Our Tennessee Glamping facilities are close to some of the most beautiful sites. Without the hustle and traffic many other TN tourist attractions in the state have.
The Great Migration:
East Tennessee is experiencing a migration like never before, both in visitors and new residents. And along with that migration Tennessee glamping is becoming more and more searched for. Why is this happening? Beautiful scenery, a multitude of lakes, waterfalls, national parks, America’s number 1 theme park, and unique natural wonders are bringing more and more people who want to enjoy a unique experience. And East Tennessee offers that in abundance.
But with this “great migration” also comes the hustle and bustle and the crowds that are what many of our visitors are trying to escape. This situation is further exacerbated because these best-known destinations in the East Tennessee area are all located next to each other.
The Major Tourist Attractions:
Great Smoky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited parks in the nation. In 2023 13.3 million people visited the park. That makes it the most visited park in the nation. Over 4 million more visitors visit Great Smoky Mountain National Park than The Grand Canyon and Yellowstone Nationa Park Combined. It is spread over 522,000 acres and spans both Tennessee and North Carolina. Once free to visit today because of the amount of visitors there is a daily fee to visit.
Dollywood America’s #1 Theme Park is also located in East Tennessee. The vision of country music icon Dolly Parton it hosts 3 million guests annually. With rides, shows, and events it is a popular attraction
Gatlinburg Once a sleepy town at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park Gatlinburg today is a bustling thorofare of shops and venues. Gatlinburg as the gateway to the Smokeys hosts many of those 13+ million visitors that come to the park.
While these may all be “bucket list” destinations for many people, traffic jams and high parking rates are often what our guests at Glamping at Donkey Ridge are looking to avoid. In addition, many struggle to find dog-friendly venues for their furry family members. In the Great Smokey National Park dogs are not allowed on the trails (even on leash) But nestled here just minutes from Donkey Ridge are some of the “hidden treasures” of East Tennessee. And many will welcome or will accommodate your furry family members
The Hidden Treasures:
With trails and beautiful scenery, including our donkeys, many guests prefer to relax in the serenity that Donkey Ridge offers. But just minutes away from your micro cabana are some of East Tennessee’s “Hidden Treasures”. Escape the hustle and bustle, relax, and explore a quieter simpler Tennessee.
The Lost Sea Adventure:
One of the true “wonders of the world” The Lost Sea Adventure in Sweetwater Tennesee is a destination attraction for many of our guests. Listed in the Guinness Book of Records as Americas largest underground lake it has a colorful history dating back to the Cherokee Indians.Take a glass bottom boat tour. We suggest you purchase your tickets in advance. The Lost Sea Adventure is only 16 miles from Glamping at Donkey Ridge.
Sweetwater Tennessee
For a real taste of small-town Tennessee visit historic Sweetwater TN just 12 miles from us. This historic Tennessee town has a great downtown shopping district and many destination venues. In addition, Sweetwater has become a veritable “food truck hub” with a wide assortment of eclectic food trucks serving cuisine from around the globe. You can download the Sweetwater Visitors Guide to give you an idea of some of the events and venues. But these are some of our favorite stops.
Sweetwater Taps:
One of Sweetwater’s newest venues today a family-friendly and pet-friendly craft beer taproom is located in a fully refurbished garage. With an outdoor music stage and a very friendly staff, we love our evenings spent at Sweetwater Taps. It is also a favorite food truck stop for some of the top area food trucks. You can check out the schedule on their Facebook Page.
Carpool Garage:
Keeping with the theme of converted garages becoming live venue taprooms just a few yards down Main Street from Sweetwater Taps is Carpool Garage. Here you can relax in their outdoor patio, listen to live music, or rack em up at one of their several pool tables. The owners are very welcoming and it’s a super friendly atmosphere. Also, a food truck favorite, you can pick between the food truck of the day at either Sweetwater Taps or Carpool Garage since they are only a few steps apart. Find out today’s schedule on their Facebook Page
The Lazy Beagle:
A sit down restaurant and full service bar the Lazy Beagle is in a fully renovated building on Main Street. With a rooftop patio, you get a great view of the city while dining. Featuring daily specials the Lazy Beagle is rapidly becoming Sweetwater’s premier dining spot.
Tellico Plains Tennessee:
Tellico Plains is a sleepy mountain town at the entrance to the Cherokee National Forrest and marks the beginning of the Chrerahola Skyway which is a scenic drive that spans Tennessee and Western,North Carolina. Only 33 miles from your Tennesee glamping experience at Donkey Ridge this town is home to one of our favorite coffee shops the Trout Mountain Coffee House and Inn. There is also a bakery/cafe a museum and a collection of eclectic shops for you to browse. You are also just minutes from Indian Boundary Lake and Recreation Area while in Tellico Plains.
Watts Bar Lake-
Part of the TVA System of Lakes Watts Bar Lake is over 39,000 acres of water surface area at full pool. The closest swimming area and boat launch is a mere 9 miles from Donkey Ridge. Also, Watts Bar has some great, live music, food, and craft beer venues located on the lake. Many of the marinas offer boat rentals if you want to spend the day or a few hours cruising this beautiful body of water. The following is just a sample of the many destinations in or around the lake;
A full-service resort offering a lakeside restaurant with live entertainment and boat rentals you can be at Euchee Resort is a mere eleven miles from Glamping at Donkey Ridge. Euchee Marina also features the craft beers of Monkey City Brewing.
Blue Springs Marina and The Crows Nest Restaurant:
Another full-service resort and the largest marina on Watts Bar Lake Blue Springs is only 9.9 miles from Glamping at Donkey Ridge
Uncle Gus Mountain Pit Barbeque
You wont find more succulent or more authentic Tennessee mountain barbeque than the food at Uncle Gus’s Mountain Pit Barbeque. Dine in or take out its just 9.4 miles to this restaurant.
While not on the lake this dog-friendly Tap room is an eclectic country version of Cheers just 21 miles away in Spring City TN .You will find a selection of craft beers and a lot of varied entertainment nightly from live music to trivia.
Waterfall Hikes:
Tennessee is blessed with hundreds of natural waterfalls in some of the most idyllic and beautiful settings. Some are within an easy drive from Glamping at Donkey Ridge.
Just 16 miles from Donkey Ridge the Piney Falls Trailhead in Grandview Tennessee is the gateway to Upper and Lower Piney Falls. The trail has multiple options from moderate to a little more challenging but the destination is the same. Piney Falls is one of the most beautiful falls in our area. You have the ability to walk under and picnic below the cascading water or take a dip in the swimming pool below the falls. It is a lifetime memory for visitors. Water flow varies with season and rainfall (as it does at all natural falls) but it is a must see year round. It is also free to visit. Piney Falls trails are pet-friendly.
A moderately challenging 1.3 mile hike in and out Conasauga Falls is another Cherokee National Park trail that allows pets on leashes. Download the map as GPS coverage is poor and the trailhead can be a tricky find.But it is only 24 miles from your micro cabana at Donkey Ridge.
Benton Falls is a complete recreational experience with an easy 1.5 mile hike in and 1.5 mile hike out to a beautiful 65 foot water fall.In addition, there is a lake with a swimming and picnic area. Located just 31 miles from DonkeyRidge is has everything you need to spend the entire day. It is dog friendly and there is a $3 day use fee per vehicle.
And these are just a sample of the hidden treasures you can access while glamping in Tennessee at Donkey Ridge. If you are coming to escape the pandemonium of tourism traffic jams then by all means go on a “treasure hunt” while staying with us.
Rico and Angie Silvera