to Ireland and Guinness on tap? Well, that might be fantastic, but on a more realistic note, why not try some of the craft beers made right here on the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies?” Craft beers have become very popular in the U.S. with hundreds of small breweries pumping out an even larger number of excellent beers that we just can’t seem to get enough of. What better day to sample some of the local brews crafted right here?

Round 6 Brewing

Drop by Round 6 Brewing located at 427 Whitecrest Dr, Maryville where the taproom serves over a dozen craft beers brewed on location along with a small selection of their favorite beers from other breweries. With five large-screen TVs, Round 6 is the perfect place to watch your favorite sports while sipping on a pint of your favorite brew. It’s also the ideal place to party on St. Patty’s Day with your friends. The Taproom seats 99, but there is an outside deck with room for 40 and a quiet patio with room for 20.

Smoky Mountain Brewery

Located in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Turkey Creek, and Maryville at 743 Watkins Rd, the Smoky Mountain Brewery serves up more than a fantastic selection of beers brewed on-site. The restaurant serves up tasty subs, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, their famous “WET Wings,” and much more. Always on tap are Cherokee Red Ale, Helles, and Mountain Light, plus three others.  There are also four seasonal brews along with the “Brewmaster Special” that change every couple of weeks.

Blackberry Farm Brewery

You’ll find the Blackberry Farm Brewery at 106 Everett Avenue, Maryville. Whether you are coming out for a special occasion, like St Patty’s Day or just looking for a great craft beer to enjoy at home, the taproom here offers you the opportunity to sup one of their craft brews while standing just a few feet from the tanks. Along with a long list of beers that are available all year round, there is always a rotating selection of limited-edition brews on tap for you to try that are only offered in the taproom.

Tri-Hop Brewery

Drop into the Tri-Hop Brewery at 205 Court St in Maryville; you can always find a wide range of craft brews on tap from breweries located throughout Tennessee. The idea for the business came from co-owners Matthew Tipton and Nick Pierce love of homebrewing. While the tap room is not serving any on-site brews, things will not be this way for long. Both Tipton and Pierce say that they are already working on turning the downstairs into a craft brewery that lets them finally realize their dream of sharing their love for craft brewed beer with locals and tourists alike. There is always a food truck outside, live music and the place is pet and family friendly.
 

Celebrating 50 Years at Tremont

Posted on September 11, 2019 by - Activities, Blog

Monarch butterfly tagging. Photo by Stephanie Bowling.

The Institute at Tremont, in the Great Smoky Mountains, has been serving the Walker Valley community for 50 years. It all started in 1969 when a group of local leaders and educators came together to turn a group of old Job Corps buildings, slated for demolition, into a residential environmental learning center. The idea was to offer hands-on outdoor discovery experiences accessible to everyone. The successful implementation has only grown stronger and flourished over the years, with programs for everyone – from young children to adults, and educators to the curious public.
Monarch butterfly tagging. Photo by Stephanie Bowling.
To celebrate this golden anniversary, they have invited everyone to attend their annual Homecoming gathering on the weekend of October 12 – 14, 2019. A full weekend package is available online, which will include Saturday and Sunday night lodging in their dormitory. Four meals will be provided, including Saturday supper, Sunday breakfast, a sack lunch, and Homecoming dinner. Many informal activities have been planned, such as a campfire and moonlight walk, a waterfall hike, and a tour of Tremont’s new property in Townsend. Space is limited, so if you are interested, please go to http://gsmit.org/event/homecoming-full-weekend-package/ to register.
If you aren’t able to make the homecoming celebration, there are many other ways to get involved with the Institute at Tremont. A popular fall activity is their Monarch Tagging program in Cades Cove. Each year monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico for the winter and Tremont Institute using tagging as a way to track their migratory patterns and monitor population status. Tremont has been tagging monarch butterflies for many years, and each year their volunteer pool grows because of its popularity with participants from every age group. Grab your butterfly net and play in the fields of Cades Cove, while also using a field guide to identify the different species. Monarch tagging is just one of several Citizen Science programs, which allows the public to gather hands-on experience with real scientific research. Other Citizen Science programs throughout the year include bird banding, salamander monitoring, phenology tracking, and otter spotting. If you are interested in volunteering and want more information about the Citizen Science programs, please check out http:/gsmit.org/citizen-science/.

