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Historic towns, sweeping lakeside vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains, water sports and the pristine, family-friendly currents of Douglas and Cherokee lakes invite visitors to Jefferson County. Tucked in the middle region of the state, just 30 minutes from Knoxville, Jefferson County is home to Tennessee’s second-oldest town of Dandridge, established as the county seat in 1792.
Enjoy world-class fishing on Cherokee and Douglas lakes, created by the TVA in the early 1940s. Both lakes are named in the nation’s Top 10 Lakes for largemouth bass and crappie fishing. Fed by the French Broad River and Holston River, the scenic lakes are fisheries for striped bass and sauger and are the site of several major fishing tournaments. But the lakes aren’t just for fishing. Marinas, campgrounds, cabins and lakeside lodging offer a great vacation getaway. Pack up your tent or RV or stay in a quaint Airbnb. Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard or parasail over the clear blue waters. Relax on the lakefront and experience the meaning of “lakeside of the Smokies.”
“That Beautiful Bean Company” established in 1908, epitomized the passion for the humble bean. Breathe in the smell of a Southern favorite, simmered in a secret sauce in Bush Brothers and Company cannery in Chestnut Hill. The Bush’s Visitor Center near Dandridge offers museum tours, highlighting the history and growth of the company. Enjoy the video tour of the process facility or the popular fried chicken tenders and lunchtime beans-of-the-day at the Bush’s Family Café. The general store sells souvenirs and bean products, including items featuring the company’s lovable “spokesdog,” Duke.
Tour Historic Downtown Dandridge
Stroll the streets of Historic Dandridge and tour the many historic buildings preserved from the early 1800s. Dandridge is the only town in the United States to be named after Martha Dandridge Washington, wife of first President George Washington. Dandridge was a popular stop for travelers arriving by stagecoach or steamboat on the French Broad River. Four of these early taverns still exist. Hickman Tavern, built in 1820, boasts a spectacular circular staircase winding to the third floor. It now serves as the Dandridge Town Hall. Climb the steep, grassy bank of the dike that saved Dandridge for an expansive view of Lake Douglas. It was built in the early 1940s when the creation of Douglas Lake threatened to flood the town, and the million-dollar dike of native stone and solid earth held back the waters of the new lake.
Take the Dandridge Walking Tour in the downtown district to discover over 20 well-preserved historic structures. Along the way, don’t miss Tinsley Bible Drug Store & Soda Fountain, established in 1911. Tinsley Bible is a popular lunch stop, drug store and old-fashioned soda fountain, and you won’t regret ordering a genuine malted milkshake or the famous “Bible Burger.” Old medicine cabinets and bottles preserve the history of bygone days. The Historic Jefferson County Courthouse, built in 1845, also houses a museum depicting the visual county history from 1792 to the present. Exhibits include the 1806 marriage bond of David Crockett and Polly Finley, and a replica of David Crockett’s long rifle.
Once an 1817 tavern, the Shoppes at Roper Mansion now showcase antiques, vintage jewelry, furniture, artwork and gourmet food. Wander around the original parlors, butler’s pantry, kitchen and ballroom. Plan a stop at Martha’s Market and Alleyway Caffe & Coffee Shop, a quaint and cozy general store and gift shop.
Just outside of the historic downtown stands the historic Glenmore Mansion. Take a seasonal tour of the 27-room house that is an opulent example of early Victorian splendor. The mansion was built in 1845 by railroad tycoon, John Roper Branner, with a view of the railroad in the historic Mossy Creek District, later to become Jefferson City. The mansion opens for tours beginning the first weekend in May and continue through December with special candlelight Christmas tours.
After years of revitalization, the Historic Mossy Creek District is bustling with shops, restaurants and bars. Visit and stay at the newly restored iconic Old City Hall, where you will find shops, a restaurant, luxury lodging accommodations, as well as their visitor center and heritage museum.
Just down the street is Mossy’s Café and the MadOx Public House, offering farm to table favorites, brunch, burgers and brews. And no visit to the district is complete without a tasting at the world class Mossback Distillery, a stop on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, which features a 1920s speakeasy tasting room for those who want to sample some spirits.
Explore an abundant selection of Airbnbs, Vrbo’s and bed-and-breakfasts on Douglas and Cherokee lakes. From lakeside luxuries to downtown dreamboats, Jefferson County is full of cozy places to hang your hat. Douglas Lake’s Smoky Mountain Lakeside Resort, has a retro, mid-century look and feel that offers spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains. If you want something a little more rustic (without fully sacrificing your amenities), you can immerse yourself in nature with a Waterfront Glamping Tent. The Shepard Inn was a popular overnight stop for stagecoach travelers, even hosting Presidents Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk and Andrew Johnson. Located in the heart of historic downtown Dandridge, it’s a short walk from the Revolutionary War graveyard dating back to 1785. Speaking of history, you can experience it first-hand by staying at this fully functioning Grist Mill from 1798, nestled right by the creek. For a touch of romantic luxury, book a stay at the world-renowned Mountain Harbor Inn on Lake Douglas. Anchor Down RV Resort and the newly opened Forest Grove RV Resort in Dandridge or Cherokee Dam Campground in Jefferson City afford easy access for boating and fishing with both lake and mountain vistas.
BASS FISHING TOURNAMENTS
Named a top 100 Bass Fishing Lake destination year after year, Jefferson County hosts numerous professional and regional tournaments. Register for the Bill Dance Giant Bass Open and the Douglas Lake Big Bass Classic, which take place annually in the spring and fall.
AUGUST & SEPTEMBER: MUSIC ON THE TOWN
Pull up a chair for Music on the Town in the heart of historic Dandridge. The free concert series on Thursday nights features bluegrass and other music genres.
SEPTEMBER: SCOTS-IRISH FESTIVAL
The Scots-Irish Festival, held the last Saturday of September, honors the influence of the early Scots-Irish. These fearless frontiersmen helped turn the tide of the American Revolution and expanded settlements westward over the Appalachian Mountains.
OCTOBER: LAKESIDE OF THE SMOKIES BALLOON FEST
Enjoy the brilliant fall colors at the Lakeside of the Smokies Balloon Fest held in Dandridge. Highlights include hot-air balloon flights, craft fair, live music, food trucks, wine tasting and kid-friendly activities.
Explore Tennessee’s early history in Jefferson County, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Walk in the footsteps of the early frontiersmen and appreciate the beauty and stories of this historic part of Tennessee. Learn more at tnvacation.com/local/dandridge-visit-jefferson-county-lakeside-smokies.
Enjoy a relaxing trip to laid-back Livingston-Overton County
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