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5 Spring Things To Do In Madisonville

Updated: 4 days ago

Sample a slice of tradition at Benton's Ham

After spending all morning enjoying the Spring weather, you'll get pretty hungry, and if you want to try something savory, visit Benton's Smoky Mountain Country Hams & Bacon, one of the last producers of traditional country ham in America. In the words of owner Allan Benton, shops like his used to be in every town across the country but they have slowly disappeared. A visit to Benton Hams is not just a trip to a store, it is a way to see a piece of Appalachian culture. Their store is open to the public but they do not offer tours, though you can sometimes see the hams being smoked and cut. You can purchase one of their hams straight from the shop, or if you don't feel like doing that, their smoked hams are used in restaurants across the country, including here in Monroe County. For a specific recommendation, the Tellico Grains Bakery sells cheddar bacon biscuits and bacon pizza using bacon from Benton Hams.

Interior of Benton Hams with deli cabinet full of ham products.
Benton's Smoky Mountain Country Hams & Bacon

Cycle around the city on the Madisonville Loop

Spring is a great time to go outdoors in Monroe County and see all the flowers blooming and greenery returning after the Winter chill. If you want to ride your bike where you like, you'll have to check out the Madisonville Loop. This is a trail of 35 miles of paved roads through the hills, forests, and farmland around the city. Be aware that these are not separated bike paths so be mindful of passing cars. The loop begins in Downtown Madisonville and passes through Tsali Notch Vineyard with sections close to Benton Hams and the Lost Sea. If you stick to the trail without any major stops, this should take about three hours, but with so many amazing attractions along the way, why not make a whole day of visiting these local landmarks while getting some great exercise? Check out our cycling trails guide for tips and more trails to check out.

A pair of cyclists on a narrow country road.
Madisonville Loop

Share spooky stories at Legends and Lore

Spring weather brings people back into the wilderness, and when people start exploring the woods, there are going to be stories of people seeing cryptids. If you want to exchange stories over a hot slice of pizza, you'll want to head to Legends and Lore Pizzeria in Madisonville. This small restaurant, just off Highway 411, is owned by paranormal investigator Eddie Robinson who is happy to share his findings, such as how the restaurant itself is haunted. The decor is mythologically-maximalist with photos, posters, and signs showcasing local legends like Bigfoot as well as Mothman and aliens. This cryptozoological celebration extends to their specialty pizzas such as the Sasquatch and the Mothman. A local favorite is the pickle pizza (Eddie loves to experiment with toppings) or you can opt for the favorite of yours truly: a cheese pizza with bacon and extra sauce.

Two men (one in a Bigfoot costume) posing in the pizzeria
Legends & Lore Pizzeria

See some outdoor art at the Mural Walk

A beautiful Spring day is a great time to see some art. You could visit a museum but downtown Madisonville has something different. Scattered around the area are seven large murals, all forming a trail through downtown. Start up at Houston Park to see the first mural (look for the cinderblock building with a red roof at the center of the park) then head down to 186 Warren Street, just next to the police department. From there, you'll head west along Warren and Locust streets to see the next few murals, then back east to Tellico Street, ending your tour at the R. Beecher Witt Judicial Building to see the murals honoring our veterans. The trail is roughly a mile long on sidewalks with a mix of flat and hilly areas. There are some areas where you'll have to walk on the side of the road, so please be extremely careful. Visitors with disabilities may find sections of this trail difficult. Use the map below to navigate. Click "More Options" in the top-left corner to open the full map.

Get away from civilization at The Dome

One of the most unique places to stay in Monroe County is The Dome. This geodesic dome, which appears like a spaceship amongst the earthly foliage, can fit up to four guests in an intimate space and is tucked away in the rolling hills between Madisonville and Tellico Plains. The abode has a living room, a full kitchen, one bedroom with two beds, and a bathroom as well as a backyard with a fire pit, hammock, and grill. For any couples looking for a private getaway to enjoy the Spring weather together, this is the place you are looking for. The Dome is a 15 minute drive from both Tellico and Madisonville which we have guides for.

Exterior of house-size geodesic dome in forest with wooden chairs in front.
The Dome

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