Author: townsend insider

Wears Valley Farmer’s Market

If you’re looking for some of the best produce in the area, head on over to the Wear’s Valley Farmers Market, 2881 Wears Valley Rd. For years they’ve supplied people with the best variety of fresh peaches, apples, squash, cantaloupe and more in the Smokies. Though if you’re heading out there this time of year, you’re likely looking for a pumpkin, or some good barbeque.

Farmers from across Sevier County have been bring their goods to sell at the Wears Valley Farmers Market for years. Primarily, because they do good business and are located along a highly-trafficed road. The staff are very friendly and helpful and will make sure you get some of the best fruit, honey, or pumpkins they have to offer.

Now, we did mention the barbeque, but let us reiterate, this BBQ is some of the best local pork you’ll find. Many people just pull right up at lunch and grab some to go. But if you want to stay and look around, don’t rush, just pull up to one their picnic tables and take it easy.

In addition to their tomatoes, watermelon and carrots, some vendors also offer jams, jellies, honeys, and even boiled peanuts for purchase. These jarred treats make great gifts for your friends and family, no matter where they live. Now, that’s hardly the extent of what you’ll find at the Wears Valley Farmers Market, they really do have something for every season. Pull off and stay while next time you’re in town, we’re sure you’ll find something good.

Wears Valley Oktoberfest

Wears Valley is bringing back its own version Oktoberfest to the valley for a second year after a successful first run last fall featuring a slew of bluegrass and country performances, lumberjack competitions, crafters, and other family-oriented events sure to draw another large crowd.

Wears Valley is bringing back its own version Oktoberfest to the valley October 19,20, and 21 for a third year following two very successful runs in 2010 and ’11. Oktoberfest will feature a slew of bluegrass and country music performances, a vocal talent competition, crafters, and other family-oriented events. After last year’s turnout, Oktoberfest 2012 is sure to draw another large crowd.

Wears Valley Oktoberfest is a FREE event sponsored by the Wears Valley Chamber of Commerce. Just down the road from Townsend, Tn,  be sure to bring the kids along to Oktoberfest, there are numerous events aimed at making this family friendly including bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, bungee jumping, a rabbit chase, sack races, a gyro spinner, cow milking and a trackless train traveling throughout the festival. Over 100 crafters are expected to be in attendance, along with 16 various food vendors.

There will be various offerings of German food along with other great valley favorites served throughout the weekend. Celebrate the harvest season with all the cultural experiences in the valley including arts, crafts and even a live vocal talent competition. This is the first “Stars of the Smokies” Vocal talent competition and who knows Wears Valley might just product the next Carrie Underwood right here. Contestants will compete for over $4,000 in prizes. The competition will be judges by several local celebrities.

Stay and worship with us on Sunday morning, October 21st at 9:00 a.m. with Pastor Joslin accompanied by The Cove Mountain Boys. The service is sure to get your spirit revived all the while hearing a great message and some inspirational music as well.

Special guest Bill Landry from WBIR’s Heartland Series will be at the festival Saturday from 2-4 pm and on Sunday from Noon – 1:30 pm.

Parking is a suggested $5 donation which helps benefit the Wears Valley Fire Department as well as Wearwood School. Entry into Oktoberfest is a suggested donation of canned goods going to support the Sevier Country Food Ministry.

For a full list of Townsend events, visit our Townsend Calendar of Events page to stay up to date on all the latest happenings in the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies”. Wears Valley is located just minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tn down Wears Valley Road (Hwy. 321) at traffic light No. 3 in Pigeon Forge.

Back Porch Restaurant

In the mood for some good ole Southern cooking like your grandmother used to make? Well, whether you’re coming off a mountain, or just meeting your family for dinner, the Back Porch Restaurant in Townsend, Tn has just the type of country fixins’ you’re yearning for.

Located in the heart of Townsend and right up against a peaceful creek, the Back Porch is open from 8 am to 9 pm daily and serves breakfast , lunch, and dinner. If it’s one thing they know how to do, it’s how to start the day off right with a heaping, hearty breakfast. Country ham, eggs, bacon, grits, biscuits and sausage can all be found on their breakfast menu, all cooked to your liking. On down you’ll also find an incredible selection of Belgian Waffles, pancakes, and french toast. Each can come as is, or pair them up with eggs, bacon, whatever you like. Here, breakfast is made how you like it.

