Tag: places to eat in Townsend Tn

Picnic Pantry Cafe – Lunch, Brunch and On the Go

Townsend, Tennessee’s Picnic Pantry Cafe offers a wide variety of sandwiches and coffee shop fare for anyone looking to stop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just to grab a snack before hitting the trail.

For many, coming through Townsend means a quick bite to eat on the way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or fueling up before hitting the trails for a few days. And that’s just the way Townsend, Tn restaurant the Picnic Pantry Cafe would have it.

Not only do they welcome visitors in for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they’re always ready to send you on your way with a salad, sandwich, or other to-go snack in order to get you out in nature all the more sooner.

Those of you seeking breakfast, the Picnic Pantry Cafe offers a variety of breakfast sandwiches, wraps and yogurt. Daily specials include ready-made sandwiches and soups, as well as salads. Paninis, roast beef, turkey, ham, and pastrami are piled high on top of 9 grain wheat, marble seedless rye, croissants, freschetta, and sourdough bread. If you’re there in the afternoon, or evening, maybe it’s a refreshing glass of wine (try with a fruit or cheese tray) that’s more to your liking, or an ice cold beer. Expresso, lattes, and various hot coffees are also available.

As mentioned, for those of you looking to beat the crowd in the national park and hit the trail, the cafe offers numerous baked goods that can be wrapped and saved for later. Trail mix, crackers and jerky are also offered for numerous hiking junkies that make the pantry the final stop before getting back to nature.

The Picnic Pantry Cafe’s special events including cookie decorating classes for kids are always a hit around town. Every month the cafe seems to be offering something new and different, and July is no different. June featured a wine tasting event and July will feature one as well on Tuesday, July 14 at 6 p.m. This will be a four course meal that is paired with four wines. Reserve your spot by calling the Picnic Pantry at 865-738-3183.

Starting June 30th, the Townsend Farmers Market will be located in Trillium Cove Shopping Village next to the cafe.  It will run every Thursday, starting June 30th.

Picnic Pantry Cafe operating hours: Sunday and Monday : 11 am to 5 pm – Tuesday -Thursday: 8 am to 8 pm – Friday and Saturday: 8 am to 9 pm

The Cades Cove Campground Store

The Cades Cove Loop Road is everyone’s go-to point when discussing a trip to Cades Cove in Townsend, TN. But what about once you’re there, have traversed the loop, and now you’re deciding what to do next? Where can you take a break, or get a bite to eat?

The loop can be an exceptionally long 11 miles at times, something to quench your thirst or your appetite might be in order – especially if you’re traveling with small children Being in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, most people decide to go to the Cades Cove Campground Store. Most people don’t even know it’s there and that’s a real shame. At the Cades Cove Campground store you can purchase food and drink, convenience items, rent bicycles and get some of the best ice cream around during those hot summer days.

For those of you still thinking, “it’s only 11 miles, it won’t take that long”, you’d be surprised. Depending on the time of year, it could take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple hours. On average, during the summer months especially, the 11 mile loop around Cades Cove is going to take a few hours. When you finish the loop and the kids are clamoring for something to eat, take a right when you come off the loop road. Across from the Ranger station you’ll see the Cades Cove Campground Store. Pull into the parking lot and head inside for something to eat. There is plenty of food for everyone, from burgers and chips to pizza and nachos; they’ve got all the summer staples. The store is also located right next to the picnic area, near River Road. So, if it’s a picnic you’re after, stop by the campground store for all the trimmings and enjoy your next meal in Cades Cove.

Bicycles to rent at the Cades Cove Campground Store.

Another of the perks offered at the Cades Cove Campground Store is bicycle rental. Bikes can be rented by the hour and taken around the loop. The one-way, slow traffic on the Cades Cove Loop Road means that you’re ensured a safe ride. The loop road only allows a meandering pace for cars giving cyclists an easy glide throughout the Cove. Geared bike rentals start at $6 per hour for adults and $4 per hour for kids. This is an ideal activity for anyone staying at the campground that has kids. Wednesday and Saturday mornings throughout the year the road is closed to motor vehicle traffic and bike riders have the loop road to themselves. You can choose to bike the full 11 miles or you can take the Sparks Lane cut off and bike only 4 miles.

Whether you choose to bike or drive the loop road, reward yourself with a snack when you’re finished. Many say that the Cades Cove Campground Store has the best ice cream in the Smoky Mountains. It’s a delicious treat as you’re traveling through Cades Cove. Be sure that the Cades Cove Campground Store is a part of your next Townsend getaway.