Best Tennessee mountain vacation areas? NEED ADVICE (Johnson City, Maryville: appointed, theater)

[northbound95]

Every year my wife and I retreat to the mountains to get away from the rat race here in south florida. Sometimes twice a year. We seem to take the same vacation every year to the same spots in North Carolina. Pretty much know it like the back of our hands as I have been going since I was a kid. We would like to venture to other northern neighboring states such as Virgina or Tennessee still keeping with the mountains, scenic drives, charming small towns and nature type surroundings. Can anyone recommend some areas in these other states that are centrallly located in the mountians for a variety of daytrips and things to do. We usually book a cabin for a week and we love some seclusion but Im trying to avoid making the mistake of choosing a place thats just a bit too far from anywhere. Thanks

[JoshB]

Damascus, Virginia
Mountain City, Tennessee


These cities are about an hour away from I-81, maybe a bit longer for Mountain City.

How about Roanoke, Virginia?

[skinem]

For a quiet place with beautiful scenery, beautiful drives, lots of neat little towns to explore in both TN and NC, my wife and I like Roan Mountain State Park in NE TN. The "cabins" there are nice, well appointed and maintained--pretty reasonable rates as well.
It's one of our favorite places. Not nearly as crowded nor "touristy" as the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Sevierville area.

TN State Parks: Roan Mountain State Park

[JoshB]

I second the Roan Mountain idea. That area sure is beautiful and only 20ish minutes from Johnson City.

[mbmouse]

I "third" Roan Mountain.

[Jim37680]

A good resource with lots of pictures, stories, and links for the area of Johnson, Carter, and Washington (TN) counties (including Roan Mountain, TN) is Watauga Lake Magazine.

Watauga Lake Magazine

[knoxgarden]

I love Historic Rugby.
Historic Rugby, Tennessee
A great place to relax in another century. Everything from concerts to theater to craft workshops right there in town. And when you want to do more, there's easy access to two wonderful and less traveled parks: Frozen Head State Park Tennessee State Parks: Frozen Head State Park
and Obed Wild and Scenic River.
Obed Wild & Scenic River - Obed Wild & Scenic River (U.S. National Park Service)

[JMT]

Originally Posted by knoxgarden

I love Historic Rugby.
Historic Rugby, Tennessee
A great place to relax in another century. Everything from concerts to theater to craft workshops right there in town. And when you want to do more, there's easy access to two wonderful and less traveled parks: Frozen Head State Park Tennessee State Parks: Frozen Head State Park
and Obed Wild and Scenic River.
Obed Wild & Scenic River - Obed Wild & Scenic River (U.S. National Park Service)

I love Rugby!

It's also adjacent to Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area:
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area - Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)

[ACTS Mom]

Try Townsend, TN (east of Maryville) -the Quiet Side of the Smokies! You Must see Cades Cove. Then drive on up to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville if you want the more touristy areas. Lots to see, plenty of nice drives to take. Beautiful country!

[Tinman313]

If you want to get away from the crowds check this out. They will send you "Free Information" on vacation.... Bledsoe Chamber of Commerce SEQUATCHIE VALLEY http://www.sequatchie.com/