Category: Area Info

Information about he various towns and areas of the Smoky Mountains. If you are looking for information about a particular town then this might be the best place to start. Trying to figure out why a town has the named that it has, looking for some history or just don’t have a clue where to begin, this is the place to be.

History of Maggie Valley, NC

Maggie Valley, NC takes its name from a mountain girl with long blond hair and blue eyes who once called the area her home. Maggie’s true life story is recorded in Maggie of Maggie Valley, NC, a book written by her daughter Patty Pylant Kosier. You’ll not only find a true account of Maggie Mae Setzer Pylant’s life but mountain life as well. At that time, Maggie’s home was part of an isolated wilderness settlement.

On December 21, 1890, ten years after Maggie was born, her father, Jack Setzer began tossing the idea around of the formation of a post office. More so, Setzer wanted a post office to be built in his own home. The nearest post office, the Plott post office, was located five miles from his home and someone had to be paid in those days to take and pick up mail for the valley. Soon thereafter, Setzer was contacting officials with the US postal department in order to get permission to establish a new post office in his home that all the people of the valley could use.

For the next six months he was instructed to provide the service that was needed in the area. He also kept careful records during the time. The post office made up a corner of Setzer’s room – a wooden box used to file incoming letters and newspaper.

Jack submitted his records to the U.S. post office department after six months and they accepted his application asking him to submit community names to the postal service. Setzer’s first three submissions were rejected because they we already being used for other post offices in North Carolina. Following that, he submitted the names of his daughters Cora, Mettie and Maggie Mae plus the name Jonathan Creek, the creek which ran through the Setzer’s home. He kept it from his daughters that he had submitted their names.

On May 10, 1904, Jack received an official letter from the US Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock that the post office authorities had made their decision. The official name of the mountain settlement post office was to be Maggie, NC. Maggie was embarrassed when she was told the news. She burst into tears and ran up the mountain to the old log cabin where she had been born. At the age of 17, Maggie became the bride of Ira Pylant of Nashville, TN. They moved to Texas, but she came back to her beloved valley several times before her death in 1979 at the age of 88.

Cashiers, NC

Cashiers is one of the smallest towns, population-wise, in the Smokies.  But even with the shortage of people there is no end to the adventure that can be had while visiting this community that is nestled on top of the mountain itself.  Shopping, golf, hiking and scenic views of waterfalls await the visitor to Cashiers.

Cashiers is a resort town.  The resorts that serve this town have made this unincorporated village a tourism destination in the Smokies.  Both the High Hampton Inn and the Fairfield Inn are on the National Register of Historic Places.  The history in this area is tied to the people who found the natural beauty of the Smokies at its height in and around Cashiers.

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  • Cashiers, NC - Cashiers is one of the smallest towns, population-wise, in the Smokies.  But even with the shortage of people there is no end to the adventure that can be had while visiting this community that is nestled on top of the mountain itself.  Shopping, golf, hiking and scenic views of waterfalls await the visitor to Cashiers. … Continue reading "Cashiers, NC"
  • Carolina Smokehouse - The Carolina Smokehouse in Cashiers, NC has closed. Information is maintained here for historical purposes. The people of the south and more importantly the people of the Smoky Mountains love their barbecue.  It is hard to find a town in the Smoky Mountains or even the whole of the Southern Appalachians that doesn’t have at least … Continue reading "Carolina Smokehouse"
  • Cashier’s Farmers Market - Western North Carolina is home to a number of small resort towns – each unique in their own way. One of those Smoky Mountain towns is Cashiers, known for its natural beauty as well as its ever-growing and regionally popular farmers market. The Cashiers Farmers Market is easily located in the center of town and … Continue reading "Cashier’s Farmers Market"

Black Friday

It is Black Friday in the Smokies and there is plenty of shopping to be done.  From Asheville to Knoxville and back again, there is shopping for everyone and deals to be had around every corner.  People have been in line for over a week to get at those deals inside the big box stores.  In the Smokies  with the amount of shopping to be done, it is certain that people have been shopping and lining up to shop for the better part of  a day – even before the leftovers from Turkey Day are even left overs.

