Updates, Tips & Recipes From Our Blog
Turkey Spotting in the Park.
It’s turkey time in Tennessee! With Fall in full effect and the leaves coming down, it is time to keep an eye out for the Great Smoky Mountain’s biggest bird. Turkey are often found in small groups of a dozen or less in and around the edges of fields. They are highly…
What’s Happening in Townsend: November!
Greetings to our Friends of the Bear! We have a lot going on this holiday season! Reservations are currently full, but November 27 th will mark another Thanksgiving at our Appalachian Bistro. If you’re still looking to dine with us, Apple Valley Cafe will be open on…
Rocky Top Dark Roast — Steady as the Mountains, Smooth as the Morning
Our Rocky Top Dark Roast has a new story to tell. This season, its journey begins in the misty highlands of Guatemala, where the members of ASPROGUATE, the Asociación Sostenible de Productores de Guatemala, cultivate coffee with care, tradition, and purpose. Formed…
What’s Happening in Townsend: October!
Greetings to our Friends of the Bear! Calling all alumni! Maryville College’s Homecoming Weekend kicks off on Friday, October 10 th . The 11 th will feature a selection of activities across campus & the city of Maryville will be holding their Spooktacular on the…
Fishing in the Smokies II
Did you know Tennessee is home to more than 300 native species of fish? Many of them can be found right here in the Smoky Mountain s! As we discussed in our last blog, the Great Smoky Mountains provide some of the most enticing fishing the east coast has to off er. We…
What’s Happening in Townsend: September!
Greetings to our Friends of the Bear! Fall is in the air, which means things will be picking up in town the next couple months as the leaves change. Kicking off September is the Great Smoky Mountain Half Marathon from the 5 th though 6 th . For foodies, the Taste of…
Fishing in the Smokies
Calling all Anglers! Being located so close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and directly across from Little River, we here at the Lodge are ideally located for indulging in many locals’ favorite past time – fishing. Not much beats a peaceful morning…
Spotlight: Clingman’s Dome / Kuwohi
Greetings from the Peaceful Side! As we transition into many people’s favorite time of the year with the leaves changing and air getting crisper, it makes for a great time to experience one of the most scenic vistas the Smokies has to offer. Standing at 6,643…
What’s Happening in Townsend: August!
Greetings to our Friends of the Bear! We have a great August ahead of us. Here at the Lodge, we’ve just wrapped up our 3 rd annual Appalachian Homecoming weekend and can’t wait for next year’s already. Coming up this month is the Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon…
What’s Happening This Summer: Events and Updates at the Lodge
Greetings to Our Friends of the Bear! We’ve got a lot going on this summer, and we want you to be part of the excitement! First up is the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival this weekend, featuring guest speakers such as members of the AIMS team and Dr. Mireya Mayor from…
Springtime Celebrations and Events in Townsend!
Greetings to all our Friends of the Bear! Spring is slowly but surely on the horizon, and we’re approaching the time when things pick up here in town. Starting off, for the whole month of March, the Foothills Quilt Guild will have a showcase at the Townsend Visitor…
The Incredible Biodiversity of the Smoky Mountains
Unleash your inner naturalist in the Smokies! This ancient mountain range, a vital ice-age refuge, explodes with biodiversity. Did you know it boasts more native tree species than all of Europe and is the salamander capital of the world? From vibrant wildflowers to…
Trail Spotlight: Hike to Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls Trail is a favorite among both locals and visitors. This roundtrip trail showcases the stunning Abrams Falls and Abrams Creek.
Happy New Year!
Even though things are slowing down around town, there’s still plenty to do as far as getting outdoors and exploring the area.
OH Gift Guide
It’s that time of the year again, and Oldham Hospitality has you covered for all your gift giving needs! We have a range of choices for everyone in the family.
