Lakeside Town of Dandridge, Tennessee

Millions of people visit the Smoky Mountain National Park annually; however most do not realize that another outdoor paradise is relatively close by. With all the crowds, lines, and waiting periods, escaping the entertainment, dining, and shopping of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville is as simple as driving highway 139 that parallels Douglas Lake. Along this route, the scenic beauty of the area is truly revealed as the Great Smoky Mountains reflect on the shimmering waters of Douglas Lake. Highway 139 will guide you straight into downtown Dandridge, Tennessee

Located 30 minutes east of Knoxville, Tennessee, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dandridge is a small quaint town the sits on the shores of Douglas Lake. There are several choices of lodging ranging from lakefront cabins, to bed & breakfast inns, and lakefront hotels. The various lodging accommodations will suit any budget. Each of the accommodations offer different amenities that will best suit the vacation desired ranging from boat rentals, to breakfast in bed.

Arriving in the downtown area of Dandridge, there are several shops that are perfect for browsing for antiques, and other unique items. These shops are located next to each other making shopping a convenience. Once your shopping spree is exhausted, there are several dining options ranging from seafood, to barbeque, to Italian food that will please the most discriminating taste palette. After dining, strolling the sidewalks while looking at the architecture of downtown Dandridge is a pastime within itself. The different style of architecture truly represents the past and allows a look into the past. Once the downtown foray is complete, now it is time to head out on the lake.

Dandridge is also home to Douglas Lake, which is a vacation within a vacation. The lake boasts a wide variety of outdoor activities ranging from fishing, canoeing, to water skiing. Do not worry about bring the boat, there are several marinas that offer pontoon rentals, houseboat rentals, and jet ski rentals. After your day out on the lake, the area also boasts several lakeside restaurants, so all you have to do is pull up and dock. With the Great Smoky Mountains towering over the lake, it is unimaginable that more people have not escaped the dining, shopping, entertainment of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville to enjoy the great outdoors.

Dandridge, Tennessee is a breath of fresh air compared to the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. With dining, shopping, and entertainment of its own, Dandridge offers a new choice when vacationing near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.