Within the small town of Vonore, culture and history are alive and well. This hidden gem in East Tennessee stretches across the Little Tennessee River, an area that holds a wealth of information about Cherokee Native Americans and other ancient groups.
Perfect for a family weekend getaway, Vonore features several historical attractions that are sure to enlighten and inspire, in addition to boating, fishing, hiking and camping opportunities. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the surrounding nature as they take in the views of the Unicoi Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains to the south.
AT A GLANCE
*The city of Vonore spans across two Tennessee counties: Monroe and Blount.
*The population is approximately 1,484.
*The city features some prehistoric sites dating back to the Woodland and Mississippian periods.
*Vonore is located in the Eastern time zone.
*A large portion of the city's history involves Cherokee Native Americans.
*The city was established in the 1890s but not incorporated until 1965.
*Vonore's name means "of ore" and was given by an area doctor who believed it would become a mining town.
HISTORY
*Vonore is the home of Fort Loudoun, the first Anglo settlement west of the Alleghenies. The fort was completed in July 1757 and later surrendered to the Cherokees in August 1760. Sequoyah, the inventor of the Cherokee alphabet, is said to have lived in the area.
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME
*26th annual Cherokee Fall Festival: Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, Tennessee's only tribally owned museum, hosts what's formally known as the "Great Island Festival" each year. Experience Native American food, Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music and dance along with battle re-enactments and more. This year's event is Sept. 9-10. (576 Hwy. 360; 423-884-6246; sequoyahmuseum.org)
AREA ATTRACTIONS
*Fort Loudoun State Historic Park (338 Fort Loudoun Road; 423-884-6217; tnstateparks.com/parks/about/fort-loudoun)
*Sequoyah Birthplace Museum (576 Hwy. 360; 423-884-6246; sequoyahmuseum.org)
*Tellico Blockhouse (683 Clearview Road; fortloudoun.com/tellico-blockhouse)
WHERE TO EAT
*Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill (1265 US-411; 423-884-2885)
*Pizzeria Venti (916 US-411; 423-884-3620)
*The Bay Bistro (403 Rarity Bay Pkwy.; 423-884-3030)
*Lakehouse Grill (721 US-411; 423-884-2829)
*Smok 'N' Bonz BBQ and Grill (1245 US-411; 423-884-3044)
Sources: Tripadvisor.com; Wikipedia' townofvenoretn.com; tnvacation.com
Group burial mound at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum