Tennessee isn't exactly the first place that might come to mind when you think about winter destinations around the United States, but this one little town in the foothills of the Appalachians is setting out to change your mind. Johnson City is beautiful no matter the time of year, but when the snow falls on this quiet mountain town, it becomes truly magical. This is a mountain city unlike any in Tennessee that has captured the hearts of thousands of people who call it home and visit it every year. Grab your winter packing essentials and bundle up; here's what awaits this season in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Johnson City is the perfect mountain town -- there's just enough to do to keep you busy, but it's small enough that nothing obstructs the views of the surrounding mountains.
Tucked about an hour northeast of Knoxville, Johnson City is out of the way for most Tennesseans, but that's just how we like it when we're looking for a winter getaway.
The downtown has a small river running through it in a beautiful urban park called Founders Park, and when the snow falls, it turns into an absolute wonderland.
If you want to explore outside the city, there are plenty of hiking trails in the mountains and hills around the town. The Appalachian Trail even passes close by! In fact, Roan Mountain is only about 40 minutes away and it is said to be the prettiest section of the Appalachian Trail, and we agree. Johnson City itself has Buffalo Mountain within its borders. This mountain park has several trails taking you through a marvelous piece of the city. While you are blown away by the surrounding mountains, you might want to know that they are mostly part of the Cherokee National Forest. This mountain range stretches all the way down to the Great Smoky Mountains. If you just wanted to take a pleasant stroll then you can go to Willow Springs Park, where you will have a stunning view of the mountains.
On particularly cold days, we recommend heading to the Johnson City Community Theater, which is the longest-operating theater in the state. You could also warm up with some flaming hot tacos at The White Duck, an unassuming little taco shop with crazy culinary combinations unlike anywhere else. You could also have your fill with some of the best BBQ in town at Southern Craft. One bite of their mouth-watering smoked meat and you will thank us.
Head over to Open Doors Coffeehouse, grab a hot cocoa, and walk through the charming, old-school downtown. You won't regret it! Want to indulge in a little dessert while in Johnson City? Head on over to Petite Sweets for an adorable decedent mini cupcake sampler with delicious flavors. You could also spend some time playing board games and enjoying traditional Irish pub fare at Mulligan's Gaming Pub.
Johnson City is the epitome of a quaint mountain town with hidden gems hiding around every corner. We promise you won't regret it. As you can see, there is plenty to do but you will never be too busy to enjoy it all. The Tri-City area is filled with such wonderful things you might just need to book a place to stay for a while.
Johnson City is a mountain city in Tennessee you will want to visit any time of the year. But with a fresh coat of snow, it's truly magical. Explore some of Tennessee's most impactful history by touring along the state's Civil Rights Trail.
When we first discovered Rugby, Tennessee, it was kind of by accident. This is funny if you know anything about Rugby, because it is a small, blink-and-you-miss-it kind of town that's way out in the country. Most people don’t just stumble upon this charming little town in Tennessee; however, we were on our way to a hike when I saw a sign and quickly pulled an audible for our plans for the day. You see, I remembered reading about this town and knew if we were driving by, I had to stop.
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Since we weren’t planning on spending the day in Rugby, I knew the best place to go was the visitor’s center. Upon entering the town I immediately saw the historical charm glowing from every property.
The visitor’s center fits nicely in its surroundings by looking like the Victorian and historical houses in town. We parked and even my girls were interested so we got out of the car and headed towards the big wrap-around porch.
What I knew about the town already was that it was a "step back in time" type of community that cared deeply about its heritage. We set foot on the porch and were disappointed to see the visitor’s center was closed and wouldn’t be open till later in the day.
My girls were delighted to find a cat snoozing near the rocking chairs so they were very content to pet their new friend. To my surprise, a man opened the door and asked if we needed any help. I explained that we were looking for information but then saw that they were closed and didn’t want to bother him outside of business hours. The gentleman insisted that we come in and was very excited to tell us about the town.
Kindness and Southern hospitality are very alive and active in Tennessee and I was thankful for the man's time. He explained all of the historic Victorian buildings and gave me maps and brochures. You could tell he was passionate about the history and the town itself.
Homes were meticulously preserved and you could tell how much care went into the structures. Some of them were small businesses and others were personal homes. The kind man at the visitor’s center recommended that you take a tour in town where they showcase each place allowing you to walk in like you are stepping back in time.
Not only is the pride of the town in their preserved Victorian homes, but also in the surrounding wilderness. I had countless maps, brochures, and intriguing pictures that made me want to drop everything and head into the woods. There were historical walking paths through homesteads as well as trails that made good use of interesting rock formations and beautiful waterfalls.
