Category: Dining

19th Annual Taste of Blount

Taste of Blount vendor food samples

It is no secret that the restaurant industry has taken a significant hit over the past year, and although this is Blount County’s 19th Annual Taste of Blount, this year is a little different. This year we need to come together and support our local restaurant industry more than ever. And what’s a more flavor-filled and exciting way to do that than attending this year’s Taste of Blount?

Frisby full of food

What is Taste of Blount?

Taste of Blount is a collection of savory food favorites from restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and gourmet grocers who offer samples to event attendees. In return, each ticket holder places a vote for their favorite “Culinary Excellence Awards,” including Best Appetizer, Best Sandwich, Best Beverage, Best Main Course, Best Dessert, Best Presentation, and Best Overall.

Vendor Booth festival serving

Who is Participating in the 19th Annual Taste of Blount?

  1. A Spoonful of Sugar – Buttermilk Pie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Brownies
  2. A&R Texas BBQ – Baby Back Ribs, Brisket, and Texas Twinkies
  3. Apple Valley Cafe – Chicken Salad Mini Croissants, Tony’s Townsend Brownies
  4. Between the Slices – Salted Caramel Cheesecake, Almond Wedding Cake, Apple Crumble Pie
  5. Clean Eatz Cafe – Bowl of Happiness, Energy Bites, Clean Crunch
  6. Crafted Jolt – Caramel Frappe, Iced Mocha Cold Brew Latte, Sunshiner Lemonade, Ocean Breeze Italian Soda
  7. DaddyO’s Filipino Food Truck – Filipino BBQ, Turon
  8. Dunkin’ Donuts – Donuts, Munchkins, Coffee
  9. Full Service BBQ – Pork, Chicken and Beef Sliders, Banana Pudding, Sweet Tea
  10. It’s Not the Coffee – Ridin’ Shotgun Coffee
  11. Joe’s Italian Cuisine – Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan
  12. Little River Pub & Deli – Moonshine BBQ, Pork Nachos, Pimiento Cheese w/Pita Chips
  13. McAlister’s Deli – Tea
  14.  Metz Culinary – Chicken Fajita, Shrimp Quesadilla, Churro Bites
  15. Petro’s – The Petro, Hint of Orange Tea
  16. Pistol Creek Eats – Brisket, Banana Pudding
  17. “Pop” Korns – Assorted Gourmet Popcorn Flavors
  18. Quick Fix Coffee – Brewed Favorites
  19. REO Cheesewagon – Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Featuring Old Favorites and Unexpected Pairings
  20. Richy Kreme Donuts – Braised Short Ribs, Myrtles Bakehouse Cookies, Donut Bread Pudding, Rosemary Lemonade
  21. Rocky’s Jamaica Sunrise – Jerked Pulled Pork, Jerk Chicken, Rice & Beans, Mac ‘n Cheese
  22. RT Lodge – Watermelon Salad, Pimento Cheese
  23. Sadie’s BBQ – BBQ
  24. Shaun & Sherrie’s Soul Food – Meatloaf, Mac ‘n Cheese, Green Beans, Mini Fried Apples Pies
  25. Southern Grace Coffee Co. – Jam Bar, Pumpkin Muffin, Iced Chai Latte, Iced Butterbear Cold Brew Latte, Southern Blend Brewed Coffee, and Smoky Mountain Sunset
  26. The Colonel’s Coffee Co. – The Colonel, Cafe ConBon, Raspberry-Chocolate Frappe, Nitro, Latte, Pear-Raspberry Green Tea
  27. Walnut Kitchen – Charcuterie, Smore’s Cheesecake
  28. Windy City Grille (Maryville) – Sandwiches
  29. Windy City Grille on the Water (Friendsville) – Shrimp Tacos
Food Cooking on an open grill

Event Details

  • Who? – The Taste of Blount is hosted by the Blount County Chamber of Commerce.
  • Where? – Theater in the Park in Maryville, TN
  • When? – Thursday, September 9, 2021, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
  • How? – Tickets are $25 (plus tax) for Chamber members and $30 (plus tax) for the public. All children, five years and under, get in free. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber office (201 S. Washington St., Maryville, TN), on the Chamber website, or by phone at 865.983.2241. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event on a cash-only basis.

