Looking for mountain views, small-town hospitality, and outdoor adventure? Head to Maryville, Tennessee! Located at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Maryville offers scenic drives, charming downtown shops, and easy access to national parks and lakes. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or sipping local brews, Maryville is a relaxed Appalachian gem with a vibrant community feel.
Maryville, TN Highlights:
- Foothills Parkway: Drive this scenic route through rolling hills and mountain vistas on the edge of the Smokies.
- Maryville-Alcoa Greenway: Enjoy 15+ miles of paved walking and biking trails through parks, creeks, and wooded areas.
- Downtown Maryville: Stroll historic Main Street with its local boutiques, cafés, breweries, and public art installations.
- Sandy Springs Park: A local favorite for sports, picnicking, and greenway access in the heart of the city.
- Capitol Theatre: Catch a concert, film screening, or comedy show in this beautifully restored 1930s Art Deco venue.
When I like to visit Maryville, TN
The best time to visit Maryville is during the spring and fall (April–May and September–October), when temperatures are mild and the Smoky Mountains offer either blooming wildflowers or vibrant fall colors. Summer is great for lake days, while winter is peaceful and uncrowded.
Tips for getting to Maryville, TN
- If you are traveling by car: Maryville is located off US-129 and US-321, about 30 minutes south of Knoxville and 45 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance.
- By Air: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is just 10–15 minutes away and offers regional and national connections.
Where I like to stay in Maryville, TN
- Luxbury Inn & Suites – Suite-style accommodations with kitchens and great proximity to downtown and the mountains.
- RT Lodge – Upscale and secluded retreat near Maryville College, offering fine dining and serene grounds.
- Downtown Airbnb rentals – Unique local stays within walking distance to shops, trails, and restaurants.
Best Things to Do in Maryville, TN
1. Stroll Through Scenic Paths at Bicentennial Greenbelt Park
Bicentennial Greenbelt Park in downtown Maryville, Tennessee was developed in order to change the nature of the area once used for light industry and known for heavy pollution. The key to the redevelopment in the area was cleaning of the once polluted Pistol Creek that now runs through the park. The development of Bicentennial Park changed the character of the entire area. Its walkways became the roots of the Maryville Alcoa Greenway and the park became locally known as the Greenbelt. The area around Bicentennial Park started to grow and rejuvenate, Canada geese stopped at Bicentennial Park on migration, and in 1999, the first phase of the Maryville Alcoa Greenway was finished and included the former walkways in Bicentennial Park.
409 N Cusick St, Maryville, TN 37804
2. Sip and Relax at Blue Goose Farm and Vineyards
Blue Goose Farm and Vineyards is a small, family-operated farm and vineyard located in the lovely green valley of the Great Smoky Mountains, just outside Maryville, Tennessee. They grow various berries and apple trees, several different varieties of muscadine grapes, and take care of livestock on their lush pastures. The vineyard has a breathtaking view of the Great Smoky Mountains, and is a perfect venue for weddings and other celebrations. Their winery, located on the property, has a nice tasting room in the old rustic barn and provides wine tastings of their 13 award-winning labels. The tasting room also has a small gift shop that offers a variety of wine accessories and handcrafted items from local and regional artists.
3334 Old Niles Ferry Rd, Maryville, TN 37803, Phone: 865-456-7815
Getaways For Younger Couples
3. Catch a Show at the Historic Capitol Theatre
The Capitol Theatre opened in 1934 and it soon became the major entertainment place in Maryville, Tennessee. The Capitol was the largest movie house in downtown Maryville, seating about 1000 people. The building which housed the theatre went through many incarnations: it was originally built for the WA Dunlap in 1922, then it became a furniture store and undertaking establishment. Later it housed J.C. Penney Company until 1934 when Crescent Amusement Company bought it and converted it into the Capitol Theatre. The theatre closed as a movie theatre in the 1970’s. Today it houses the Heath Claiborne Gallery, and serves as a venue for movies, live performances and other special events in a dinner theatre setting. It has a stage, dance floor, a retractable silver screen, catering kitchen and flexible seating. The theatre is also available for private parties, corporate events and other celebrations.
127 W Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37801, Phone: 865-980-1966
4. If You Love Early American History, Visit the Sam Houston Historic Schoolhouse
Sam Houston Historic Schoolhouse State Historic Site is a three-acre site around the one-room schoolhouse built in 1794 and made of rough-hewn poplar logs in Maryville, Tennessee, and is typical “field” school of the 1700 and 1800s. Built two years before Tennessee became a State, it is the oldest school in Tennessee. Sam Houston, a renowned statesman, pioneer and teacher, taught at the school as a young man. The school house was originally built by Andrew Kennedy, a Revolutionary War veteran, together with Henry McCulloch and a few other neighbors. The schoolhouse is a Tennessee state historic site and it is open to the public. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
3650 Sam Houston Ln, Maryville, TN 37804, Phone: 865-983-1550
Where I Like to Eat in Maryville, TN
- Smokin' Joe's BBQ – Hearty, slow-cooked Tennessee barbecue served with Southern sides and sauces.
- Foothills Milling Company – Upscale Southern dining in a warm, rustic atmosphere with seasonal menus.
- Southland Books & Café – Independent bookstore, café, and music venue rolled into one quirky community favorite.
My favorite local events:
- Foothills Fall Festival (October) – Celebrated for its live music, arts and crafts, and scenic mountain backdrop.
- Smoky Mountain Classic Softball Tournament (Summer) – Annual national fast-pitch event drawing teams from across the country.
- Downtown Christmas Parade (December) – Lights, floats, and holiday cheer with a small-town feel.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Maryville, Tennessee:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (30 min) – Hike waterfalls, drive scenic roads, or spot wildlife in America’s most visited national park.
- Townsend (20 min) – Gateway to Cades Cove, tubing on the Little River, and local artisan shops.
- Knoxville (30 min) – Visit the Tennessee Theatre, Market Square, or University of Tennessee campus attractions.
- Fort Loudoun Lake (30 min) – Fish, boat, or relax lakeside in this peaceful recreational area.
- Tuckaleechee Caverns (30 min) – Explore vast underground caves with guided tours through ancient formations.
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