Asheville & Knoxville

Asheville and  Knoxville are the two biggest cities in the Smoky Mountain area.  You can be sure that all of the major chains will be full of shoppers.  Best Buy, Target, Walmart and many others will have people lining up to get at eh deals for Black Friday and of course to grab up the first of their holiday shopping.  Certainly the malls in both of these cities will be packed.  If you are planning to visit any of these areas, make sure to allow lots of time and if you are planning to shop make sure to get there early.  In fact, if you are reading this on Black Friday then you are probably already late, unless you are reading it on your smartphone.

Malls:

Outlets in the Smokies

The biggest outlet shopping to be had in the Smoky Mountains is in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge.  In Pigeon Forge, you can visit the Red Roof Mall on the Parkway. But of course, if you are looking for the best outlet shopping, prices as low as 75% off, then you are looking for nothing more then Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Mall in Sevierville, TN right on the Parkway.

Boutiques and Local Shops

And there is still another option.  You can always look to the small shops and boutiques in each of the mountain towns that surround the Smokies.  From Cashiers to Bristol, Asheville to Knoxville, there are great places to shop around every corner.  These small locations are locally owned in most cases and have items that you will never find anywhere else.   From Asheville’s Biltmore Village to Gatlinburg’s Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, you will find plenty to buy and you will be able to purchase those one of a kind items that you don’t find in a big box store.  Part of the fun of spending Thanksgiving away from your home town is being able to celebrate the holiday season a little different.  Going to boutique shopping areas like Gatlinburg’s The Village and tooling around Cashiers and Highlands in some of the best resort shopping in the southeast.

If you are going to be spending today, Black Friday shopping, and you are in the Smoky Mountains, make sure that you take in all the sights.  Make sure that you get those big box deals.  Make sure that you explore the outlet malls for even deeper discounts and of course, go to a smaller local store and really get a feel for the Smokies.  Meet the people that live in the area, spend time with your family while you start the shopping list and hopefully finish some of your shopping as well.  Spend Black Friday in one of the most beautiful place sin the world, the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina.

Cosby, TN

“Where Mountains Reign and Rivers Roar”

Cosby is a small town located 40 minutes outside of Gatlinburg an right on the edge of the National Park.  Cosby has a few attractions and places to stop that need to be on the bucket list for any frequent visitor to the Smokies.  Quiet and peaceful, Cosby will surprise but everything it has to offer.

Like most of the Smokies, the Cherokee had made this area their home early in the life of their massive civilization.  European settlers soon were making incursions into the area that would be Cosby and established settlements and forts.  But why is it called Cosby.  There are two trains of thought as to the naming of this area.  One is that it was named after a trapper and distiller named Jonathan Cosby or that it was named after a Revolutionary War veteran, Dr James Cozby.  Either way, it took its name from someone in the area that laid claim to the area at one point or another.

Cosby is famous for the moonshining that took place in the early 20th century.  To East Tennesseans, Cosby has been known as “The Moonshine Captial of the World.”  The farmers of the area grew corn and to supplement their income they began to turn some of that corn into moonshine.  The moonshine industry grew due to the fact that the coves and valleys of the mountains helped to hide the moonshiners and their stills.

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  • Cosby, TN - “Where Mountains Reign and Rivers Roar” Cosby is a small town located 40 minutes outside of Gatlinburg an right on the edge of the National Park.  Cosby has a few attractions and places to stop that need to be on the bucket list for any frequent visitor to the Smokies.  Quiet and peaceful, Cosby will … Continue reading "Cosby, TN"
  • On Cosby - Cosby, TN celebrates all that it is and has become every year each spring and fall called:  On Cosby.  And if you like local Smoky Mountain crafts, this is as good of a festival as the area offers.  Crafters of all kinds selling their wares – from homespun crafts to local authors, you can easily … Continue reading "On Cosby"
  • Carver’s Orchard - If you ever find yourself in Cosby, Tn, make sure you ask the locals about a little place called Carver’s Orchard. There, you’ll not only find the orchard, you’ll also find a farmer’s market and a restaurant at Carver’s that boasts one of the best fried apple pies in East Tennessee. Carver’s Orchard is a … Continue reading "Carver’s Orchard"

Dandridge, TN

“Tennessee’s Second Oldest City”

Dandridge is the second oldest city in the state of Tennessee.  And though the Smokies do cast a shadow on this town, the Lake brings the sun out during the summer and brings in people from all over the area to fish, boat, ski and take advantage of one of the best man-made lakes in the area.