Planning a Family Vacation at Dancing Bear
There’s nowhere like the Smokies for a good old fashioned family vacation, especially for the holidays. Here is your guide to our properties for families traveling to the area
Friends of the Bear: November Updates
Greetings to our Friends of the Bear! We have lots going on this holiday season starting with the Townsend Grains and Grits Festival on November 2nd. If you’re looking to get ahead with holiday shopping and want to support local artists, on the 16th there’s going to…
Friends of the Bear: October Updates
Greetings to our Friends of the Bear! Calling all alumni! Maryville College’s Homecoming Weekend kicks off on Friday, October 25th. The real fun starts October 26th with the craft fair, homecoming parade, and football game. Anderson Hall will also be turned into MC’s…
Trees of DBL
The Fall season and leaf change are upon us, so, to get ahead, we wanted to share a guide on where to see the trees on property and what to look for. We have two miles of trails that run through our woods here and are an ideal place to see native flora and fauna. At…
A Special Invitation to try the Dancing Bean’s Signature Blend: Smoky Mountain Blend
If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal at the Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro or spent a night in one of our cozy cabins, chances are you’ve already experienced the rich, evolving flavors of our Smoky Mountain Blend. This house favorite is more than just a coffee blend; it’s a…
Friends of the Bear: Fall Updates
Greetings to our Friends of the Bear! As fall begins to weave its magic in the Smokies, Townsend comes alive with events and activities celebrating the season. We’re excited to share some highlights for the upcoming months as the leaves begin their transformation….
Food & Recipes of the Smokies
This month for Book Club, we’re delving into Food & Recipes of the Smokies in honor of our Appalachian Homecoming. Although the event has passed, if any of the workshops sparked your interest as they did ours, this is the book for you. If your family is anything…
Trail Spotlight: Ace Gap
Greetings from the Peaceful Side of the Smokies! Summer is upon us, and it’s prime time to get outdoors and explore. For our very first trail feature of the series, we’re spotlighting Ace Gap. We’ll break down what you need to know and invite you to hike along with us…
Dancing Into Summer
Greetings to our Friends of the Bear! Hold onto your hats because July and August are gearing up to be jam-packed with excitement! Here’s the scoop: Kicking things off with a bang, the legendary TG Sheppard is set to rock the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center on…
Dancing into May
Greetings to our Friends of the Bear! We have an action-packed month ahead of us with the Bigfoot Festival this weekend at the Townsend Visitor’s Center, the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games, and the return of the Sunset Concert Series at the Great Smoky…
Making Coffee Better
At the Dancing Bean Coffee House, we’re making a BIG difference with each little sip of our coffee. How? Keep reading to learn more about our mission to provide you with coffee you can feel good about drinking. The Dancing Bean Coffee House proudly serves Fair Trade…
Dancing Bear’s Sustainable Gardening: Beyond Composting
In celebration of National Composting Week, we would like to take a moment to highlight the various sustainable practices used at Dancing Bear, primarily in our on-site gardens. Our commitment to reducing waste and nurturing the Earth extends beyond traditional…
Reviews Make Our World Go ‘Round!
At Dancing Bear, we truly appreciate each and every review we receive. Our staff and management make sure to check them daily, and the kind words we receive make our jobs more enjoyable. Every now and then, however, we receive a review that leaves us all with a…
Give the Gift of the Peaceful Side This Holiday Season
As you begin shopping and planning for this Holiday season, consider giving the gift of the Peaceful Side with an Oldham Hospitality gift card valid at all 7 of our PeacefulSide.com locations in Townsend, TN! Provide that special someone with a uniquely Townsend…
Farm-To-Table Stories: Cast Iron Times | Episode One ~ Squash Blossoms
Introducing Cast Iron Times Cast Iron Times. Appalachian Farm-to-Table Story Series Featuring The Dancing Bear Gardens, the Bistro Culinary Team & the Local Purveyors behind the Award-Winning Appalachian Cuisine. From the Garden… “The Garden is taking its…
The Dancing Bear Gardens Spring into Action – 2022 Early Planning
“Boss Lady’s Garden Springs into action!” The Dancing Bear Gardens ~ Early Spring Planning
Springtime in the Smokies is Truly Spectacular
What do WE love about wintertime in the Smokies and Peaceful Townsend, TN? Here are our top 5 reasons to visit Dancing Bear Lodge and the Great Smoky Mountains in the colder months!
