Stephen & Kristen’s guidebook
Food scene
Amazing food, locally grown and fun family atmosphere. Here, in the heart of the Townsend Town Square, we brew Peaceful Side Memories with a Smoky Mountain Purpose. Welcoming locals & travelers alike, we offer respite from the crowds with flavorful plates, our own craft beer, uncluttered mountain views + fresh air.
Kick back + stay awhile…play some corn hole with friends and enjoy delicious Farm-to-Counter fare.
43 locals recommend
Peaceful Side Social Brewery & Craft Kitchen
7967 East Lamar Alexander ParkwayAmazing food, locally grown and fun family atmosphere. Here, in the heart of the Townsend Town Square, we brew Peaceful Side Memories with a Smoky Mountain Purpose. Welcoming locals & travelers alike, we offer respite from the crowds with flavorful plates, our own craft beer, uncluttered mountain views + fresh air.
Kick back + stay awhile…play some corn hole with friends and enjoy delicious Farm-to-Counter fare.
This is still one of my favorite burger joints in town for two reasons: 1. They offer an impressive selection of burgers; and 2. They execute their recipes well. And I’ll add a third reason; 3. They have the right bourbon or beer to accompany any burger. Or would that be four reasons? Don’t overlook the appetizers, though. Their pan-seared feta with honey drizzle on a baguette is delish, and the Duck Fat Fries are indulgently good. The burgers — which are generally served up as a towering behemoth of beef (but not always), bun and toppings — include The Steakhouse (topped with A1 sauce, crispy onions and sautéed mushrooms) and The Elvis, beef topped with peanut butter, fried banana and Benton’s bacon. It’s the kind of burger that makes adventurous burger lovers say, “Thank you… Thank you very much…”
84 locals recommend
Stock & Barrel
35 Market SquareThis is still one of my favorite burger joints in town for two reasons: 1. They offer an impressive selection of burgers; and 2. They execute their recipes well. And I’ll add a third reason; 3. They have the right bourbon or beer to accompany any burger. Or would that be four reasons? Don’t overlook the appetizers, though. Their pan-seared feta with honey drizzle on a baguette is delish, and the Duck Fat Fries are indulgently good. The burgers — which are generally served up as a towering behemoth of beef (but not always), bun and toppings — include The Steakhouse (topped with A1 sauce, crispy onions and sautéed mushrooms) and The Elvis, beef topped with peanut butter, fried banana and Benton’s bacon. It’s the kind of burger that makes adventurous burger lovers say, “Thank you… Thank you very much…”
This restaurant’s art deco aesthetics provide a welcoming and engaging setting for its rotating seasonal fare. For example, on my first visit, The Grub Spouse and I dined on mussels and clams, pasta carbonara, and short rib served with whipped potatoes, oyster mushrooms and kale. These days, the dinner menu features the likes of smoked pork belly and seared sea scallops as starters, while entrees include sous vide swordfish, Norwegian steelhead and bone-in rib-eye. Many of the dishes we ordered a few years back are still offered. For dessert, I’ve enjoyed what is currently listed as its flourless chocolate torte accompanied by raspberry ganache and jam, Nutella dust, salted caramel truffle, toffee and baked chocolate bits. Excellent service and an extensive cocktail menu also help make this place a contender for date night.
27 locals recommend
Oliver Royale
5 Market SquareThis restaurant’s art deco aesthetics provide a welcoming and engaging setting for its rotating seasonal fare. For example, on my first visit, The Grub Spouse and I dined on mussels and clams, pasta carbonara, and short rib served with whipped potatoes, oyster mushrooms and kale. These days, the dinner menu features the likes of smoked pork belly and seared sea scallops as starters, while entrees include sous vide swordfish, Norwegian steelhead and bone-in rib-eye. Many of the dishes we ordered a few years back are still offered. For dessert, I’ve enjoyed what is currently listed as its flourless chocolate torte accompanied by raspberry ganache and jam, Nutella dust, salted caramel truffle, toffee and baked chocolate bits. Excellent service and an extensive cocktail menu also help make this place a contender for date night.
This restaurant is proof that you don’t have to be fancy shmancy to be a great eatery. Mexican food fans like all its locations for their quality cuisine and spirited sports-viewing vibe. They have a decent selection of vegetarian options, but for you traditional meat-loving fans of south-of-the-border grub, look for items like burritos, arroz con pollo and fajitas as well as fresh takes on chicken, pork, steak and seafood-centered entrees. You can also create your own combo featuring building-block items like tacos, enchiladas, tamales and more. When I eat there, I’m partial to their chimichanga — two flour tortillas (I prefer mine deep-fried) filled with chicken or beef (or one of each) and drenched in cheese sauce. Yum!
24 locals recommend
Soccer Taco
9 Market SquareThis restaurant is proof that you don’t have to be fancy shmancy to be a great eatery. Mexican food fans like all its locations for their quality cuisine and spirited sports-viewing vibe. They have a decent selection of vegetarian options, but for you traditional meat-loving fans of south-of-the-border grub, look for items like burritos, arroz con pollo and fajitas as well as fresh takes on chicken, pork, steak and seafood-centered entrees. You can also create your own combo featuring building-block items like tacos, enchiladas, tamales and more. When I eat there, I’m partial to their chimichanga — two flour tortillas (I prefer mine deep-fried) filled with chicken or beef (or one of each) and drenched in cheese sauce. Yum!
Escape from the mundane and embrace the flavor! We specialize in fresh food made right in front of you with local ingredients by people who love what they do. Kick back on the porch and enjoy freshly prepared breakfast, lunch or dinner while admiring the beauty and tranquility of the Great Smoky Mountains and Wears Valley.
