Explore Loudon County and the Lakeway to the Smokies
LOUDON COUNTY, TENNEESSEE–APRIL 2019–In a state that is full of fall color and made for road trips, Loudon County, in east Tennessee, is golden. With views of the Great Smoky Mountains and a spectacular collection of lakes and rivers dotting its landscape, Loudon County, long known as the Lakeway to the Smokies, offers visitors an exceptional fall travel experience.
Fall and the Smokies go together naturally and leaf peepers, road trippers and outdoor enthusiasts love this time of year here. More and more are making Loudon County their number one stop this fall. This sweet spot between Knoxville and Chattanooga has convenient Interstate access and offers the most scenic and least congested route to the Smokies from I-75 and I-40 East.
Enjoying the attractions and activities or just exploring the area’s beautiful scenery–each adds a new element to your Great Smoky Mountain getaway. The quaint downtown areas are great places to start. Whether you prefer shopping the specialty boutiques of Lenoir City or the antique shops of Loudon, you are sure to find a treasure to cherish. And if antiques are your passion, you’ll want to follow the Highway 11 Antique Trail, and take in the collection of shops filled with vintage memorabilia and collectibles. Make the Country Kinfolk Marketplace and Café a stop on your journey, too. There you’ll find unique shopping as well as a home-cooked lunch.
Your next must-do experience is the Tennessee Valley Winery (15606 Hotchkiss Valley Rd, Loudon, TN 37774). Enjoy a free tasting at one of the oldest operating family-owned wineries in Tennessee. With its more than 20 wine varieties, Tennessee Valley has earned more than 800 national, regional and local awards. Enjoy!
There’s no better way to enjoy fall color than from the water and no better place to enjoy it than the Lakeway to the Smokies. Loudon County, with its host of rivers and lakes, is a great destination for boating, canoeing, fishing and skiing–or just taking in the fall foliage. Water activities are plentiful here, where the Little Tennessee River and the Tennessee River meet. To take to the water, many start at Fort Loudon Marina (5200 City Park Dr, Lenoir City, TN 37772), one of the largest marinas in Tennessee. Here, you can rent a pontoon or from the adjacent Lenoir City Park, you can bring your own kayak or paddleboard to explore Fort Loudoun Lake and enjoy the views of the Smokies. Tellico Dam and Lake is also a hot spot for recreation. Along its banks, visitors will find boat ramps, day-use areas, prime fishing spots and campgrounds.
Many scenic parks offer trails for hiking and biking. The East Lakeshore Trail is a system of nine trails along the East Lakeshore of Tellico Lake. Designated as a National Recreational Trail, the opportunities for hiking are easily accessible and offer trails of from one to five miles with amazing lake views. And if golf is your game, Loudon County has championship courses open for public play.
Deep Well Farm (9567 Hwy 11E, Lenoir City, TN 37772) offers fun for the whole family amid a corn maze, pumpkin patch and hayrides.
There are so many ways to enjoy this beautiful outdoor destination this fall. Plan now to add Loudon County to your Great Smoky Mountain adventure. You can find lodging options and more details at VisitLoudonCounty.com.
IF YOU GO
Sequoyah Birthplace Museum (576 Hwy 360, Vonore, TN 37885) in 2018 completed at $2.5 million renovation, is an outstanding regional attraction in nearby Vonore. The Museum exhibits and interprets a collection designed to promote the understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of the Cherokee Indians in Eastern Tennessee. In particular it chronicles the life and contributions of Sequoyah, a great chief who perfected a system for reading and writing for the Cherokee nation.
WHERE TO EAT
At The Ugly Mug (108 B St., Lenoir City, TN 37772), relax and enjoy the specially blended coffees, espressos, cappuccinos, mochas and more. You can purchase bags of the regionally famous coffee at exclusive prices. It’s also a great spot for breakfast or a pastry.
Le Noir Bistro (123 E Broadway St., Lenoir City TN 37772) is the spot to enjoy lunch with a European twist. Start with the Belgian fries, then choose from a menu filled with unique combinations of Southern staples and European specialties.
For lunch or dinner, you can’t go wrong at Calhoun’s (4550 City Park Dr, Lenoir City, TN 37772) at Fort Loudon Marina. From casual burger lunches to evening meals with atmosphere, with its indoor and outdoor seating, Calhoun’s offers dockside dining with views of the marina and Fort Loudoun Lake. Check online for the evening entertainment schedule.
Another popular spot for both cuisine and atmosphere is Tellico Village Yacht Club (100 Sequoyah Road, Loudon, TN 37774). The club, featuring the Blue Heron Restaurant, welcomes visitors in a private lakefront community with spectacular lake and mountain views. The outstanding menu includes steak and seafood specialties and more.