Dec 13, 2024
Holiday Treat Guide on the Peaceful Side
Written by: Emily Huffstetler
The Peaceful Side of the Smokies is full of festive flavors this holiday season. From specialty lattes to homemade desserts, there’s no shortage of treats to enjoy. Here’s a look at our favorites in Maryville, Alcoa and Townsend.
Step into Amburn’s Market to find a treasure trove of traditional treats, including homemade hard candy, fruitcake, Christmas pie, apple stack cake and eggnog. Pick up a ready-made gift basket or place an order to spread the holiday cheer. If you need last-minute decorations, they also have fresh Christmas trees, wreathes, garlands and poinsettias.
Vienna Coffee House (Maryville)
Vienna Coffee House’s December specials are a delightful way to embrace the holiday spirit. Warm up with their Fireside Latte (vanilla, white chocolate, molasses and clove) or indulge in the Polar Mocha (dark chocolate, brown sugar, toasted marshmallow and peppermint). Their seasonal blends, like Cabin Fever and Hearth & Home, feature comforting flavors such as chocolate, cranberries and orange spice.
Bear Grounds Coffee (Maryville)
Bear Grounds Coffee has a full lineup of holiday drinks to keep you cozy, including Peppermint Mocha, Grinch Latte, Eggnog Latte and Christmas Cookie Latte.
Snack your way through the season with Bigfoot Popcorn’s seasonal flavors, Yeti Crunch (vanilla, blue sprinkles and pretzels) and peppermint.
The Dancing Bean’s holiday menu includes spiked specialty coffees perfect for celebrating the season. Try the Spiked Dinner Mint (espresso, vodka, crème de menthe, chocolate and cream) or the indulgent Loco Hot Cocoa (hot cocoa, Baileys, vodka and whipped cream).
RT Lodge is bringing the holiday spirit to its dessert menu with treats like Red Velvet Cake (with cranberry white chocolate buttercream), Gingerbread Crème Brûlée (gluten-free) and Hot Chocolate Pavlova (with peppermint marshmallows). Their Holiday Cookie Plate for includes gingerbread, cranberry spritz and eggnog doodles.
Southern Twist Nutrition (Maryville)
Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas with festive teas from Southern Twist Nutrition. Their protein cake pop drop features new holiday flavors like Pecan Shortbread and Peppermint Patty.
Will you be trying any of these holiday treats? Share your favorites with us on social media (@peacefulsmokies).
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Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.