Coming in for a bite to eat for lunch? Back Porch’s various steakburgers and cheddar steakburgers will definitely hit the spot. Maybe a BLT is more to your liking, or just a simple grilled cheese sandwich? They’ve got it on the menu here and you couldn’t go wrong no matter what you pick. The Reuben is pretty tasty as well if you don’t mind a little personal opinion. Each comes with a side of french fries and a dill pickle.

For dinner, the Back Porch Restaurant has quite a spread planned. From appetizers like buffalo chicken wings, fried mushrooms, cheese sticks, and onion wings to their various soups and salads, things are starting out pretty well. On down to the entrees and you’ll find such favorites as ribeye and Filet Mignon, as well as wild boar pork. Baby back ribs and chicken strips round out most of the major meats. Seafood offerings consist of clam and shrimp platters, catfish and rainbow trout. Also on the dinner menu are a few pastas – spaghetti with meat or marinara sauce  and fettuccine with alfredo sauce.

Bring the kids too, the Back Porch kid’s menu includes chicken tenders, corn dog nuggets, a junior steakburger, and spaghetti with meat or marinara sauce – all served with french fries except spaghetti.

Fill yourself up with some good southern cooking at the Back Porch Restaurant in Townsend, TN. You’re guaranteed not to leave hungry and with the savory offerings you’ll be back before you know it, or at least the next time you’re in Townsend.

The Back Porch Restaurant
7016 East Lamar Parkway
Townsend, TN 37882
(865)448-6333

The Smoky Mountain Rainbow Trout

Anytime trout fishing in brought up in conversation, mention of the Rainbow Trout is not far behind. The “true American trout” as its called by most fishermen, the Rainbow Trout brings about colorful imagery and excited in the minds of most anglers and rightfully so. In simple terms, it’s just a beautiful fish.

Rainbow are found worldwide and are now included in most stocking programs due to their adaptive nature and for the sole reason that they’re a extremely sought-out fish.

The rainbow is different in demeanor from most fish as well. They’re aren’t “bottom feeders” like their cousin the brown trout who tend to creep in the depths of the stream, and they don’t mimic the brook trout who tends to stay in the back waters. Rainbows feed and approach the surface with regularity and therefore they are commonly found in the open, faster waters. They’re found to be more revered than their relatives as well.

You can identify Rainbows fairly easily, especially those found in the streams of the Townsend and the Smoky Mountains. Their upper bodies are heavily matted with black spots and their backs range from dark to light olive. The abdomen is white and along the lateral line there’s a characteristic reddish pink band – a trait in which the color usually extends over the central portion of the fish’s gill covers. The rainbow has no yellow or red spots.

Rainbows apparently find security under a choppy, broken stream surface. Unlike browns, rainbows are much less oriented to physical, overhead cover. When hooked, larger browns will run for overhead cover, rainbows would rather just run and run and run to feverishly evade being hooked. Rainbow trout are also unique among the trout species in that they usually jump one or more times once hooked, a characteristic just as prevalent among bigger rainbows as among smaller ones.

Rainbows grow depending on a myriad of factors. Depending on habitat and the available food supply you’ll see the most dramatic variables in growth. For example, one-year-old rainbows will average 4 or 5 inches long; at two years approximately 6 or 7, and 9 inches long at three years. The maximum age reached by most rainbows is about seven years of age and, if they drift-feed, can weigh eight pounds or greater.

Central to the whole sport of fly fishing for trout is the demonstrated ability of rainbow and other trout to learn, remember, and to act as individuals different from the norm. These abilities demonstrate firsthand why trout are selective and why, as a result, there is no one trout fly that will tempt all of the trout all of the time.

Park resource managers continue with restoration efforts and have closed some streams and tributaries to fishing. This is an ongoing effort to ensure natural barriers such as waterfalls are adequate enough to prevent the brown and rainbow trout from migrating upstream.

