This Spring, a gorgeous invitation came in the mail inviting us to experience a little hidden gem in Knoxville. It was the most relaxing and magical 4 days. A place where nature, tranquility and quality come to the surface, RT Lodge.
“The Lodge is truly a gem, because it is exclusively yours for the weekend of your celebration, from Friday through Sunday. Imagine one location for guest accommodations, rehearsal dinner, bridesmaid’s brunch, a special ceremony, and exquisite reception. Welcoming guests in for a full weekend experience.
60 guest rooms, an array of dining rooms, elegant common areas, outdoor leisure space, a range of ceremony and reception options, including a spectacular custom-built Sperry Tent, is truly a dream location!
Not only was RT Lodge gorgeous, but the culinary experience was unlike any other. Chef said, “every aspect of your meal is important to us.” At RT Lodge they make home-made bread, pickles, mayonnaise, pimento cheese, just to name a few!
Images from our welcome dinner at RT Lodge FAM trip, 2016
Concealed in a forest on an historic college campus, but just minutes from a regional airport, metropolitan Knoxville, and the Great Smoky Mountains.
RT Lodge is an ideal destination for your wedding
The fabulous hosts and wedding specialists!
How it started…
The History of RT Lodge begins in 1932 with the arrival of Susan Wiley Walker to Maryville from her native Pennsylvania. Mrs. Walker relocated to Tennessee to be near her sister, who was married to the Maryville College Chaplain. After seeing her sister’s home located in the woods adjacent to the college, Mrs. Walker decided she wanted her own residence in set amongst the trees as well.
She persuaded the administration to allow her to build on the property, as long as she willed the home to the college upon her death. She named her 26-room home Morningside.
Mrs. Walker found the quiet surrounds of her new home the perfect location for her naturalist lifestyle, and the residence and gardens stand today as a testament to her love for natural beauty and gracious hospitality.
Life at Morningside agreed favorably with Mrs. Walker who lived late into her 98th year. Upon her passing the house was donated to Maryville College and for years served as the residence for the college president. In later years, the property was leased and operated as a restaurant and special event destination named Morningside Inn.
In 1997, Ruby Tuesday, Inc. acquired Morningside and developed the property as a corporate retreat, restoring the grounds and residence to its present grandeur and adding two additional buildings for guest accommodations. Today, RT Lodge is still surrounded by the natural setting where Mrs. Walker made her home. The 100 acres of Maryville College woods offers guests at the lodge a secluded and pastoral experience with walking trails, streams and meadows just steps from the front door.
