Press & Blog
What’s New at Apple Valley
The $7 Breakfast At This Down-Home Cafe In Tennessee Is Better Than Any Chain Restaurant
Discover Breakfast Bliss at Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe
If you’re craving a breakfast that beats the usual fast-food rut, point your car toward Townsend, Tennessee, and experience the rustic charm of Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe.
From its iconic barn-style exterior nestled in the Smokies foothills to a cozy interior with exposed wooden beams, this spot serves up authentic mountain comfort food with genuine Tennessee hospitality.
The menu is a love letter to classic breakfasts: think golden hash browns, perfectly cooked eggs, thick-cut bacon, and biscuits smothered in homemade sausage gravy that will redefine your breakfast standards. Pancakes and French toast? Fluffy, golden, and irresistible.
Lunch keeps the flavor party going with sandwiches like the “Hog Wild” slow-cooked pulled pork and the Smokehouse Burger loaded with bacon and barbecue sauce — true Southern soul food.
Beyond the food, Apple Valley offers a welcoming experience where locals and visitors feel like neighbors, and the connected country store lets you take a piece of the Smokies home with authentic crafts and treats.
Perfectly situated as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s a must-stop for anyone exploring the peaceful side of the Smokies.
Ready for your next great meal? Click HERE to check out the full story and plan your visit.
Ready, Set, Grow! Join Us for Monthly Plant Prop & Swap at Dancing Bean Coffee House
Calling all plant enthusiasts, garden gurus, and houseplant hobbyists!
We’re thrilled to announce a collaboration between Dancing Bean Coffee House and the Tuckaleechee Garden Club to host a monthly Prop & Swap event right here in Townsend, TN.
Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting your plant journey, this is the perfect opportunity to expand your collection, learn from other plant lovers, and enjoy a cozy morning at your favorite local coffee house.
What’s Happening?
Here’s what you can expect at the Prop & Swap:
🌱 Swap Propagations – Bring your plant cuttings or propagations in water (no soil, please!) and exchange them for new green treasures to add to your collection.
🌼 Learn from the Pros – The Tuckaleechee Garden Club will be there to share their passion for plants and tips for growing a flourishing garden.
☕ Coffee & Connections – Sip on your favorite brew while connecting with other plant enthusiasts in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
When & Where
🗓 Date: First Tuesday of every month
⏰ Time: 9:30 – 11:00am
📍 Location: Dancing Bean Coffee House, Townsend, TN
Our next event will kick off on Tuesday, January 7th, and we couldn’t be more excited to see the community come together to celebrate all things green.
A Few House Rules for Healthy Plants
To keep our plants happy and thriving, please bring your propagations in water only. This ensures the health and safety of all plants being swapped.
Why Join Us?
Not only will you get to discover new plant varieties and share your own, but you’ll also have a chance to connect with like-minded plant lovers over a warm cup of coffee. It’s a great way to build community, learn from others, and maybe even find inspiration for your next plant project.
Mark Your Calendar
Grab your propagations, bring a friend, and meet us at Dancing Bean Coffee House on the first Tuesday of every month. Together, let’s grow something beautiful!
For more updates on future Prop & Swap events and other happenings at Dancing Bean Coffee House, follow us on social media.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Learn How to Make the Dancing Bean Pumpkin Spice Latte
Pumpkin Spice S’more Latte
Now that the Fall season is upon us, there’s no better way to enjoy a night outdoors than with roasting s’mores. However, if you can’t get outside, or if you prefer a caffeine kick by the fire, this is the recipe for you. Below our team of Bear-istas at The Dancing Bean has come up with a new pumpkin spice season special that pairs perfectly with sharing spooky stories on a cool evening.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup of Steamed Milk
- 2 Ounces Espresso (2 Shots) or ½ Cup Strong Coffee
- 2 Pumps Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- 2 Pumps Mocha
- 1 Large Tablespoon Marshmallow Creme
Instructions
- Brew the coffee or espresso of your choice.
- Pour the coffee into your glass.
- Add the syrup and stir.
- Fill the glass with steamed milk and add the marshmallow creme.
- Stir again to make sure the syrup doesn’t settle at the bottom of the glass.
- Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- If you make your own syrup, use 2 tablespoons instead.
- To make the drink less sweet, cut the amount of syrup in half.
