A Fresh Year, A Perfect Getaway: Start Planning Your Jefferson County, Tennessee Escape
A new year is the perfect time to start dreaming—and planning—your next vacation or weekend getaway. Whether you’re craving a peaceful reset, outdoor adventure, or small-town charm paired with memorable experiences, Jefferson County, Tennessee is where what’s new and what’s timeless come together beautifully. From lakeside mornings and historic downtowns to emerging dining spots and long-loved traditions, this is a destination you can return to again and again—always discovering something new.
Why Visit Jefferson County, TN?
Located in the heart of East Tennessee, Jefferson County offers a rare blend of natural beauty, rich history, and relaxed hospitality. Life slows just enough to savor the moment, while still offering endless opportunities for exploration—from outdoor recreation and festivals to dining and shopping local.
Where Is Jefferson County & How to Get Here
Jefferson County is conveniently located just minutes from Knoxville, TN and less than an hour from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it an easy drive via I-40 and I-81 from Nashville, Atlanta, Asheville, and beyond. It’s close enough for a spontaneous weekend trip, yet far enough to feel like a true escape.
While nearby destinations like Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville are close by, visitors quickly discover that Jefferson County stands on its own—offering two scenic lakes, charming downtowns, and wide-open spaces without the crowds.
Planning Your Trip by Season
No matter when you visit, Jefferson County offers something special year-round:
- Spring brings wildflowers, birding opportunities, and prime fishing conditions.
- Summer is all about the lakes, boating, floating, swimming, and sunset dinners.
- Fall offers crisp air, vibrant foliage, festivals, and cozy cabin stays.
- Winter is quieter and more reflective, perfect for history lovers, scenic drives, and warming up with great local food.
Places to Stay in Jefferson County, TN
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or outdoor adventure, Jefferson County offers lodging options to match every travel style.
Located in Smoky Mountain Estates, The Grandé in the Smokies is a luxury mountain retreat designed for comfort, connection, and breathtaking views. This upscale cabin features modern design, premium finishes, open living spaces, and sweeping mountain vistas. Guests enjoy private amenities like a hot tub and fire pit, plus shared amenities including pickleball and basketball courts and a game room, just minutes from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and endless hiking trails.
Lake Haven offers classic Douglas Lake vacation rentals ranging from cozy cabins to spacious multi-bedroom lake homes. These properties feature fully equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi, washer/dryer access, and outdoor living spaces, many with hot tubs or game rooms. Guests can swim, fish, kayak, or boat right from the shoreline, making Lake Haven an ideal base for lakeside relaxation and Smoky Mountain adventures.
RV travelers will love Timber Stone RV Resort, an upscale, resort-style campground near the Smoky Mountains. The resort offers full-hookup RV sites with concrete pads, 30/50-amp service, and pull-through access. Amenities include a pool with a waterslide and lazy river, pickleball and basketball courts, a playground, dog park, bathhouse, laundry facilities, and an on-site camp store—perfect for short stays or extended RV vacations.
Wyldstay Smoky Mountains – Glamping Retreat
For a unique stay, Wyldstay Glamping offers luxury glamping on the shores of Douglas Lake. Elevated tents feature queen-size beds, premium linens, climate control, private decks, and ensuite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy campfires, grilling stations, yoga sessions, and peaceful lake views—ideal for couples, solo travelers, or small families looking to reconnect with nature.
Vet Adventures is a veteran-owned vacation rental located directly on Douglas Lake in Dandridge, TN. This spacious property sleeps up to 12 and offers kayak rentals delivered to your door, jet skis, and party boat rentals. With military discounts and close proximity to fishing, hiking, and historic downtown Dandridge, Vet Adventures blends comfort, outdoor fun, and Smoky Mountain hospitality.
Where to Eat in Jefferson County
Jefferson County’s dining scene blends tradition with creativity—long-standing local favorites alongside fresh, flavorful newcomers.
- Ghost & Grits at Mossback Distillery – A farm-to-fork restaurant in Jefferson City offering elevated Southern comfort food, craft cocktails, and in-house distilled spirits in a speakeasy-style setting.
- Tinsley-Bible Drug Store – A historic Dandridge landmark featuring an old-fashioned soda fountain, classic burgers, milkshakes, and nostalgic charm since 1942.
- MadOx House – A local favorite pub in Jefferson City known for smash burgers, specialty pizzas, craft beer, and a laid-back vibe.
- Lakeside Café at The Point – Waterfront dining at Point Marina with floating dock seating, live music, and American favorites overlooking Douglas Lake.
- Patriot Wood Fired Pizza – Handcrafted, wood-fired pizzas, wings, and desserts in Jefferson City.
- Snowbird Mountain Coffee Co. – A cozy Dandridge coffee shop serving specialty drinks, breakfast, and lunch with drive-through convenience.
Must-See & Must-Do Experiences
From outdoor adventure to local history, these experiences capture the spirit of Jefferson County:
- Glenmore Mansion – A beautifully preserved historic estate in the heart of Jefferson City, Glenmore Mansion is a three-story, 27-room Victorian treasure built between 1868 and 1869 for John Roper Branner, president of the East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia Railroad. Recognized as one of the finest examples of Second Empire architecture in the region, the mansion features intricate woodwork and a distinctive tower rising above the roofline. The interior is furnished in mid-Victorian style with many original and period-appropriate pieces, offering a tangible glimpse into 19th-century life.
