The recreation scene in Blount County is literally a recreation paradise. One third of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located within county borders. Hiking, camping, swimming, wildlife watching, fishing and many other recreation opportunities of the Smoky Mountains are right in your back door. Just outside the park tubing, canoeing and kayaking are popular. Watersports are quite plentiful in Blount County. Chilhowee Lake, Tellico lake and Fort Loudon Lake border the county, and the Tennessee River winds its way through the entire valley.

Other recreation opportunities abound throughout East Tennessee. Knoxville features University of Tennessee football, with the world's largest stadium that seats more than 100,000 roaring fans. The list of nearby attractions is long, but certainly includes numerous state parks, the Museum of Appalachia in Norris, the underground Lost Sea in Sweetwater, the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga and the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina. You will also find Pigeon Forge a short drive away, with great shopping & Dollywood, as well as Gatlinburg, with many attractions.

The beauty of the area is the inspiration for much of the art created here and the events area are usually aligned with seasonal celebrations.

In Blount County, vibrant community arts programs supplement heritage-oriented events. The Maryville-Alcoa College Community Orchestra presents a full season of classical, jazz and pops concerts featuring guest performances.

In Townsend , the focus is heritage, and music is an integral part. Townsend's Spring Festival and Heritage Festival feature the musical and dancing talents found in these mountains and foothills. Arts and crafts demonstrations showcase certain talents, many of which were everyday necessities in the old days.

The heritage of Blount County is evidenced by the numerous historical structures and sites that have been preserved, some since the 1700's. The 11 mile loop road through Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also a favorite spot, with cabin viewing, fields for picnicking, trails for hiking, and a working mill that demonstrates old-fashioned methods.

Area artists, weavers, potters, carvers and other craftspeople do their best to capture the majesty of the mountains. There are many galleries that display the local arts and crafts. Performing arts organizations in Blount County include the Appalachian Ballet, the Maryville Dance Academy and the Blount County Junior Playhouse.