Author: townsend insider

Camp Wesley Woods

Growing up in the south, and it was probably that way above the Mason-Dixon line as well, most children have fond memories of spending part of their summer vacation at a church camp, day camp, or some kind of camp that got you away from home for a week, or even a few weeks. Camp Wesley Woods in Townsend still evokes memories for thousands of East Tennesseans who spent part of their childhood at the popular United Methodist Church-formed retreat.

Camp Wesley Woods has served East Tennessee for over 50 years through its summer camp, various outdoor education curriculum, and retreat ministry programs. Nestled among flowing mountain streams and dense forests just outside Townsend, TN and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Camp Wesley Woods is the perfect place to go to enjoy the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Children have come to love and look forward to the fun and adventure of Camp Wesley Woods’ spectacular summer camp programs. Wesley’s outdoor education program is an extension of a child’s school classroom and the lessons learned there. Those lessons brought to life through activities that get each child involved on a personal level. Camp Wesley Woods works in partnership with area churches and other various nonprofit groups to host meetings, retreats, and other events.

No matter what reason you decide to come to Camp Wesley Woods, you’ll always find the cornerstones that have made this such a special place – a focus on serving others, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for making a positive difference in people’s lives.

As always, summer camp at Camp Wesley Woods is a huge draw for local children. Wesley Woods offers a wide range of camp programs to meet the needs of campers of all ages and interests. They have programs for 1st graders through high school seniors, and Camp Wesley Woods also offers a special needs camp for ages 10-22. Each year campers are encouraged to explore their faith and grow in their education. At Wesley Woods, campers improve their social skills, learn to be more independent, and accept greater responsibility.

Camp Wesley Woods
329 Wesley Woods Road
Townsend, TN 37882
(865) 448-2246 or (865) 448-6556
www.campwesleywoods.com

Tuckaleechee Cove

Tuckaleechee Cove is Townsend, TN and Townsend, Tennessee is Tuckaleechee Cove. Think about that for a second.  Actually, Townsend is more a part of Tuckaleechee Cove – a place in the Smokies where the Little River meets the more urban settings of Townsend.

The area has been a hotbed of  archeological findings over the years as Native American artifacts have yielded clues that date their people, primarily Cherokee, back 10,000 years. Englishmen first settled the area in the 1700’s, areas now known as Townsend and Cades Cove. Still, by the time those first settlers arrived, the Cherokee had long since abandoned their villages. During that time, the railroad and a growing logging industry brought commerce and development tot he small Smoky Mountain settlement.

The name ”Tuckaleechee” comes from the Cherokee word “Tikwalitsi”. It’s actual meaning is still unknown even to this day.

As previously mentioned, the Little River Lumber Company was chartered in 1900 by Colonel W.B. Townsend, whom the town takes its name from. It wasn’t until the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was founded in the 1930’s that logging completely stopped. Up until that time, almost two-thirds of the region’s woodlands had come down under the saw and blade of the Little River Lumber Company. It wasn’t until he was under tremendous pressure from conservationists that Col. Townsend sold 76,000 acres to the federal government that would become national park land.

Tuckaleechee Cove is also said to be one of several “limestone windows” located in the Smoky Mountains. These windows form when erosion carries away older rocks like sandstone, thus exposing younger rock formations below, like limestone. Some of the other limestone windows in the Smoky Mountain area include Cades Cove and Jones Cove. Located between Bates Mountain to the north and Rich Mountain to the south, Tuckaleechee Cove’s population is estimated at around 1,500. Little River, which flows from high in the mountains on the north slopes of Clingmans Dome, slices east-to-west through Tuckaleechee and drains much of the cove. The city of Townsend is found on the eastern half of Tuckaleechee.

Trillium Cove

Trillium Cove has become the place to shop in Townsend, Tn over the years. It’s a place where you can go shop for antiques, grab a bit to eat, and pick up some supplies for your next home improvement project. It’s an all-in-one Townsend destination, especially for us everyday local.