One trail I would highly recommend is just outside of Rugby in an area known as the Colditz Cove State Natural Area. The Northrup Falls Trail is a simple and easy course leading to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area.
The stunning height of the plunge fall to a sparkling pool below is a sight to behold. You can even walk behind the waterfall to continue the trail as a loop. We all enjoyed it very much and is a good addition to a trip to Rugby.
Rugby Tennessee isn’t a town you just stumble into per se, but when we did I was glad we made the effort to stop. After listening to the fine gentleman who gave me a glimpse into the town I wouldn’t mind going back to dig much deeper into the history. For more information please visit the Historic Rugby website.
If you want to dive head first into this charming little town I would suggest making a whole trip out of it and spending the night in a beautiful Victorian-style home. The next day you can tour the town and even go for a hike. To see Northrup Falls it would be helpful to download the map on AllTrails like we did and then enjoy the trail!
More fun trails can be found all in the nearby Big South Fork region so make sure you check out all of the amazing natural wonders hidden within this huge wilderness area.
There are so many things to do in Townsend, Tennessee, that you can easily spend an extended trip to this amazing town. More than just things to do, there is a whole warm and inviting culture in this mountain town unlike anywhere else. The crisp mountain air is a welcome respite from the busyness of life and here you are welcome to leave all your stress behind. Take on the calming, slow pace that this Smoky Mountain town is known for, and prepare yourself for one of the best places for a weekend getaway in Tennessee.
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From the coast of Oregon to the mountains of Pennsylvania and everywhere in between, there are countless charming and captivating small towns across America worthy of a weekend getaway. Curated by our team of local travel experts, you’ll love our 2024 Small Town Getaways.
What is Townsend known for? Well, for that, you have to look back into history and see a consecutive story drawn from the area itself. The land was once used by the Cherokee people who called the area Tuckeelachee, meaning “Peaceful Valley.”
Later, English settlers started farming the land and building cabins and homesteads. Still maintaining the area's natural beauty, residents made a living for themselves from manual labor and farming.
In 1900, the land was bought by Wilson B. Townsend for logging. The operation used the river and train tracks to move downed trees from the forest to the lumber company. Despite the growth, the area started to see a boom in activity by those who saw the natural beauty and felt the pull to this peaceful place. In the 1930s, Townsend sold his portion of the land to the state of Tennessee, and it was established as the Smoky Mountain National Park a few years later. To this day, the same sentiment the Cherokee people spoke is used. Townsend is known as “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies.”
To answer the question of whether Townsend is worth visiting, you must first determine what you are looking for in a destination. Do you want to escape to the mountains? Strip back the busyness of life? Find a place where natural beauty and history collide together in a perfect blend? This is just scratching the service of what you will discover in this lovely little town.
Being in the Smoky Mountains brings a calming peace unlike anywhere else I have found in the world, and I have been to Townsend many times. I will continue to visit this area again and again, because the Smokies will always hold a special place in my heart. If you open yourself up to the culture, it will surely grip you, too, pulling you close to warm you to its unavoidable ways.
Townsend is a bit rural, which is a big part of the charm. Being away from all the noise and attraction-heavy places surrounding Smoky Mountain National Park is a breath of fresh air.
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One popular way to get to Townsend – and typically how we get there – is to drive from Pigeon Forge, through Wears Valley and into Townsend. You can also get there along the Little River Gorge Road from Gatlinburg by turning at the Sugarlands Visitors Center.
When we are looking for a leisurely drive, this is the route we typically choose. It is also accessible from the west side off of I40 if you are coming from Knoxville or off of I75 if you are traveling from Chattanooga. It is well worth the drive to get to this beautiful countryside town.
The best way to get around this rural area is by car. There is no downtown Townsend to speak of, so between each activity, you will need to get in your car and drive. That being said, a popular activity is to rent either a jeep or a UTV to stroll through the national park.
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One spot to rent these cool-looking UTVs is Townsend UTV Rentals. This is especially popular to drive through Cades Cove. I haven't been through this area of the park without seeing someone driving one of these vehicles – they even have heated ones for the winter.
I have been to Townsend in every season and can honestly say there isn’t a bad time of the year to visit. Every season brings so much beauty and fun – you simply can’t go wrong.
In the winter, you can expect snow which will powder the mountains like confectionary sugar on top of a cake. This is a much quieter time of the year with fewer crowds giving you plenty of room to have the whole place to yourself sometimes. We drove the Foothills Parkway in the winter and hardly saw another car on the road with us.
