Sightseeing
Whether you drive the loop or park and walk it along with the many trails, Cades Cove makes for a beautiful day! Stunning views and beautiful flora along with abundant wildlife make this a can't miss. Also, the loop is only 17 miles from the cabin. It can get crowded on weekends during the summer and fall so if you have the option , you might want to plan a weekday visit. Also, during the summer months the loop is closed to cars on Wednesday mornings to allow for bicycles. Please check their website for more information.
761 locals recommend
Cades Cove
Whether you drive the loop or park and walk it along with the many trails, Cades Cove makes for a beautiful day! Stunning views and beautiful flora along with abundant wildlife make this a can't miss. Also, the loop is only 17 miles from the cabin. It can get crowded on weekends during the summer and fall so if you have the option , you might want to plan a weekday visit. Also, during the summer months the loop is closed to cars on Wednesday mornings to allow for bicycles. Please check their website for more information.
Only 0.5 miles from the cabin! Different lengths of rides are offered. It is best to make a reservation.
31 locals recommend
Davy Crockett Riding Stables
505 Old Cades Cove RdOnly 0.5 miles from the cabin! Different lengths of rides are offered. It is best to make a reservation.
Known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies", these are the highest rated Caves or Caverns of the Eastern United States. Carved inside the earth’s oldest mountain chain and estimated to be between twenty to thirty million years old, the Caverns are rich in history and lore in recent years as well. You will find the “BigRoom” on one end of the tour that could almost fit a football stadium inside it. On the other half of the tour you get to view “SilverFalls”. It falls 210 feet from top to bottom and the tallest subterranean waterfall in the Eastern US . Millions of formations are viewed along the 1.25 mile round trip adventure.
121 locals recommend
Tuckaleechee Caverns
825 Cavern Rd Known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies", these are the highest rated Caves or Caverns of the Eastern United States. Carved inside the earth’s oldest mountain chain and estimated to be between twenty to thirty million years old, the Caverns are rich in history and lore in recent years as well. You will find the “BigRoom” on one end of the tour that could almost fit a football stadium inside it. On the other half of the tour you get to view “SilverFalls”. It falls 210 feet from top to bottom and the tallest subterranean waterfall in the Eastern US . Millions of formations are viewed along the 1.25 mile round trip adventure.
They offer different trips and outposts right out of Townsend! Tubing is a peaceful and relaxing way to spend some time in the beautiful scenery! Additionally, riverside cabanas are available. Whitewater rafting is available in Hartford, TN (about an hour and a half away) if that is more your speed.
167 locals recommend
Smoky Mountain River Rat Main Tubing Outpost
205 Wears Valley RdThey offer different trips and outposts right out of Townsend! Tubing is a peaceful and relaxing way to spend some time in the beautiful scenery! Additionally, riverside cabanas are available. Whitewater rafting is available in Hartford, TN (about an hour and a half away) if that is more your speed.
About 20 miles from the cabin is the #1 theme park in the US according to Tripadvisor 2022! In addition to the theme park, there is a water park and dinner shows. This is a can't miss if you have children!
796 locals recommend
Dollywood
2700 Dollywood Parks BlvdAbout 20 miles from the cabin is the #1 theme park in the US according to Tripadvisor 2022! In addition to the theme park, there is a water park and dinner shows. This is a can't miss if you have children!
Food scene
Reservations highly recommended for this wonderful dining experience! Named one of America's top 25 most romantic restaurants by Tripadvisor, the setting is simply lovely. If weather permits, we love sitting outside. Save room for the free s'mores by the firepit! They are closed on Mondays but if you are here on a Wednesday, check out their half-off wine bottles!
45 locals recommend
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro
137 Apple Valley WayReservations highly recommended for this wonderful dining experience! Named one of America's top 25 most romantic restaurants by Tripadvisor, the setting is simply lovely. If weather permits, we love sitting outside. Save room for the free s'mores by the firepit! They are closed on Mondays but if you are here on a Wednesday, check out their half-off wine bottles!
New to the Townsend scene, this is a great casual place! Offering a large beer selection, the menu is farm to table and delicious. Often times there is live music on Friday nights during the warmer months. Additionally, there is a playground on site to keep the little ones entertained!
43 locals recommend
Peaceful Side Social Brewery & Craft Kitchen
7967 East Lamar Alexander ParkwayNew to the Townsend scene, this is a great casual place! Offering a large beer selection, the menu is farm to table and delicious. Often times there is live music on Friday nights during the warmer months. Additionally, there is a playground on site to keep the little ones entertained!
Wonderful for breakfast and lunch! Very friendly staff too!
13 locals recommend
Healthy Vibes Cafe & Bakery
7613 Old Tennessee 73Wonderful for breakfast and lunch! Very friendly staff too!
2020 and 2021 recipient of the Tripadvisor’s TOP TEN percent of restaurants in the world! Local craft beer in a unique setting.
32 locals recommend
The Townsend Abbey
7765 River Rd2020 and 2021 recipient of the Tripadvisor’s TOP TEN percent of restaurants in the world! Local craft beer in a unique setting.
The cafe is known for their apple pies, milkshakes and award winning chicken salad!
42 locals recommend
Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe
7138 E Lamar Alexander PkwyThe cafe is known for their apple pies, milkshakes and award winning chicken salad!
Shopping
Delicious cafe, shopping and guided adventures are all available in the village. The Smoky Mountain Outdoor Center (SMOC) is a great place to shop for any outdoor needs.
42 locals recommend
Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe
7138 E Lamar Alexander PkwyDelicious cafe, shopping and guided adventures are all available in the village. The Smoky Mountain Outdoor Center (SMOC) is a great place to shop for any outdoor needs.
Coffee
Open daily at 8:00 AM, the Dancing Bean offers counter service, fire-side indoor seating, outdoor deck seating, board games and free WIFI.
13 locals recommend
The Dancing Bean
7142 E Lamar Alexander PkwyOpen daily at 8:00 AM, the Dancing Bean offers counter service, fire-side indoor seating, outdoor deck seating, board games and free WIFI.
Organic, fair trade coffee roasted in the Smoky Mountains! And a portion of their profits go to help charities both locally and internationally.
31 locals recommend
The Artistic Bean
8027 E Lamar Alexander PkwyOrganic, fair trade coffee roasted in the Smoky Mountains! And a portion of their profits go to help charities both locally and internationally.