- If using brewed coffee, you may want to use less milk for a stronger coffee flavor.
- To make the drink entertainment ready, you can coat the rim of your glass with marshmallow creme and graham cracker crumbs prior to preparing the latte for even more s’mores flavor.
Southern Living: Why The Smoky Mountains Are Known For Their Pancakes
If it seems like there’s a pancake house on every block, you’re right.
“Wow, is that another pancake house?”
Each time new friends or family would come to visit me in my Smoky Mountain home, it wasn’t long before I’d hear this query. Their eyes would widen at the endless opportunities to eat pancakes along a short drive through Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, or Gatlinburg. The first time I visited the Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I had a similar reaction. We’re not talking two or three pancake houses competing for the town’s best hotcake—we’re talking restaurants flipping flapjacks well into the afternoon on practically every other block.
So, how did this tasty obsession take foot in the Smokies? I turned to some of the area’s pancake experts to learn more. Plus, if you’re wondering where to start, you’ll find details below on four pancake houses to try on your next visit.
“The Great Smoky Mountain area was once a hub for the logging industry in the early 1900s,” said Ashley Box, director of marketing at Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe. “Pancakes were a popular option because they could feed masses of laborers a hot and satisfying breakfast in a speedy manner.”
Read the whole article at SouthernLiving.com/smoky-mountain-pancakes-8622614
Original Southern Living article written by Korrin Bishop
Making Coffee Better
At the Dancing Bean Coffee House, we’re making a BIG difference with each little sip of our coffee. How? Keep reading to learn more about our mission to provide you with coffee you can feel good about drinking.
The Dancing Bean Coffee House proudly serves Fair Trade Certified green coffee beans roasted fresh on-site in Townsend’s ONLY fully electronic and ventless eco-roaster – the Bellwether. What does this mean? Utilizing Fair Trade Certified green beans ensures equitable support for farmers and their communities while promoting sustainable practices. Roasting these beans on the innovative Bellwether Roaster not only guarantees consistent quality but also minimizes environmental impact, resulting in ethically sourced and expertly roasted coffee that embodies both social responsibility and exceptional flavor.
With the Great Smoky Mountains as our backyard, our impact on the environment is important to our identity. So, how does our Bellwether Roaster compare to a standard gas-powered roaster? Roasting on a gas-powered roaster would produce 2.46lbs of CO2e per pound of coffee roasted. Roasting on our Bellwether, we produce .4lbs of CO2e per pound of coffee roasted, saving 2.056lbs of CO2e per pound roasted. According to Bellwether, “Bellwether’s all‑electric, ventless technology reduces the carbon footprint of a pound of coffee by almost 90%, requires no fossil fuels to operate, and has the lowest emissions impact of any commercial roaster. Even other electric coffee roasters must rely on afterburners or ventilation which increase the energy requirements while continuing to emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.”
What is the overall impact of this? Check out our Monthly Impact Report to see how we are positively affecting the environment with every roast…
July’s Monthly Impact Report (2023)
We roasted 486lbs of coffee and saved an estimated 999lbs of CO2.
This is equivalent to…
1,099 miles of a passenger vehicle kept off the road
41,887lbs of waste recycled instead of landfilled
36 days of electricity turned off in a home
By enjoying our coffee, you’re not only treating your taste buds but also supporting equitable farming practices and reducing carbon emissions – and that’s something we can all feel good about. Join us at the Dancing Bean Coffee House, where every little sip makes a BIG difference.
If you’d like to see updated Monthly Impact Reports, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram where we update our followers monthly!
From 1992 to 2022 – It’s time for some change at Apple Valley!
Apple Valley Mountain Village has been a fixture in Townsend since 1992, welcoming guests on the west side of town with our iconic big red barn roof. It’s hard to drive into Townsend and not pull into the familiar Apple Valley Mountain Village where visitors will find shopping, dining, and a peaceful place to relax in the Great Smoky Mountains.
This year, we celebrated our 30 year anniversary and unveiled the artist renderings for the NEW Apple Valley Mountain Village – coming to Townsend over the next 16 months!
This remodel will expand our common areas and our Fudge kitchen, while creating more parking for our guests. Don’t worry though, that iconic roof will still be there so you won’t miss us when you come into Townsend!