In the spring, as temperatures rise, crowds will return to the Smokies, especially as other states enter spring break season. The weather is perfect for hiking, the fields are full of color with wildflowers, and you will find plenty of sunny days to soak up the sun. Events take place in the spring, too, like the annual Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival and the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival Games.
With incredible warm weather, perfect for dipping in the water or rafting, summer is the time of the year when the plant life in the Smokies grows and creates a lush enchanted forest. The bears are typically out and searching for food, but the crowds are at an all-time high as well. You can also attend all sorts of events from car shows, live music, historical events, and so much more.
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Out of all the places in Tennessee, Townsend is a haven for fall foliage, with the looming mountains in the background sprawling as far as the eye can see with brilliant colors. Each hike is filled with magical falling leaves and crunchy footsteps. Come for the leaf peeping, but stay for more events all around town – things don’t tend to slow down much until winter rolls around once again.
Townsend stays true to its peaceful nature, so you won’t find many large hotel buildings to accommodate the masses. Instead, you will find quaint spots like the Dancing Bear Lodge that provide hotel-quality service in historic accommodations. Make no mistake – these log cabin stays and cottages have come a long way since their 1700s from what they are modeled after. Guests will enjoy all of the creature comforts of home in these luxurious wooded retreats. Expect a quiet stay surrounded by the mountains in a cabin filled with amenities to suit you for either a relaxing respite or an adventurous getaway.
I love a unique stay, so when searching for Airbnb rentals, I like choosing truly one-of-a-kind spots. That is where The Mink comes in, offering one of the best stays in town. A geodesic dome perched high on the ridge allows unobstructed views of the mountains while soaking in your own private hot tub. Witness a blanket of stars while having a campfire and wake up as the sun's rays start to crest the peaks and shine through the large picture window. The Mink is a luxurious stay in the mountains and one that definitely pushes the term "glamping" to its limits.
Take a relaxing drive through the windy mountain roads following the Little River. Stop by to see several waterfalls flowing along the way, or wade in the water for a little fishing. The Townsend Wye is a popular spot for people to swim and splash on a hot summer day, and of course, Cades Cove is one of the best places to go in the park (more on that soon).
There are endless trails to take advantage of – like Abrams Falls, and you can also enjoy a picnic in the Cades Cove Picnic Area. The moment I drive into the national park, I breathe a sigh of relief because everything feels different in the Smokies. It is a feeling you can only understand if you spend time in the mountains yourself.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is one stop you simply must make in Townsend. Serving the community as a hub of activities, it holds within it the heart of the town’s spirit. The Heritage Center is a living museum where you experience the hard, meticulous work that goes into restoring these old cabins and preserving this precious history. The museum portion is enough to make a day trip to Townsend well worth it alone.
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Learn about the Appalachian culture from the Cherokee people to the settlers in the land. Keep an eye on their list of events, as they host multiple events all throughout the year – from historical insights to live musical performances. So whether you are catching a show, attending an event, or simply exploring the old buildings, this place captures what it's like to be a Townsend local.
When it comes to activities in Townsend, Cades Cove is my absolute favorite. This scenic one-lane and 11-mile-long loop is filled with unparalleled beauty. We love driving slowly and keeping an eye out for black bears – our record for the most bears we have seen in one day was 22! There is a lot of history tucked into this lowland area of the park, with old restored cabins from the 1700s scattered across the valley. Each one you can see and even explore including two historical churches.
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There are a few things you should know if you plan to add this drive to your Smoky Mountains adventure. Cades Cove is open year-round, and if you drive through in the winter after a snow storm, you will be treated to lovely snow-capped peaks in the background. Although the bears in the Smokies don’t technically hibernate, they are far less active during the colder months, so you most likely won't see a bear, however, I have seen countless deer during the winter.
In the summer, this drive gets busy – you can expect to spend 2-3 hours on the loop, mostly in bumper-to-bumper traffic. This is when bears are the most active, though, and when I have seen our record number of bears. If you are patient and willing to soak in the excitement at a slow pace, then you will be rewarded greatly. Cades Cove also closes to vehicular traffic on Wednesdays from May to September to allow those who want to hike and bike to enjoy the area. This accessible place in the park is one of the number one places I recommend going in the Smokies and a place I have taken many family members who are visiting from out of state.
