15 Issues to Do in Townsend, Tennessee – And Why You Actually Have to Go to – Highway Journeys & Espresso

Rush hour in Townsend means innertubes getting caught on the Little River. That’s about probably the most crowded I’ve ever seen it – exterior of the occasional pageant – and that’s exactly what I like about this small mountain city. It’s my favourite place to remain within the Nice Smoky Mountains as a result of there are lots of fantastic issues to do in that city.

The native tourism people describe Townsend as “The Peaceable Facet of the Smokies” – they usually’re proper. Away from the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg and overcrowded procuring facilities of Pigeon Forge, Townsend is the place folks go to flee the crowds, hearken to the refrain of tree frogs, and depend the celebs at evening.

My first go to to Townsend was in 2017, and I’ve returned yearly since. It’s considered one of my favourite locations and one I’ve been eager to brag about for a while. I lastly devoted the time to write down in regards to the issues to do in Townsend and why you really want to go to.

No. 01

Begin on the Townsend Welcome Middle

The Townsend Customer Middle is without doubt one of the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park’s official customer facilities – however it additionally serves the better Townsend space. It’s probably the greatest customer facilities within the Smokies and the primary place I go to each time I return to city.

The knowledge desk on the customer heart is at all times staffed by somebody who is aware of the world. You may get recommendations on what to do, issues you might want to see, and inside ideas, you gained’t discover anyplace else – not even on my web site. The workers will eagerly help you in selecting out journey brochures and even enable you to accumulate the Nationwide Park Passport cancellation stamp.

The present store is without doubt one of the finest within the space. Loaded with books on native historical past, journey, geology, and fiction, I at all times stroll away with one or two in my fingers. The present store additionally has a pleasant assortment of clothes, jewellery, toys, and journey equipment.

7906 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN | 800-525-6834 | www.smokymountains.org

No. 02

Go to the Nice Smoky Mountains Heritage Middle

The Nice Smoky Mountains Heritage Middle hides probably the greatest sights in Townsend. The museum’s Important Gallery is house to the Native People of East Tennessee Assortment – an assortment of historic artifacts from the bands of Native People who as soon as known as the world house. Displayed in well-lit exhibit instances, the artifacts embrace interpretive data for the historical past buff.

However the very best attraction on the museum is hidden behind, obscured from sight. The Historic Village is a group of 13 historic buildings from the Northeast Tennessee area relocated to the museum. The buildings are open for guests to discover and furnished based on the time the construction was constructed.

The museum expenses an admission starting from $7-$10 per particular person. It takes about an hour to see all of the displays contained in the Important Gallery and take a stroll by means of the Historic Village – however I might suggest spending not less than two hours.

123 Cromwell Dr, Townsend, TN | 865-448-0044 | www.gsmheritagecenter.org

No. 03

Be taught Native Historical past on the Little River Railroad & Lumber Museum

Do you know Townsend was based in 1900 as a logging city by a railroad firm? Visiting the one-room Little River Railroad & Lumber Museum was an effective way to spend an hour one scorching summer time day. It was a small museum, however the partitions have been coated in fascinating information in regards to the city’s historical past.

Contained in the museum, you’ll be taught in regards to the city’s founder, W.B. Townsend, and the way he was instrumental in establishing the Elkmont Historic District and creating The Sinks within the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park. You may discover an outdated logging locomotive that after hauled the fresh-cut timber into Townsend to be sawed into lumber exterior the museum.

7747 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN | 865-661-0170 | www.littleriverrailroad.org

Learn Extra The Hidden Surprise at Elkmont Historic District within the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park

No. 04

Discover Tuckaleechee Caverns

An area newspaper editor as soon as known as Tuckaleechee Caverns the “Best Sight Below the Smokies.” The privately-owned attraction is run by the second technology of the household who opened it within the Fifties. At present, it’s probably the greatest caverns open to the general public in Tennessee and a must-see attraction within the Nice Smoky Mountains.

Guided excursions take about an hour to discover the 1.25-mile out-and-back route by means of the caverns. Guests are handled to the gargantuan Huge Room – large enough to carry a soccer subject – and one of many tallest underground waterfalls within the nation.

