Our Ten Favorite Experiences near our Smoky Mountains Lodging - Taking a picnic basket up the short trail to Hen Wallow Waterfalls for a creek-side lunch in the National Park.
- Shopping in the Smoky Mountain Arts and Crafts Community, just outside nearby Gatlinburg.
- Floating over the Smokies and sipping a glass of champagne while you take in the spectacular views from a hot air balloon.
- Rafting the rapids of the French Broad River, then returning to the inn for a nice long nap.
- Finding great bargains on designer clothing at the Outlet Malls in nearby Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.
- Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains from the Christopher Place balcony with a hot mug of coffee.
- Enjoying a Sunday matinee musical at the Theater Guild, one of Tennessee's oldest theaters, then returning to the inn for a romantic candlelit dinner with a decadent dessert.
- Hiking up to White Rock, the most scenic overlook in the Smoky Mountains.
- Horseback riding through Cosby and Del Rio and discovering why they call our mountains the Place of the Blue Smoke.
- Relaxing by the pool all day with songbirds as your only distraction, stopping just long enough to go to your room for a soothing hour of massage therapy.
Active Pursuits near our Gatlinburg B&B
Christopher Place is nestled between the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the Cherokee National Forest, and the Pisgah National Forest, so we’re the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. Fishing- The many rivers and lakes offer fishing for both the novice and the seasoned pro. - River Fishing- The French Broad River, especially the section from Newport to Del Rio from Hwy 70 is known for its small mouth. The Big Pigeon River has been designated State Trophy Waters by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
- Fly Fishing- The Cherokee National Forest is home to over 60 species of fish. Some streams are stocked while others are wild. Paint Creek Pond is a popular spot. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park also offers hundreds of streams.
- Lake Fishing- Douglas Lake, about 20 minutes from the inn, has been known as the region’s large mouth bass producer since 1943.
- Hiking, Walking & Running- Christopher Place sits on 203 mountain acres, so of course we have some hiking and walking of our own. But we’re also only 11 miles to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (nps.gov/grsm) entrance at Cosby, the least used entrance to the Smokies. Some of our favorite trails close to the Smoky Mountain Resort…
- Hen Wallow Falls- A short 2 ½ mile walk past creeks, foot logs, and heavy vegetation leads you to a picturesque picnic spot by a waterfall.
- Mt. Camerer, known to us locals as White Rock- This is a fairly strenuous 6 mile hike up to a restored fire tower originally built by the WPA. The views from the trail itself are great, but the view from the tower site is simply the best in the Smokies.
- Max Patch- You drive a little bit to the trail head, but the walk is only a mile long to this grass-covered bald at an elevation of 4500 feet. The Appalachian trail crosses it, and the 360 degree views are like being on top of the world. Our staff says it makes them feel like singing the Sound of Music.
- Albright Cove- See the oldest trees in the park, including a 600 year old Tulip Poplar, on this 3 ½ mile trail.
- A Walk in the Woods Guide Service- Our tours are geared towards people who are interested in interactive and educational adventures. They range from 2 ½ hours to multi-night backpacking trips. (865) 436-8283 awalkinthewoods.com
- Llama Trekking- Lead one of these gentle animals into the Pisgah National Forest and enjoy lunch overlooking the mountains.(828) 622-9686 www.hikinginthesmokies.com
- Whitewater Rafting- The French Broad and the lower Big Pigeon Rivers offer gentle float trips through pristine mountain scenery. The Upper Big Pigeon boasts 5 miles of class 2,3, and 4 rapids though spectacular river gorges if you want a bumpier trip. This is one of the most popular activities in the Smokies and only happens on select days each season, so make your reservations early.
Arts and Crafts The small towns around the base of the Smoky Mountains began as craft villages and artisans still flock to our area to create and show their work. Some of our favorites… - Bragg Furniture Design- Visit this high end wood furniture designer right at the base of our driveway. (423) 613-8984
- Gatlinburg’s Arts and Crafts Community. 1-800-565-7330 About 30 minutes from Christopher Place is this 11 mile loop road with over 80 shops. Stop at the Wild Plum Tea Room for lunch.
- Holloway’s Quilts – 3892 Cosby Hwy, Cosby www.hollowaysquilts.com Maria and her family make quilts with centuries of rural tradition. You can also find kits and supplies.
- Landrum Knives- 861 Middlecreek, Cosby www.landrumknives.com Custom handmade cutlery.
- Mountain Musicrafts- Hwy 32, Cosby (423) 487-5543. Jean and Lee share with visitors their world-class knowledge of old time mountain folk heritage and music. They sell handmade dulcimers, hammered dulcimers, and psalteries, either finished or in kits for the do-it-yourselfers. They also host the annual Dulcimer and Harp Convention every June, now in its 27th year. Don’t forget to ask them about the history of their shop.
