Why We Fell in Love With Townsend And You Will Too

Why We Fell in Love With Townsend And You Will Too

Aug 26, 2025

There’s a reason we chose Townsend, Tennessee for Laurel Valley Retreat—and if you’ve ever driven through this peaceful Smoky Mountain town, you probably already know why.

We fell in love with the stillness here. The way the mountains roll out in every direction. The way mist hangs in the valleys at dawn. And the way you can go an entire afternoon without hearing anything but birdsong and the breeze.

Townsend isn’t flashy, and that’s exactly the point. It’s the quiet side of the Smokies—less traffic, fewer crowds, more nature. Here, you can wake up to mountain views, walk to the river, and still be just minutes from:

Cades Cove Loop (10 min): a must-see for wildlife viewing, biking, and historic cabins

Tuckaleechee Caverns (5 min): a hidden gem with underground waterfalls

The Townsend Wye (8 min): a local favorite for river swimming and tubing

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center (3 min): experience local Appalachian history

Peaceful Side Social (4 min): casual bites, craft beer, and live music

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro (5 min): upscale dining with a cozy mountain feel

That’s why we created Laurel Valley Retreat. It’s more than just a place to stay—it’s a place to pause.

We’ve got:

  • A cozy collection of hotel-style rooms and two private cabins

  • A chapel on-site for weddings and elopements

  • Trails, koi ponds, and fresh mountain air

And the option to book the entire retreat for your group, event, or getaway

Our guests come here for all kinds of reasons—family vacations, romantic escapes, girls’ weekends, or just some overdue R&R. And every time, we hear the same thing: “This place is exactly what we needed.”

If you’re looking for somewhere special to slow down, reconnect, and feel at home in nature—we think you’ll fall in love with Townsend too.

Book your mountain stay with us and experience the magic for yourself.