Smokey Mountains

Loudon County is known for its spectacular mountain views, pristine lakes and the charming downtown streets, shops and attractions of Lenoir City and Loudon, making it a dream location for those who love the outdoors. With the Smoky Mountains, Tellico Lake and the Tennessee River creating a backdrop, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, stunning sunsets and trademark misty mornings. Located between Knoxville and Chattanooga, Loudon County’s Highway 321 is the most scenic and least congested route to the Smokies from I-75 and I-40 East. Many prefer this area as a basecamp for enjoying the National Park, including farm tours, shopping, the LoCo Drive In and The Lost Sea cavern tours.

Lenoir City and Loudon each have unique shopping and dining spots and locals who love to show off their Southern hospitality. Lenoir City delights history lovers with its well-preserved architecture and classic streetscapes. The traditional storefronts are home to locally owned shops and boutiques with unique finds. This is also home to a portion of the U.S. 11 Antique Alley, which begins in Lenoir City and continues south through Loudon County. The neighboring town of Loudon sits beneath its trademark historic water tower and is also home to beautiful historic buildings and a town square complete with picturesque fountain. This 1800s riverfront town is an idyllic setting for browsing specialty shops and enjoying the small-town vibe.

Near Loudon, the oldest family winery in the state, Tennessee Valley Winery, has earned more than 900 national, regional and local awards. Visitors can enjoy daily free tastings and attend special events throughout the year. The setting includes beautiful views. Music on the Mountain concerts. Choose from more than 20 wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and other traditional varieties, several from French hybrids as well as Native American grapes such as Concord and Muscadine.

Spend a day shopping, snacking and touring at Sweetwater Valley Farm in Philadelphia. Approximately 300,000 pounds of cheese are produced annually on this working dairy farm; the cheese-making process is visible through a viewing window. Taste and purchase some of its 30 varieties at the farm’s store and have a savory grilled cheese sandwich and a fresh milkshake at the Seed to Sandwich Café.

Windy Hill Farm and Preserve is a splurge-worthy resort and hunting lodge with thoughtfully appointed cabins and sweeping views. Rates include daily meals, non-alcoholic beverages and unguided activities. Their restaurant, Wilder, is open to the public and regarded as the best of the best for a romantic dining experience. Windy Hill cultivates many of its own heirloom garden-to-table ingredients. The menu features a collection of small plates, seasonal offerings and nightly specials, all imaginatively prepared. Enjoy a wine pairing or a regional craft beer.

Loudon County is also the perfect destination for the nofrills, down-to-earth couple who loves to hike and camp.

Yarberry Peninsula Campground is on the shores of Fort Loudoun Lake off Highway 321 South in Lenoir City. Among its many amenities are stunning views from just about every site. Level sites accommodate the largest RVs and are also perfect for tents, and each has 50/30-amp service and water, a picnic table and fire ring. Two spotless bathhouses are climate-controlled for year-round comfort. For more ideas on what to do, where to eat and stay go to www.VisitLoudonCounty.com.

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