This year’s event will also include the ability to purchase cold brews and spirits, thanks to a partnership with Cherokee Distributing and members of the East Tennessee Distillers Guild, including Heath Clark, Old Forge, and Sugarlands & Co. Distilling.

Make sure to get your tickets ahead of time because this will be a sold-out event. We look forward to sharing some fantastic food and beverages with everyone next month!

Taste of Blount Fall Presentation

Check out these posts for similar activities in Blount County:

Smoky Mountain Coffee Houses

Gourmet S’more Ideas

Eat Your Way Through the Peaceful Side at These Local Restaurants

5 Blount County Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and this year you can get a jump start on the rest of the world by booking your romantic dinner out right away. After all, it is shocking how quickly the tables at the area’s most romantic spots fill up and waiting until a week or two ahead of Valentine’s Day often means you don’t get a reservation. Lucky for you, there are plenty of options for romantic dinners in Blount County.

If you are going for that sort of super-romantic evening out, we have five local Blount County restaurants that are ideal for a Valentine’s Day dinner for two.

The Barn at Blackberry Farm – If your goal is to impress and enjoy amazing and authentic local food, you will have a tough time matching the options at this Walland restaurant. Featuring expert chefs, bakers, and even a sommelier to help you pair your Foothills Cuisine with local wine, it is a dining adventure perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Dancing Bear Lodge – The bistro in this wonderful Townsend restaurant allows you to make reservations even if you are not staying at the lodge. Noted as one of the most romantic settings in the entire region, the bistro’s menu is a fantastic blend of local favorites with a new twist. Opt for local cheeses, innovative appetizers, local greens and vegetables, and classics that include an Appalachian Hot Pot, a blue cheese-encrusted pork chop, and more. Excellent wines and irresistible desserts make it perfect for a romantic night out.
Foothills Milling Company – Located in the heart of Maryville, this is a popular choice and reservations are required. In a charming and welcoming setting, you can take your choice from the ever-changing wine list and a menu that reflects the season. Your Valentine’s Day dinner for two could include everything from truffle fondue or crab soup to a warm cabbage salad, rack of lamb, salmon and more!
Sullivan’s – Another fine food establishment in Maryville, this features a tremendous menu of innovative dishes that includes everything from a steak, strawberry and blue cheese salad to classic “blue plates” and local favorites. An impossible to resist dessert menu and a low-key, almost casual atmosphere make it the perfect spot for a delicious evening out on Valentine’s Day.
Aubrey’s – Less romantic and more fun, this is a great spot if you are taking yourselves, and maybe even the kids out to celebrate this day that’s all about love. Enjoy selections from an excellent beer and wine menu. Remain in awe of the fantastic dinner menu with small plates, specialties and a great “Perfect Pairs” option. Rich desserts and even a kids’ menu ensures that an entire family can enjoy a Valentine’s Day dinner that is fun, tasty and relaxed. This is also a Maryville location.

Other options for a dinner out for two or even the family can include Calhoun’s, the Smoky Mountain Brewery, the Walnut Kitchen, Roland’s Bistro, Gondolier, and Lemon Grass, all in Maryville.

There are a lot of options, but you won’t want to wait much longer to book your table. Use the links here to choose your ideal spot on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, and whether it is a meal for two or the entire gang, you’re sure to enjoy your Valentine’s Day dining together.

An Afternoon Chocolate Break at Townsend's Fudge Kitchen and Sweet Shoppe

Everyone knows what 3 PM feels like, that particular circumstance when it’s too early for dinner, but you’ve been busy sightseeing and shopping since lunch and are ready for a break. You feel a little tired, a little listless…you really could use a break, after all.
Plenty of breaks are designed to be as quick as possible – maybe a trip to the vending machines, or a quick snack from a gas station. Some days this just doesn’t feel right, though. There has to be a little more enjoyment in those few moments we have with ourselves and our nearest and dearest, doesn’t there – especially when you’re on vacation? A chance to step away from what you’re doing and treat yourself could be just the thing to get you back on track.

Head to the Fudge Kitchen and Sweet Shoppe!

The Little River Village Fudge Kitchen and Sweet Shoppe, at 8521 E Lamar Alexander Parkway in Townsend, Tennessee, is a hidden gem in the Smokies region. It has a little something for everyone, with delicious fudge, ice cream, and other sweets, as well as souvenirs like T-shirts and bear-themed items, like bear backpacks. The goodies are fresh, and the service is friendly. Oh, yeah, and about that fudge itself?

