Our Townsend Vacation Guide will come in handy when you plan your next vacation. We love to help our guests get to know our peaceful little town and all of the fun things to do when you stay here. We try to highlight some of the local attractions that we love.
Enjoy these great Townsend attractions:
Tuckaleechee caverns
Known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies” The Tuckaleechee caverns are the highest rated Cave or Cavern of the Eastern United States. Carved inside the earth’s oldest mountain chain and estimated to be between twenty to thirty million years old, the Caverns are rich in history and a great way to spend an hour or two. Photos are encouraged and make sure to bring an empty water bottle to fill for the trip home. Townsend is a great place to make lasting memories.
River Tubing at the Smoky Mountain River Rat
If your idea of vacation is relaxing on a tube and floating down a beautiful river than this is the place for you. Located minutes from the Highland Manor Inn, it is a low cost adventure for the entire family. Your time on the river will include lots of time to splash and have fun. Check out the surroundings and if you have a waterproof camera take a lot of pictures.
Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is a museum located in the city of Townsend, TN. The mission is to preserve, interpret and share the history and culture of the diverse peoples and Native American who have inhabited the Southern Appalachians. The museum offers exhibitions and programs for educational and cultural enrichment.
Visit The Historic Village
While visiting the Heritage Center, take the opportunity to view the Main Gallery, home to our Native Americans of East TN. Make sure to check out the Historic Village located just behind the main building. There you will find a collection of historic buildings and barns brought from around the region. In addition, you will find the Transportation Gallery which showcases early modes of transportation from the East TN region.
A fun and educational experience for those who wish to learn of the history of the center and region.
Townsend Vacation Guide Favorites:
Swinging Bridge
The Swinging Bridge is located in Townsend and a landmark to the area. Just minutes from the hotel by foot, the swinging bridge provides great views of the river. Walk out take some photos or just listen to the water rush by. Watch as the tubers pass right under you and enjoy the water. Therefore, you must make sure to add the Island Swinging Bridge to your list of Townsend things to do.
The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company
Located across the street from the Highland Manor Inn the Little River Railroad in Townsend TN is a free attraction that should be on your list of things to do.
The outside exhibits include larger artifacts, like the Shay 2147, a vintage caboose, two vintage flatcars and more. In addition you will find a portable Frick steam engine, one of the original “setoff” houses (used for logging families in the mountains) and a wooden water tank.
Alongside the depot platform, museum volunteers have constructed a replica of the Elkmont Post Office which houses our Gift Shop.
Here you can stop in and get some great gifts for kids of all ages.
In addition to the local attractions, Townsend has plenty of stores and shops to visit during your stay. Use our Townsend vacation guide to navigate through this quiet little town. Known as the peaceful side of the Smokies, our little town is a great choice for a family vacation. If you need information or a cozy room with a view please call our front desk at the Highland Manor Inn. (865) 448-2211
We love making new friends and will do everything we can to make your Townsend Vacation the best ever.