825 Cavern Rd, Townsend, TN | 865-448-2274 | www.tuckaleecheecaverns.com

No. 05

Go Tubing in Townsend

The one site visitors jam I ever witnessed in Townsend occurred on the Little River. Together with dozens of different guests, I started my summer time day at Smoky Mountain River Rat. Wearing swimming shorts with my favourite Crocs Swiftwater Sandal, I plopped right into a vibrant yellow innertube and commenced to float down the cool mountain stream.

River Rat has two choices for tubing in Townsend. From Outpost A at Wears Valley Highway – the place I started my journey – it’s a two-hour float down the river to a pull-out at Webb Highway. This part is calm and appropriate for all ages. The extra adventurous part from Outpost B – positioned beside Burger Grasp Drive In – requires the next age restrict as a result of the river consists of extra rapids.

On that individual summer time day, the splash of chilly mountain water was a welcome respite from the humid summer time warmth. The tempo was pleasurably gradual beneath the shade of large timber lining the riverbanks. The occasional burst of giggles and the low murmur of dialog between innertubers was the one break within the silence. Close to the tip, simply earlier than the Webb Highway bridge, a site visitors jam emerged as dozens of individuals bumped collectively attempting to get out of the water. It was probably the most enjoyable site visitors jam I’d ever seen.

205 Wears Valley Rd, Townsend, TN | 865-448-8888 | www.smokymtnriverrat.com

No. 06

Go to Cades Cove

The primary time I visited Cades Cove, I stayed at a pleasant lodge on the fringe of the nationwide park in Gatlinburg. I rapidly discovered it was the worst place to remain whereas visiting the secluded part of the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park – and I by no means did it once more. It took almost an hour to get there and for much longer to get again.

Townsend is my favourite place to remain whereas visiting Cades Cove. It’s solely a twenty-minute drive to the doorway signal and infrequently congested with site visitors. The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Highway takes about an hour to drive straight by means of – however you gained’t do this since you’ll make not less than one cease alongside the best way.

Historic properties, mountain climbing trails, scenic views, hidden waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife make Cades Cove one of the crucial well-liked sections of the nationwide park. Plan to spend the day within the cove to provide your self time to discover it. Seize a reasonably first rate lunch on the deli beside the campground, benefit from the meal on the Native Plant Overlook, and wait till sundown throughout the sphere on the Dan Lawson Place.

No. 07

On the west fringe of Townsend, Apple Valley Mountain Village & Café is a one-stop vacation spot for native arts and crafts, presents, and eating. The Basic Retailer advertises “Fried Pies, Fudge, Souvenirs,” and that’s exactly what it is best to get. Souvenirs embrace clothes with a complete room devoted to graphic tees, toys, stuffed animals, and present concepts for the nationwide park. The fudge is made recent on daily basis, and the fried apple pies are an exquisite deal with.

Apple Valley Café is open for 3 meals a day. It options the Burger Toppings Bar – a self-serve counter for getting your personal toppings for his or her recent hand-patted burgers. Get a cushty seat inside or take the meals to go.

Throughout the parking zone, The Dancing Bean is their coffeeshop open till mid-afternoon on daily basis. It’s an ideal place to seize a freshly brewed espresso to go, however it’s not my favourite espresso store on the town.

7138 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN | 865-448-9878 | https://applevalleystores.com

No. 08

Go to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville

Though I’m actually a supporter of staying in Townsend when visiting Townsend, there’s nothing mistaken with visiting close by mountain cities for procuring, leisure, or dinner. Attending to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville from Townsend is straightforward and nearly an journey of its personal.

Probably the most scenic – and most time-consuming – path to Gatlinburg could be Little River Highway by means of the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park. It takes about an hour alongside the two-lane street with a couple of stops alongside the best way at Meigs Falls, The Sinks, and Elkmont.

The quickest route into Pigeon Forge is Wears Valley Highway. It solely takes about thirty minutes on the two-lane street by means of the valley – and also you simply would possibly need to cease in Wears Valley to browse the vintage retailers.

