Maryville Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local tips for your trip to Maryville, Tennessee. Read on to plan your perfect itinerary!


Introduction to Maryville

Located in Eastern Tennessee, Maryville is a hidden gem that offers something for everyone. With a population of just over 28,000, this charming town has a small-town atmosphere that is sure to make you feel welcome. Maryville has a rich history that dates back to as early as the 18th century. Visitors to Maryville can enjoy a range of activities, such as hiking, biking, exploring museums and historical places, and enjoying the local food and drink scene.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ve highlighted the top places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local tips to help you plan your perfect itinerary to Maryville.

List of Places to Visit in Maryville

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Blount County Historical Museum: Located in downtown Maryville, this museum houses artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Blount County’s history.
  2. Bicentennial Greenbelt Park: This park offers a beautiful walking trail through Maryville and features several historic landmarks.
  3. Sam Houston Schoolhouse: This historic schoolhouse was once attended by Sam Houston, who would later become one of the most prominent figures in Texas history.
  4. Cades Cove: This 11-mile loop road features historic homes, churches, and other structures that date back to the 1800s.
  5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Just a short drive from Maryville, this national park offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing.

Natural Attractions of Maryville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. The Dragon: This 11-mile stretch of road, also known as US Highway 129, features 318 curves and is a popular destination for motorcycle riders.
  2. Chilhowee Mountain: This mountain offers several hiking trails that lead to stunning views of the surrounding areas.
  3. Cades Cove Loop Road: This popular scenic drive takes visitors past historic buildings and offers views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
  4. The Foothills Parkway: This parkway offers stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains and is especially beautiful during the fall when the leaves change colors.
  5. Maryville-Alcoa Greenway: This 9-mile paved trail offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and is popular among walkers, joggers, and bikers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Maryville

  1. Alcoa-Maryville Greenway: This 9-mile paved trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and is perfect for walking, jogging, and biking.
  2. Panther Creek State Park: This park offers several hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, and visitors can enjoy views of the lake along the way.
  3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: This national park offers over 800 miles of hiking trails that range from beginner to advanced. Some popular trails include Clingmans Dome, Alum Cave, and Chimney Tops.
  4. Chilhowee Mountain Trails: These trails offer a range of difficulty levels and lead to stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Best Things to Do in Maryville: Activities and Tours

  1. Brewery Tour: Visit local breweries such as Smoky Mountain Brewery, Bluetick Brewery, and Brickyard Beer and Wine.
  2. Zip Lining: Enjoy a thrilling zip lining adventure at Navitat or Wahoo Ziplines.
  3. Blackberry Farm: Indulge in gourmet food, fine wine, and luxurious accommodations at this renowned resort.
  4. Foothills Milling Company: This restaurant offers delicious farm-to-table dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
  5. Fox & Fogarty: This restaurant offers southern-style cuisine and features live music on the weekends.

Week-Long Itinerary for Maryville

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Blount County Historical Museum and Bicentennial Greenbelt Park
Day 2 Explore Cades Cove and drive The Dragon
Day 3 Enjoy a hiking/biking trip on Chilhowee Mountain
Day 4 Spend the day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Day 5 Go on a brewery tour and enjoy a gourmet dinner at Blackberry Farm
Day 6 Zip line at Navitat or Wahoo Ziplines
Day 7 Relax and enjoy the local food and drink scene, visiting restaurants such as Foothills Milling Company and Fox & Fogarty

Food and Drink Scene of Maryville

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Fried Chicken: Try Southern-style fried chicken at places like Litton’s Market and Restaurant and Full Service BBQ.
  2. Biscuits and Gravy: This southern classic can be found at establishments such as Brackins Bluesroxx and Good Ole Days.
  3. Country Ham: Sample this local delicacy at Blackberry Farm or RT Lodge.
  4. Barbecue: Enjoy delicious BBQ at establishments such as Dead End BBQ and Full Service BBQ.
  5. Pimento Cheese: Try this classic Southern dish at places such as The Walnut Kitchen and Ally & Elli.

Local Beverages

  1. Moonshine: Sample moonshine at places such as Ole Smoky Moonshine and Thunder Road Distillery.
  2. Craft Beer: Enjoy a cold beer at Smoky Mountain Brewery, Bluetick Brewery, or Fanatic Brewing Company.
  3. Wine: Savor local wines at places such as Tsali Notch Vineyard and Cades Cove Cellars.

Where to Stay in Maryville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. RT Lodge: This charming lodge offers luxurious accommodations and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.
  2. Hilton Knoxville Airport: This hotel offers modern amenities and is conveniently located near the airport and downtown Knoxville.
  3. La Quinta Inn & Suites: This hotel offers comfortable beds, an outdoor pool, and is conveniently located near several dining options.
  4. Hostel Memphis: This hostel offers budget-friendly accommodations and is located in the heart of Maryville.
  5. Coker Creek Village: This quaint village offers rustic cabins for rent and is the perfect retreat for nature lovers.

What to Buy in Maryville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Handmade Crafts: Visit the Appalachian Arts Craft Center or the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop for unique handmade crafts.
  2. Moonshine: Purchase a bottle of moonshine as a souvenir from Ole Smoky Moonshine or Thunder Road Distillery.
  3. Jams and Jellies: Sample and purchase locally made jams and jellies at places such as Sweetwater Valley Cheese and The Village Tinker.
  4. Antiques: Browse antiques at Old Town Antique Marketplace or Blue Jay’s Antique Mall.

Local Culture and Customs of Maryville

Maryville is known for its friendly locals who are happy to welcome visitors to their charming town. It’s important to respect local customs, such as dressing appropriately when visiting places of worship and being polite and courteous to those you meet.

Best Time to Visit Maryville

The best time to visit Maryville is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its most beautiful. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be very cold with occasional snow.

Do’s and Don’ts of Maryville

Do:

  • Do explore the natural beauty of Maryville by hiking, biking, or kayaking.
  • Do visit locally-owned shops and restaurants to support the local economy.
  • Do take time to learn about the area’s history and culture.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave trash behind when visiting natural attractions.
  • Don’t be loud or disruptive in public places.
  • Don’t disrespect local customs or traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Maryville

Maryville is a safe town, but it’s important to take standard safety precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and not leaving valuables in your car.

Health in Maryville

Medical facilities in Maryville include Blount Memorial Hospital, Cherokee Health Systems, and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. It’s important to have travel insurance when visiting the area.

Getting to Maryville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Maryville

The closest major airport to Maryville is McGhee Tyson Airport, located just 10 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Maryville

Greyhound Bus Lines operates a station in Knoxville, which is about 15 miles from Maryville.

Other Options

The most convenient way to get around Maryville is by car or bike. There are several car rental companies located at McGhee Tyson Airport.

How to Get Around in Maryville

The best way to get around Maryville is by car or bike. Public transportation options are limited, and taxis and rideshares can be expensive.

Where to Go Next from Maryville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Gatlinburg: Located just 35 miles away, Gatlinburg offers a vibrant downtown area filled with restaurants, shops, and attractions.
  2. Pigeon Forge: This neighboring town is home to Dollywood, several museums, and many other family-friendly attractions.
  3. Chattanooga: Located about 100 miles away, Chattanooga offers several outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting.
  4. Asheville: This North Carolina town is located about two hours away and offers beautiful mountain scenery, breweries, and the famous Biltmore Estate.

Conclusion

Maryville is a charming town that offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, Maryville has something for everyone. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your perfect itinerary to Maryville, Tennessee.