8 Ways to Unplug and Explore in Blount County, TN
In a place as beautiful as East Tennessee, it’s a downright travesty to while away the hours scrolling on a phone or obsessively checking TikTok, so put down your devices, take a deep breath of mountain air and spend time enjoying everything Blount (pronounced “blunt”) County has to offer.
Mary(ville) Me
Set the tone with a morning class at Community Yoga Center just outside downtown Maryville. The nonprofit offers classes of all levels, from easygoing meditation to a fluid sunrise yoga flow to functional strength circuit training. “I’ve been practicing yoga for 33 years. It’s very, very, very expensive and it is not supposed to be,” says founder Heather Lyn Schneller. To that end, classes at the center are fully donation-based, with many students paying nothing at all to attend one of the 25 classes every week. “This is not a typical yoga center,” she continues. “We’re not doing power yoga; most of what we do is care for the soul of the person.”
After you’ve centered yourself, head down Broadway just a few minutes to arrive at Studio 212 Arts and McQueen Pottery. Studio 212 teaches kids (ages 11 and up) and grown-ups the joy of getting their hands dirty in its two-hour Try a Pot class, during which students throw a simple pot on a wheel. If your first clay creation isn’t up to scratch, no worries. Stop in next door at McQueen Pottery to purchase professionally handcrafted tableware.
Afterward, hit up Blount County Public Library downtown, where patrons will find a surprisingly diverse range of activities and services. Refuel with soup, a sandwich and an Italian soda at the in-house coffee shop, Bookmark Cafe, then check out the library’s online calendar to ensure you don’t miss out on other offerings.
From chess tournaments to Dungeons & Dragons and karaoke to star-gazing nights, there is truly something for everyone. Annual events include the Anna Belle Smith Literary Festival (named after the branch’s first librarian), Mini Con (“your friendly neighborhood comic con”) and the Hot Summer Nights Concert Series, says library director Dustin Goforth. “The crowd really comes out,” he says of the August concerts. “Last year, 250 people came to a show, and someone stands up, starts doing a dance and a conga line forms!”
End the day with an ultra-relaxing spa treatment at RT Lodge, a luxurious resort surrounded by peaceful woodlands just outside the city. Book a custom facial, salt stone massage, or walnut-shell scrub and clay body wrap at the Carriage House Spa that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Talk of the Townsend
Make Little Arrow Outdoor Resort your home base for adventures outside Maryville proper. Nestled in the Townsend hills, Little Arrow Outdoor Resort offers lodging that runs the gamut from RV spots and tent camping to sprawling vacation homes, all with access to the site’s relaxing pool and cabana, nature trails, river access and dog park. In July 2026, the resort expanded with the addition of Little Arrow Base Camp RV Park, which added another 38 spots.
After exploring the campsite amenities, check out the Townsend River Walk and Arboretum, an easy walk that hugs the banks of the Little River and is home to 55 different types of trees, as well as pollinator gardens, fairy villages, a playground, a nature center and more.
There’s also the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center just minutes away from Little Arrow. It spotlights the archeological and cultural history of the region, exhibiting Indigenous pre-Columbian artifacts; hosting live music and an annual county fair (where women compete in the skillet-throwing contest); and maintaining a historic Smoky Mountain village that includes a restored smokehouse and moonshine still.
Finally, head into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the crown jewel of America’s national parks. Famous for its waterfalls and lush mountains, it is the country’s most-visited national park.
Cades Cove, a scenic valley encircled by mountains, is arguably the most popular spot within the park. If you’re there during summer months, head over on Wednesday, when the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motorized vehicles. Hop on a bike or lace up a pair of hiking boots and enjoy the spot free from the noise and emissions that come with a motorcade of summer sightseers. You won’t even think twice about checking your phone – we promise.
Two Local Restaurants Receive Major Michelin Recognition
In addition to its country-cozy accommodations and Carriage House Spa, RT Lodge boasts one of the area’s best dining experiences – which has been recognized by the Michelin Guide. The Raven Steakhouse was also just recently added to the prestigious list. The Restaurant at RT Lodge, helmed by executive chef Trevor Stockton, was included in the 2025 and 2026 guides to the American South; just 228 restaurants in six states made the grade. The Raven, led by executive chef Cory Giaquinta, was added to the 2026 guide.
“Being recognized by the Michelin Guide was really special for us here at RT Lodge,” Stockton says. “I’ve always respected and kept up with Michelin Guide awards and recognition. However, it was never something we imagined would be a possibility for us. The fact that we built our culinary program and set hospitality standards based solely on providing the best experience for our guests, rather than with the hope of achieving recognition, speaks volumes to the dedication of our staff.”
The charcuterie plate is Stockton’s pride and joy, with every part – cured and smoked meats, pickles and preserves made from local produce, and sourdough bread baked with local flour – made in-house.
Get to Know Blount County
Want to learn more about living and working in Blount County? Check out the latest edition of Livability Blount County.
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