Coming down out of the Smoky Mountains, roll the
windows down and enjoy the cool, moist air. If that doesn’t refresh you, get
out and hike along the shaded stream that was once the lifeline of the early
settlers here. Roll up your pant legs and wade in; your feet will appreciate
the smooth, pebbled creek-bottom massage.
If you can stomach a seriously kooky tourist
trap, eat lunch along the infamous Pigeon
Forge/Sevierville strip that leads back up to I-40 (just south of I-40 Exit
407). Hillbilly-heaven meets Appalachian charm, or something like that.
TIME IT RIGHT:
- Market Square International Biscuit Festival (end of May). There's no better way to celebrate one of the South's greatest creations. www.biscuitfest.com
- Bloomin' Barbeque & Bluegrass (mid May). Sevierville. www.bloominbbq.com
Located just south of I-40 (take Exit 388A, then south on
Central Street), this historic square, sporting an Old World plaza feel, has
been an important part of Knoxville culture since the 1860s. You’ll appreciate
the casual energy of the area and the fusion of enticing aromas wafting from
cafes and restaurants with open-air seating.
Market Square
Meals:
· The Tomato
Head: if the smell of fresh pesto and
roasting mushrooms doesn’t draw you in, the menu will! Check it out online (and
if you just can’t decide, you won’t go wrong with #2). www.thetomatohead.com
· Farmer’s
Market: graze the open-air market every Wed. &
Sat. 11a.m. to 2p.m. Expect delicious local food and entertainment.
· Blue Coast
Burrito: for a little fun and a lot of flavor, hang out
at this Baja-style burrito bistro. www.bluecoastburrito.com
· Coffee and
Chocolate: it's all in the name. Indulge! (just off the square, down Union). www.coffeeandchocolateknoxville.com
Staying in Knoxville?
For convenience sake, stay at very trendy The Oliver Hotel. Newly reopened, the historic boarding house--now sophisticated boutique inn--is the perfect place to soak up all that Market Square has to offer.
For convenience sake, stay at very trendy The Oliver Hotel. Newly reopened, the historic boarding house--now sophisticated boutique inn--is the perfect place to soak up all that Market Square has to offer.
www.theoliverhotel.com, Rates from $140, #865-521-0050
Because Knoxville is situated along the winding Tennessee River, a little dockside
dining may be in order. A fabulous meal of juicy ribs and Smoky Mountain
Brewery ale await you at Calhoun’s on the
River (Copper Cellar). Follow that with your choice of riverboat cruises
ranging from sightseeing to dinner and dancing.
But if you’re really looking for an experience
that will etch the sweetness of the area’s Appalachian charm on your heart,
find Persephone’s Farm (southeast of
Knoxville) and stay a night or two.
THIS little piece of heaven on earth is conveniently situated to Knoxville, the Smoky Mountains and the plethora of activities in and around Pigeon Forge, but turn into the shady drive and you will find a sanctuary from it all.
Horses graze while dogs frolic
along the river’s edge; miniature horses and a potbelly pig live side by side
in the upper pasture.
As the sun sets, you’ll want to perch on your cabin porch
or on the gazebo swing overlooking the lazy, verdant river that winds through
the valley.
Fireflies do their little dance at dusk, lulling you to sleep
Set a while on the porch and enjoy the rich flavors of fresh eggs and buttery apple turnovers. It’s good to get back to nature once in a while!
in the quiet haze of evening.
Reflect on how life must have been for early settlers who happened upon this velvet green dale.
They would have lived in small cabins much like the
one you’ll be staying in, minus the amenities of AC, TV and convenient indoor
plumbing.
The gracious manner and warm personality of your host, Victoria,
invite you to explore and make yourself at home on the small working farm where children are
invited to help care for and play with the animals.
A fully satisfying
farm-style breakfast will be brought to your cabin in the morning. Set a while on the porch and enjoy the rich flavors of fresh eggs and buttery apple turnovers. It’s good to get back to nature once in a while!
Persephone's Retreat:
Rates from $135
#865-428-3904
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