8 Reasons Everyone Wants To Visit This Tennessee Town… And You Should Too
By Meghan Kraft|Published July 10, 2018
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Tennessee is a tourist destination in itself, but there’s something about the eastern side of the state that even gets locals all dreamy and doe-eyed. Summering or wintering in the mountains truly is blissful, an experience that puts all of us at ease and gives us something to look forward to. Whether you’re planning a trip sometime soon or simply dreaming, the tiny town of Townsend should be added to your bucket list. It’s a stunning experience and a true hidden gem of the south.
1. Townsend is known as the "Gateway to the Smokies."
The small town is home to one of the three existing entrances to the most visited national park in the US, which means hiking and exploring is right at your fingertips.
No, but really - Townsend has earned its moniker of "The Peaceful Side of the Smokies." It's hard to find a place of peace in all the crazy that is our everyday lives, so it's a neat place to settle down and rest up.
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3. The area around the town has been settled for thousands of years.
If you're headed to Tennessee from Los Angeles or Atlanta this probably made your ears perk up a bit. As one of the entrances to the park, Townsend is known as the spot with the least amount of traffic.
As of 2010 there were less than 500 locals in Townsend, though the city has seen a small uptick in population over the last couple of years. That's alright - we're fine with a gorgeous town where nature is king. No chain stores needed here, thanks!
6. The town survived the reign of the logging industry.
It's true, the tiny town of Townsend almost wasn't. The logging industry almost eradicated the town, and ever since the locals have worked hard to preserve not only their home but the natural area around it.
The ever-popular Cades Cove is great for a hike, horseback ride or even a camping trip in the heart of the Smokies. It's a short drive from Townsend and perfect for out-of-towner's.
8. There's a treasure trove underneath the city...
Make sure to head to Tuckaleechee Caverns if you're ever in Townsend. Tennessee is home to quite a few cave systems, but Tuckaleechee really takes the cake when it comes to a breathtaking tour studded with stalactites and stalagmites.
