So, you’ve decided to visit the Lakeside of the Smokies? Great choice! With a variety of things to do, places to go, and sites to see, it can be a little daunting to decide where to go and what to do. Don’t worry – we’re here to help. Just minutes down the road from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Knoxville, the Lakeside of the Smokies is the perfect place for a getaway for individuals, couples, and families, alike. Come discover our area and see for yourself why we’re East Tennessee’s best kept secret.
1. Explore Our Historic Towns
Jefferson County, Tennessee, was established in 1792, and we pride ourselves on preserving our rich history.
Dandridge along the banks of Douglas Lake is the second oldest city in the state of Tennessee and the only city named after a former first lady, Martha Dandridge Washington. The downtown area offers a quaint window into the past with its four original taverns, a landmark embankment along the lake, and a variety of historical markers.
Jefferson City, on the other end of the county near Cherokee Lake, has a thriving downtown known as the Historic Mossy Creek District. The district offers visitors a number of restaurants and things to do, including a distillery offering a special selection of other worldly spirits. Just up the road from downtown is a Jefferson County icon – Glenmore Mansion. Glenmore is a Victorian-era mansion that has been preserved to its original state. Throughout the summer, Glenmore plays host to farmers market and tour events.
2. Take to the Lakes
If the weather allows, it’s highly recommended to take to the waters while visiting the Lakeside of the Smokies.
Cherokee Lake in the northeast end of the county offers its visitors great hiking trails, boat and slip rentals through Black Oak Marina, lakeside eats with Off the Hook Bar and Grill, and pristine conditions for fishing, no matter the time of year.
Douglas Lake towards the south end of the county also offers visitors a selection of places to rent a boat or other watercrafts, RV parks with a number of amenities, and even more worldclass fishing!
Be sure to learn more about how to play safely on Tennessee waterways before you go!
3. Go Antiquing
Are you an antiquing enthusiast? Or maybe you just appreciate well-made, unique items. Either way, the Lakeside of the Smokies has some phenomenal antique stores for you. Added bonus? Many of our antique shops are in historical buildings themselves, so when you’re checking out the goods take a moment to enjoy the architecture and beauty of the space around you.
4. Live Like a Local
If you’re going to visit somewhere, it’s always a good idea to do as the locals do, right? In the Lakeside of the Smokies that’s easy. When you’re in town, check out our event calendar to see what’s going on! From outdoor concerts to cultural festivals, there’s always something happening in the Lakeside. Make sure to enjoy a meal from one of our local restaurants. With food selections from classic Southern fare to delicious pizza and wings, you’ll find something to tickle your tastebuds. Then don’t forget to peruse our local shops to find that perfect souvenir for a loved one or yourself.
5. Soak In Some History
As you’ve probably gathered by now, there’s a lot of history to the Lakeside of the Smokies, and we’ve done a pretty good job of preserving it to share with others. During your visit, take a self-guided walking tour of one of our towns, discover the historic churches in our area, and learn more about the meaning of the quilt squares you see around town on buildings.
If you’re in Dandridge, stop by the county museum located in our courthouse. The museum offers a glimpse into the past with documents dating back to 1792 – the beginning of our county! There’s even a replica of the rifle Davy Crockett (who’s from our area) used and his wedding license to Polly Finley.
Did you know that Bush Beans started right here in the Lakeside of the Smokies? Head over to Chestnut Hill to see where it all started and learn more about the world’s most famous secret family recipe. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see Duke while you’re there.
6. Take in the Scenes from the Open Road
The Lakeside of the Smokies is home to 5 driving trails, so buckle up and get ready for a dreamy scenic drive (or two) around the foothills of the Smokies.
Rather be a passenger princess? Let Great Smoky Mountain Eco Tours be your driver! Get the full experience when you sit back and take in the sites while your local guide does the driving.
7. Have a Reel Good Time
Did you know that Jefferson County is home to some of the country’s best fishing? Douglas Lake and Cherokee Lake each continue to be named two of the best lakes for bass, crappie, and general fishing. Take to the waters on your own or go out with one of our area’s expert fishing guides. No matter how you choose to fish, the prize will be worth the effort!
8. Relax in a Lakeside Cabin
You’re on vacation – relax a little! There’s no shame is enjoying downtime at your home away from home when visiting Jefferson County. The Lakeside has a wide selection of lakeside mountain cabins, cottages, and rentals. Whether you’re in town to escape your family or bring the whole crew with you, you’ll find the perfect getaway for your needs.
Prefer to camp or RV? We have those too.
9. Visit the Sites Nearby
Something that is regularly considered a pro of our area is that Jefferson County is in the mountains but out of the traffic. What does that mean exactly? It means no sitting in heavy traffic or fighting the crowds, if you don’t want to. But if you want to go spend a day in the higher traffic areas, you’re just a few minutes down the road. The Lakeside of the Smokies is 20 minutes from Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge; 45 minutes from Knoxville; and 75 minutes from Asheville, NC, making it easy to hop over and enjoy the sites for the day.
What’s the saying… have your cake and eat it too? Yep, you can do that with us.
10. Opt for Outside
East Tennessee is known for its year round temperate weather, making it a great place to visit no matter the time of year. But if you’re here in the warmer months (March – October) opt for outside! Whether its eating at a local restaurant on the patio, a round (or more) or golf, or bird watching, there’s a variety of ways to opt of outside during your stay.
Speaking of sites nearby – the Great Smoky Mountains! Enjoy 100s of miles of public trails and hiking when you visit the Smokies during your stay. You’ll discover rock formations, waterfalls, and beautiful flora and fauna while on your adventure in America’s most visited national park.
Plan Your East Tennessee Vacation
There you have it, folks! When in Jefferson County, TN, you can’t go wrong with these top 10 things to do during your stay. Want to explore more? No problem. Here’s a full list of things to do in the Lakeside of the Smokies. And if you’re ready to start your stay, first step is finding a place to call home away from home. Looking forward to seeing you in the Lakeside!