No. 09

Townsend isn’t a procuring vacation spot – not less than, not like how Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville have developed. You’ll discover extra native art work on this small mountain city and some downright attention-grabbing locations to buy.

My favourite place to browse is Tennessee Sally’s. A two-story white home has been transformed into a present store chocked filled with native artisan’s items, quirky souvenirs, and all types of nice present concepts. The Townsend Artisan Information is one other good spot to search out native art work. The guild is operated by the artists and might embrace all types of art work relying on what the locals produce. After I visited, I discovered watercolor work, clothes, and a pleasant assortment of pictures.

Want some provides on your dulcimer? Do you even personal a dulcimer? Wooden-N-Strings Dulcimer Store is actually a singular discover in Townsend – however it’s wildly well-liked with the locals. Saturday evenings all through the summer time imply it’s time to hearken to dulcimer artists pickin’ on the entrance porch of the native retail store. Possibly that may encourage you to purchase one of many musical devices?

Little River Outfitters has every thing you might want to take pleasure in fishing or fly fishing whereas visiting Townsend. Additionally they provide courses and can join you with an area information to search out the very best fishing holes. Smoky Mountain Outside Middle – positioned subsequent to River Rats – affords tube and bicycle leases and a small outside gear choice. Yeti coolers and cups have been stacked to the ceiling, however I additionally discovered clothes, camp chairs, and bug spray amongst their wares.

No. 10

Experience a Bicycle By means of City

One characteristic of Townsend I like probably the most is the 5-mile Townsend Bicycle Path. The path begins at a parking zone throughout U.S. Freeway 321 from Apple Valley Mountain Village & Café. After passing one other parking space – and the higher place to park your car – the path crosses the four-lane divided freeway and continues alongside the south facet of the street by means of city.

The paved path is normally a cushty distance from the freeway, with bicycle crossing indicators on most roads. After passing by means of your complete city, the path ends at a parking zone throughout the street from the KOA campground.

The most effective place in Townsend to hire a bicycle is Smoky Mountain Outside Middle. Half-day leases start at $20, and you may hire a motorcycle for a number of days to cowl your total journey.

No. 11

When the most recent part of the Foothills Parkway opened in 2018, it supplied guests an opportunity to take pleasure in a 33-mile scenic drive between Wears Valley and U.S. Freeway 129. The parkway was Tennessee’s reply to the Blue Ridge Parkway with a imaginative and prescient to create a 72-mile route alongside a mountain ridge that supplied views of the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park.

The unique part between Walland and U.S. Freeway 129 has been round for many years however has remained one of many least-visited areas of the nationwide park. That part included a number of gorgeous overlooks – most notably the Look Rock Commentary Tower. The brand new part has fewer overlooks – and no official mountain climbing trails – however the views are a lot better.

Guests from Townsend can take Wears Valley Highway to the present finish of the Foothills Parkway, drive about an hour to U.S. Freeway 321, and return to city for lunch. Then, an out-and-back journey from U.S. Freeway 321 to U.S. Freeway 129 takes about two hours – three for those who cease as a lot as I do to benefit from the view.

No. 12

Get a Espresso at The Inventive Bean

There are a couple of espresso retailers in Townsend, however my favourite is The Inventive Bean. Proprietor David Fahidy is aware of a factor or two about espresso and begins on daily basis roasting his personal beans within the nook of the charming espresso store.

The barista behind the counter was nonetheless studying learn how to make latte artwork – one thing I’ve by no means been capable of grasp myself. She giggled as she ruined the highest’s artistry, however the scrumptious espresso greater than made up for it. The entrance half of the espresso store is furnished with giant couches and armchairs, whereas the again half has a few tables – the right place for me to get some work performed.

The Inventive Bean affords espresso nearly each means you might take pleasure in it – they usually even promote their beans to take house with you! Come out on Friday nights, and likelihood is good, you’ll take pleasure in some reside music.