The Fudge is Incredible

Something pretty great is coming out of the kitchen at the Fudge Kitchen and Sweet Shoppe: fudge! OK, no surprise there – but what will surprise you is just how good this fudge is, and how many different flavors there are. With over a dozen varieties available, including creative flavors like Jelly Donut, Better than Butterfinger, Pumpkin, and Carrot Cake, plus stalwarts of the fudge trade, like Peanut Butter and Maple Nut, there’s sure to be one that’s a perfect match for your taste buds. You don’t even have to buy to try; they offer free samples.

There’s Amazing Ice Cream, Too

The Fudge Kitchen and Sweet Shoppe serves hefty scoops of Blue Bell ice cream, known for its mastery of classic flavors like rocky road, Dutch chocolate, mint chocolate chip, strawberry, and chocolate chip cookie dough, as well as southern favorites like banana pudding and buttered pecan. They’ll even dip your cone in chocolate for you! There’s nothing like sitting down with a few good scoops piled on top of a cone in the middle of a summer afternoon, is there?

Why Not Stop By Today?

Every lifetime comes with a few regrets, but squeezing in a few moments with friends and family, sharing delicious treats made with care, is never one of them. The Little River Village Fudge Kitchen and Sweet Shoppe closes in the winter, so don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to treat yourself. Make a few moments perfect with handcrafted fudge, and enjoy some of the best flavors in the Smokies while you can!

Beat the Heat with an Ice Cream Treat; Check Out Blount County's Ice Cream Shops

Summers in Blount County are long and hot, and there’s no better way to take a break from the heat than to step on out and treat yourself to something cold and frosty. There are plenty of places to choose from in Blount County; here are a few worth checking out!
Scoops & Slices
Alcoa’s Scoops & Slices is a must-visit for fans of pizza and ice cream. Besides classic pizza combinations, they offer a dessert pizza (which is a chocolate peanut butter pie) and all the ice cream sundae, shake, and soft serve combinations that you would expect from a restaurant committed to longtime favorites and good fun.
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream in Maryville offers a big menu of ice cream treats every day – around 40 flavors! They actually make around 150 flavors all together, and one of the company’s signature features is how Bruster’s handcrafts each flavor in the store. Instead of making everything at a central location, Bruster’s ships the cream and other basic ingredients to their locations, where the ice cream is mixed and made locally.
Little River Village Fudge Kitchen and Sweet Shoppe
The Little River Village Fudge Kitchen and Sweet Shoppe is serving up more than just fudge – they’ve got large scoops of Blue Bell ice cream on offer, too. Customers can choose from classics like Rocky Road or new favorites like banana pudding, and chocolate-dipped cones are also available. Check them out in Townsend!
Capitol Coffee & Ice Cream Parlor
This treat stop located at the Capitol Theatre in Maryville offers gourmet coffee and blended drinks, as well as ice cream delicacies. Everything on the menu has its own old-timey cinema theme, with beverages like the Here’s Lookin’ at You Kid, an espresso drink with caramel and macadamia nut, and sundaes like the The Midnight Showing, which features chocolate ice cream with Ghirardelli dark chocolate, dark chocolate chips, whipped cream and a Ghirardelli chocolate square. Now that’s some movie magic!
Maryville’s Dairy Queen
Sometimes there’s nothing like an American classic. Dairy Queen was founded in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, and it’s been spreading cheer across America ever since. The Grill & Chill location on West Broadway in Maryville offers everyone’s favorites, from Dilly Bars to Peanut Buster Parfaits, and it also keeps up with the latest DQ trends nationwide.
Now that you’ve gotten to know a few of the local joints a little better, why not plan your next visit to one of Blount’s hot spots for sweet treats?

Beat the Summer Heat with a Refreshing Treat at Bruster's Real Ice Cream

Some summer days are just too much to handle. It’s too hot for anyone to be comfortable, the humidity is heavy, and it seems like the sun is never going to give in and retreat behind the clouds. There’s only one thing to do with weather like this: grin and bear it.
How on earth, though, are you supposed to come up with a reason to grin? When excessive heat and the suffering it brings seems never-ending, what do you have to smile about?