Hiking Townsend – Rainbow Falls Trail

Mount LeConte is one of the most hiked peaks in the Smokies. To get there, many hikers go by way of the Rainbow Falls Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Of course, the trail is popular due to the Rainbow Falls break point. And while it’s not exactly in Townsend, hikers coming through town usually mark the Rainbow Falls trail as a “must see” on their list. The trail is actually closer to Gatlinburg, but still a wonderful local hike. It’s a challenging hike to say the least, but the reward of experiencing Rainbow Falls makes it all the more worth it.

As previously stated, the Rainbow Falls Trail is fairly challenging if you’re hiking all the way to the top of Mt LeConte. From the start, it’s about an hour and a half hike to Rainbow Falls and four hours to Mt LeConte. You’ll gain nearly 4,000 feet in elevation hiking to Mt. LeConte.

The Rainbow Falls trail is one of the oldest routes to Mount LeConte and begins along LeConte Creek. One mile above Cherokee Orchard, it twists away from the stream to a ridge before returning creek side. From here, you’ll definitely notice a set of switchbacks as you make your way along the trail.

Crossing the stream a second time, you can see the high cliff from which the falls descend surrounded by rhododendron and a hemlock growth. LeConte Creek is fairly narrow at this point, forcing water outward into a heavy mist before settling 82 feet below. Sunlight reflecting off this mist creates the rainbow effect which gives the falls their name.

When you cross the LeConte Creek for the third time, Rainbow Falls comes into complete view. Navigation over the rocks allows a closer approach, and a better view of the falls. The trail continues beyond Rainbow Falls, becoming steeper, before settling into a more even-keeled route. Temperatures can change considerably at the this point and unprepared hikers might find themselves in a bit of a pickle – especially if it’s raining. With the change in altitude and temperature, plant life changes as well. Balsam, spruce, and mountain ash dominate the trees, and crimson bee balms, asters, Indian Pipes, and monkshoods are also evident.

A short distance from the summit of Mount LeConte the Bull Head and Alum Cave Bluff trails intersect the Rainbow Falls Trail. At this point, you will be only a few hundred yards from the top of Mt. LeConte and LeConte Lodge.

Starting point: Cherokee Orchard Road – Turn at light No. 8 in Gatlinburg and follow Airport Road one mile out of Gatlinburg and into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the way, the road will change from Airport Road to Cherokee Orchard Road. About 2.5 miles after entering the Park, Cherokee Orchard Road approaches the Rainbow Falls parking area where you can walk over to the Rainbow Falls trailhead.

Townsend’s Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop and Pickin’ Porch

There’s a term, “Music of the mountains”, that gets tossed around here quite often. While it can be tricky to point out with all the country and country infused rock and bluegrass being played these days, when you hear it, you know it. And when it comes to “Mountain music” or “Music of the mountains”, the sound that best personifies it comes from an instrument called the dulcimer.

The dulcimer is a plucked, three or four stringed, almost harp-shaped violin of an instrument. How’s that for a description? In Townsend, Mike and his wife Connie Clemmer own the Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop, which also doubles as an open air recording studio, a.k.a. porch.

According to their web site, Mike’s dream of owning a dulcimer shop evolved from his life-long love of many types of music, playing music, singing and his ability to repair instruments. Over 30 years ago, it was an acquaintance who asked him to assist on making good on a number of dulcimer orders the acquaintance had in Townsend. Armed with years of experience repairing guitars and basses, Mike accepted the challenge and learned the art of dulcimer building. Since, it’s been a labor of love according to Mike.

Their Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop still resides in Townsend, Tennessee. Visitors can stop by and watch how a dulcimer is handcrafted from walnut, cherry, butternut, sassafras or wormy chestnut and enjoy the song of the mountain dulcimer. Also, guests can check out the happy sound of the Ban-Jammer – Mike’s original creation.

As mentioned, they also operate a pickin’ porch from May through September every year which is now featured in a number of YouTube recordings.  Currently they are preparing to host the fall Dulcimer weekend November 9,10, and 11 at the Townsend Church of God, right around the corner form their shop.

Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop
7645 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy. PO Box 383
Townsend, TN 37882
Web

The Barn Event Center in Townsend

Got a big event you’re trying to plan for? Let the Barn Event Center in Townsend, TN give you a hand in making whatever kind of event you’re planning a huge success. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor wedding, The Barn Event Center is a great choice for your special day. The Barn’s unique setting, antique decor, and state of the art facilities can make your day as easy for as you can imagine.

