Dancing Bear Pool Time

Dancing Bear Lodge now offers access to the swimming pool at Laurel Valley, only minutes away from Dancing Bear. We welcome our guests to cool off from the hot summer sun in a full-sized pool and also a wading pool for the children. At the pool, our guests will find poolside food and beverage service while relaxing in a chaise lounge and enjoying the beautiful mountain view. This is a great way for the family to take a break from the heat and have fun together.

Children’s Summer Menu

Just in time for July family month, Chef Jeff Carter has created a special menu with kids just in mind. See what our chef is whipping up just for kids this summer!

Macaroni and Cheese
Chicken Tenders with Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetable
Grilled Cheese with Chips and Seasonal Vegetable
PB & J with Homemade Peanut Butter and Local Jam

Desserts
Chef’s Homemade Ice Cream
Seasonal Fruit

Cades Cove

Cades Cove is one of East Tennessee’s most treasured historic sites. It is a large valley surrounded by beautiful mountains and some of the most lively wildlife. On a typical summer day, you could see white-tailed deer, black bears, coyote, ground hogs, wild turkeys, raccoons, skunks, and many more. This area has a rich history beginning with the Cherokee Indians using it as a hunting grounds, and later being settled by Europeans around the 1820s. It offers a variety of historic buildings so that you can really paint a picture in their mind of what life was like in this village hundreds of years ago. Around the 11-mile loop that circles the cove, you can view three churches, a working grist mill, barns, log houses, and many other structures that have been restored. This site is great for picnics, hiking, and cycling. A visitor center and restrooms are also located on site.

Tubing

One of the best ways to see the Great Smoky Mountains is by water! One of Townsend’s best-kept secrets is tubing down the Little River. Located just minutes from Dancing Bear Lodge are several tubing services that all offer some of the best tubing around. Every trip includes an all day shuttle service so that you can tube as long or as little as you want, life jackets upon request and your choice of the size of tube. The river contains quiet spots where you can get out of your tubes and swim around and areas with great rapids so that you better hold on.

Tuckaleechee Caverns

The Tuckaleechee Caverns have been a part of Townsend’s history for hundreds of years. A legend recalls that the Cherokee Indians would use these caverns to hide from the white settlers until around 1850. The Caverns were finally opened to the public in 1931, but this only lasted for one year because of the Great Depression. Bill Vananda and Harry Myers of Townsend opened up the Caverns to the public in 1953 and they have remained open ever since. The site has some of the best formations of any cave in East Tennessee. The Caverns have what they call, “The Big Room.” This room is more than 400 feet long, 300 feet across, and 150 feet deep, with stalagmites as tall as 24 feet. One of the newest sections open to the public is the “Silver Falls.” This is actually a 200-foot double waterfall. Only the lower section can be fully viewed, but visitors can look at to see the lighted upper falls. Call (865) 448-2274 to book your visit today!

July is Family Focus Month

This July, we are inviting families from all over to join us at Dancing Bear Lodge. This is the perfect destination for families with so much to do, a great place to stay, and the best restaurant around. This month, we are offering activities that the whole family can enjoy. Dancing Bear offers access to a pool to cool off during this hot summer month, bicycles and equipment to head out and enjoy the land, hiking for those wanting to explore, volleyball on site, horseshoes for a little competitive game, smores by bonfire in the evening, and family movies with a popcorn bar! We also have activities around the area, such as fly fishing and golf, which are just a small charge. If you are looking for a place to bring the kids or grandkids, Dancing Bear Lodge is the place for you.

Father’s Day Brunch

Wondering what to do for dad this father’s day? Bring him to Dancing Bear Lodge & Restaurant for a tasty Father’s Day Brunch! Chef Carter has prepared the below menu for this Sunday. Don’t miss out!

Entrees:

14 oz Dry Aged Rib Eye with Yukon Mashed Potatoes

Creamed Baby Spinach, Herb Butter and House Made Demi-Glace

Pecan and Farro Dusted Rainbow Trout

Brussel Sprout Leaves, Crawfish and Corn Succotash, Spicy Brussel Sprout Slaw

Springer Mountain Chicken with Carolina Gold Rice Risotto

Parmesan Cheese, Asparagus, Mushrooms and Tarragon Jus

Center-Cut 10 oz Pork Chop with Marinated Mushrooms

Roasted Tomatoes, Green Beans, Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes and Fried Onions

DBL BBQ Plate

Baby Back Ribs, Pulled Pork, Green Apple Slaw, Baked Beans, House Made Barbeque Sauce

Call Dancing Bear Lodge & Restaurant at (865) 448-6000 to make your reservation!