Luckily, There’s One Thing That’s Better in the Heat

Ice cream was made for days like this, and Bruster’s Real Ice Cream in Maryville has dozens of flavors!
They’ve got classics like rocky road and strawberry, as well as new flavors, like “Pucker Up,” which is lemon ice cream with blue raspberry and sour cherry ribbons, plus Nerds candy, and “Cotton Candy Explosion” a cotton-candy-flavored ice cream with popping candy, so there’s plenty to choose from at Bruster’s.
In fact, Bruster’s recipe book contains about 150 different flavors, and there are around 40 flavors to pick from daily. This wide variety is possible because of the way Bruster’s ice cream is made, which is also one of the company’s hallmarks. Basic ingredients are delivered to each Bruster’s shop, and the ice cream is handcrafted right there in the store. It never sees the inside of a deep freezer, which is why it has such a rich taste. It also has a short shelf life, but it always disappears before that becomes an issue!

More Than Just Ice Cream Cones

There’s more to choose from at Bruster’s than just a couple scoops in a cone. Bruster’s also offers sundaes and splits, both available in either a waffle cone bowl or a regular bowl. Love banana splits? Every Thursday at Bruster’s is Banana Thursday, where customers can bring their own banana and get ½ off the price of a banana split. Other treats include blasts – soft serve with mix-ins like Oreos and Reese’s Pieces – milkshakes, freezes made with sherbet or Italian ice, and ice cream sodas and floats. Even your dog can join the fun! Bruster’s offers free “doggie sundaes” every day they are open.
Looking for something to suit a crowd? Bruster’s will hand-pack pints, quarts, and half gallons of their ice cream for you to take away, and they also offer pies and ice cream cakes. Ice cream cakes are available for pickup anytime, but they can be easily custom ordered with different flavors of cake and ice cream, as can the pies. Both are iced with Bruster’s vanilla ice cream, so there’s more than enough good feeling to go around.

Where to Find Ice Cream in Maryville

Bruster’s is located on 1400 W. Broadway in Maryville, Tennessee, and is open from 11 AM to 11 PM, 7 days a week. Next time the heat gets to be too much, you know where to go!
 

Check Out These Restaurants for a Hearty Weekend Brunch in the Smokies

There is something about being on vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains that seems to make just about everyone wake up hungry. It could be the water, maybe it’s the fresh air, or perhaps it’s all that extra hiking you’ve been putting in. But, if you wake up hungry in the Townsend, TN area on the weekend, we suggest you try these great local restaurants that serve up some amazing weekend brunches.

Country Steak N’ Eggs

Located at 7613 Old Highway 73, Townsend, Country Steak N’ Eggs serves up a full range of All-American brunch fare, vegetarian fare, and vegan dishes. From steak and eggs cooked to perfection to some of the finest biscuits and gravy,  you will leave full and happy. Their famous “Garbage Can” omelet may be the largest omelet you have ever seen. There is an outside dining area where you can enjoy your brunch while looking out over the river.

Riverstone Family Restaurant

Located at 8503 State Highway 73, Townsend, the Riverstone Family Restaurant serves a range of American cuisine and vegetarian-friendly food. Come for western omelets and country ham or try the frog’s legs, rainbow trout, or be brave and have a good old-fashioned fried bologna sandwich. The service here is superb, the food excellent, and the prices are very reasonable, plus they are right outside the gateway into the park.

Carriage House Restaurant

Located at 8310 State Hwy 73, Townsend, the Carriage House Restaurant offers buffet-style dining with a breakfast/brunch bar, homemade bread, fried okra, burgers, fried chicken, and many other tasty dishes. You can also order eggs cooked to your tastes, have custom-made omelets, and best of all, for one low price, the Carriage House offers all you can eat. No need to be shy here; be sure you bring your appetite, as you need plenty of fuel for your afternoon hike.

Elvira’s Café

Located at 4143 Wears Valley Rd. in Sevierville, Elvira’s Café is home to fresh food made every day using locally sourced ingredients. You just can’t get any fresher than this. Elvira’s serves up a range of local Southern Tennessee dishes with a slight Russian twist to them as a nod to Elvira’s homeland. Enjoy a Mountain Man omelet, your choice of breakfast or sweet crepes, and so much more. They also cater to vegetarian and vegan diets and are one of the most popular restaurants in the area.