Quiet & Cozy Smoky Mountain Cabins – The Perfect Winter Retreat
What do WE love about wintertime in the Smokies and Peaceful Townsend, TN? Here are our top 5 reasons to visit Dancing Bear Lodge and the Great Smoky Mountains in the colder months!
The Newly Upgraded Bar
Here’s what we are so excited about! Big changes have been taking place at Dancing Bear Lodge! Executive Chef Shelley needed a bit more culinary space for her and her team to keep creating signature Appalachian cuisine, and our bar – although cozy, lacked the…
Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend, Tennessee Wins 2020 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award
Dancing Bear Lodge Recognized as part of the top 10% of hotels worldwide. Based on Outstanding 2019 Traveler Reviews Townsend, Tennessee, August 4th, 2020 – Dancing Bear Lodge today announced it has been recognized as a 2020 Travelers’ Choice award-winner! Based on a…
The Gardens – at Dancing Bear Lodge
Mother and son Gardening Super-Duo, Sharon Oldham (Boss Lady) and Houston Oldham are the master keepers and Gardening masterminds at Dancing Bear lodge. Together they “toil in the soil” from season to season and bring bountiful gifts of fresh, organic produce to Chef…
Let’s Talk Spring Mushrooms
Spring Recipes, Tips & Tricks for Cooking with Mushrooms Q&A Session with Renowned Chef Shelley of Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro Maybe it’s because folks have a little more time to explore their own yards this spring, or maybe we are grasping at every…
Chef Shelley Interview
6 Reasons to Choose Dancing Bear Lodge for your Smoky Mountain Corporate Event
1) Location/Atmosphere Dancing Bear is a great spot for your upcoming corporate event, company retreat, or meeting for myriad reasons, but perhaps the most glaring one is its incredible location. Situated smartly in the Great Smoky Mountains, there’s no shortage of…
Smoky Mountain Cabins– The Perfect Winter Getaway
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Dancing Bear in Winter Are you considering a Smoky Mountain cabin vacation? The Great Smoky Mountains are majestic in any season. Of course, their popularity seems to peak in the fall months when visitors can find themselves surrounded by a…
Smoky Mountain Vacations and More For a Holiday to Remember
Gift of the Bear—Our Holiday Gift Guide It’s the season of giving, and at Dancing Bear Lodge, we’ve got a lot of give! From gift cards to merch, we can help you find the perfect gift for even the toughest person on your shopping list. Maybe that special someone in…
Townsend TN Featured – 25 Most Stunning Mountain Towns in America
Reader’s Digest recently shared an article featuring the ’25 Most Stunning Mountain Towns in America,’ naming our home of Townsend among these incredibly beautiful places. From Asheville to Whitesburg, these alpine escapes around the United States are utterly…
The Phil Show: July 25th, 2019
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro Earns 5 Year Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor
Visit Our Appalachian Bistro in Townsend, TN Our Appalachian Bistro was recently awarded a 5 Year Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor for being in America’s Top 25 Most Romantic Restaurants for 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. We are happy with the recognition from…
Chef Shelley’s Ambrosia Salad
A New Twist on an Old Favorite Chef Shelley Cooper of Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro in Townsend, Tennessee has reimagined the classic dish, adding in her own style to make a tried and true dish even more special. “Every family has its own way of doing ambrosia,”…
The Phil Show: NewsTalk 98.7 WOKI
Make Your Smoky Mountain Wedding Memorable With These Tips
One of the most breathtaking natural formations in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains have provided generations of people with beautiful sites, unforgettable experiences, and a relaxing natural landscape to enjoy the splendors of nature. Because of the…
Sunday Brunch at the Bear