156 locals recommend
Elvira's Cafe
4143 Wears Valley RdEscape from the mundane and embrace the flavor! We specialize in fresh food made right in front of you with local ingredients by people who love what they do. Kick back on the porch and enjoy freshly prepared breakfast, lunch or dinner while admiring the beauty and tranquility of the Great Smoky Mountains and Wears Valley.
Bella
Foothills Milling Co
315 S Washington StBlackhorse Pub & Brewery Alcoa
Amici
1420 E Broadway AveSnoring Bear Diner
4543 E Lamar Alexander PkwyVienna Coffee House
212 College St
The Walnut Kitchen
606 High StDancing Bear Appalachian Bistro
137 Apple Valley WaySouthern Grace Coffee Co.
312 Tedford StThe Townsend Abbey
7765 River RdSightseeing
Go early in the day for the best wildlife sightings. There are great areas on the cades cove loop to get out and explore. Remember to carry out any food or trash with you to help us protect out black bear population.
761 locals recommend
Cades Cove
Go early in the day for the best wildlife sightings. There are great areas on the cades cove loop to get out and explore. Remember to carry out any food or trash with you to help us protect out black bear population.
Foothills Parkway
Foothills ParkwayBeautiful views and overlooks.
Tuckaleechee Caverns of Townsend, TN. Known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies” are the highest rating Cave or Cavern of the Eastern United States. Carved inside the earth’s oldest mountain chain and estimated to be between twenty to thirty million years old, the Caverns are rich in history and lore in recent years as well. You will find the “BigRoom” on one end of the tour that could almost fit a football stadium inside it. On the other half of the tour you get to view “SilverFalls”. It falls 210 feet from top to bottom and the tallest subterranean waterfall in the Eastern US . Millions of formations are viewed along the 1.25 mile round trip adventure. Adult – $18.00
Child (5 – 11) – $8.00
Child (4 – Under) – FREE
121 locals recommend
Tuckaleechee Caverns
825 Cavern RdTuckaleechee Caverns of Townsend, TN. Known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies” are the highest rating Cave or Cavern of the Eastern United States. Carved inside the earth’s oldest mountain chain and estimated to be between twenty to thirty million years old, the Caverns are rich in history and lore in recent years as well. You will find the “BigRoom” on one end of the tour that could almost fit a football stadium inside it. On the other half of the tour you get to view “SilverFalls”. It falls 210 feet from top to bottom and the tallest subterranean waterfall in the Eastern US . Millions of formations are viewed along the 1.25 mile round trip adventure. Adult – $18.00
Child (5 – 11) – $8.00
Child (4 – Under) – FREE
Offering more than 40 world-class rides, high-energy entertainment, award-winning dining and the friendliest park atmosphere in the world!
Voted a Top 10 Outdoor Waterpark by USA Today Readers, Dollywood's Splash Country has slides and splashes for every age. Tucked into the mountainside, lush trees line the park and your adventure comes with beautiful mountain views!
274 locals recommend
Dollywood's Splash Country Water Adventure Park
2700 Dollywood Parks BlvdOffering more than 40 world-class rides, high-energy entertainment, award-winning dining and the friendliest park atmosphere in the world!
Voted a Top 10 Outdoor Waterpark by USA Today Readers, Dollywood's Splash Country has slides and splashes for every age. Tucked into the mountainside, lush trees line the park and your adventure comes with beautiful mountain views!
Ride the iconic yellow SkyLift chairs 1,800 feet above sea level to North America's record-breaking Gatlinburg SkyBridge where you can experience the best panoramic views of the awe-inspiring Smoky Mountains and the lovely town of Gatlinburg below. Take a hike on the NEW SkyTrail, explore the Tulip Tower during the daytime, conquer the SkyBridge, cross the 30 feet of see-through glass in the middle of the cable bridge, eat and drink in the SkyCenter, and take in the mountain vistas on the SkyDeck's amphitheater. A visit to the SkyLift Park gives you easy access to the best views of the Smokies and plenty of time to sit back and relax in our mountain-top setting.
190 locals recommend
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
765 ParkwayRide the iconic yellow SkyLift chairs 1,800 feet above sea level to North America's record-breaking Gatlinburg SkyBridge where you can experience the best panoramic views of the awe-inspiring Smoky Mountains and the lovely town of Gatlinburg below. Take a hike on the NEW SkyTrail, explore the Tulip Tower during the daytime, conquer the SkyBridge, cross the 30 feet of see-through glass in the middle of the cable bridge, eat and drink in the SkyCenter, and take in the mountain vistas on the SkyDeck's amphitheater. A visit to the SkyLift Park gives you easy access to the best views of the Smokies and plenty of time to sit back and relax in our mountain-top setting.
The oldest mountain range in the world can be explored by all ages, on horseback, with the help of an experienced equestrian professional.
31 locals recommend
Davy Crockett Riding Stables
505 Old Cades Cove RdThe oldest mountain range in the world can be explored by all ages, on horseback, with the help of an experienced equestrian professional.
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
9275 Tremont RdCity/town information
Considered to be the peaceful side of the smokies, Townsend offers local restaurant options and water adventures on Little River. You can find tubing, moto rentals, and jeep off-roading rentals in town.
90 locals recommend
Townsend
Considered to be the peaceful side of the smokies, Townsend offers local restaurant options and water adventures on Little River. You can find tubing, moto rentals, and jeep off-roading rentals in town.