Maybe it’s a family reunion that’s coming up. Townsend, Tennessee is the perfect location for a Smoky Mountain family reunion set against the backdrop of the national park. The Barn can host groups from 20 to 150 in a very comfortable, spacious setting.

The Barn Event Center can also hold your next conference or corporate affair. The center can host small or large meetings, company luncheons, holiday gatherings and more. One of the Barn’s features is a built in stage and PA system. Comfort and space are at a premium here – perfect for presentations, awards ceremonies and other gatherings. You can also take advantage of the Barn’s smaller conference room, each with coffee makers and service stations to help keep the meetings and discussions flowing and the ideas materializing.

The Barn Event Center is perfect for small parties as well as large groups. From gatherings that include baby showers and bridal parties, along with anniversaries and birthdays, no party is too much or too little. What the event, it is welcome at The Barn. The Barn’s staff is delighted to help you however they can in planning and caring out your event.

Art and Culture surround the beginnings of the Barn Events Center. Combine the heritage of Townsend and natural setting of the Smoky Mountains that surround the facility and you have a work of art and a perfect home for any art show or cultural exhibition. That is the Barn in a nutshell.

Let the Barn turn your party, meeting, or gathering into a rousing success. The built-in stage, dance floor and PA system make it quite the showplace. With the holidays just around the corner, make sure the Barn is on the short list if you’re planning an event.  The Barn’s party planner can speak to you about your holiday plans. The Barn offers so many opportunities to take advantage of the season and make your gatherings that much more memorable.

The Barn Event Center
7264 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Townsend, Tennessee 37882
865-448-3812

Top Townsend Cabin Rentals

When people come to Townsend, TN, they’re usually looking to get away from the everyday life of the city and back to the simple goings-on of small town life and the more natural setting of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Looking to “get back to nature” is a common term that is tossed around these days.

Getting back to nature can mean a number of things to many people from hiking in the national park to staying in a Smoky Mountain cabin high above a green valley or on a ridge overlooking some of the Smokies highest peaks. And while hiking opportunities are aplenty in Townsend and Cades Cove specifically, there are but a few local Townsend cabin rentals that offer the incredible views of the Smoky Mountains that most are looking for, and at a discounted rate.

In no order, here are the top luxury log cabin providers in Townsend, TN:

  1. The Preserve Resort – Situated just outside Townsend on a ridge in Wears Valley, The Preserve Resort offers unparalleled views of the Smokies, as well as a top-of-line wedding chapel. Numerous couples wanting to marry in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have opted to exchange vows at The Preserve Chapel. The wedding backdrop is nothing but incredible and the honeymoon cabins offered at The Preserve Resort cap of any marriage ceremony in style.
  2. Sugar Maple Cabins – With cabins spread out at resorts across Sevier County, Sugar Maple Cabins makes it easy to find a log cabin rental close to town but situated in a more natural area of the county. Sugar Maple’s cabins feature the newest in amenities from indoor pools and theater rooms to video gaming systems, hot tubs, and billiards tables. They can make your honeymoon dreams come true or accommodate large groups for family reunions, church retreats, etc.
  3. Majestic Mountain Vacations – Like Sugar Maple Cabins, Majestic Mountain Vacations cabin rentals are spread out across the county in a variety of settings. From a secluded cabin in the woods to a spacious rental high atop a ridge overlooking the Smokies, Majestic has a great selection of Townsend cabins to accommodate your family, business group, whatever.


Townsend TN, Wears Valley & Pigeon Forge Cabins are available in 1-12 bedrooms with spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains, yet only minutes from Dollywood and other Smoky Mountain attractions in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville. Just a few of the amenities you’ll find include hot tubs, Jacuzzis, contemporary kitchens, pool tables, flat screen HGTVs and more!

Top Townsend Restaurants

Townsend is known for many things – it’s natural beauty; it’s quiet, small-town feel, Cades Cove, but a number of people come to Townsend, TN to simply get away from the tourist trappings of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Some even believe that the natural setting makes the food taste better. If that’s the case, Townsend’s restaurants better prepare accordingly. In all reality, it seems people have found out about Townsend’s proclivity for good food and great dining already. So why not take a quick look at some of the top eateries in town.

