A Short Guide to Knoxville's Little Sister Town
Maryville is small, but it's got its own sweet Southern charm.
I love Tennessee. The mountains, the scenery. Being outdoors is kind of my thing (that and a glass of chilled red, as of late). You may remember I stayed at Windy Hill Farm & Preserve last summer in East TN—still not over this property—and wrote about it here:
5 Things I Love About Windy Hill Farm & Preserve
Windy Hill Farm and Preserve is a new kind of destination resort and upland preserve along the Tennessee River in Loudon, TN, just half an hour or so from Knoxville. The family-owned property sits on 650 acres of countryside and when I tell you every inch is worth exploring, I mean it. There are 18 accommodations here including luxurious cabins and more…
If I could stay at Windy Hill every year, hell if I could move in, I’d be happy. But I don’t think I’ll be taking up residence there any time soon, unfortunately. So moving on: Just half an hour away by car is Maryville (population: 32,000). If that name rings a bell, it might be because it’s about 20 minutes from Blackberry Farm and 25 minutes from Knoxville. The historic small town is at the foothill of the Smoky Mountains. And if you're going for more of a Southern Gilmore Girls vibe, you’ll want to book a room at RT Lodge. Read on for more »
Where to Stay
Maryville is an easy drive from Atlanta (about three hours) and if you’re staying at RT Lodge you can eat and drink on property, hang by the bonfire, or borrow bikes to explore your surroundings.
So this hotel has a funny history because it’s set on the Maryville College campus and it used to be owned by Ruby Tuesday (yes the Ruby Tuesday, hence the “RT”). What started as one woman’s 26-room residence in the 1930s then became a company retreat and training facility for the restaurant chain in the ‘90s. It wasn't until 2021 that the property was purchased with the intention of preserving its history while welcoming guests, new and old.
The Morningside Room is a really fun and beautiful on-site bar. It’s mere steps from the guest rooms, which is great, especially if you’re planning to drink a bit. We really enjoyed the smoked trout dip, the crispy hash brown (I should not write this while hungry), and all the conversations taking place throughout the room. Eavesdropping is a hobby and a talent, after all. There’s also the Restaurant at RT Lodge; on the second floor, it’s a more elevated but still laid-back spot for dinner.
What to Do in Maryville
While RT Lodge is a destination in itself, there’s plenty to explore in and around town.
Grab a coffee or tea at Beard Brothers Coffee: Fuel up with expertly brewed coffee at this local favorite, which opened in 2022. Cute spot. I really liked the latte with Mexican chocolate.
Yoga at Peaceful Side Brewery: Start your day with a chilled out yoga session and reward yourself with a beer after class. We really just stumbled upon this place looking for things to do and there happened to be a yoga class the morning after we arrived. Lots of fun.
Drinks at RT Lodge’s Morningside Room: Even if you’re not staying at the Lodge, this bar is a must-visit. It comes alive on weekends and is the ideal spot for a cozy drink. Head outside to the fire by the koi pond and you’ll find everything you need to make s’mores, too.
If you’re up for a short drive, head to Knoxville, where you’ll want to have:
Lunch at Potchke: This is such a colorful cafe with dishes that will keep you coming back for more. No lie, I’ve actually dreamt of the Potchke Salad which includes, “mixed greens topped with avocado and every in-season vegetable our east TN farmers are growing at the moment.” It was delicious with the smoked herring Caesar dressing.
A glass of wine at Hotel Cleo: A chic boutique hotel with a French-inspired vibe, Hotel Cleo is a lovely spot for a leisurely afternoon drink. On the weekends, the downtown area is popping, filled with people repping their fave sports teams and even some farmers and specialty markets.
