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 Climate
The climate of East Tennessee is perfectly mild. Springs are pleasant as nature begins its life cycle once again. Early spring snow dustings are quite common yet never an obstacle. Those light snows gently turn into spring showers. Summers are mildly hot, with temperatures rarely surpassing 90 degrees. Fall is by far a most beautiful season here in the mountains. The air is crisp with cooler temperatures as the leaves vividly change colors. The year ends as winter rolls in with colder weather. Three to four inch snows are not uncommon.
East Tennessee Taxes
And if the climate is not enough to lure you to East Tennessee, did you know that Tennessee does not have a state income tax? Furthermore, Sevier County's property taxes are extremely low (1.34 per mil). If you are within the limits of a city, however, you will pay city taxes, not county taxes.
Surrounding Cities
Four main cities surround the East Tennessee area. Gatlinburg, about fifteen miles away, a twenty-five minute drive, is situated northeast of Wears Valley, East Tennessee Realty Group's home base. Gatlinburg is renowned for its strip of shops and entertainment including putt-putt golf and even ice skating and snow skiing at Ober Gatlinburg. Pigeon Forge, a mere eight miles to the north from Wears Valley, is only a ten minute drive out of the mountains on Highway 321. Home of country music star Dolly Parton, Pigeon Forge has become known as a major entertainment destination. Sevierville is another fifteen mile drive to the northwest. Most general errands and shopping will be done in Sevierville. Lastly, Townsend is only eight miles south on Highway 321.
Townsend is a quiet area; there you can find tube rentals to float down and swim in the mountain river. If you need the amenities of a metropolitan city, Knoxville is less than an hour away.
Living in this part of East Tennessee offers you the best of both worlds. Nature, shopping, entertainment, and dining are all within minutes of your future home. However, if you need first class medical facilities and international airport access and major shopping, then Knoxville is "right over the mountain."
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Wears Valley's back door opens to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Therefore, hiking, swimming, fishing, picnic areas, and Cades Cove are just minutes away. GSMNP is the most visited national park in the United States. The trout streams are stocked each year by the national park service; fishermen should never have an excuse for failing to catch the biggest one.
www.nps.gov/grsm
Dollywood
If you, your children, and grandchildren are ready for some good clean fun and entertainment, Dollywood is the place to be. The theme park is geared towards the whole family with shows, roller coasters, and even a "kids' country." Unlike many other theme parks across the United States, Dollywood is known for its wholesome and clean cut entertainment. In the spring, Dollywood hosts a "Festival of Nations" bringing world cultures to the mountains. Its venue always includes top country and bluegrass musical performances.
www.dollywood.com
Entertainment and Shopping
East Tennessee is renowned for its ample entertainment and shopping venues. Dinner theaters a plenty throughout Pigeon Forge include Dixie Stampede, Wonderworks, Black Bear Jamboree, Fiddler's Feast. Other theaters consist of Country Tonite, the Great China Acrobats, and the Smith Brothers. For the shoppers, factory outlet stores are situated throughout Sevierville and Pigeon Forge for easy access; Tanger Five Oaks, Belz Outlet Mall, and Red Roof Mall are all within close proximity. Find factory outlet prices at the classiest of stores including Liz Claiborne, Tommy Hilfiger, Brooks Brothers, and Polo Ralph Lauren.
Dining
A day in the mountains isn't complete without a delicious meal. Dining in Sevierville includes many fine restaurants such as The Chop House, Connors, The Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Outback Steakhouse, and Damon's Grill. Pigeon Forge dining includes the Brewery, No Way Jose's, and Calhouns. Dining in Gatlinburg includes the Park Grill, the Cherokee Grill, the Brewery, and Calhouns.
PICNICKING, HIKING AND HORSEBACK RIDING
METCALF BOTTOMS: A beautiful and peaceful place for a picnic, with picnic tables along the banks of The Little River. This area is within 2 miles of Wears Valley.
THE LITTLE GREENBRIER SCHOOL TRAIL: This trail leads from Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area on The Little River Road to the Little Greenbrier School. This log building was used by the Primitive Baptist Church as a school from 1882 to 1935. The trail begins just after crossing the Little River Bridge.
LAUREL FALLS TRAIL: Four (4) miles one-way with a paved path on the first part of the trail. The 75 foot waterfall crosses the trail at the 1.3 mile mark. Points of interest: waterfall, rhododendrons, mountain laurel,silverbell,poplar, hemlocks and old growth oaks. Trailhead is left towards the Sugarlands Visitor Center on Little River Road after crossing the Little River Bridge at Metcalf Bottoms. The parking area for the trail is at Fighting Creek Gap.
THE ELKMONT NATURE TRAILS: This 3/4 mile long trail is located about halfway between Metcalf Bottoms and the Sugarland Visitor Center on Little River Road. Turn right into Elkmont (from Metcalf Bottoms)and then left at 1.3 miles before the entrance to Elkmont Campgrounds. The trail takes you to Mids Branch where a spur line on the Little River Railroad once hauled logs out of the mountains.
CADES COVE: Turn right after crossing the Little River Bridge at Metcalf Bottoms on Hwy. 73 ( Little River Road ) toward Townsend. Continue on this road to the Laurel Creek Road, and then another 7.5 miles to the beginning of Cades Cove Loop Road.
BICYCLES: Available at Cades Cove Store, Spring to Fall. Call 865-448-4105 to reserve.
HORSEBACK RIDING: Cades Cove Stables,865-448-6286. Next to Heaven Stables between Wears Valley & Townsend.
RANGER STATIONS: 865-436-1200 OR 436-1294 Nights and Weekends!
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