When people think about summer vacations in East Tennessee, they usually think about loading up the car and heading to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. But if we’re honest, Blount County has plenty to offer without fighting traffic in Gatlinburg or spending hundreds of dollars on a weekend trip.
Sometimes the best summer memories are made close to home.
From underground adventures and river floats to free concerts and mountain biking, here are eight ways to make the most of summer without leaving Blount County.
If you’ve never visited Tuckaleechee Caverns, summer is the perfect time to change that. The caverns stay a cool 58 degrees year-round, making them a welcome escape from East Tennessee’s summer heat.
The guided tour takes visitors deep underground through enormous cave rooms, unique rock formations, and even a waterfall hidden beneath the mountains. It’s one of those places that reminds you just how different Tennessee is from other states.
There may not be a more classic Blount County summer activity than tubing in Townsend. Outfitters like River Rat make it easy for families to spend a day floating the Little River while taking in the beauty of the Smokies.
Grab a tube, hop in the river, and let the current do most of the work. It’s simple, relaxing, and a great way to cool off on a hot afternoon. Kids love the adventure, while parents usually appreciate having an activity that doesn’t involve screens.
Sometimes the best days are the ones spent drifting down the river with nowhere particular to be.
Tucked away in Townsend is one of Blount County’s hidden gems.
The Little River Railroad & Lumber Museum tells the story of the people who helped shape this region long before it became a destination for visitors. The exhibits are easy to explore, admission is free, and it’s a great stop for families looking to mix a little learning into their summer adventures.
A little friendly competition never hurts.
The new miniature golf course in Townsend offers a fun afternoon for families with kids of all ages. Whether you’re celebrating a hole-in-one or laughing after sending your ball completely off course, mini golf has a way of bringing out everyone’s competitive side.
For families who enjoy spending time outdoors, Vee Hollow offers a chance to try something a little different.
The bike park features trails for riders of various skill levels and provides a fun way to stay active while enjoying some of the natural beauty Blount County is known for. Even if mountain biking isn’t your usual hobby, summer is a great time to try something new.
Ask almost anyone who grew up around Blount County about their favorite summer memories, and there’s a good chance the Townsend Wye will be mentioned.
For generations, families have gathered there to swim, splash, picnic, and escape the heat. It’s not fancy, and that’s part of the charm. The Wye remains one of those places where summer still feels like summer.
Summer evenings and live music just seem to go together.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center hosts concerts throughout the summer, giving families a chance to bring lawn chairs, enjoy the mountain scenery, and listen to talented musicians in a relaxed setting. It’s the kind of event that encourages people to slow down for a few hours and simply enjoy being together.
One of the newest additions to Blount County’s summer lineup is the Levitt AMP Maryville Music Series.
Held Thursday evenings at the Charles West Amphitheater in Jack Greene Park, the free concert series brings a variety of performers to downtown Maryville throughout the summer.
It’s proof that some of the best summer entertainment doesn’t require leaving town.
Find the full schedule here: letsbeblount.com/concerts
We spend so much time looking for our next getaway that we sometimes overlook what’s right outside our front door. From Townsend’s cool river water to evenings filled with live music in Maryville, Blount County offers plenty of opportunities to make summer memories close to home.
This year, skip the long drive. Your next adventure might be just down the road.
