‘Decades in the making’ How downtown Tellico Plains is becoming its own destination

by: Naomi Hillmer

Posted: May 21, 2026 / 12:33 PM EDT

Updated: May 21, 2026 / 12:25 PM EDT

TELLICO PLAINS, Tenn. (WATE) — Tellico Plains is one of the many gateways into the Smoky Mountains, as the last town you reach before entering the 43-mile Cherthala Skyway. While the skyway draws motorists up the mountains, many visitors are discovering Tellico as its own destination.  

“The revitalization that we see today has taken decades in the making; it’s been multiple administrations, multiple people have been involved in this, it’s definitely been a team effort,” said Monroe County Tourism Director, Blaina Best. “I think when you look at how you can revitalize a failing downtown, you have to think about the people who care about this downtown the most.”  

Growing up in Tellico Plains, Best said it is the businesses and residents who have invested in making it a destination.  

Having just opened in December, one business manager said her store is tapping into the fact that more people are making a pit stop.  

“I think it’s growing in the best way possible,” said Used Canoe general manager, Al Carrier. “We are growing, but not in a way that is overwhelming to the community. It’s more like supporting the community and supporting what this community is kind of growing towards, which I think is more like getting folks outside some really cool new eateries, some really cool ways to like, spend time with friends and family and just like experience how cool it is here.”  

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As downtown Tellico continues to grow, Best said Tellico Grains Bakery was one of the first businesses to invest in the area, and even now, they keep bringing visitors back.  

“They’ve seen the potential in Downtown Tellico from day one, and they sometimes were the only business in downtown, and they stuck it out,” said Best. “Having individuals like that, that really do see the long-term vision, is what Tellico has been able to be successful today, and why you see all these entrepreneurs willing to throw their hat in the ring.”  

Entrepreneurs like those at Used Canoe, or the many other storefronts that have recently opened their doors, are welcoming people from near and far.  

“We’ve always stopped in the downtown area,” said Bill Doerr, one visitor from Florida. “There’s a lot of other business going out on the way into Tellico, but we don’t bother with that. We like the downtown area.” 

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Best said as Tellico Plains grows, it became part of the Tennessee Downtowns Program in 2022, and their goal now is to become a Tennessee Main Street.