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6 Places to Spend the Weekend in Townsend, TN

Townsend offers a wealth of attractions for local vacationers in this small city. 

By Kevin Litwin on November 18, 2022

woman glamping
Sean Fisher

As the trend toward choosing to vacation closer to home grows, the scenic city of Townsend is an appealing location for staycation options for Blount County residents. Here are six:

1. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort is in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, with spacious cabins, glamping tents, tiny homes and vacation houses. Amenities include a spa-like swimming pool, wood-burning fireplaces and a 24/7 coffee lounge.

2. The Lily Barn

A 100-acre farm, The Lily Barn is popular for regular staycations thanks to its list of glamping cabins, as well as activities like trail hiking, soaking in hot tubs and tubing along an adjacent river.

Couple enjoys conversation around the firepit at Blount County's Dancing Bear Lodge.
Tassi Williams

3. Dancing Bear Lodge

Just minutes from Cades Cove is Dancing Bear Lodge, located on the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” and equipped with 26 rustic cabin and cottage accommodations and an award-winning restaurant that serves Appalachian cuisine.

4. Big Meadow Family Campground

At the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Big Meadow Family Campground, which offers excellent views of the mountains and close proximity to the Little River. The 14-acre site has even earned “Tennessee Campground of the Year” honors.

5. Townsend / Great Smokies KOA

Nestled up against the Little River, the Townsend/Great Smokies KOA provides an excellent setting for relaxing, putting your feet up and enjoying nature after a hard day of hiking, fishing or exploring.

6. Dogwood Cabins

Luxury vacation rentals are what Dogwood Cabins is all about; open year-round with more than 50 cabins ranging from one-room studios to seven bedrooms. It is only a few miles from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is two minutes away.

Want to know more?

If you’d like to learn more about the Blount County, TN, area, check out the latest edition of Livability: Blount County, Tennessee

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