- Boat Rentals on Douglas & Cherokee Lakes – Multiple rental companies on both lakes offer pontoons, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards. Whether you want to cruise the water, fish, or simply take in the scenic views, the lakes are perfect for an active day on the water.
- Birding at Rankin’s Bottoms – Located at the headwaters of Douglas Lake, where the Nolichucky, French Broad, and Pigeon Rivers converge, this is one of Tennessee’s top birding destinations. It’s a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
- Jefferson County Courthouse Museum – Founded in 1792, Jefferson County is one of Tennessee’s oldest. The Courthouse Museum offers a fascinating look into the stories that shaped not only the county and its towns but the entire East Tennessee region.
- Golfing – Jefferson County features two scenic golf courses suitable for all skill levels. Patriot Hills Golf Course boasts rolling hills with views of the Great Smoky Mountains, while Dandridge Golf and Country Club offers 36 holes with spacious fairways and views of Douglas Lake. For a more casual experience, try Mossy Creek Mini Golf or Core Golf Center, which features a driving range with Toptracer technology.
- Guided Fishing Trips – Professional guides on Douglas and Cherokee Lakes, as well as the Mossy Creek area, cater to anglers targeting bass, trout, and striped bass, making it easy to enjoy a successful day on the water.
- Float the Mossy – Jefferson City was once called Mossy Creek, named for the peaceful waterway running through the historic town. Today, Mossy Creek offers a water trail ideal for kayaking, tubing, and fishing.
- Bush’s Visitor Center & Family Café – No trip to Jefferson County is complete without visiting the Bush’s Beans Visitor Center, Museum, and Café in the Chestnut Hill community just outside Dandridge. Discover where the famous secret family recipe was created, explore the interactive exhibits, and you might even meet their beloved mascot, Duke!
Shopping Local Is Always in Style
Shopping local means more than finding the perfect gift or souvenir, it means supporting the people, families, and small businesses that make Jefferson County special. From vintage treasures and artisan gifts to fashion boutiques and general stores, Lakeside of the Smokies offers incredible spots to explore all year long. Here are just a few of our favorites:
- Martha’s Market – Located in historic Dandridge, this general store offers locally sourced meats, cheeses, eggs, honey, and more. Stop by the café in the back for coffee or lunch.
- Unkind Raven – A “booktique” offering new and gently used books, eclectic gifts, artisan goods, classes, and author events.
- D&S Gifts & More – A locally owned shop offering custom apparel, Tennessee-made products, and a café serving coffee, ice cream, pizza, and sandwiches.
- Roper Mansion Antiques – A must-stop for antique lovers and history enthusiasts, located in Dandridge’s historic district.
- The Suzique Boutique – A stylish boutique in Jefferson City’s Mossy Creek Historic District with curated, one-of-a-kind finds.
- Bucks & Bass Tackle Shop – A premier hunting and fishing supply store near Douglas Lake and host of its own fishing tournament series.
- Valentine’s Mill – a historic mill and country general store located in Dandridge, TN, offers locally milled non-GMO cornmeal and grits, jams, jellies, and other local products. The store operates a working grain mill on site and aims to provide a “step back in time” experience for visitors.
Festivals, Music & Community Events
Jefferson County hosts festivals and events year-round, celebrating heritage, music, and community—many tied to America’s 250th anniversary. Visit our events page to see the full list.
Annual highlights include:
- Spirit of Nations Powwow – March 28 (Jefferson County High School)
- Third Annual Vintage Base Ball Game – March 28 (Field of Dreams Activity Center
- Dandridge Farmer’s Market – May – October (Historic Dandridge)
- June Jubilee – June 20 (Historic Dandridge)
- Music on the Town Series – September – October(Historic Dandridge)
- Scots-Irish Festival – September 26 (Historic Dandridge)
- Mossy Creek Station Festival – October 3 (Jefferson City)
- Merriment on Main – November 28 (Dandridge)
- Christmas Candlelight Tours – First two weekend in December (Jefferson City)
World-Class Fishing on Douglas & Cherokee Lakes
Known statewide for premier fishing, Douglas Lake and Cherokee Lake attract anglers from across the country. Guided trips offer expert instruction and access to top bass, trout, and striped bass waters.
Major fishing tournaments include:
- Bass Nation Tournament – April 10–12 (Cherokee Lake)
- Major League Fishing Pro Circuit – May 8–10 (Douglas Lake)
- Big Bass Tour – October 2–4 (Douglas Lake)
- MLF College Series – October 24–25 (Cherokee Lake)
- Bill Dance Giant Bass Open – October 31–November 1 (Douglas Lake)
Start Planning Your Jefferson County Getaway
This is just the beginning. From even more places to stay and locally owned restaurants to outdoor adventures, historic sites, and seasonal events, there’s so much more to explore. Visit our website to discover why Jefferson County, Tennessee, just minutes from Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains, offers a getaway that’s close to everything, yet refreshingly different. It’s a place you’ll want to return to again and again.