The Lakeside of the Smokies

Discover the Lakeside of the Smokies

Home to both Cherokee Lake and Douglas Lake, Jefferson County is East Tennessee’s best kept secret. You can be in the Smokies without all the traffic and hustle and bustle of highly visited areas near us. On one end of the county you have Jefferson City, whose downtown Historic Mossy Creek District has recently experienced a full revitalization, bringing to life the old school charm in a modern way. On the other end of the county, you have Tennessee’s second oldest city, Dandridge, named for Martha Dandridge Washington the first First Lady of the United States.

Stamp Your Passport: Mossback Distillery

Intention and purpose are the guiding principles of Mossback Distillery in downtown Jefferson City, TN, among the foothills of the Smokies. Each spirit they offer has a passion attached to it – a passion that’s individually unique while also tied to all the others. This small town distillery offers a wide variety of spirits to those who enjoy good whiskey, bourbon, moonshine, rum, or other liquors.

A Place to Rest Your Head: Stay in the Lakeside of the Smokies

After a long day, it’s nice to have a comfortable place to rest for the night. From lakeside cabins and mountain houses to historic inns and RV parks, Jefferson County boasts a range of options of places to stay for visitors. Take in the historic charm of the area at one of our restored inns such as The Lodge at Old City Hall or Shepard Inn or enjoy a lakeside retreat at Smoky Mountain Lakeside Resort. Camping more your speed? Enjoy the Lakeside at one of our campgrounds and RV parks like Waterscape Glamping, Anchor Down RV Park, or the TVA Campground on Cherokee Lake.

A Southern State of Mind: Eat and Drink

Enjoy the local fare when you choose to eat and drink at one of our local restaurants. In the Historic Mossy Creek District of Jefferson City, you’ll find gems such as Mossy’s Café, The MadOx House, or Patriot Wood Fired Pizza. In Dandridge, grab a bite at Dandridge Brewing Company or Tinsley-Bible Soda Fountain. Looking for a unique experience? Take advantage of the open-air atmosphere of Off the Hook Bar and Grill or find out what’s the deal with that secret family recipe at Bush’s Visitor Center.

Explore More in the Lakeside of the Smokies

Minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge, Jefferson County has a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. Enjoy a day on either Cherokee Lake or Douglas Lake when you rent a boat, paddleboard, or other watercraft from one of the marinas. Get your steps in on one of our historical tours mapping out historical markers throughout the downtowns of Jefferson City and Dandridge. No matter how you like to have fun, we have something to make it happen! Start planning your trip today.