The Appalachian style village is connected by walkways which run between the shops which include everything from a barber shop to an extensive home and garden center. Maybe you just want to stop by and grab a bite to eat, or a coffee… the Picnic Pantry Cafe offers locally roasted coffee, sandwiches, homemade desserts, as well as a long list of premium wines & beer.  Open social events are regularly hosted, ranging from art walks, free live music, wine tastings, and seasonal celebrations. Trillium Cove is located on Hwy. 321 and the Townsend foot and bike paths …so whether by car, bicycle, or on foot, we invite you to park free and visit Trillium Cove

Trillium Cove businesses include:

The Blackberry Briar: Unique Antiques, Gifts & Collectibles
The Blackberry Briar is full of unique gifts. From 1700’s antiques to Czech Republic antiques to the latest in Vera Bradley and so much more.

Cabin Treasures: Prize Pickins and Stained Glass
Cabin Treasures provides a wonderful selection of decor and gifts! They also specialize in custom crafted stained glass panels, windows, lamps, and sun catchers abound, all created by the proprietor and artisan, Becky Goodman.

Hassell Creek: Ham, Jam, Jelly & More
Award winning Hassell Creek features a full line of jam, jelly, honey, fruit butter, country ham, coffee, no sugar items and other delicious products.  All of the fruit and ingredients in our Hassell Creek products are grown right here in the Smoky Mountain area.

Norris Mountain: The Art, Life and Spirit of Cades Cove
Townsend’s premier art gallery focusing on and about Cades Cove. Your visit to the Cove will be made complete with a fine artistic memento, framed or unframed, that will satisfy the desires of any budget.

Parkside Realty Services & Dogwood Cabins
Parkside Realty Services and Dogwood Cabins offer real estate services, vacation home/cabin rentals, and showcase Townsend’s finest properties for sale and lease.

Ravenwood Jewelry
Ravenwood Jewelry is a custom jewelry maker that uses sterling silver and natural stones. Ravenwood specializes in wedding jewelry that can be designed by the bride and will add to her very special wedding day.

Regina’s Paul Mitchell Focus Salon
Regina’s is owned and operated by Regina Clavin, a Paul Mitchell National Educator & Instructor. Offering the latest in cuts & coloring techniques to all men, women & children. Also offering Jane Iredale Mineral makeup and facial waxing.

Serenity Salon & Boutique
Serenity Salon & Boutique offers 35 years experience in hair styling, cutting, coloring & highlighting. Manicures & pedicures are also available. Our products include Matrix, Sebastian, Redken and Kenra. Our boutique offers the latest in ladies fashions, handbags, gemstone jewelry & handmade Italian sandals. Specialty skin care items and a full line of cosmetics by Mineral Mine.

Southern Fried Gallery: Art, Gifts, Curiosities & More
Southern Fried Gallery hosts an exhibition of art and craft with a southern flavor and whimsical flair. The gallery includes fine art, pottery, glass, metal, prints, jewelry, soaps, paper goods, clothing and furnishings.

Townsend Barber Shop
The only barber in Townsend specializing in men’s haircuts.

Trillium Cove Home & Garden
Trillium Cove Home & Garden has everything from annuals to perennials, herbs, vegetables and hanging baskets. Customers will also find a number of decorative items for your garden, home and patio. Great containers and custom potting. Home and garden treasures that are sure to meet your needs.

Burger Master Drive-In

Have you ever come out of the Little River in Townsend, after a day of tubing and thought:  “I am really hungry but I am soaking wet and no restaurant in town is going to let me in their dining room.”  Well, why not pull down to the Burger Master Drive-In and enjoy a tasty burger, some fries and a potentially some of the best ice cream in Townsend.

The Burger Master Drive-In has been a part of Townsend for years.  It is a great drive in.  You pull into the parking lot and walk to the window.  You place your order, the write it down and hand it back to the cook.  It is a small mom and pop style foodery that has been turning out greasy spoon style food for decades.  Burgers, fries, hot dogs – drive-in style food.  Half the fun is waiting in line for them to call your number out so that you can pick up your food.

Now, the fact of the matter is that it is hard to decide if the food is as good as you think it is or if the food is fantastic because of the atmosphere and the environment.  Eating at the Burger Master Drive-In is stepping back in time.  You are taking part in Americana.  You are taking part in nostalgia.  The Burger Master Drive-In is something unique that your kids may or may not have ever been to:  a mom and pop, down-home drive in.  No flash, no corporate advertising just goo food in a great location, right on the side of the road on the Peaceful side of the Smokies.

