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Explore Local Experiences in Townsend, TN

There is plenty to see in this charming southern town

We’re proud to be a part of the Townsend community. It’s a great place where you can enjoy Townsend TN attractions.

There are also some fantastic Events held in Townsend throughout the year, such as the Townsend Bike Bash, the Grains & Grits Festival, the Winter Heritage Festival, the Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival, Old Timers Day, the Scottish Festival & Games, car shows, quilt shows, and lots more. We help you plan ahead for your next stay at Dancing Bear on our Calendar of Events.

We have great neighbors and encourage you to get out and explore this charming southern town. A few places we recommend visiting:

Apple Valley Stores

Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe

From Mountain Hardwear and The North Face brands to house-made cider and braided rugs, you will find a lot of interesting products here. You can capture the flavor of the area with a beautiful patterned quilt that will keep you warm at home.

Apple Valley Stores

The Dancing Bean Coffee House

Offering locally roasted beans, you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, traditional espresso beverages, as well as bear-ista signatures like the Black Walnut Mocha, Buttered Brown Sugar or the Truffled Cream. Additional offerings include regionally-produced kombucha, nitro coffee, cold brew, fruit smoothies, custom sodas, and imported and local bottled beers.

Townsend TN Attractions Little River Railroad

The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum

Just down the highway, you can learn about the area’s rich history at this free attraction. Townsend exists because of the sawmill operation that logged huge portions of what is now the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from 1901 until 1939.

Townsend TN Attractions Heritage Center

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

A hub for festivals, educational programs, gallery exhibits, and demonstrations. Learn about the area’s history or take part in events and seminars. Local performers often entertain with a mix of musical genres.

Townsend TN Attractions Appalachian Bear Rescue

Appalachian Bear Rescue

Stop by the Appalachian Bear Rescue Visitor and Education Center at Trillium Cove! Unlike the rescue facility, which is closed to the public, the Visitor Center is open and welcome to all. See videos featuring a few of the cubs, helped since 1999, and learn about black bears and how humans can co-exist with them.

GSM Institute among the best Townsend TN Attractions

Great Smoky Mountains Institute

Tremont is a non-profit residential environmental education center that provides in-depth experiences through education programs that celebrate ecological and cultural diversity, foster stewardship, and nurture appreciation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Year-round, they offer workshops, camps, science projects, and more to do with the great outdoors.

Tuckaleechee Caverns Townsend TN Attractions

Tuckaleechee Caverns

Look at what nature has done over 30 million years at this site called “the Greatest Site Under the Smokies”. The highlight of this mile-long guided tour is the “Big Room”, which is 400 x 300 feet and 150-feet deep with stalagmites up to 24 feet tall.

Cades Cove Cellar

Cades Cove Cellar

Visit our neighbors for a wine tasting and learn about their labels from the knowledgeable staff. You’ll enjoy browsing their beautiful showroom.

Vee Hollow Bike Trails

Vee Hollow Biking Trails

Just 4 miles down the road from Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro is an exciting new adventure called VeeHollow. Vee Hollow is a 14-mile mountain bike trail network, free to use and open year-round.

Cades Cove Visitors Center

Cades Cove Visitors Center

Located on the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this building has a water-powered grist mill and historic structures like the Becky Cable house, as well as Ranger-led programs offered seasonally.

Townsend TN Attractions Featuring Artisan Guild

Townsend Artisan Guild

Enjoy “The Voice of Art on the quiet side of the Smokies” as fine artists from East Tennessee join together to promote education, exploration, awareness, and development of arts. The Guild manages a Gallery located at 7719 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN and is open to locals and visitors alike, to view and purchase works of art.