Summer Getaway to Jefferson County: The Best-Kept Secret in the Smokies

Ride a helicopter, picnic at a mansion, and enjoy lake & mountain views on this budget-friendly getaway from Atlanta

I’ve been visiting the Smoky Mountains since I was a kid, but I only recently learned about Jefferson County-- a hidden gem tucked between mountains and lakes in eastern Tennessee. It's called "the best-kept secret in the Smoky Mountains" for good reason! If you love mountain views, lake activities, and budget-friendly options all just a stone's throw from exciting attractions, this is the place to be.

From lakeside resorts starting at $95/night to a quaint, Stars Hollow-esque downtown complete with cozy bookstores, locally-owned coffee shops, and a gorgeous historic B&B, you'll find it in Jefferson County. The area is known for boating and fishing, but you'll also find nearby attractions like Dollywood if you're seeking a different kind of excitement. Summer is the perfect time to visit, with the lake at “full pool” (as the locals say), but if fall is more your vibe, you're in luck -- the annual hot air balloon festival takes place then, and I hear the autumn views are spectacular!

Below is my 3-day itinerary for a fun (and affordable!) getaway from Atlanta. I used the Jefferson County Visitor's Guide to help plan my trip. It's an excellent resource to help customize your mountain-lake vacation!

Exploring downtown Dandridge, TN.

Disclosure: This content was created in a paid partnership with Visit Jefferson County. Thank you, Visit Jefferson for supporting this page! 

DAY ONE

Stop 1: Grab a Picnic Lunch

My biggest tip for traveling on a budget? Embrace the art of the picnic! Whenever I go anywhere, I'm always on the lookout for the best takeaway meal and the perfect outdoor spot to enjoy it. To know me is to know I travel with a picnic blanket at all times.

This trip was no different! On the way into town, I picked up some picnic supplies at The Stand @ Peirce's Produce, including the "Holy Smoke" chicken sandwich made with local BBQ sauce for just $6.99. Another great budget-friendly option in downtown Jefferson City is Mossy's Cafe, offering an extensive lunch menu under $8.50.

The Stand @ Peirce's Produce, downtown Jefferson City, and inside Mossy's Cafe.

Stop 2: Picnic & Tour Glenmore Mansion

With both Douglas and Cherokee lakes nearby, there is no shortage of picnic spots, but I was looking for something with a different "wow" factor, and a mansion seemed like a fun choice.

The Glenmore Mansion is open for weekend tours from May through October for $10/adult and free for Students/Kids/SS. The grounds are free and perfect for picnics. If you don't travel with a blanket like I do, you can enjoy their newly installed picnic table located under the canopy of a grand oak tree.

A picnic and tour of Glenmore with Phil -- the man who wrote this book on the mansion's history.

Stop 3: Secret Gardens and Fancy Water

When I was researching the area, I learned that Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of The Secret Garden, lived in neighboring New Market, TN! You can trace her footsteps here.

In the same town, you'll also find Houston's Mineral Well. If you've followed my posts, you know I'm fascinated by natural water sources with historic healing claims. Houston's Mineral Well has a particularly interesting story. Its original owner, William "Bill" Houston, dug the 252-foot well after receiving a mysterious message to do so while facing a terminal kidney diagnosis. After drinking the water regularly, doctors could find no trace of his illness.

Tests have revealed that the water contains calcium, magnesium, silica, zinc, iron, potassium, and natural fluoride. Interestingly, Bill never had a cavity his entire life and lived to 71, passing away from an accident rather than illness. You can read the full story here.

The water is just $0.50 per gallon, and you'll find locals lined up to fill their jugs!

Houston's Mineral Water, 1005 W. Old AJ Hwy, New Market

Stop 4: Ice Cream at Molly's

Molly's is a charming spot across from Douglas Lake, with colorful indoor and outdoor seating! They offer ice cream, shakes, baked goods, and soft serve, all at great prices. I had a cone with one of their seasonal flavors loaded with nuts and cherries and it was delicious!

Molly's Ice Cream & Baked Treats,1698 TN-139, Dandridge

Stop 5: Stay Lakeside

Mountain AND lake views typically come with a premium price tag, but Jefferson County delivers this scenic luxury at budget-friendly rates. I booked my stay with Smoky Mountain Lakeside Resort, which offers several accommodations from 1 to 4 bedrooms. I stayed in a deluxe villa called "No Wake Zone," which featured a balcony with a private hot tub overlooking Douglas Lake and the marina for just $95/night (excluding tax and fees).

