Location: Townsend
Top Things to do in Townsend
Top Restaurants in Townsend
Top 10 Free Things to do in Townsend, Tennessee (TN)
Townsend is a city in Blount County, Tennessee, in the southeastern United States. The population was 244 at the 2000 census and 448 at the 2010 census. For thousands of years a site of Native American occupation by varying cultures, Townsend is one of three "gateways" to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has several museums and attractions relating to the natural and human history of the Great Smokies.
Restaurants in Townsend
1. Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By MsLoveTravel - Knoxville, United States
Any music lover can appreciate this music store in the mountains. But if you have an interest in knowing more about mountain music or an interest in buying a string instrument to play or begin to play don't miss this shop. I have purchased from Mike Clemmer and would not trade my wormy chestnut dulcimer for anything. It has a beautiful sound and finish. If you come in warmer weather months they gather on a Saturday night to what they call "The Picking Porch" all you need is a blanket or a lawn chair - concerts are free. Make this a part of your must dos when you come to Townsend.
2. Little River Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Little River Outfitters is a fly fishing shop, fly fishing school and mail order company located in Townsend, Tennessee. We have been family owned since 1994.
3. CAM Cabin Crafts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By 69UsAf73 - Gainesville, United States
This is a must see craft store. Beautifully made by hand by area artesians. This is run by the Coalition for Appalachian Ministries which supports mountain missions. All the crafts inside are beautiful and well made with affordable prices on most items. Check it out and see for your self, you won’t be disappointed.
4. ABR's Visitor & Education Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By mikebP2427PQ
Its a really neat place to visit if you love BEARS, and what tops it off, is when the people working there loves bears more than you.Learn history, hear facts, read facts, and so much more!!#
5. Cades Cove Jeep Outpost
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By MarilynL628
We have been here many times and enjoy it every time we go.They have many items in the store and the folks that run it are great people to talk with,very friendly.We make ita point to stop inevery time we go to Cades Cove and the Smoky Mountains.
6. Cades Cove Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Cades Cove Gallery offers local products and the work of nature and wildlife photographer Barry Spruce. We specialize in capturing the beauty and wonder of the Great Smoky Mountains and Cades Cove. Stop by and take a piece of the Smoky Mountains home with you.
Reviewed By LordJosmar
We almost missed this place, as the hours posted on Google were incorrect. They have some AMAZING shots of the local flora and fauna available for purchase. All of these options were available in different sizes and formats, like post cards, or normal prints. They also offered empty frames for you to purchase and frame up the prints you buy. We also got to spend some time talking to the owners about their travels and photographs. All in all, this is a MUST visit for anyone who appreciates nature photography.
7. Birch & Twine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
We are a new home decor and gift shop in beautiful Townsend, Tennessee on "the quiet side of the Smokies." For a long time now, we've been searching for unique inventory to sell and offer many locally made, hand-crafted items. We feature the unusual from large to small, including antique furniture pieces, creative jewelry, home decor the likes of which you haven't seen before, and memorable gifts,
Reviewed By 352martyr
This little shop is such a treasure. Highly recommend for souvenir gifts and lovely items for your home. Great selection of unique Christmas decor.
8. The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By texdawg89 - Bogart, United States
This is most definitely worth a visit for anyone with an appreciation of local history that reflects American history from the early 20th century through the depression era. A "must" for children as this museum accurately depicts how timber and railroads were a huge part of the industrial revolution and created jobs and an economy for many small towns in America. The Shay steam locomotive on display is unique not only in how it was built but very few escaped the scrapyard. This railroad and lumber mill were the "lifeblood" of several Tennessee towns and the pictures, log loader, steam engine and various artifacts take you back to a time when railroads were essential to get the lumber out of the mountains to the growing country. It's free!, but donations are appreciated.
9. Cades Cove Cellars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
Reviewed By cosmogirl145 - Spanish Fort, United States
LOVE this wine!!!! It’s totally worth the drive to come try this wine!!! My husband purchased the Rustic Cabin Red and I bought the Semi Sweet Muscadine. We would have bought more,but could not fit anymore in our car. Last time we were in a larger vehicle and brought back 6 bottles from this winery! Make the drive, you won’t regret it!
10. Townsend Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Townsend Visitors Center is located in the back yard of Cades Cove. Stop by for area information regarding accommodations, restaurants, and things to do during your visit! As well as Great Smoky Mountain National Park info and gift store ran by the Great Smoky Mountain Association!
Reviewed By 291genej - Silver Spring, United States
We stopped here for a general overview of Townsend. After using the clean restrooms, we perused the room filled with a sampling of local crafts and an early photo of Townsend's Lumber Company, then into the gift shop run by 2 friendly locals with all the info you need. We went on to visit the Little River Railroad Lumber Museum (3 pieces of rare steam powered equipment), the Lilly Barn wedding venue (2 bridges over its stream), walked across the recently restored Sunshine Covered Bridge and the unique "Swinging Bridge", both over the Little River. Later, we walked to the Heritage Center from our nice stay at the Gateway Inn.
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