8027 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN | 865-738-3412 | www.theartisticbean.com

No. 13

Get a Meal at a Native Restaurant

Townsend could also be a small city, however that doesn’t imply they don’t have some unbelievable native eateries. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner – there’s a place to go for any meal of the day.

My breakfast at Townsend Pancake Home wouldn’t have gained any culinary awards, however it was served quick, cooked to order, and scrumptious to the final morsel. The inside of the restaurant was plainly adorned, however not less than the seating was snug.

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is probably the most upscale restaurant in Townsend – and also you’ll see that while you pay for the meal. The meals is unbelievable, although, impressed by the mountain area with menu gadgets like elk chop, smoked ham, and beef tenderloin. The bar is without doubt one of the finest stocked I’ve ever seen, with a number of pages of wine, beer, and liquor from native breweries and distilleries, and title manufacturers.

Trailhead Steak & Trout Home affords precisely that: domestically raised steaks and recent catch trout. The family-friendly restaurant has cheap costs, a cushty ambiance, and a large assortment of menu choices. The Trailhead Potato Skins have been an ideal starter, and I actually liked the Mississippi Fried Catfish.

Smokin’ Joe’s is my favourite place in Townsend for lunch. You’ll scent the standard of the meals the second you step out of your automobile. The Huge Sandwich – a “whopper sized bun” piled excessive with pulled pork – was a unbelievable meal that threatened to place me right into a meals coma. You can even order racks of ribs, brisket, or rooster sandwiches.

The Burger Grasp Drive In is without doubt one of the most iconic locations to eat in Townsend. The old style drive in has you ordering by means of a window and sitting exterior at considered one of their coated picnic tables. All the pieces is cooked recent simply the best way you order it – which might be why that cheeseburger was probably the greatest I’ve ever had.

In case you’re on a strict funds – and even for those who’re not – don’t low cost the deli on the Townsend IGA. Mornings begin with scrambled eggs and breakfast sandwiches, after which they’ll put out salads and fried rooster for lunch and dinner. It’s an ideal place to seize a meal to go – perhaps for a street journey on the Foothills Parkway or a visit to Cades Cove.

No. 14

Attend a Incredible Competition

There may be at all times an exception to the rule – and the exception to Townsend’s peacefulness is considered one of their unbelievable festivals. There are just a few every year – so don’t fear about regularly competing with lodge charges and availability – however considered one of these simply could be the rationale you need to go to.

I attended the inaugural Nice Smoky Mountains Sizzling Air Balloon Competition and had the time of my life on the small pageant. The big subject beside the Townsend Customer Middle performed host to a few dozen scorching air balloons. They weren’t taking anyone on rides – however I’m undecided I might have taken that probability anyway. Would you?

The Townsend Heritage Competition kicks off the Autumn season with reside bluegrass music, arts and crafts, and meals. The 2-day pageant spans a weekend and it probably the greatest festivals to attend if you wish to get to know the mountain city.

Much like the heritage pageant, the Townsend Spring Competition signifies the tip of Winter every year with two days of bluegrass music, arts and crafts, and native meals. Held the primary week of Might, it’s a good time of yr to go to Townsend.

Grains & Grits is one other new pageant for Townsend – and it’s unbelievable to attend. The pageant showcases brewers and distillers from all through the Appalachian Mountains in a fun-filled ambiance of mountain music and pattern drinks. It’s an ideal alternative to find a brand new beer or liquor and meet the individuals who make it.

No. 15

Discover the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park

Cades Cove is without doubt one of the hottest locations within the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, however it’s not the one vacation spot. There are numerous locations to discover within the nationwide park inside an hour’s drive of Townsend, making this an ideal place to spend the evening.

The Townsend Wye has grown in recognition in recent times. It’s the primary vacation spot within the nationwide park to go to after leaving Townsend behind. It’s a preferred place for tubing or swimming within the shallow water within the river’s bend.

Meigs Falls is the one waterfall within the nationwide park viewable from the consolation of your personal automobile. It’s positioned a couple of hundred toes from Little River Highway in a small ravine, however you may see it out of your automobile or by sitting on the stone wall above the river. Close by, The Sinks is an space of cascading waterfalls created when a lumber firm used dynamite to blast a log jam on the Little River. The explosion created a deep chasm beneath the river and truly modified its course.

Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Space is a good place to spend a night with the household. It’s a few 25-minute drive from Townsend, so it’s attainable to take one thing to eat with you. The picnic space has a couple of coated shelters, entry to the Little River, and a mountain climbing path resulting in the Little Greenbrier College.

The Elkmont Historic District is an interesting space to discover about forty-five minutes from Townsend. The historic district consists of an assortment of historic properties and cabins positioned the place a logging village had been constructed within the late 1800s. The cabins are leftovers earlier than the nationwide park was based when rich folks from Knoxville used the world as a summer time trip. Climbing trails, waterfalls, entry to the Little River, and the campground are some things to see there.

The Sugarlands Customer Middle is an hour from Townsend with out site visitors – and when there’s site visitors, it might take as a lot as two hours. Newfound Hole is about two hours from Townsend and Clingmans Dome, about two and a half hours. All of those are simply doable in a prolonged day journey – however why would you need to go that removed from Townsend?

When to Go to Townsend

Many of the native retail retailers, eating places, campgrounds, and lodges are open year-round in Townsend. The winter months are actually the slowest when it comes to guests – and that could be a good time to go to.

However the very best time to go to Townsend is the summer time months. Most individuals flock to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge on the Tennessee facet and Bryson Metropolis on the North Carolina facet of the nationwide park. That leaves Townsend principally peaceable – however not abandoned.

Day-trippers will frequent the city, and campers from Cades Cove will enterprise out for meals and provides. It’s by no means actually a ghost city in the summertime, however it’s much less crowded than options.

The busiest time of yr is usually Autumn, coinciding with the height of fall colours. It’s a good time to go to, however you’ll discover in a single day charges costlier – typically much more costly than summer time weekends. However if you wish to go to Cades Cove to see the colours, I strongly suggest staying in Townsend.

The place to Keep in Townsend

Finances

The Townsend River Breeze Inn doesn’t appear to be a lot on the skin, however on the within, you’ll discover lately up to date rooms with fashionable furnishings. The swimming pool is surrounded by a series hyperlink fence, however on the plus facet, you may admire the mountains whereas floating within the water. The motel has King Rooms with a sleeper couch and Double Rooms with two queen beds.

The Highland Manor Inn is a splendidly nostalgic place to spend a couple of nights in Townsend. The motel is positioned in an outdated constructing, however the furnishings and bedding are comparatively new and in good situation. They’ve a unbelievable outside swimming pool, and the lounge is a good place to hang around. They’ve a Customary Room with two queen beds, Deluxe Queen and Deluxe King Rooms, and a King Room with a personal balcony.

The Finest Western is the budget-friendly go-to in Townsend. The lodge has King Rooms and Queen Rooms with two queen beds. With an outside swimming pool and reasonably good free breakfast, it’s an ideal place if all you’re on the lookout for is a mattress and bathe.

Mid-Vary

The Tremont Lodge and Resort is positioned in an older constructing, however after the property modified fingers in 2017, the brand new house owners have been updating the furnishings. The free breakfast within the morning leaves so much to be desired, however in any other case, this can be a snug place to spend the evening and benefit from the outside swimming pool. The lodge has King Rooms, Queen Rooms with two queen beds, and a pet-friendly Household Suite with two queen beds and a sleeper couch.

Luxurious

The premiere in a single day vacation spot in Townsend is the Dancing Bear Lodge. The lodge options rustic mountain decor, rooms with wood-burning fireplaces and full kitchens, and outside recreation within the 36-acre property. The lodge options rooms within the villa and cabins with one or two bedrooms, and a few of them are pet pleasant!

Tenting

My favourite place to remain in Townsend is the Little Arrow Outside Resort. It’s positioned actually on the nationwide park’s edge, so it’s solely about twenty minutes from Cades Cove. There may be undoubtedly one thing you’ll need with a pleasant campground, glamping tents, tiny properties, and cabins.