Next time you are in Townsend, whether you are in town for tubing or hiking or just exploring the area, stop by Burger Master Drive-In.  Maybe you just came off of Rich Mountain Road and you need some food before you head back to your hotel or cabin.  Get some great greasy spoon style food.  Have a seat on one of the picnic tables or take your food with you into the park and have a picnic.  Get your grub on at a restaurant with some tradition and a lot of history.

Burger Master Drive-In
8439 State Highway 73
Townsend, TN
865-448-8408

Cades Cove Campground

Thinking about getting in the Smokies to go camping, but don’t want to get too far into the Smokies? Cades Cove is home to a wonderful campground and a number backcountry sites you can reach via one of the many hiking trails. The main one is right on the left as you enter Cades Cove. At last count, they offered 159 camping sites and can handle trailers up to 35 feet. RVs are allowed to be a little larger than 40 feet. Sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings and a tent surface. And you can also find camping supplies at the Cades Cove Campground store.

You’ll also find that the Cades Cove Campground has a wealth of other conveniences in the form of comfort stations with toilets and running water. However, there are no showers at the Cades Cove Campground so our suggestion is to shower up before coming or just jump in a creek. No, in all seriousness, we’ll leave that one up to you.

On Bears: Fair warning, there are bears in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, so if you do decide to camp in Cades Cove you’re very likely to see one, or two, maybe even three. Attacks however are rare, and the ones that have occurred usually have to do with food left unattended. So, don’t leave food out at your campsite or store it in a tent. The Black Bears that call the national park home have a keen sense of smell and even the smell of toothpaste can lure them to a campsite. If you do see one in the campground, bang something together to create a loud noise, shout, wave your arms and act like you’re a loon…. Anything to try to scare them away. If nothing works, RUN to a building, into a car, whatever.

Upon your departure, please attempt to leave no trace of food or litter in the campground that will attract bears. No burying or burning of food either. If you bring something in to the Cades Cove Campground, you must pack it up and take it out when you leave.

On occassion, you may see photos of people interacting with park bears. Still, Smoky Mountain Black Bears are extremely unpredictable when it comes to their interactions with humans. It’s in your best interest not to try to interact with them or attempt to feed them.

Outside of the Cades Cove Campground, Russell and Spence fields provide shelters and there are 16 backcountry campgrounds as well throughout the Cades Cove trail network. To make reservations, call 865-436-1200.

Getting to Townsend, TN – The BEST Route.

In years past, if you were coming to Townsend, Tennessee you were likely going to take in Cades Cove’s majestic beauty and time-worn structures. With so many local eateries and outdoorsy offerings, people have made it more of a destination here lately than a stop on the way to Maryville or the Great Smoky Mountains. So, what way is best if I want to get to Townsend many of you have asked…. Well, there are a few ways.

Coming west from Maryville via Knoxville, you’ll travel east along Lamar Alexander Parkway/U.S. 321/Hwy. 73 through Walland straight into Townsend. Between this route and the route coming through Pigeon Forge, there really isn’t a better way. It just depends on if you’re coming into town from the east or west. To quote an old saying, “It’s as broad as it is long.”

As noted, if you’re coming from the Great Smoky Mountains area already – Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, etc., you’re well on your way there already. You’re best bet is to head west on Wears Valley Road which is right in the middle of Pigeon Forge at traffic light No. 3. From there, Wears Valley Road/U.S. 321/Hwy. 73 will take you through Wears Valley and its many foothills before you reach the center of Townsend.


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Ticks and Lyme Disease in the Smoky Mountains

In Townsend, Tn and the Great Smoky Mountains ticks are to be taken very seriously and can be a public health threat. Ticks feed on the blood of three different animals during their development, injecting their saliva that in turn causes intense itching that doesn’t let up.

If you ever get bitten while hiking or camping in the Smokies, take every precaution. Some people can even have severe allergic reactions, and infected ticks can transfer hazardous pathogens.

Throughout the tick’s life cycle, from the larva to nymph to the adult stage, each feed on mammals, including humans. Some stages of the lone star Ticks can be found from March through October in the Smokies. Individual nymphs and adults usually attack themselves to humans and animals by way of overgrown vegetation along trails and wooded areas.