Dandridge, as a town was incorporated in 1793.  It is the county seat of Jefferson County and was named after Martha Dandridge Washington.  In 1942 when Douglas Dam flooded most of the farmland to the southeast of present day Dandridge, the town was almost lost due to the flooding – as it sits below the flood level of the dam.  The TVA built a saddle dam to protect the town at the urging of then First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.  The town fathers of Dandridge petitioned her stating they were the only town named after the first, First Lady.

Over time, Dandridge has welcomed the business brought in by tourist to the Smokies that want to get out of the mountains and play in the water.  Dandridge has a huge history including 5 of the oldest pubs in East Tennessee.  The downtown area is a walk through a small town from the turn of the 20th century and before.  Exploring Dandridge, TN makes you feel like you have gone to Mayberry for the day.

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  • Dandridge, TN - “Tennessee’s Second Oldest City” Dandridge is the second oldest city in the state of Tennessee.  And though the Smokies do cast a shadow on this town, the Lake brings the sun out during the summer and brings in people from all over the area to fish, boat, ski and take advantage of one of the … Continue reading "Dandridge, TN"
  • Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival - The Scots-Irish Music Festival in Dandridge is a yearly event that celebrates the Celtic heritage of the people that founded this area of Tennessee.  Bringing lots of music and entertainment to the mountain town of Dandridge, TN, this festival is a celebration of all things Celtic.  This is a free event mixes music, art, craft, … Continue reading "Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival"

FAQs

Timing Your Trip

When is the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains?

Basically, anytime is a good time to visit the Smokies. The determining factor for deciding when to visit is: What are your likes and dislikes? For example, the color extravaganza of Fall appeals to nearly everyone–evidenced by the crowding at that time. The floral show of Spring attracts lots of people too. But consider the relative non-crowding of the wintertime. Winters are very mild in the Smoky Mountains. Mountain vistas are enhanced by the lack of foliage on the trees. And hiking is easier in some ways. For example, in the winter, one can dress in layers and remove layers as the need arises.

When is the best time—and where is the best place—to view wildlife?

Without question, the best place and time to see deer, wild turkey, and other small wildlife is Cades Cove. In years past, wildlife were very shy and you had to time your searches for the feeding times at dawn and dusk. However, through the years the wildlife have become more tame as Park visitors have grown in number and you can now even see the deer feeding at midday in Cades Cove.

Bear can be found out on some trails and near campgrounds—looking for food. A word of caution, however: Don’t feed the bears. It shortens their lives and creates dangerous circumstances for other travelers. Remember–don’t feed the bears. Also, avoid the mother bear with her cubs. She might sense a threat to her cub and become unpredictable.

Does everything close in the winter?

No, not nearly as much as in years past. Visitors to the Smokies number approximately 10 million–and visitation continues to grow yearly. Businesses are remaining open longer (many all year) to accommodate travelers. So, while a few owners take January and February off, many are open. The National Park remains open all year, with only a few unimproved roads closed due to storm damage or harsh weather. Parson’s Branch and Rich Mountain Road (off the Cades Cove loop road) and the road to Clingman’s Dome are two examples.

Call the Park at (865) 436-1200 for specific questions.

Fishing

Do I need a special license to fish in the Park? Where can I purchase a fishing license?

A regular fishing license that is good all year in both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the Park can be purchased in any town adjacent to the Park.

Hiking

What’s the best hike in the Smokies?

The answer to this question will vary depending on who you talk to. However, our favorites include Abrams Falls and Mt. LeConte.

NOTE: More of your hiking questions might be answered by visiting the hiking page.

Lodging

Are lodging accommodations available in the Park?

