Summer may be winding down, but there is still plenty of time to make unforgettable memories in Jefferson County, Tennessee.
Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing lake day, a charming small-town adventure, or a scenic escape surrounded by East Tennessee beauty, the final weeks of summer offer endless opportunities to explore the Lakeside of the Smokies.
Located between Douglas Lake and Cherokee Lake, and just a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains, Jefferson County is the perfect destination for a late-summer getaway. From historic streets and locally owned shops to waterfront dining and colorful sunsets, here are seven ways to soak up every last moment of the season.
1. Spend a Day on Douglas Lake or Cherokee Lake
With two beautiful East Tennessee lakes to explore, Jefferson County makes it easy to enjoy one more sun-filled day on the water.
Cruise across Douglas Lake by pontoon, cast a line on Cherokee Lake, paddle through a quiet cove, or cool off with family and friends. Both lakes offer opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and simply relaxing along the shoreline.
Prefer a slower pace? Pack a picnic, find a peaceful spot near the water, and take in the mountain and lake views that make Jefferson County so special.
Need a boat or a place to begin your lake adventure? Explore these local options:
- Smoky Mountain H2O Sports
- Smoky Mountain Lakeside Resort and Marina
- Swann’s Marina
- More Jefferson County marinas and boat rentals
Summer weekends can be busy, so make boat and watercraft reservations in advance.
2. Explore Historic Downtown Dandridge
Step back in time in Dandridge, Tennessee’s second-oldest town. Located along the shores of Douglas Lake, Historic Downtown Dandridge combines early American history, locally owned businesses, beautiful architecture, and welcoming small-town charm.
Begin at Dandridge Town Hall, where you can pick up a self-guided walking tour of the historic district. Along the way, discover preserved homes and churches, the Revolutionary War Graveyard, the historic courthouse, and the story of the dike that saved the town from the rising waters of Douglas Lake.
Leave time to browse local shops, enjoy a meal downtown, and stop by the Dandridge Dock for a beautiful view across the lake toward the Smoky Mountains.
Extend your history-filled day with a visit to Glenmore Mansion in Jefferson City or the Bush’s Visitor Center in Chestnut Hill. Be sure to check current tour schedules and hours before visiting.
3. Enjoy a Meal in the Historic Mossy Creek District
No East Tennessee summer getaway is complete without a memorable meal. Jefferson City’s locally owned restaurants serve everything from wood-fired pizza and Southern favorites to lakeside meals, creative cocktails, and homemade desserts.
After a day on the water or exploring the area’s historic communities, slow down over a delicious meal and discover a new local favorite. Dining locally is also one of the best ways to experience the personality and hospitality of Jefferson County.
Add one of these stops to your itinerary:
Save room for ice cream, a milkshake, or another sweet treat before the day is over!
4. Take a Scenic Drive Through East Tennessee
Sometimes the best adventures begin by rolling down the windows, turning up your favorite playlist, and enjoying the journey.
Jefferson County’s rolling farmland, peaceful backroads, lake vistas, and mountain views make it an ideal destination for a scenic drive near the Smoky Mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass historic communities, local businesses, and plenty of places to stop for photographs.
Travel along the East Tennessee Crossing Byway, follow Highway 92 south from Dandridge toward Chestnut Hill, or take Highway 139 across Douglas Lake. Each route offers a different view of the landscape and a relaxing way to experience the Lakeside of the Smokies.
Explore the Sites of the Lakeside of the Smokies to discover scenic routes, roadside attractions, and local stops to include along the way.
5. Watch a Summer Sunset
End your day with one of Jefferson County’s simplest, and most unforgettable, experiences: watching the sun set over the water.
As the sky turns shades of gold, pink, and orange, Douglas Lake and Cherokee Lake provide a beautiful backdrop for a quiet summer evening. Enjoy the view from the shoreline, relax over dinner at a lakeside restaurant, or bring your camera and capture the final light reflecting across the water.
A few picture-perfect places to watch the sunset include:
Arrive a little early, settle in, and enjoy the view. It’s the perfect reminder to slow down and savor the final days of summer.
6. Shop Local and Find Something Unique
Spend an afternoon exploring Jefferson County’s locally owned boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores. From vintage treasures and stylish clothing to outdoor gear, home décor, and locally inspired gifts, you can find something here that you won’t discover anywhere else.
Shopping local is a wonderful way to experience the character of Jefferson County while supporting the small businesses that help make our communities special. You may even find the perfect keepsake to remember your trip to the Lakeside of the Smokies.
Start your shopping adventure at:
7. Catch Live Music at a Local Restaurant
Make your late-summer evenings even more memorable with live music at one of Jefferson County’s restaurants or gathering places.
From acoustic performances and local bands to lively music beside the lake, Jefferson County offers plenty of opportunities to relax with great food, good company, and talented local musicians. Grab dinner, enjoy a drink, and settle into the welcoming atmosphere that makes this corner of East Tennessee feel like home.
Check the latest entertainment schedules at:
Live music schedules may change, so check each location’s website or social media page before making plans.
Make the Most of Summer in Jefferson County
Before summer slips away, make time to explore, relax, and create new memories in the Lakeside of the Smokies. Spend a day boating on Douglas Lake, take a scenic drive near the Smoky Mountains, wander the streets of Historic Dandridge, shop locally, or watch the sun sink behind Cherokee Lake.
However you choose to spend the day, Jefferson County, Tennessee, offers the perfect setting for one more summer adventure.
Start planning your getaway today and discover why there is always more to explore on the Lakeside of the Smokies.