However, hundreds of tiny seed ticks or larva will attach themselves to anyone unfortunate enough to pass by a newly hatched egg mass.

Adult American dog ticks feed on larger mammals, including humans and dogs. They occur throughout the Southeast and can be dispersed by wildlife. The American dog tick can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever; fortunately the proportion of infected ticks is very low. The American dog tick however does not transmits Lyme disease.

The blacklegged tick has recently caused concerns – a carrier of Lyme disease in the eastern United States. It has been found on humans in Kentucky. Deer trails in and around Daniel Boone National Forest were where they were found. These ticks are especially treacherous as they are active during the winter-spring months rather than the summer feeding time characteristic of other species. Tennessee is one place where increased numbers of the blacklegged tick have been found due to deer movement and mild winters.

For states like Kentucky, this marks the first significant presence of Lyme disease. While blacklegged ticks are fairly common in the South, incidences of Lyme disease are pretty low compared to regions in the Northeast and north-central United States.

Recommendations for dealing with nuisance or potentially disease-bearing ticks include wearing protective clothing and applying repellents to skin and clothing when you’re going to be outdoors for lengthy periods of time, especially in wooded areas. Additionally, thorough self-inspection where ticks are known or suspected to be active is invaluable. Ticks frequently wander on the body for an hour or more before feeding, and if infected, must feed for several hours before a pathogen is transferred. Detection and removal are important parts of a protection strategy.

Diseases that might occur from a tick bite and its symptoms are relatively general. Anyone who experiences fever, headache, a rash, joint or muscle pains or swollen lymph nodes within 30 days of a tick bite should report the bite and see a doctor immediately.

Mid-October Fall Color Report

Right now, the prevailing question around town, both for locals and visitors alike, goes something like this: “Have the leaves changed where you’re at yet?” and “What color are the trees down there?”

To say that fall color is nudging along would be putting it about right. Though the sunny days have been lacking as of late, the Townsend area continues to experience warmer-than-normal conditions. According to officials with the park, peak color at the lower elevations is still over a week away. Tree species like black gum, dogwood, and sumac trees continue to show vivid reds in the valley. Golds are showing their beauty in such species as the black walnut, birch, beech, and hickories. You’ll also notice that some maple and oak trees are beginning to transform in lower regions of the Smoky Mountains.

What the Townsend area is in need of in order to bring about the most vivid colors are a succession of warm, sunny days and cool crisp, but not freezing nights. Still, there are a few parts of the Smoky Mountains that are showing more reds now than in years past. This could be due to some biological factors in certain plants that could have been brought about because of some dry spurts over the summer.

A bit of fall advise, as the foliage gets more colorful, you begin to see more and more people coming through town snapping pictures and taking video. While a scenic drive might be an easy way to see the color for yourself, think about hiking one of the many Smoky Mountain trails this year, especially if you want to get away from the crush of onlookers.

A few good hikes for the casual Smoky Mountain hiker include Baskins Creek Falls, Old Settlers and Porters Creeks Trails. For the hardier outdoor enthusiasts, hikes like Sugarlands Mountain, Appalachian, Mt. Sterling, Low Gap, and Goshen Prong Trails provide for some very scenic overlooks and vistas. Roads with good fall color viewing include the Foothills Parkway on both the east and west side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) which has a number of beautiful overlooks; the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail; and Cove Creek Road. Other suggested scenic drives include the Clingmans Dome Road.  Heintooga Ridge Road/Balsam Mountain Road provide good low elevation scenery with early changing trees.

Suggested hikes:  This is an excellent time, especially this weekend if the weather is nice, to hike trails leading to higher elevations: Lower Mount Cammerer, Maddron Bald, Brushy Mountain, and Trillium Gap Trails.

For additional information about fall foliage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit their website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fallcolor.htm

The Smoky Mountain Brook Trout

The Smoky Mountain Brook trout sport wavy lines, on its dark, olive-green back – it’s their most recognized characteristic. It’s also a literal camouflage in that the brook takes on the appearance of flowing water which allows the brook trout hide from predators that lurk above.You’ll also notice its pale yellow spots and a few small red spots if you’re lucky enough to catch one.