The only true lodging in the Park itself is LeConte Lodge, which can only be reached by hiking trail. There are 5 major trails to Mt. LeConte. The most popular route is the Alum Cave Bluff trail. Accommodations are spartan and should be made a year in advance by contacting Wilderness Lodging at 865.429.5704 or write to 250 Apple Valley Road, Sevierville, TN 37862.

The Park also maintains developed campgrounds at ten locations in the Park. Sites at Elkmont, Smokemont, and Cades Cove can be reserved by calling 1-800-365-2267. Group sites are available at Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, and Smokemont.

Reservations are required—call 1-800-365-2267 or (865) 436-1266.

Flora

When do the leaves reach peak color?

Peak color varies slightly each year, but you can pretty much count on great color at the higher elevations during the first two weeks of October and in the valleys in the second half of October to early November.

When do Rhododendron, Flame Azalea, and Mountain Laurel bloom?
Rhododendrons bloom in June and early July, and mountain laurel in May-June.

Where are the largest trees in the Park?

Some of the largest are found in the Greenbrier section of the Park. From Gatlinburg, drive east along US 321 (stop-light #3 in Gatlinburg) for approximately 6 miles. Turn right on Greenbrier Road and travel 3.1 miles along the Little Pigeon River to Greenbrier Cove. Turn left at Ramsay Prong Road and travel 1.5 miles to the parking area. An eight-mile roundtrip hike will take you through virgin stands of chestnut oaks, poplars, and black cherry.

Weddings

Can we get married in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Yes—if you can hike or drive to it, there are ministers who will accompany the wedding party to conduct the ceremony. Click here, for more wedding information.

History of Sevierville

To fully understand the history of Sevierville and its beginnings, you must go back to time when the Native American Indians roamed the Great Smoky Mountains, more specifically those of the Cherokee Nation.

What our history books tell us is that during the 1700s, the Cherokee Indian tribe was the only Native American group that called Tennessee their permanent home. Not only had the Cherokee claimed the eastern, as well as central portions of the state to use as hunting grounds, they had also come to refer to themselves in their native language as the “Principal People.” Some argue that these Cherokee were a detached Iroquoian tribe that settled the region located at the doorsteps of the Smoky Mountains. This tribe included Native Americans who John Sevier fought in order to protect European settlers in and around Sevierville.

Sevierville is named after John Sevier, one of the most famous figures in the history of the state of Tennessee. Known as a frontiersman, soldier, war hero and politician who served under George Washington in the American Revolution, Sevier became renowned for his role in the battle of King’s Mountain.

Sevier was elected as the first governor of the State of Franklin in 1785 – a new state that was established on the land around Watauga, in Johnson City, Tn. The State of Franklin was eventually annexed to North Carolina and Sevier was accused of treason for going against the annexation of Franklin.

Eventually, Sevier recovered and ascended to a higher office, that of the governor of Tennessee. Sevier was Tennessee’s first governor, serving from 1796 until 1801 when the State of Tennessee was formed, and again from 1803 to 1809. Sevier even served as a Tennessee state senator from 1809 until 1811 and followed that up as a member of the US House of Representatives in 1811. You could say that Sevier was “loosely” involved in politics for a good portion of his life.

Sevier, Nicknamed “Nolichucky Jack” for his Nolichucky River exploits, died in Georgia during a boundary negotiation with Creek Indians in 1815.

To many, Sevierville is known as the original birthplace of country music. These southern mountaineer songs are considered by a growing group to be the only true folk music ever produced by the European immigrants to America. Most go back as far as the British ballads of the 1700s.

English Musicologist, Cecil Sharp, said in Smoky Mountain Country by North Callahan that he was tremendously taken with the people who settled the Appalachian Mountains, their strong character, their individuality, the isolation and its effects upon them and their music. The mountain people were sheltered by rugged mountains from the rest of the world and by this very condition, he concluded, they had retained in all its purity the most lyrical folk music in the world.

