Come for the Conference, Stay for the Cuisine

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Blount County offers meeting planners and attendees something increasingly rare: a destination that feels both productive and restorative. Known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” this East Tennessee destination pairs scenic beauty with an emerging culinary scene rooted in Appalachian heritage, local ingredients, and Southern hospitality. Here, meetings unfold alongside unforgettable meals, meaningful conversations and mountain-inspired experiences that leave guests wanting to stay a little longer.

While millions visit nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, Blount County offers a quieter, more intentional experience just beyond the park’s busiest corridors. It’s a place where winding roads lead to chef-driven restaurants, local breweries, hidden bakeries and charming gathering spaces that create memorable moments long after the conference agenda ends.

Food has become one of the destination’s defining experiences. Across the county, chefs and restaurateurs are elevating traditional Appalachian flavors with fresh perspectives and locally sourced ingredients. Meeting attendees can begin the day with scratch-made pastries and locally roasted coffee, enjoy networking lunches featuring regional favorites, and wind down with elevated dinners that celebrate Tennessee’s culinary roots.

For a refined dining experience, RT Lodge offers an intimate Michelin-recomended culinary experience that feels privately isolated in the woods, while being only a short drive from a bustling downtown. Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro showcases seasonal Appalachian cuisine in a warm, upscale setting surrounded by nature. Nearby, Foothills Milling Company blends Southern comfort with fine dining touches, serving everything from expertly prepared steaks to inventive regional specialties.

Blount County’s growing beverage scene adds another layer to the experience. Local breweries and distilleries provide ideal venues for networking receptions, team outings, and casual evening events. Guests can sample craft beer at Tri-Hop Brewery or enjoy locally crafted spirits at Company Distilling, where mountain views and handcrafted cocktails encourage attendees to slow down and connect.

Beyond the culinary scene, Blount County offers meeting spaces that combine convenience with character. The Hilton Knoxville Airport provides full-service conference amenities just minutes from the airport, making travel seamless for attendees arriving from across the country. For groups seeking a more immersive retreat atmosphere, venues like Little Arrow Outdoor Resort and Dancing Bear Lodge offer a unique blend of modern comfort and outdoor beauty, creating opportunities for both collaboration and relaxation.

Accessibility is another advantage. Located just outside Knoxville and served by McGhee Tyson Airport, Blount County is easily reachable while still feeling worlds away from the stress and congestion of larger convention destinations. Its proximity to major southeastern markets makes it an ideal drive-in destination for regional meetings, corporate retreats, association conferences, and incentive travel.

What truly sets Blount County apart, however, is its atmosphere. The destination invites attendees to slow down, breathe deeply, and engage more authentically — whether that’s during a fireside dinner, a mountain-view happy hour, or an early morning walk before meetings begin. The natural beauty of the Smokies creates a calming backdrop that encourages creativity, connection, and renewal.

For planners looking to create experiences that feel meaningful rather than routine, Blount County delivers. Here, conferences are paired with culinary discovery, networking happens naturally, and every meal becomes an opportunity to connect. It’s a destination where Southern hospitality still feels genuine, local flavor matters, and visitors leave not only inspired by the work accomplished, but by the memories created around the table.

Come for the conference, stay for the cuisine — and discover why Blount County is becoming one of the South’s most memorable meeting destinations.

Flavor Profile

A Taste of the Peaceful Side

In Blount County, food tells the story of the Smokies. Rooted in Appalachian tradition and elevated by a new generation of chefs, the county’s culinary scene blends comfort, creativity and authentic Southern flavor into every bite.

Local menus celebrate the region’s heritage with dishes inspired by mountain cooking traditions. Think smoked meats, seasonal vegetables, handmade breads, fresh trout, and rich Southern staples reimagined with modern flair. Restaurants like the Michelin-recommended RT Lodge, Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro and Foothills Milling Company showcase locally sourced ingredients while creating elevated dining experiences that still feel warm and welcoming.

For more casual gatherings, Peaceful Side Social offers wood-fired favorites and craft cocktails in a lively atmosphere perfect for post-meeting conversations. Meanwhile, local breweries and distilleries invite visitors to sip and savor East Tennessee craftsmanship. Enjoy handcrafted brews at Tri-Hop Brewery or unwind with small-batch spirits and mountain views at Company Distilling.

What makes the culinary experience here unique isn’t just the food, it’s the setting. Meals are often accompanied by mountain sunsets, live music, outdoor patios, and conversations that linger long after dessert. Whether you’re hosting clients, rewarding a team, or simply exploring the Smokies, Blount County serves up flavors that feel deeply connected to the place itself.

On the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, every meal is more than a dining experience — it’s part of the destination.