Tuckalachee Caverns is another unique and interesting place in Townsend to visit. This cave is home to the world's most sensitive seismic station; It is so accurate that it has even detected nuclear testing in North Korea and registered the devastating tsunamis in Japan. Take a tour into the belly of the earth and you will be treated to some gorgeous rock formations and unique features.
An underground river flows through the cavern, and you will even see an underground waterfall along the way. To me, the story of how the cave was discovered by two small boys was one of the most interesting parts of the tour. I won’t ruin this fun and exciting story – you will just have to book your time and take the adventure underground to learn it from your tour guide.
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Shops & Boutiques In Townsend
Shopping in Townsend isn't your typical downtown marketplace – its country shops and general stores are more isolated, but so worth visiting.
One such shop is the Apply Valley General Store. Here, you will find people hanging out and eating with their families, kids running around on the lawn, and people connecting while having fun. You can sip on a milkshake or shop for various goods – from homemade jams to hand-crafted goods.
Mountain Brothers General Store is another excellent country store. Although it is technically located in Wears Valley, it exemplifies old-fashioned general store culture with squeaky floorboards, various unique items, and, of course, that good ole southern hospitality we all love.
To start your day on the right foot, head on over to Apple Valley Cafe. As previously mentioned, Apple Valley General Store is an excellent place to do some shopping, but before you do, make sure you fill up on a big plate of Papa Bear Pancakes. All of your standard breakfast classics are represented here – from bacon and eggs to a big heaping of biscuits & gravy.
The Abby was once an abandoned wedding chapel sitting dormant to the chagrin of those who called the town home. It was a shame to see something that was once an iconic part of the history and lives of so many left to rot.
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That is, until someone swooped in and decided to use the property as a restored restaurant. Still maintaining the structure and stunning glory it once had, you will now find groups of people gathering over a meal. The menu offers a variety, so you are sure to find something delicious for a lunchtime meal.
If you have been looking for a sophisticated dinner spot, why not pick one of the top dining experiences in the country located right here in Townsend? The Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is a romantic setting – with low-level light, fireplaces, campfires outside, and plenty of ambient brilliance to let the sparks fly. Even if you are not there on a date, you are sure to fall in love with the food. The kitchen staff works tirelessly to create a unique and ever-changing menu filled with Appalachian tastes and twists on classic dishes served around the world. This restaurant is meant to be a journey for your taste buds as you embark on it with the ones you love the most.
When your sweet tooth comes calling, it's time to find some desserts, and The Chocolate B’ar is ready to answer. Browse the selection of homemade chocolates and pastries, or grab a specialty coffee with a friend. These decadent desserts snap in your mouth with rich, bold, flavors. These treats go beyond your typical candy store offerings and give guests a chocolatey choice while in Townsend.
Everyone loves a winding river through the mountains and countryside, which is exactly what you will find with the Little River. If you travel through the Smokies, you will have a chance to drive alongside it with many places to pull over and get down to the water. There are waterfalls and fishing spots, I have even seen people tie a rope so they can float in an innertube.
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A popular spot is the Townsend Wye, where on a hot day, you can find many people lounging around sunbathing and splashing in the shallow water. For a true lazy river experience, stop by River Rats to rent a tube and leisurely float down the water. There is something so tranquil about drifting down with the cadence of the current. Whatever way you decide to use the water, this ionic river is a wonderfully charming part of Townsend.
I saved the best for last – the Great Smoky Mountains. The national park makes Townsend special, and one visit is all it takes to realize that it truly is the “Peaceful side of the Smokies.” Take a leisurely drive through Cades Cove or along the Little River Gorge Road. There are countless seasonal waterfalls along the way as well as history hidden in the mountains, swimming holes, and hiking trails – all within the borders of Townsend. You can spend days exploring the Great Smoky Mountains, and that is just one of the many reasons why this is my favorite national park.
As you can see, there are many things to do in Townsend. It isn’t just well worth a trip but a place I would highly recommend for anyone to visit. If you are planning a trip to the Smokies, make sure you reserve some time to explore this charming mountain town trust me, you won’t regret it.
I use and recommend the AllTrails app while planning hikes. It's helped me more times than I can count. Another option is to allow an expert guide to lead you through the Great Smoky Mountains with this jeep tour. That way, you get first-hand experience from a professional local.
No matter what you decide to do, a visit to this charming small mountain town is completely worth it. I have been many times, and every time I do, it fills me with joy that the Smokies have a historic and rural spot in addition to the fun you will find in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Townsend truly is a place that has many opportunities for activities and is a warm and inviting spot to relax while enjoying the mountains.
