12 Best Things To Do In Maryville, Tennessee

Explore the top things to do in this charming town.

Maryville, Tennessee, rests between the hustle and bustle of Knoxville and the western edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And while the small city puts out a calm, relaxed vibe, it’s no snooze-fest. With close proximity to the Park (about 25 minutes away); its own notable green spaces; an eclectic selection of eateries, galleries, and shops in its walkable downtown; and a comfy, mountain-luxe lodge inviting you stay, it’s got all the ingredients for an action-packed yet laidback escape.

Fresh-Air Fun

Play in the Park

Whether you’re into hard-core hiking or prefer to get your fresh-air intake on a leisurely drive with the windows down, the 800-square-mile Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited in the country, has something for you. Hundreds of trails lead through old-growth forests to sparkling waterfalls and breathtaking views.

Take a Scenic Drive

On the Maryville side of the Park, the wide open valley of Cade’s Cove is a favorite. Drive the 11-mile loop around it and keep your eyes peeled; the cove is a prime wildlife watching spot, routinely yielding sightings of white-tail deer, black bears, ground hogs and raccoons. And stop to tour the cove’s historic homesteads, church, and gristmill dating to the early 1800s.

Explore Beyond the Park Borders

Being near the Park’s mountain magic is a plus, but you can immerse yourself in Mother Nature without ever leaving Maryville. Explore the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway, which partly follows the flow of Pistol Creek and connects multiple parks in the two towns, including Bicentennial Park with its paved trails and grassy areas for picnicking alongside the tranquil water.

Listen to the Songbirds at Maryville College Woods

Hop off the Greenway to re-fuel with a Lavender Haze tea latte on Vienna Coffee House’s shady patio. And then head to Maryville College Woods, where birdsong is often the only sound breaking the quiet of this 140-acre protected site on the campus of diminutive but history-rich Maryville College. Enjoy a stroll or an easy-paced pedal through its trails, most under the cover of pines, cedars, and magnolias.

maryvillecollege.edu, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Maryville, TN, 37804

See & Do

Shop at Downtown Delights

At Dandy Lions Gifts, take note the two stone lions guarding the rotunda. The shop is housed in Maryville’s old library building, and the owner nodded to the massive lions fronting the New York City Public Library with the addition of two stately cats to her entrance; the pair also inspired boutique’s name. But don’t stop outside, head indoors for books, jewelry, candles, and plenty of Tennessee Vols gear for gamedays. Further into downtown, hit home-décor outpost Roost, packed with the unique and handmade, from farmhouse tables and stoneware to paintings and other works by area artists.

Admire Local Art

Dip even deeper into Maryville’s creative well at painter Charles Finley’s downtown gallery, where walls are embellished with his soft watercolor renderings of the surrounding east Tennessee landscapes. For functional art, pop into McQueen Pottery Studio to stock up on hand-formed and hand-glazed cups, plates, bowls and serving pieces. The soft neutral hues and refined yet rustic style make the pieces timeless, and if you’re lucky, you can score extras from chef orders and seconds at a discount.

Eat & Drink

Sip on a Cold Drink

Sip on some cold local suds at Peaceful Side Brewery; the Cades Kolsch is a favorite. If wine is more in tune with your tastes, check out the Blue Goose Vineyards, where varieties of the hardy muscadine, the South’s native grape, are transformed into vintages like Appalachian Red and Foothills White. At Diamond Jack Wine Bar, married Maryville natives Micah and Rachel Talley put a focus on vino but also feature inventive cocktails and food, including indulgent brunch dishes like lobster benedict.

Reserve a Table at The Restaurant at RT Lodge

Come dinner time, snag a table at RT Lodge’s restaurant to partake of executive chef Trevor Stockton’s unfussy yet elegant approach to food made from local farmers’ bounty, evident in dishes like shaved veggies and herbs dressed in green goddess and creamy parmesan risotto studded with asparagus, ramps, and tender peas.

rtlodge.com/restaurant, 1406 Wilkinson Pike, Maryville, TN 37803

Enjoy Casual Bites

Find authentic Cuban fare—crispy fried plantains, cilantro-accented black beans and rice, and chicken empanadas—that’s big on flavor housed in a little space at Aroma Café. Or opt for wood-fired pizza topped with local mushrooms, greens, and the zip of preserved lemon at Amici.

Stroll Through the Maryville Farmers' Market

And if you’re in town on a Saturday, hit the Maryville Farmers' Market. Listen to the live music while perusing booths bursting with fruits, veggies, flowers, fresh grass-fed lamb, eggs, and more.

farmersmarketmaryville.com, 200 block of East Broadway Ave., Founders Square Parking Lot, Maryville, TN 37802

Cool Down with a Sweet Treat

Frozen treats are stars of the show at the Capitol Ice Cream Parlor housed in the lobby of the historic Capitol Theater downtown. Peruse movie-memorabilia while digging into Hollywood-themed desserts like the Goonies Truffle Shuffle, a cold, creamy shake packed with Baby Ruth bits, chocolate truffles, and caramel syrup, or a massive eight-scoop King Kong sundae.

 127 W Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37801

Stay

Take to the Trees

Tucked along the border of peaceful Maryville College Woods, RT Lodge is a respite. From the cozy-chic bar and its expansive patio to the rocking chairs facing a semi-secret, open-air fireplace snuggled next to a gurgling waterfall, serenity permeates the property. Built as a private residence in the early 1930s and now on the National Register of Historic Places, this inn matches the surrounding nature. Dark wood, leather, stone, and an organic color palate pull the outdoors in. Rooms are outfitted with sumptuous linens and custom-made furnishings that also adhere to an elegant but cabin-style aesthetic.

rtlodge.com, 1406 Wilkinson Pike, Maryville, TN 37803

Related: The Best Time To Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park For Every Type Of Traveler

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