Townsend, Tennessee

Townsend, Tennessee is truly the peaceful side of the Smokies.  Secluded by mountains and breathtaking in its beauty, Townsend is a true destination for those that want to get away from the tourist haven that is Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.  There are two easy ways to get to Townsend.  If you are already in the Smokies visiting Pigeon Forge then head to traffic light 3.  Take Wears valley Road; when the road ends you are in Townsend.   Plenty to do, plenty to eat and a great place to spend your vacation. 

History
Townsend is in what was originally called Tuckaleechee Cove.  Archaeological finds have been found dating as early as 2000 BC.  In 1200 AD the woodland period, native people had fortified villages near the cove’s entrance.  The Cherokee then came on the scene in the 1600s.  The Cherokee lived in the area for more than a hundred years but they had abandoned the area by the time the first European settlers made their appearance in the late 1700s.  Townsend supported farmers and others that lived off the land until the 1880s when logging came into the area.  Townsend became home to the headquarters of the Little River Lumber Company.  The town actually received its name from Colonel WB Townsend who purchased 86,000 acres of land, including Elkmont and Tremont, for the purpose of logging.  This lumber industry lasted until the 1920s and 30s.  At that point with the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Townsend had to shift gears.  Over the years they have become a tourist destination for those that are looking for a quieter and less crowded way to experience the Smokies.

Attractions
The biggest attraction in Townsend is its location.  Townsend butts up against the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  When you follow Lamar Alexander parkway through Townsend you run into the park itself.  Townsend is the closest route to cades Cove, the most visited portion of the park.  The Little River, which runs through Townsend, has some of the best brown trout fishing in the area.  Also on the Little River you will find some of the best tubing to be found in the Smokies. 

Restaurants
Townsend is home to home-cooking.  The restaurants in Townsend focus on traditional home-cooking like the people in the area have been eating for years.  Fresh produce and menus that can change with the growing season are all part of the culinary makeup on the peaceful side of the Smokies.  Look for daily special for something truly unique.

Lodging
Here are some great reasons to stay in Townsend.  Firstly, you are going to stay on a less crowded more peaceful side of the Smokies.  You will not have the drone of traffic or the smell of exhaust around your lodging choice.  Second, Townsend is less developed so you will feel more like you are in the mountains when you arrive.  The cabin you stay at might not have another cabin in sight.  The cabin you stay at may be the only one for miles in any direction.  The hotels along the main road through Townsend have a homey feel to them that makes it nice to come back to each year.