Today, music inspired by the Smoky Mountains and the Sevierville countryside is recognized around the world. One of the most prolific and well known musicians of this genre hails from Sevierville – country music artist and philanthropist Dolly Parton. One of 12 children born in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Dolly has remained faithful to her mountain roots, even as her international fame continued to grow. After opening her Dollywood theme park, which helps preserve mountain music and crafts while creating jobs for area residents, she also began the Dollywood Foundation, which funds many charities in the Sevier County region and Tennessee including the Books from Birth program.

State Parks

Around the Great Smoky Mountain area there are numerous state parks that offer hours of recreational activities and educational opportunities.  Whether the state parks are dedicated to a natural wonder in the park itself or attached to a historic event that took place, the state parks on both sides of the Smokies are remarkable.

Tennessee State Parks

State ParksFrom Roan Mountain at the top of one of the highest points in Tennessee to the birthplace of Davy Crockett, the Tennessee state parks cover lots of history and lots of territory, from the northern part of east Tennessee to the area near Chattanooga.  The parks also range in size and activities that are offered – camping, historical monuments, hiking, swimming, fishing and much more.

North Carolina State Parks

State ParksCelebrating both the wonders of nature and historic people from Western North Carolina, the state parks on the eastern side of the Smokies are spectacular.  New River State Park celebrates the New River area which was labeled as one of the National Scenic Rivers during the country’s bicentennial.  Great mountain scenery and plenty of wildlife make this a gorgeous park.  Mount Mitchell celebrates something else all together.  Mount Mitchell, at 6,684 feet is the tallest point east of the Mississippi River.  Majestic and beautiful this is the best way to enjoy the wonder that is Mount Mitchell.

Spend some time at one of the state parks, either in North Carolina or Tennessee. Learn more about the area you are visiting, appreciate the natural resources that the government has set aside and protected for future generations and of course enjoy the activities and services that are added by these state parks.

Franklin, NC

“Discover Us”

Franklin is located in Southwest North Carolina and though it has a thriving commercial side it also has a lot to offer visitors of all ages when they pass through the area.  From museums and history to performing arts and beyond, Franklin brings a different palette to the table for visitors to the Smoky Mountains.

The Cherokee were the first people to call the area of Franklin, NC home.  This area had an enormous mound and was one of the sites of the sacred fire that the Cherokee had kept burning since the founding of their civilization.  With the influx of the European settler, the Cherokee were forced to relocate.  The European settlers soon found that the area was full of priceless gemstones and the mining industry took hold of what would become the city of Franklin.

The gem mining industry in North Carolina had a short-lived history.  The mines eventually became overshadowed by other countries and places in the US that could mine the gems more easily and get to market much faster.  As the industry of gem mining dried up the town of Franklin shifted to other economic methods and embraced the tourism industry as its main way of making money and supplying jobs for its citizenry.

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  • Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum - If you are interested in the lapidary arts you might want to take a ride into Franklin, NC and visit the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum.  Due to the history of the area, it is no wonder that a museum has been established to show off the gems and the mining industry that brought Franklin … Continue reading "Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum"
  • Franklin, NC - “Discover Us” Franklin is located in Southwest North Carolina and though it has a thriving commercial side it also has a lot to offer visitors of all ages when they pass through the area.  From museums and history to performing arts and beyond, Franklin brings a different palette to the table for visitors to the … Continue reading "Franklin, NC"
  • Scottish Tartan Museum - It was easy for the people from the Highlands of Scotland to find a home in the Smoky Mountains.  They found in the Smokies a place that resembled home, a place that looked like the land they had left.  The Scottish and the Irish that live din other parts of the former British Colonies made … Continue reading "Scottish Tartan Museum"
  • Smoky Mountains Center for the Performing Arts - Places everybody! You’re likely to hear just that, or something similar, if you find yourself in the middle of Franklin, NC.  Coming from one of the side streets just off the main drag that is. The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (SMCPA) is a hidden gem in a small, tucked away town in … Continue reading "Smoky Mountains Center for the Performing Arts"
  • History of Franklin, NC - Long before the first European settlers arrived to the mountains of Southwestern North Carolina, they were home to the Cherokee Indian Nation. In a valley surrounded by some of the oldest mountains on earth, the Cherokee called the area that is now Franklin, NC, “Nikwasi” or “center of activity”. Nikwasi was an ancient and important … Continue reading "History of Franklin, NC"

Cherokee, NC

Cherokee is first and foremost a reservation for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.  This community has turned their proximity to the Smokies, the number of people traveling to the area and the fact that they were allowed to open a casino into a thriving tourism industry making Cherokee a destination in the Smokies.