A main giveaway that you’ve caught a Brook trout is the white edging along its fins. However, they can be a definite disadvantage when it comes to keeping hidden from predators.

Brook trout swim efficiently in water as shallow as the depth of its body due to its length. They have the ability to maneuver around and through a variety of obstacles, which is an asset in capturing food no matter how deep the water.

You’ll find brook trout in colder, clearer streams. They’re also seen as the most cold tolerant of all trout found in the Smokies.

Brook-trout populations reach as far south as Georgia along the Great Smoky Mountain chain, but have been steadily declining since at least 1900 and probably earlier. And not only is it due to what is the most common thought – the more adaptable rainbow trout. Overfishing, as well as logging, was prevalent and destroyed many of lower elevation habitats and the more accessible areas of highland streams that the brook had come to rely on.

Logging was essentially eliminated with the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1936. Still, brook trout populations have continued to steadily decrease in the area. Accordingly, rainbow trout that were first introduced into the regional streams in 1910 have slowly displaced the remaining brook trout, thus sending them higher and higher into the area’s headwater streams. These headwater areas are thought to be the brook trout’s last refuge among the Great Smoky Mountains as the upstream movement of the rainbow may be finally limited by physical barriers such as waterfalls or other obstacles created by park employees on the brook trout’s behalf.

The brook trout is at its best in waters with a temperature range of 40 to 68 degrees. Still, brook trout feed at temperatures as low as 34 degrees.

Somewhere between 72 and 77 degrees is where you’ll find a brook’s tolerance. Usually this is reached at some point during the summer months. There are of course exceptions during this time, like to avoid a predator or hunt. During this time brook may navigate into warmer waters but only for a short time.

Brook trout generally have the shortest life span of the various trout species, usually living on average 4 years. Their overall growth is dependent on such natural factors as water temperature, habitat, and competition from other fish. The brook will rarely weigh more than three pounds, even in productive waters, by the end of their third year of life.

The catch-and-release process seems to provide the brook trout with a lot of stress at spawning time. It’s widely thought that the brook should be left unmolested during this season, even though some brook trout waters permit year round fishing.

Smoky Junction Restaurant

If you think there are quite a few country breakfast joints in Townsend, TN; well, you’d be right. It’s just what us locals prefer. We love our hot, country breakfasts and there’s no better places to get one than Smoky Junction.

At Smoky Junction Restaurant in Townsend there are literally specials all day long, everyday and Fridays feature their famous Friday Night Fish Fry. Also featured is a weekend breakfast bar and a Sunday buffet. There’s plenty to eat, it’s up to you to make it over to Smoky Junction.

Like the Smoky Junction Restaurant, let’s start with breakfast. Their breakfast menu begins with eggs – any style and with any breakfast side from sugar cured ham, country ham, bacon, pork chops, and ribeye steak to just plain eggs or eggs with cheese, whatever you prefer. Feel like an omelet? They’ll make them and add such toppings as ham, onions, peppers, cheese, sausage, bacon, the list goes on. Pancakes are a favorite at the Smoky Junction as well from plain to ones with blueberries, or chocolate chips, or pecans.

Still here? We don’t blame you if you’ve left for the Smoky Junction in Townsend already. Well, since you’re here we’ll move on down the menu to lunch. Burgers, cheese sandwiches, BBQ pork sandwiches, and various chicken sandwiches align the lunch portion of the menu. Soups and salads are also available and a children’s section rounds it out with steak, tenders, peanut butter & jelly, and pizza to their liking. Picnic lunches of ham, turkey, or roast beef can also be ordered if you’d rather eat in the park.

For dinner, the menu expands in scope and flavor. From steaks to chops to beef liver and county ham, and it doesn’t stop there. Rainbow trout, gulf shrimp and tilapia are just a few of the seafood specialties at the Junction. Burgers and various sandwiches can also be ordered from the dinner menu too. So next time you’re in Townsend, stop by the Smoky Junction Restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner…. At least breakfast. We wouldn’t want you to miss out on any of those oh so good omelets.

Smoky Junction Restaurant
7735 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy
Townsend, TN 37882-4031
(865) 448-6881