RT Lodge is a cozy retreat near Maryville, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The main building was once the home of Susan Wiley Cooper Walker, a recent widow who moved to the town to be closer to her sister, whose husband was the chaplain at Maryville College. Built in 1932, it included the 26-room home with an adjacent carriage house.
After Walker died in 1950, the house was used by the college as the President’s home and later as a private inn. In 1997, it was leased by the Ruby Tuesday company, which used the campus as a corporate retreat center, giving it its current name. In 2021, it was purchased and opened to the public as a hotel and event center.
Guest Rooms at RT Lodge
RT Lodge has spacious rooms in the Main Lodge and two private cottages, designed to blend modern comforts with rustic charm. Many guests come for the peaceful, nature-filled setting. Each has a private bath with cozy robes and complimentary WiFi. Other rooms have balconies and porches, and ADA rooms are available. The property is also pet-friendly.
Eating and Drinking at RT Lodge
One of the standout features of RT Lodge is its dining experience. They focus on locally sourced ingredients and offer fresh, high-quality meals, often using vegetables, herbs, and meats from nearby farms.
Breakfast is included with your stay, which is made up of local Beard Brothers coffee, scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits, and fresh fruit. Don’t skip dinner at The Restaurant at RT Lodge, which is open to the public and is known for its fried chicken and Southern-style charcuterie. The Morningside Room has craft cocktails and small bites.
Tips for Staying at RT Lodge
The Main Lodge has several cozy spots to sit and read or play games. Guests can borrow one of the beach cruisers to explore town or play a round of disc golf. RT Lodge also has an on-site spa and nightly s’mores by the fire pit.
Rooms start around $250 per night, and parking is included. RT Lodge is located at 1406 Wilkinson Pike, Maryville, Tennessee 37803. Book your stay by calling (865) 981-9800 or by visiting the website.
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