- Santa Cruz Woodworks- 2766 Cosby Hwy, Cosby (423) 623- 7856 http://www.cockecounty.com/ArtCraft.html If you are looking for solid wood furniture and décor, stop in and see Bob and Cindy. If you’ve got a sketch or a photo of a wood piece you’ve seen, bring it in and let them create it for you.
- Smoky Mountain Candy Outlet- 2765 Cosby Hwy, Cosby (423) 613-8800. Handmade chocolates and fudge. Yum!
- Smoky Mountain Woodworks- 1198 Piney Mtn, Newport (423) 623-9692 www.smokymountainwoodworks.com This environmentally conscious woodworker creates everything from large furniture to beautiful turned wood bowls.
Cities Nearby Christopher Place is quietly secluded on a 203 acre Smoky Mountain Estate, but a short drive will take you into the nearby cities. - Gatlinburg - www.gatlinburg.com Home of the Aquarium of the Smokies, hundreds of shops, and many fun restaurants. Gatlinburg is 25 miles from the inn.
- Pigeon Forge - www.mypigeonforge.com Dollywood, the Dixie Stampede, and several music theatres await you 35 miles from the inn.
- Sevierville - www.seviervillechamber.org Shop ‘till you drop at many fine outlet malls just 30 miles from the inn.
- Cosby - A small craft village known as the back door to the Smokies, 6 miles from the inn.
- Newport - www.cockecounty.org A quiet riverside town 5 miles from the inn with a golf course, movie cinema and restaurants.
Golf The Smoky Mountains feature some of the most scenic golf courses in the country. There are 6 different courses within a 30 minute drive of the inn. - Baneberry Golf- Baneberry www.baneberrygolf.com 1-800-951-4653
- Bent Creek Golf Course- Gatlinburg www.bentcreekgolfcourse.com 1-800-251-9336
- Smoky Mountain Country Club- Newport (423) 623-7321
- Millstone Golf Club- Morristown (423) 586-4000
- Dandridge Country Club- Dandridge (865) 397-2655
- Patriot Hills- Jefferson City (865) 475-4466
Massage Therapy How about a relaxing massage in the comfort and privacy of your room at Christopher Place? - Chrissy Smith, LMT Specializing in Deep Tissue and Swedish Massage, Home (423)-625-0435 or Cell (423)-237-2050
Motoring If you want to enjoy the Smoky Mountain scenery by car rather than foot, there are several beautiful drives in the area. - Foothills Parkway- About 8 miles from the inn, this mountain shortcut has three parking pull-offs for panoramic photos of the Smokies. Stop at the second one and see if you can spot Christopher Place.
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail- The entrance to this one-way loop road is about 33 miles from the inn in Gatlinburg, and it is one of our favorites. You pass scenic overlooks, settler cabins, and small waterfalls.
- Cade’s Cove- It takes about an hour and a half to find this small valley, and if it is crowded it could easily take another 2 hours to drive the 11 mile loop, but it’s one of the most popular spots in the Smokies for picnicking and spotting wildlife.
- Rocky Top- Yes, this is the Rocky Top from the song. Although the road is mostly paved or graveled, a 4-wheel drive is best to visit this scenic overlook.
- Brush Creek- This loop takes you through a narrow canyon with rhododendron covered sandstone bluffs.
Shopping From souvenirs to designer clothing, the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area is a shopper’s paradise. Sports We are an easy interstate drive to two of the area’s stadiums. - Smokies Stadium- Sevierville. Minor League Baseball about 30 minutes from the inn. www.smokiesbaseball.com
- The University of Tennessee Volunteers and Neyland Stadium- Knoxville. College Football and more about 1 hour from the inn. www.utsports.com
Theatre Visit one of Tennessee’s oldest community theaters in Morristown, about 40 minutes from the inn. Now in its 69th year, Theatre Guild, Inc offers both a regular and a summer season of Broadway style shows in an intimate 100 seat theater. Visit www.theatreguildinc.org or call (423) 586-9260 for more information. Tourist Attractions If you need a break from your rest and relaxation… - Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies- Gatlinburg 1-888-240-1358 www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com Giant spider crabs, a million gallon shark tank, and a stingray petting tank are part of the fun.
- Dollywood- Pigeon Forge (865) 428- 9488 www.Dollywood.com This theme park owned by the country singer and Smoky Mountain natives blends thrill rides, arts and crafts, and live music.
- Biltmore Estate, Gardens, and Winery- Asheville, NC 1-800-624-1575 www.biltmore.com It’s well worth the hour’s drive across the mountain to visit the largest private residence in the country.
- Dixie Stampede Dinner Show- Pigeon Forge www.dixiestampede.com (865) 453-4400 Singing waiters, ostrich races, and rodeo acts while you dine.
- Forbidden Caverns- Sevierville (865) 453-5972 www.smokymtnforbiddencaverns.com One hour walking tour of sparkling cave formations and natural grottoes.
Wineries Smoky Mountain wines are robust and award-winning.
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