The Institute at Tremont also has summer camps and adult programs that are open to the public. Summer camps start at age four and are available through high school ages. They have family camps that allow families to stay on-site and offer all kinds of outdoor activities. Leave the planning to the Tremont Institute and come and enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains in a structured and educational environment. They offer a Firefly Camp, which allows a parent or grandparent to accompany children from four to nine for a one, two, or three-night adventure. There are also discovery camps, science camps, and backpacking camps. Leave the kids for a unique camp experience while you and your spouse enjoy some private time alone in the mountains for the week. With so many different camp experiences, there is one for any family.

Not to leave the adults out of the fun, Tremont has a wide variety of programs for the older generation, as well. There are Road Scholar hiking trips, Sierra Club hikes, and a Women’s Fall Backpacking excursion. Twice a year, they offer photography workshops, which allow students to stay at the facility and sharpen their nature photography skills. They also provide Naturalist Classes and Certifications under the Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program, which is a field-based program in Southern Appalachian ecology and interpretive techniques. The Wilderness First Responder course is led by instructors from Roane State Community College and meets the Tennessee Emergency Medical Services curriculum standards. If you love the outdoors, Tremont Institute has the program for you.

With 50 years of experience, the Institute at Tremont has been instrumental in serving our community with environmental educations resources and programs. Their journey is far from over, as new environmental concerns arise, they are prepared to teach the public how to get involved and make a difference. For more information on the Tremont Institute or any of their programs, please go to their website at www.gsmit.org.

Check Out These Restaurants for a Hearty Weekend Brunch in the Smokies

Posted on November 30, 2018 by - Blog, Dining

There is something about being on vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains that seems to make just about everyone wake up hungry. It could be the water, maybe it’s the fresh air, or perhaps it’s all that extra hiking you’ve been putting in. But, if you wake up hungry in the Townsend, TN area on the weekend, we suggest you try these great local restaurants that serve up some amazing weekend brunches.

Country Steak N’ Eggs

Located at 7613 Old Highway 73, Townsend, Country Steak N’ Eggs serves up a full range of All-American brunch fare, vegetarian fare, and vegan dishes. From steak and eggs cooked to perfection to some of the finest biscuits and gravy,  you will leave full and happy. Their famous “Garbage Can” omelet may be the largest omelet you have ever seen. There is an outside dining area where you can enjoy your brunch while looking out over the river.

Riverstone Family Restaurant

Located at 8503 State Highway 73, Townsend, the Riverstone Family Restaurant serves a range of American cuisine and vegetarian-friendly food. Come for western omelets and country ham or try the frog’s legs, rainbow trout, or be brave and have a good old-fashioned fried bologna sandwich. The service here is superb, the food excellent, and the prices are very reasonable, plus they are right outside the gateway into the park.

Carriage House Restaurant

Located at 8310 State Hwy 73, Townsend, the Carriage House Restaurant offers buffet-style dining with a breakfast/brunch bar, homemade bread, fried okra, burgers, fried chicken, and many other tasty dishes. You can also order eggs cooked to your tastes, have custom-made omelets, and best of all, for one low price, the Carriage House offers all you can eat. No need to be shy here; be sure you bring your appetite, as you need plenty of fuel for your afternoon hike.

Elvira’s Café

Located at 4143 Wears Valley Rd. in Sevierville, Elvira’s Café is home to fresh food made every day using locally sourced ingredients. You just can’t get any fresher than this. Elvira’s serves up a range of local Southern Tennessee dishes with a slight Russian twist to them as a nod to Elvira’s homeland. Enjoy a Mountain Man omelet, your choice of breakfast or sweet crepes, and so much more. They also cater to vegetarian and vegan diets and are one of the most popular restaurants in the area.

Hillbilly’s Restaurant

Located near the middle of the strip in Wears Valley, TN, Hillbilly’s Restaurant/Wears Valley Café is easy to spot. It’s the only place in the area with a 1950s pickup truck on the roof. Once you walk in, the first thing you will see is another 50s-style truck with a whiskey still in the bed. The pancakes are to die for; you can order yours straight up with syrup, add fresh strawberries or blueberries, chocolate chips, or your choice of nuts. Add in the best burgers in the area, and a host of sandwiches, and you can’t go wrong, especially when you always get ham, bacon, or sausage with your breakfast.

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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