Tucked along the Pigeon River in East Tennessee, downtown Newport, Tennessee, offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and authentic local flavor. Whether you’re exploring the Smoky Mountains, road-tripping along I-40, or planning a weekend getaway, Newport’s growing food scene is full of places worth slowing down for.
Celebrating Cosby- 2025 Summer Programming Announced
The "Celebrating Cosby" programs offer a fun and meaningful way for families and visitors of all ages to connect with the rich history and culture of the Cosby area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Created through a special partnership between the National Park Service and local residents, these programs highlight the unique traditions, stories, and heritage of Cosby—helping to keep them alive for future generations.
Camping: The Adventure Side of the Smokies
What’s your perfect camping style? Do you prefer the simplicity of primitive camping, the convenience of an RV, or the classic tent experience under the stars? Maybe you love waking up by a rushing river, perched on a mountainside, or enjoying the comforts of a resort-style retreat. Whatever your preference, the Adventure Side of the Smokies offers the perfect getaway for those seeking a true outdoor experience.
Hogs to H.O.Gs- The French Broad River Road
Long before interstates or railroads connected Asheville and Newport, farmers faced a challenge: getting their goods to market. The fertile valleys of the French Broad River and Cocke County produced an abundance of food that was in demand as far south as Charleston, SC.
Cocke County’s Century Farms Highlight TN Agricultural Heritage
"Century Farms" are an essential part of the Tennessee Heritage Farms Program. Administered by the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University, the program recognizes and works to conserve farms that have remained in the same family and in continuous agriculture production for 100 years or more.
Cocke County’s Fair Means More than Mere Fun
County fairs are a beloved tradition of late summer, filled with nostalgia, excitement, and friendly competition. Fairs hold a special place in our hearts, with songs, books and movies dedicated to capturing their magic. As we stroll through the fairgrounds, memories of childhood come flooding back - the exhilarating rides of the midway, the tantalizing smells of fair food, and the vibrant displays of animals, canned goods, pies, and other products of country living vying for that esteemed blue ribbon or prize money or, perhaps most coveted, bragging rights. The…
Local Lure Company Angling for Big Bites
Growing up on Douglas Lake, angler and business owner, Hobie Rice knows a thing or two about fishing lures. The sport of angling is about so many variables- skill, equipment, fish, and weather.
The Legend of the Moon Pie- A Campfire Story
Summer’s sticky sweetness is often celebrated around a blazing campfire with the delicious making of the confection called ‘smores and the storytelling of tall tales and folk legends.
Stop in Hartford and Start a Journey into Cocke County’s Recreation Heartland
Welcome to Your Wild & Woolly Destination for Wilderness, Whitewater & Open-Air Wonderment Exit 447 along I-40 about 14 miles south of Newport doesn’t really look like much on a map. But this wide spot in the road just five miles from the TN-NC state line is brimming with all manner of nature-based activities to please outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
Packrafting the French Broad River – 2 Day Paddle Adventure
The mud from the crudely cut road flew into the air on either side of the SUV. We were slowly making our way parallel to the French Broad River on a prime piece of property being developed into a campground. The goal was to get on the river close to the Tennessee/North Carolina border but the road was presenting an early and unexpected challenge. The last thing we wanted was to get stuck and have to walk all our gear to the put-in. Luckily, the road was just cooperative enough…
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