Hillbilly’s Restaurant

Located near the middle of the strip in Wears Valley, TN, Hillbilly’s Restaurant/Wears Valley Café is easy to spot. It’s the only place in the area with a 1950s pickup truck on the roof. Once you walk in, the first thing you will see is another 50s-style truck with a whiskey still in the bed. The pancakes are to die for; you can order yours straight up with syrup, add fresh strawberries or blueberries, chocolate chips, or your choice of nuts. Add in the best burgers in the area, and a host of sandwiches, and you can’t go wrong, especially when you always get ham, bacon, or sausage with your breakfast.

Dig Into Maryville's Mouth-Watering BBQ at Full Service BBQ

When strolling through Maryville, passersby may notice a large smoker on the side of the road near downtown. That smoker belongs to Full Service BBQ, a locally-owned outdoor barbecue joint nestled in the same lot on South Washington Street that’s been around since 2007. If you’re looking for the Screen Shot 2014-04-10 at 4.13.47 PMperfect meal to pick up on your way to Cades Cove, or just to stop and relax after a long day of driving, then look no further. From colorful chalk for the little ones to play with, to the corn hole sets and multiple HD TV screens, Full Service BBQ has something to entertain every member of your group.
The food is pretty legendary as well. We suggest stocking up on the delicious side items (we were still dreaming of Yo’ Mama’s Mac & Cheese days later) and, dare we say, the best sweet tea in Maryville! Whether your group is craving ribs, Screen Shot 2014-04-10 at 4.14.23 PMpulled pork or the unique Hawg Dawg (beer boiled hot dog topped with BBQ pork), the entire menu will keep you coming back for more. Oh, and don’t even think about skipping the banana pudding (if you’re too full, it packages nicely in a to-go container).
Full Service BBQ also offers family packs for up to 25 people, or catering services for larger groups. Check out their website here and then “like” them on Facebook to receive exclusive deals and keep up with their daily specials. Screen Shot 2014-04-10 at 4.14.10 PMTrust us, this is one local spot you won’t want to miss during your trip to The Peaceful Side!
Full Service BBQ is located at 113 South Washington Street, Maryville, TN 37804 and are open daily from 11am – 9pm. For more info, call them at (865) 981-4414.

Eat Your Way Through the Peaceful Side at These Local Restaurants

One of the best parts about traveling is the ability to eat and experience new dining options that you don’t have at home. Finding new kinds of cuisines or just a new way to arrange ingredients in a dish can really broaden your culinary horizons.
A vacation to the Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains comes with plenty of gastric treats for your taste buds. In this list, you will find some of the amazing local restaurants that you can enjoy when you travel the East Tennessee area.
Maryville Dining Options
Anaba: Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine in an Izakaya atmosphere. Seisuke Fukuoka, the head chef, is an expert in Japanese culinary delights. You will find sushi, hibachi, and traditional ramen dishes.
Barley’s: Enjoy excellent food, plenty of beer options, and occasional live music. There are 70 different beers on tap and daily drink specials. They have a full menu that includes items like the Fried Pork Belly appetizer and the Salmon Grit Cakes.
Dockside Grille: If you find yourself at the Tellico Marina, make sure you grab a meal at this great restaurant that offers light lunch options and grilled steaks. There is often live entertainment to round out the experience.
Foothills Milling Co: If you are looking for up-scale fare, head to this farm to fork restaurant that sources ingredients from local farms and businesses. You can find interesting options for your taste buds including the Lamb Meatball appetizer and Tempura Lobster Tails.
Townsend Dining Options
Apple Valley Cafe: Attached to the Apple Valley Country Store, this is a popular spot in Townsend. You can get breakfast or lunch in this establishment, but no matter when you come, the World Famous Apple Pie should be part of your meal.
Burger Master: This historic spot has been serving the residents and tourists for over fifty years. You can get classic fare like hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches. However, the real reason for the visit will definitely be one of the ice-cream desserts!
Little River BBQ: If you want good old fashioned BBQ, then Little River will be right up your alley. Choose from beef, pork, or chicken in your choice of sauce. You can even pick up a family pack to-go for a BBQ picnic.
Richmont Inn: Those staying at the Richmont Inn are in for a treat! In addition to the classic breakfast (included in the price of your room), you will also get a complimentary candlelight dessert each evening at 8 pm. They sometimes offer a four-course fondue dinner as well.  
There are plenty of other dining options in on the Peaceful side too! In Alcoa, you will find the sophisticated Cooper’s, Hot Rod’s 50s Diner, and Shrimp Dock’s seafood. In Walland, there is Becky’s Grocery and Grille, the Snoring Bear Diner, and The Barn and Blackberry Farm. When traveling on the Peaceful Side, you can eat somewhere different for each meal and never have to repeat restaurants! You might want to get your foodie list together before you leave for your trip, you may not be able to decide once you arrive.
 

