Fun Beyond Fishing: Making the Most of your Visit to the Lakeside of the Smokies 

Come for the fishing, stay for the dining, shopping, and fun! The Lakeside of the Smokies is a premier bass fishing destination, but it’s so much more than that. We are happy that fishing brings so many people to our community and are excited to show you all that Jefferson County has to offer. This guide will help you make the most of your visit to the Lakeside of the Smokies. 

1) Explore Historic Dandridge 

Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains along the shore of Douglas Lake, you’ll find the charming town of Dandridge, TN. Dandridge is the second oldest town in Tennessee with a rich and well-preserved history worth exploring. Historic Downtown Dandridge is home to several lovable small businesses that are always eager to welcome visitors from out of town. Here are some of our favorite places and activities in Dandridge.

Martha’s Market & Cafe 

A general store is a staple of any small town in the south, and in Dandridge we have one of the best—Martha’s Market. At Martha’s Market you’ll find fresh and delicious meats, poultry, eggs, cheeses, milk, and produce from local farms. You’ll also find home décor, pet, baby, and bridal items, unique gifts, lake merchandise, and seasonal items. On the café side you can enjoy a classic breakfast, lunch, fun specials, and bakery favorites. It’s all the homemade goodness and Southern hospitality you’d expect from an old school general store. 

Dandridge Walking Tour 

Step back in time and discover the history of Dandridge with the Dandridge Walking Tour. Well-preserved historic buildings, a Revolutionary War Graveyard, historic sites from the Civil War, “the dike that saved Dandridge”, and more will show you the big history of this small town. Stop by the Dandridge Visitor’s Center for all the information you need to explore Dandridge on foot via self-guided tour or set up a guided tour. 

Shepard Inn Luncheons 

If you’re lucky enough to be in the Dandridge area on a Thursday, you must stop by Shepard Inn for their legendary lunch. The Shepard Inn is a beloved bed and breakfast that has hosted movie stars, presidents, royalty…and a lucky group of lunchgoers each Thursday. Thursday lunch at Shepard Inn is a gourmet dining experience with a set menu that changes each week. Reservations are required and should be made by the preceding Tuesday. Call (865) 397-2345 to make a reservation. 

Antiquing in Dandridge 

If antiquing is your thing, Dandridge might be your new favorite place. Discover hidden treasures and unique collectibles at shops and markets across Dandridge. 

Dandridge Antique Shops: 

• Wade’s Antiques & Varieties 

• White Swan Antiques at Roper Mansion 

• Southern Treasures Flea Market 

• Tracee’s Lakeside Treasures 

2) Shop and Dine in the Mossy Creek District

The next destination on your tour of the Lakeside of the Smokies is the Mossy Creek District. Located just up the road from Dandridge in Jefferson City, the Mossy Creek District is a popular hangout for locals and visitors alike with great food and shopping scene, and an event calendar packed with fun activities and festivals throughout the year. 

The MadOx House 

This casual and cool pub in Jefferson City is known for its delicious pizzas, burgers, beers on tap, and cool vibe. The Mad Ox House is the perfect place to wind down and enjoy some good food and a cold beer after a long day fishing or exploring the lakeside of the Smokies. 

Old City Hall 

Old City Hall is the heart of the Historic Mossy Creek District. Within its walls you’ll find The Mossy Creek Heritage Center–where you can learn about the history of the area, ReVisions—an adorable gift shop selling home décor and local goods, Patriot Wood Fired Pizza, and The Lodge—a unique little hotel where each room has its own history. 

The Hoagie Shop 

Calling all sandwich lovers! You can’t pass through Jefferson County without trying our legendary sandwich spot—The Hoagie Shop. Try one of their famous hoagies, create your own, and enjoy some hand dipped ice cream for dessert. 

• Smoky Mountain Lakeside Resort: A lively marina and resort on Douglas Lake offering modern lodging with lake views. Their lakeside accommodation options range from studio villas fit for two, to luxury lake houses for big groups.
  
