While the flashy lights of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are fun for a day trip, our hearts belong to the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.” We tend to avoid the big crowds and high-traffic tourist traps, preferring the quiet rustle of the leaves to the hustle of the city. We know our “slow-paced” style isn’t for everyone—if you’re looking for neon signs and roller coasters, you might find our favorites a bit too quiet! But if you love the idea of a scenic drive where you actually see more bears than brake lights, or a dinner where you can hear the river more clearly than the table next to you, then you’re in the right place. We’ve traded the bustling city vibes for the natural beauty of Townsend, and we’ve put together a list of our favorite local gems where you can truly breathe and relax.

Our “Peaceful Side” Favorites

Where We Eat (Townsend)

  • Peaceful Side Social: Our go-to for a relaxed vibe, great craft beer, and a killer “Half-Baked” chicken or pizza. It’s exactly as the name describes.
  • The Abbey: A former wedding chapel turned into a riverside hangout. It’s the perfect spot for a beer and a pretzel while watching the Little River flow by.
  • Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro: If you’re looking for a “5-star” date night or a high-end farm-to-table experience, this is the place. Be ready to splurge, it’s expensive. But So So worth it! We always end our night sitting by the fire making the free smores.
  • Burger Master Drive-In: A classic, no-frills local staple for over 50 years. Perfect for grabbing a burger after a day of exploring.

What We Do (Avoiding the Crowds)

  • The Foothills Parkway: Forget the traffic jams! This drive offers some of the most spectacular, unobstructed views of the mountains without the bumper-to-bumper congestion.
  • Spruce Flats Falls: Tucked away behind the Tremont Institute, this is a local favorite waterfall hike that many tourists miss. It’s short, punchy, and beautiful.
  • Metcalf Bottoms: A great spot for a riverside picnic followed by a walk to the historic Walker Sisters Cabin or the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse.
  • Tuckaleechee Caverns: Go underground to escape the heat (and the crowds) at “The Greatest Site Under the Smokies.” It’s a fascinating look at the geology of our home.

What We Do (The “Local” Way)

  • Cades Cove: This is the most popular spot in the park for a reason—it’s stunning. However, to keep it “quiet,” we highly recommend going as early as humanly possible (aim for sunrise!) or on “Vehicle-Free Wednesdays” (May-Sept) when you can bike or walk the loop without cars. It’s the best way to spot bears and deer without the “traffic jam” feel.
  • Goats on the Roof: Okay, this one sounds like a tourist trap, but we love it! It’s right on Wears Valley Road and is exactly what it says: live goats living on the roof. You can feed them using a “goat-cycle” and ride their mountain coaster. Since it’s a bit further out than the Parkway coasters, it usually feels a little less chaotic.
  • The Foothills Parkway: Forget the traffic jams! This drive offers some of the most spectacular, unobstructed views of the mountains without the bumper-to-bumper congestion of the main park roads.
  • Spruce Flats Falls: Tucked away behind the Tremont Institute, this is a local favorite waterfall hike that many tourists miss. It’s short, punchy, and beautiful.