There’s something about Maryville that makes it easy to slow down. Tucked into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Maryville offers the kind of weekend where you can start the morning with a cup of locally roasted coffee, spend the afternoon wandering through charming shops, and end the day over a dinner that celebrates locally sourced ingredients and regional cuisine. There’s plenty to do, but nothing feels rushed.

‍If you’re planning a weekend at RT Lodge, here’s how we’d spend a couple of days exploring some of our favorite places around town.

Start Outside: Parks & Greenways

‍One of the best things about Maryville is how easy it is to get outside. From neighborhood parks to miles of greenway, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a little fresh air. Start your morning at Sandy Springs Park, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the green space before heading into town.

Bringing your pup along? Make a stop at PetSafe Pistol Creek Dog Park, where four-legged visitors can run and play before you continue exploring.

‍For a longer adventure, hop on the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway. The paved trail winds through parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas, making it a favorite for walking and biking. Guests at RT Lodge can borrow complimentary Townie bicycles, making it easy to explore the area on two wheels. And if you’re looking for a slower pace, there’s nothing wrong with simply finding a bench, enjoying the scenery, and letting the morning unfold on the beautiful grounds of RT Lodge.

Spend the Afternoon Browsing Downtown

‍Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head downtown for coffee and a little shopping. Maryville’s local shops make it easy to spend an afternoon wandering without a strict agenda.

For gifts and paper goods, stop by Dandy Lions Gifts. Beautiful stationery and thoughtful finds make this a great place to pick up a little something for someone back home, or yourself. Then make your way to J. Danforth Mercantile, where vintage items, curated gifts, and gourmet foods fill the shelves. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to take your time because you never know what you’ll discover around the next corner.

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If you’re visiting on a Saturday between April and November, plan your morning around the Maryville Farmers’ Market, open from 8:30–11:30am. It’s a wonderful way to meet local vendors, browse seasonal goods, and get a taste of the community. For something a little quieter, settle in at Neighborly Books, Maryville’s independent bookstore for readers of all ages. Pick up a new book for the weekend and save a few chapters for later. Design lovers will want to make time for Roost, a local interior design and home furnishings store filled with inspiration and beautifully curated pieces.

And when the afternoon starts to wind down, head over to Tri Hop Brewery. Family and pet-friendly, it’s a relaxed place to enjoy a craft beer and take a break before dinner.

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Take Your Pick for Dinner

‍Maryville has no shortage of places to gather around the table, whether you’re looking for a casual night out or something a little more special. We would love to serve you at The Restaurant at RT Lodge or The Morningside Room, but for a full weekend in Maryville, there are many wonderful dining options to explore.

For pizza and pasta in a laid-back setting, Amici is an easy choice. Pair dinner with a beer and settle in after a full day of exploring. If you’re looking for something a little more elevated, make a reservation at Foothills Milling Co. Known for casual fine dining and seasonal fare, it’s a wonderful option for a special evening. Foothills Milling Café is open for lunch if you happen to be exploring earlier in the day.

For an Italian neighborhood dining experience, Bella serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are recommended, especially if you’re visiting on a busy weekend. Or make your way to Raven Steakhouse & Lounge for an elevated dinner and a more refined evening out. It’s another spot where reservations are recommended.

Prefer something casual? Bluetick Tavern combines pizza, a game room, and more than 70 beers on draft, making it a fun choice for lunch or dinner.

Don’t Skip the Coffee

‍Of course, a good weekend needs good coffee. Start your morning at Beard Brothers Coffee, a local roastery and coffeehouse serving baked goods and lunch selections alongside its coffee. It’s the perfect first stop before heading out for a day of exploring. Vienna Coffee Company is another local roastery and coffeehouse worth adding to your itinerary. Stop in for a cup, take your time, and enjoy a slower start to the day. And if you’d rather not leave the Lodge first thing in the morning, that’s perfectly fine, too. There’s something to be said for lingering a little longer before heading out.

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Make Time to Linger

The beauty of a Maryville weekend is that you don’t have to pack every minute. Walk the greenway. Browse a bookstore. Find something unexpected at a local shop. Spend an hour over coffee. Take your time with dinner. Then come back to RT Lodge, settle into the quiet of the property, and let the day wind down.

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Maryville offers plenty to explore, but perhaps the best part is how easy it is to enjoy it at your own pace.

‍Come for the weekend. Stay for the slower pace.

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