Headed to Tennessee

makenchips · #1 04-09-2008, 10:26 PM

I was wondering if anybody could give any good recommendations as to a good hotel in or around Townsend Tennessee. I will be taking a class at Smokey Mountain Woodcarvers later this year and have never been to this neck of the woods. Any places around the area a must see? I will try to get in some of the Great Smokey Mts. while I am there but I think I recall some of the members of this board are from around the area. Any information would be appreciated.

tnartist05 · #2 04-09-2008, 11:10 PM

Motel vary in prices but the one thing you must do,is go into Gatlinburg and out of town theres a artist circle,10miles with various carvers,on it!

You will see some nice art work on that circle. Ckn on line to find yourself a nice motel,theres some also in Townsend. Hope this helps some! What are the time frames you will be there?? Forrest

Blake Lunsford · #3 04-10-2008, 07:07 AM

I would recommend that you contact them and ask about local lodging. I know Bob in TN go down there quite a bit and says he stays right next to the shop in Townsend and that they have several nice places. You can also stay in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg if you don't mind the drive. There are some great places see, some good shows, great shopping, and nice restaurants all around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. PM me if you want additional information or want my suggestion on where to stay if you go to Pigeon Forge.

Thanks!
Blake

susieq · #4 04-10-2008, 08:13 AM

There is a real good place to eat just West of the Smokey Mountain Woodcarvers a little ways on the opposite side of the same road. I don't remember the name of the place but it has a big porch that runs in front and on the west side by the parking lot. Good home cooked meals. We ate there last summer when we were up.

JIM QUILICI · #5 04-10-2008, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by susieq

There is a real good place to eat just West of the Smokey Mountain Woodcarvers a little ways on the opposite side of the same road. I don't remember the name of the place but it has a big porch that runs in front and on the west side by the parking lot. Good home cooked meals. We ate there last summer when we were up.

i believe that would be ....craker barrow......there is no other better place to eat.
Jim

cotton · #6 04-10-2008, 02:29 PM

There's not a huge choice of motel lodging in Townsend. The Econo Lodge (formerly Comfort Inn) has rooms for around $50 per night at this time of the year I believe -- once you get into tourist season I'm sure the price goes up. It's certainly not fancy, but it has been clean when I've stayed there and at that price it's good enough for me and you can't beat the convenience. It's also a stone's throw from the Great Smokey Mountains National Park visitor's center.

If you want something "more", the most choices and easiest drive is probably to Maryville/Alcoa, right down 321 maybe 20 minutes from Townsend ... an easy commute but the opposite direction if you're into the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge things. I don't remember everything that's there, but you'll have several choices of places like Hampton Inn and Hilton. If you stay in the Maryville/Alcoa area you'll also have the entire range of eateries close by.

This area is also full of cabin rentals -- usually by the week, depending on how long you plan to stay. Again, the rates are very reasonable if you're there in the down season ... significantly higher at peak times.

The Back Porch restaurant just west of Townsend is a favorite of mine, especially for breakfast, and is just a couple of minutes from the carving shop. The Trailhead Restaurant is a bit more upscale, but with prices still reasonable for what you get. There are several other places to eat right there along 321.

Enjoy your class -- they do a great job there and are great folks. I've been there several times and if you have any specific questions you think I might be able to answer, feel free to PM me.

Steve

Mark N. Akers · #7 04-10-2008, 04:29 PM

(quote):There is a real good place to eat just West of the Smokey Mountain Woodcarvers a little ways on the opposite side of the same road. I don't remember the name of the place but it has a big porch that runs in front and on the west side by the parking lot. Good home cooked meals. We ate there last summer when we were up

SusiQ:
If it on Wears Valley Rd. its called "Grandma's Kitchen",Best biscuits I ever had,the breakfast is fantastic,the whole building holds about 20 people at the most,but get their early.Makenchips who's class are you taking?the place behing the stor is called "Two Sisters" fantastic lunch menu.

susieq · #8 04-10-2008, 08:44 PM

Hi Mark,
the road that the Nawger Nob is on....little compound that houses Smokey Mountain Wood carvers...is that Valley road? Anyhow, this place is barely a mile away to the west on the opposite side of that same road. The food was great. It might hold a few more people than tweny but it isn't real big.

I wish I was going to TN......for keeps. Can't wait to get out of Florida. It will happen one of these days. Anyhow, have a great time up there, makenchips.....I envy you.

carvedbears61 · #9 04-10-2008, 10:18 PM

cb, I have visted the area many times try TALLY HO INN tallyhoinn.com not far from mack's place. Pegion foge in about a 20 min drive thru wares valley rd
. More places to stay and eat.

Bob_in_TN · #10 04-10-2008, 10:35 PM

makenchips, I stay at the "Bunkhouse Inn on the River", close enough that you can walk to the school if you like. I have been there when 5 of the 6 rooms are filled with carvers, which usually leads to a fire being built in one of the fire rings, everyone pulls up a chair, and chips fly until the late hours. It's run by two of the finest people you'll ever meet. If you'd like more info. on restuarants, things to do, etc., send me a pm. Bob