Sunday Brunch at Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro Our Sunday Brunch BEAR-fey will be offered every Sunday from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm and will feature an incredible a la carte menu from our award-winning culinary team in addition to the Craft-Your-Own Mimosa and Bloody…
OpenTable: Dancing Bear Among ‘Best Restaurants in Knoxville’ Area
On the heels of being named by TripAdvisor as one of the Top 25 Most Romantic Restaurants in America, the accolades continue to pour in for the highly acclaimed local Smoky Mountain restaurant, Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro. The Bistro has also won in several…
Dancing Bear Brand Apparel Now Available
Just in time for the holidays, we have expanded our store to give our guests the ability to enjoy a bit of the Smoky Mountain experience wherever home may be with online ordering of Dancing Bear Brand Apparel. Among the new items available: Bicycle Jerseys (just in!)…
Beautiful Options Make Dancing Bear Stand Out Among Wedding Venues in the Tennessee Mountains
It’s a beautiful thing when couples make a life-long commitment to one another. Engagements are the best type of gift between people who want to share a life together. This blog is intended for those planning their special day and researching Wedding Venues in the…
The Wall Street Journal – Food & Drink: ‘America’s Most Satisfying Salad’
Chef Shelley Cooper is quoted by The Wall Street Journal’s Food & Drink section for an article titled “America’s Most Satisfying Salad.” Here is an excerpt from the Sept. 2018 article by Louisa Shafia about Kilt greens, the Appalachian salad…
5 Great Reasons to Plan Your Knoxville Holiday Party at Dancing Bear Lodge
It’s never too early to start planning your group’s Knoxville Holiday Party or Maryville Office Holiday Party. Now that fall has arrived, Dancing Bear Lodge wants to encourage you to book your event now so you stand a greater chance of getting our facilities and…
6 Fun Activities for Your Next Tennessee Corporate Retreat
The famous William Holbrook Beard painting “The Dancing Bear” — the inspiration for our resort’s name, serves as a nod to the New York Stock Exchange after a successful day of business. This is our rallying cry for the advancement of timeless business principles. By…
Try the Blackberry Farm Private Selection at Dancing Bear Lodge Bar at the Bear
The next time you join us for dinner at Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro or drinks at Townsend’s only full bar, Bar at the Bear, consider asking your bartender to sample one of the delicious beverages brewed and bottled by our friends at the East Tennessee…
Book Your Midweek Knoxville Romantic Getaway to the Smokies in September and Save
With school starting back across the region, it’s no secret that the pace of things slows down here in Townsend and the Smokies during the weekdays. That includes activity here at Dancing Bear Lodge and other Tennessee resorts. It’s also one of the reasons why it may…
Watermelon and Charred Okra Salad with Warm Sorghum Vinaigrette (Yields 4 Salads)
Ingredients: 8 small okra cut in half length ways1.5 cup deseeded and cubed (bite sized) watermelon2 cups cleaned mixed greens ( spinach, arugula, chard, frisee)1 small red onion sliced very thin1 tbs feta cheese crumbled2 tbs sorghum2 tbs red wine vinegar4 tbs virgin…
Cooking Channel Features The Bistro on Southern and Hungry
We are thrilled to announce the official air date of Cooking Channel’s Southern and Hungry featuring Smoky Mountain cuisine, including creations from Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro. Season 2, episode 3 continues Damaris Philips’ and Rutledge Wood’s tour…
3 Tips for Planning the Perfect Last-Minute Getaway for Nashville Couples
Have you ever wanted to surprise your significant other with a spontaneous trip to a romantic destination? Maybe leave a note to greet them when they wake, starting their day with a message like, “Pack a bag and be ready to leave when I get home…”? Hinting that you’re…
The Smokehouse: An Appalachian Tradition
We’ve added an old-fashioned Smokehouse to add a delicious smoky flavor to dishes on the menu like Chef Shelley’s pork osso bucco, whole duck, salmon, and pork shoulder. You’ve gotta have dinner at Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro just to taste it for yourself! It took…