Being that this is an evolving group, our Top Townsend Restaurant list will grow and rearrange itself as more and more people become aware and get involved. For now, we’ll start off with three restaurants we have come to know and love in Townsend. Please, if you have any suggestions, or would like to nominate a Townsend, TN restaurant to the list, drop us a line in the comment box below.

Now then, our first pick goes to the Picnic Pantry Cafe, a nice, on-the-go spot:

  1. Picnic Pantry Cafe – You’ll see people stop in for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Picnic Pantry Cafe (above right), which has become a great spot to stop before traveling into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for some outdoor fun. Their breakfast sandwiches are great. Pick up and sandwich for lunch and drop by for a glass of wine for dinner. The Townsend Farmers Market is also located next to the cafe and runs every Thursday.
  2. Riverstone Family Restaurant – Another of Townsend’s three-meals-a-day restaurants, the Riverstone Family Restaurant features omelets and some oh so tasty slices of country ham for breakfast. You want steak for lunch or dinner? They got it. Along with some delicious local favorites like trout and frog legs. You definitely won’t forget the first time you eat at Riverstone Family Restaurant in Townsend.
  3. Cades Cove Campground Store – The only place to grab a bite to eat in Cades Cove proper, the Cades Cove Campground Store has become known more for its ice cream over the years than its actual food. Pizza and burgers are on the menu here and they’re plenty tasty, especially after a long day of biking Loop Road or hiking one of the Cove’s many trails.

Well, let us hear from you. Would this be your list or would you ad a few more places? Who did we leave out? Let us know and we’ll get this list growing and keep the conversation going.

Maryville, TN

People are the Key


Maryville is the county seat of Blount County.  Blount County is the home of Townsend, Walland, the Foothills Parkway and of course one of the most popular entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Maryville is also one of the towns that is a little off the beaten path but has a lot to offer people who visit  the areas each season.  Shopping, dining and of course historic locations make Maryville a great place to visit while you are on vacation in the Smokies.

History
The first people to call the Maryville area home were the people of the Cherokee village called Elajay.  Elajay (named after the Ellejoy Creek) was located near present day Heritage High School on Lamar Alexander Parkway on the way to Townsend.  Elajay was built along the Great Indian Warpath, one of the transportation routes for the native people of the Smoky Mountains.

Maryville received its name from Mary Grainger Blount.  Mary was the wife of William Blount (territorial governor) whom Blount County was named after.  The first settlers in and around the Maryville area was John Craig and his family that built Fort Craig.  The fort was built to defend the settlers from attacks by the Cherokee.  Craig donated the land that Maryville was founded on.  In 1808 Sam Houston came to Maryville from Virginia and for a time was a school teacher in a one room school house (you can still visit the Sam Houston School House today).

In the 1800s Maryville was the center for the abolitionist movement in East Tennessee.  In fact, when the rest of Tennessee voted to secede from the Union, only 24% of the citizen of Maryville voted to do likewise.  Maryville was liberated by the United States army in  1864.  During the liberation of Maryville, an African-American slave named Polly Tool rescued the records that were being burned in one of the buildings in downtown Maryville. She has been honored by a  statue in the Blount County courthouse.  In fact, Maryville also elected the second African-American mayor in the history of the United States of America, WB Scott in 1869.

In more modern times, Maryville has been the home to several industrial employers, including Clayton Homes and Denso.  Between these two companies and the ALCOA plant in Alcoa, TN, Maryville citizens have enjoyed employment, throughout the 20th and 21st century.  Maryville is not necessarily a tourist town but they have lots of history and plenty of points of interest to offer those people that decide to get off the main roads and explore.

Points of Interest:

Foothills Milling Company – Fine dining on the Blount County side of the Smokies.  Great menu that changes with the season and offers eclectic dining in a unique atmosphere.

Little River Trading Company – The best outfitters in the Smokies.  If you are going to go hiking, this is the place to start trip.  Experts in hiking, climbing, camping, mountain biking and kayaking are on hand to answer your questions.

Sam Houston Schoolhouse – This schoolhouse from the early 1800s gives you a glimpse back in history.  This historic attraction includes not only information on the schoolhouse but also facts about the life of an American Hero:  Sam Houston.