“Trails of Legends and Adventures”

The Cherokee people have lived in the Smoky Mountains for thousands of years.  They were the first people to settle in this area and they had a highly developed culture at the time of the arrival of the first European settlers.  As the European settlers increased in number and started to take over the Cherokee land, the Cherokee contracted their territory and at times had physical confrontations with these trespassers.  They culmination of the Cherokee confrontation with the US government came through Andrew Jackson’s Trail of Tears that moved the Cherokee to Oklahoma and out of the mountains.

Some of the people in the area stayed however, and those that fought against the oppression and those that came back from Oklahoma were eventually given land by the US Government to form the Reservation at Cherokee, NC.  Over time, the town of Cherokee has reinvented itself as times dictated and they are now one of the premier areas to visit in the Smokies.  Outdoor adventures, historical reenactments and much more await visitors in 21st century Cherokee.

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  • Paula Deen’s Kitchen - Paula Deen’s Kitchen in Harrah’s Cherokee Casino closed in 2013. Information below is maintained for historical purposes. Cherokee stepped up its reputation in the eyes of foodies in 2011 by adding a restaurant named after Food Network Star: Paula Deen.  Since that time, Paula Deen’s Kitchen in Harrah’s Cherokee Casino has become THE place to … Continue reading "Paula Deen’s Kitchen"
  • Kermit Hunter - Kermit Hunter is a well known American playwright.  But, he is also known in the history of the Smokies due to the fact that he wrote Unto These Hills, the second longest running outdoor drama in the US and one of the highlights to any visit to Cherokee, NC.  He also wrote the outdoor drama, … Continue reading "Kermit Hunter"
  • Harrah’s Cherokee - There is only one place to go if you are looking for world class gaming in the Smoky Mountains and that is Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in Cherokee, NC.  This casino and hotel opened in November of 1997 and it has become a desination unto itself in theyears since its opening.  The casino boasta hotel that … Continue reading "Harrah’s Cherokee"
  • Teepees in Cherokee - I remember as a child, when we were vacationing in the Smokies, the signs in Cherokee, NC advertising “real live indians” always intrigued me.  Now that I am an adult, I realize that at that time, the people of Cherokee were giving the people that visited the mountains what they expected.  They were giving the … Continue reading "Teepees in Cherokee"
  • Cherokee, NC - Cherokee is first and foremost a reservation for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.  This community has turned their proximity to the Smokies, the number of people traveling to the area and the fact that they were allowed to open a casino into a thriving tourism industry making Cherokee a destination in the Smokies. … Continue reading "Cherokee, NC"
  • Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians - As I have been writing about various locations, cities, restaurants and other touristy concepts in the Smoky Mountains area, one thing that I have realized that I have not focused on is the people that inhabited the area before the European settlers moved in. To that end, let’s talk about the Native Americans that dominated both sides of the … Continue reading "Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians"
  • Unto These Hills - If you only have time to take in one attraction while you are in Cherokee, NC, that one attraction needs to be Unto These Hills.  This show has been part of the attraction scene in Cherokee for more then sixty years and it is the second oldest running outdoor drama in the US.  Combining the … Continue reading "Unto These Hills"
  • Santa’s Land - Theme Park & Zoo Right outside of Cherokee, NC is a smallish theme park that needs to be on your list of things to do at least once when you are in the Smoky Mountains.  This attraction is part theme park, part zoo and all Christmas all the time.  Themed as if you are visiting … Continue reading "Santa’s Land"
  • History of Cherokee, NC - Cherokee, North Carolina is synonymous with such word s as casinos, gambling, and resort town, but it wasn’t always like that. The now sprawling vacation spot was once as heavily forested as other parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and once consisted of about 135,000 square miles of land owned by the Cherokee … Continue reading "History of Cherokee, NC"