Lakeside Resort, my room, and the sunrise view from my balcony (deck and jacuzzi not pictured).

Stop 6: Ride a Helicopter

When planning my trip with the goal of traveling in style on a budget, I was thrilled to discover Scenic Helicopter Tours. Located just a few miles from my hotel, this second-generation, family-owned company has been in business since 1972, offering tours starting at just $20/person.

They also offer an "up-down" experience (available on-site, though not advertised on their website), which has had the same $9 price tag since the company first opened its doors over 50 years ago!

I took the Douglas Lake Tour, which offered incredible views of the French Broad River, Douglas Lake, the dam, mountains, and farmlands!

DAY TWO

Stop 1: Grab breakfast at Tinsley's

This old-fashioned drugstore in downtown Dandridge has been serving food for over 100 years, and the prices can't be beat! You can sit at the counter, in a booth, or, as I did, grab your breakfast to-go and enjoy it on the lake!

Tinsley-Bible Drug Co. 1224 Gay St., Dandridge

Stop 2: Rent a kayak or boat

Jefferson County is all about exploring the lake, so be sure to save some time for it, whether you're fishing off Dandridge Dock or renting a boat. I rented a kayak from Smoky Mountain H2O Sports for $29 for the first hour ($34/2 hours), but they also offer a variety of rentals, including pontoons, starting at $165 for 4 hours.

A kayak trip on Douglas Lake through H2O Sports, 1955 Chestnut Hill Rd., Dandridge

Stop 3: Eat lunch at Shepherd Inn

Since I was in town on a Thursday, I couldn't miss the locally famous Shepherd Inn "Thursday Lunch" -- a home-cooked meal that changes weekly. The lunch is priced at $17, which includes drinks, an entree with sides, and dessert. If you plan to go, be sure to book at least a week in advance!

After lunch, guests are welcome to relax on the rocking chair front porch. The inn is located in the heart of downtown Dandridge and within walking distance of boutiques and cafes. If you're looking for a romantic stay, check them out here.

Shepherd Inn, 136 E. Main St., Dandridge

Stop 4: Explore Downtown Dandridge

If you've always wanted to visit a town like Stars Hollow (shoutout to Gilmore Girls fans!), you'll feel right at home in downtown Dandridge. As Tenessee's second oldest town, it's the perfect spot to stroll through a charming historic district.

Here are some of the stops I made: Martha's Market (149 E Main St.) Tracee's Lakeside Treasures (147 E Main St.), Tavern Shops & Decor (101 E Meeting St.), the Shoppes at Roper Mansion (218 W. Main Street), Unkind Raven Bookstore (1214 Gay St.), and Meeting Street Books & Cafe (106 W Meeting St.).

Exploring downtown Dandridge: Martha's Market, Tracee's Lakeside Treasures, Tavern Shops & Decor, Shoppes at Roper Mansion, Unkind Raven Bookstore, and Meeting Street Books & Cafe.

Stop 5: Grab a Drink on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail

An unassuming door in downtown Jefferson City leads you to Mossback Distillery an official stop on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail and a must-visit when you're in the area! The distillery is home to The Battery Tasting House and Cocktail Lounge, where you can enjoy a wide selection of spirits by the bottle and expertly crafted cocktails. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring a delicious chef-driven menu (I'm still talking about the amazing spiced peanut chaat)!

Mossback Distilling Company, 115 W Old Andrew Johnson Hwy, Jefferson City

DAY THREE

Stop 1: See Where that Beautiful Bean Co. was Born

The Smoky Mountains' best-kept secret (besides Jefferson County!) is the Bush's baked beans secret recipe! Before you head home, be sure to stop by the Bush's Beans Visitor Center (3901 US-411, Dandridge) to explore the free museum and gift shop. And don't forget to save room for some southern home cooking, including their famous Pinto Bean Pie!

Bush's Beans Visitor Center, 3901 US-411, Dandridge

If you're looking for a fun and unique getaway from Atlanta, make sure to add this area to your list! This hidden gem is close enough to the action of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg but with all the relaxing benefits of a mountain/lakeside escape.

Thank you again Jefferson County for sponsoring this trip and supporting this page!

xoKerry