 Our
Ten Favorite Smoky Mountain Experiences
1. Taking a picnic basket up the
short trail to Hen Wallow Waterfalls for a creekside lunch in the
National Park.
2. Shopping in the Smoky Mountain
Arts and Crafts Community, just outside nearby Gatlinburg.
3. Floating over the Smokies and
sipping a glass of champagne while you take in the spectacular views
from a hot air balloon.
4. Rafting the rapids of the French
Broad River, then returning to the inn for a nice long nap.
5. Finding great bargains on designer
clothing at the Outlet Malls in nearby Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.
6. Waking up early to watch the sunrise
over the mountains from the Christopher Place balcony with a hot
mug of coffee.
7. Enjoying a Sunday matinee musical
at the Theatre Guild, one of Tennessee's oldest theaters, then returning
to the inn for a romantic candlelit dinner with a decadent dessert.
 8.
Hiking up to White Rock, the most scenic overlook in the Smoky Mountains.
9. Horseback riding through Cosby
and Del Rio and discovering why they call our mountains the Place
of the Blue Smoke.
10. 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
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.
- Biking- The Cherokee National Forest is a mountain biker’s heaven, with trails ranging from the 2.3 mile Meadow Creek Mountain to the 100 mile Lemon Gap Road.
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/US_National_Forest/tn_chero.HTM
- 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.
Licenses can be obtained at the Cocke County Court House at (423)
623-6176.
- 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 (www.nps.gov/grsm) entrance at Cosby, the
least used entrance to the Smokies. Some of our favorite trails…
- 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 www.awalkinthewoods.com
- Horseback Riding- Take a ride on either the wild or mild side.
- Hot Air Ballooning- Could there be a better way to
see Smokies? Schedule morning or afternoon champagne flights. Smoky
Mountain Balloons, 2745 Forest Ridge, Dandridge (865) 484-0330
www.smokymtnballoons.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.
- Wildlife- Almost any area in the Smoky Mountains is a great
spot for watching wildlife.
- Weaver’s Bend- These floodplain forests and fields along the
French Broad River attract white tailed deer, raccoons, fox,
and many different birds.
- Smoky Mountain Wildlife Center- See a variety of environmental
programs. This center also nurses several species of wild birds
that are disabled and can no longer survive in the wild.
Antiques
Follow the trail of antique shops from Christopher Place to nearby
Morristown to find everything from rustic Appalachian collectibles
to fine European furniture.
- Main Street Antiques- 180 W. Main, Morristown (423) 586-4900
- Olde Town Antique Mall- 181 W. Main, Morristown (423) 581-6423
- Aesthetic Considerations- 412 W. 3rd North, Morristown
(423) 587-4207
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
www.cockecounty.org/musiccrafts.html
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.
- Rhyne Clock Company- 211 West Main, Newport (423)
623-2324 www.cockecounty.org/rhyneclockco.html
Patsy says grandfather clocks make Tennessee tick. Visit her factory
and showroom.
- Santa Cruz Woodworks- 2766 Cosby Hwy, Cosby (423)
623- 7856 www.cockecounty.org/santacruz.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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