The Best Breakfast Spots in the Smoky Mountains to Get You Going

Any visit to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is a good time to explore the many amazing dining options. But, if you are paying a visit in the winter months, you have every excuse imaginable to indulge in a hearty breakfast. Known as the most important meal of the day, this is particularly true when you are going up against the chilly weather of the winter season. Even if you intend to do little more than cozy up to a crackling fire in your rental cabin, or especially if you are going to head out for a serious day of snowshoeing, skiing, shopping or sightseeing… a good breakfast is a must.
The good news is that you have some truly astonishing choices and may want to just decide to eat breakfast “out” each day of the visit – and maybe book a stop in any of the “all day breakfast” joints to ensure you sample every single option available!

Breakfast on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Gracie’s Restaurant
A Maryville classic, this restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients for all three meals a day! If you want a home-style breakfast in a friendly and appealing setting, this is one to try.
Country Steak n’ Eggs
A newcomer to the area, it is a destination for fans of all things breakfast. Offering their namesake dish along with country classics like biscuits and gravy or country ham and eggs, it is tucked along the river in Townsend and provides scenery with its tasty foods.
Midland
Located in Alcoa, it is a “just like Grandma’s” sort of spot that offers amazing breakfast platters that cannot leave you hungry!
Snoring Bear Diner
Serving all meals, and noted for its peanut butter pie or grilled mac and cheese, it offers stick-to-ribs breakfasts for those with a serious appetite in the Walland area.
Savory Rootz
With a motto that says if it “ain’t made with love, it ain’t fit eat’n”, this Alcoa restaurant specializes in casual dining and local foods, and promises a creative menu with a twist on traditional breakfast dishes (like their fried chicken biscuit with sausage gravy!)

Great Choices Further Afield

If you are willing to head anywhere in the Blount County area, you’ll find that some of the best options include:
Crockett’s 1875 Breakfast
Skillet cinnamon rolls as big as your head and all of the breakfast favorites make this the perfect place to start the day. Everything has a wonderful twist, such as pecan smoked bacon or cathead stackers, and so much more.
Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast
The name says it all and you can expect enormous portions, farm fresh ingredients and more than enough in the way of choices. You may find yourself heading back just so you can sample a few more items on the huge menu.
Lil Black Bear Café
Located in Pigeon Forge, it is popular for family breakfasts and meals, and offers up healthy, hearty and fresh fare throughout the day.
Elvira’s Café
Save this Sevierville establishment for a brunch experience as it is noted for this particular specialty. An all day eatery, you can get lots of local dishes along with hearty breakfasts.
Don’t forget other highly-rated area eateries such as the Black Bear Café, Misty Morning Café, Rosy’s Café, TC’s Grill, The Iron Skillet, Farmacy, OliBea and so many others.

Valentine’s Day Dinner in the Smoky Mountains

A perfect Valentine’s Day date requires forethought and planning. Show your love with a unique Appalachian dining experience. Book a reservation at one of these celebrated restaurants, nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Everyone has a different definition of romance, so we found a variety of dining experiences that embrace the distinctive local flair of the Smokies.

The Walnut Kitchen

Walnut Kitchen

If your date appreciates exquisite cuisine in a more casual setting, this Maryville restaurant is your ideal date night location. It offers culinary artistry with hometown comfort. Their seasonal menu utilizes local produce and an unsurpassed Tennessee dry-aged beef selection. Experience an unmatched farm-to-table experience with a hand-crafted cocktail while toasting to your partner’s continued happiness.

Walnut Kitchen Beef

The Barn at Blackberry Farms 

Impress your date by reserving a table at this James Beard award-winning Walland restaurant. The multi-course menu uses Applachian ingredients, harvested both regionally and directly from the farm itself. Choose a bottle from one of the 9000 different wine selections in their wine program. Or complete your meal with one of the 300 whiskeys and brandies they have in stock. This fine-dining adventure will undoubtedly spark a little romance into your Valentine’s Day.

Couple eating dinner in the Smoky Mountains