• The Point Resort: Lakeside suites, rental cabins, RV Park, on site restaurant open year-round, full-service marina, and panoramic views of Douglas Lake—this Dandridge resort has it all. 

• Anchor Down RV: This is one of the top RV resorts on Douglas Lake. Anchor Down RV Resort has 170 campsites with impressive amenities and opportunities for fun including a pool with waterslide, kayak and paddleboard rentals, volleyball and basketball courts, firepits and grills. 

• Forest Grove RV: This Douglas Lake RV resort is a serene escape with a side of fun! They have great amenities, fun activities for the whole family (splash pad, dog park, playground, catch-and-release pond, etc.), and an on-site café and butcher shop. 

• Lake Haven: These modern cabins on Douglas Lake bring luxury living to the rustic lakeside.  

There are too many great places to stay in Jefferson County to list them all in this article. These links will help you find the perfect place to stay when you visit the Lakeside of the Smokies. 

• Vacation Rental Cabins & Cottages in Jefferson County 

• Best Bed & Breakfasts in Dandridge 

• Hotels & Motels in Jefferson Co. 

• Campgrounds & RV Parks in the Lakeside of the Smokies 

4) Lakeside of the Smokies Attractions 

With beautiful nature, fun activities, historical sites, and easy access to other popular tourist destinations in East TN, good times are easy to find in the Lakeside of the Smokies. Let’s look at some of our favorite attractions and things to do in the Lakeside of the Smokies and surrounding areas. 

Mossy Creek Mini Golf 

Proud host of the TN Pro Mini Golf Open, Mossy Creek Miniature Golf is an immaculately maintained 18-hole mini golf course in Jefferson City. Mini golf is the perfect way to spend a nice afternoon outside and bring some friendly competition to your vacation. Mossy Creek Mini Golf is fun for all ages and skill levels, and the course is wheelchair accessible! 

Great Smoky Mountain Eco Tours 

Great Smoky Mountain Eco Tours offers guided scenic drives and transportation in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas, including a tour of the Lakeside of the Smokies. This family-owned company provides an in-depth look at the region’s history, culture, and nature. In addition to scenic driving tours, they offer a Smoky Mountain fly fishing tour, outdoor photography lesson, guided hikes and nature walks, shuttle services for hikers, and general transportation services in the Smoky Mountains. 

Glenmore Mansion 

The beautiful Glenmore Mansion has been a landmark in Jefferson County since 1868. Today, the Glenmore Mansion is a museum with guided tours educating visitors about the architecture, history of the mansion, and families who once resided there.  

East Tennessee Must Sees 

The Lakeside of the Smokies is a great home base for exploring East Tennessee. All of these attractions and destinations are within an hour drive of Jefferson County. 

• Knoxville: Nearby Knoxville has a flourishing downtown, great concerts and events, and of course, the University of Tennessee. Take a day trip to explore “The Scruffy City” or attend a Tennessee Vols Game during your visit to the lakeside. 

• Pigeon Forge: A family-vacation hotspot with bright lights, thrilling attractions, dinner shows, arcades, go-karts, and more. Many visitors enjoy a day in the craziness of Pigeon Forge, but prefer to stay in the laid back Lakeside of the Smokies. 

• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The most visited national park in the country can be seen in the distance from the beautiful lakeside and reached in a short drive. Check out things to do in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park. 

• Dollywood: East TN is Dolly Parton country! Experience the Smokies the Dolly Parton way with a trip to Dollywood. Dollywood is a theme park that celebrates the culture and beauty of the Smoky Mountains with wild rides, shows and music, craft demonstrations, Southern cuisine, and more. 

Start Planning Your Trip to The Lakeside of the Smokies 

If fishing brings you to our neck of the woods, we hope you take the time to explore the Lakeside of the Smokies. Don’t miss out on all that Jefferson County has to offer, especially if friends and family come along for the trip. Check out these great places to stay, eat, shop, and things to do in the Lakeside of the Smokies, and start planning your trip today!