Check out these artist renderings of the HUGE changes coming to Apple Valley Mountain Village, and let us know what you think!
Give the Gift of the Peaceful Side This Holiday Season
Apple Valley Mountain Village
Your PeacefulSide.com gift card can be used to explore the dining and shopping options at Apple Valley Mountain Village. Located on the West end of Townsend, Apple Valley Mountain Village is home to the General Store, Apple Valley Cafe, Smoky Mountain Outdoor Center, and the Dancing Bean Coffee House.
The General Store has something for everyone! Your special someone is sure to find something they love while browsing the General Store where we carry homemade fudge, hand dipped ice cream, flavored coffees, pantry items, souvenirs, candles, Evergreen products, Little Blue House products, and so much more! Stop at Apple Valley Cafe to refresh and refuel for your Smoky Mountain adventure! A PeacefulSide.com gift card can be used to purchase breakfast or lunch from the Cafe, open 7 days a week! Enjoy locally sourced burgers, house smoked BBQ, garden fresh salads, and of course our famous Fried Apple Pies!
For the outdoor lover, they won’t want to miss Smoky Mountain Outdoor Center featuring top outdoor brands like Patagonia, the North Face, Costa, Howler Brothers, and more! Let our knowledgable team members help your special someone plan and prepare for their next outdoor adventure on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies!
Everyone could use a little pick me up in the mornings, and the Dancing Bean Coffee House is brewing up house-roasted, Fair-Trade coffee fresh daily! Use your PeacefulSide.com gift card to order your favorite drink and pastry, or purchase a bag of your favorite roast online!
Peaceful Side Social Brewery + Craft Kitchen
Located in the heart of Townsend, TN next to IGA, Peaceful Side Social Brewery + Craft Kitchen is known for their chef-driven menu, extensive local craft beer selection, and service with a smile! Let your loved ones treat themselves to delicious Round Breads, hearty sandwiches, and irresistible Shareables from the menu while they enjoy our large Beer Garden and outdoor play area. And don’t forget the Taco Bar!
Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro
Let your loved ones treat themselves to the full Appalachian experience when they use their PeacefulSide.com gift card at Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro where they will find plush accommodations and award-winning dining.
Dancing Bear Lodge features elegantly rustic cabins nestled in the woodsy foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. We are a full-service Lodge with hotel-like amenities such as daily housekeeping, WiFi, fireplaces, pillow topped mattresses, and hot tubs. You’ll find your accommodations stocked with conditioning shampoo, soap, lotion, and other essentials. Our cabins and cottages with full kitchens are supplied with all cooking and dinnerware, as well as delicious, fresh ground, and locally roasted coffee – the “Special Mountain Blend” from Dancing Bean Coffee House. Just like staying in a Townsend, TN hotel, you don’t have to bring anything from home except yourself and your clothes — just relax and let the serenity soak in.
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro offers an elevated Southern menu that changes regularly based on seasonally available items from both our own property gardens and other local sources. Come early and enjoy a bottle of wine while you wait on your table, relish in a 3 or 4 course meal prepared by our culinary team, and then relax by the fire pit while you make complimentary s’mores. The Bistro is truly an experience your loved ones will cherish for year’s to come.
No matter how they decide to use their PeacefulSide.com gift card, the recipient is sure to have a uniquely Townsend experience on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Put the Peaceful Side in their pocket and give the gift of adventure this holiday season!
Apple Valley Featured in the Chicago Tribune! Great Smoky solitude: How to escape the crowd at the most-visited national park in Townsend
Peaceful Side Social, Apple Valley Cafe and Dancing Bear Lodge were all featured in a Chicago Tribune article! Read it here.
SQUEEZE Caroline…Meet our NEW Condiment Cow!
It all started with a TikTok…
One day, while browsing TikTok for market research, our Marketing Manager Emma came across a video of a condiment dispenser that was like no other. She saw customers dispensing their condiments from a cow – that’s right, a cow! So her research began…And to her surprise, a simple search of “Condiment Cow” on Google brought up an entire website dedicated to this remarkable dispenser – www.CondimentCow.com.
She saw the potential this could have at Apple Valley Cafe, and felt like it would be the perfect addition. It was time to take this idea to her team, starting with the Marketing Director Ashley. Ashley loved the idea, but she told Emma she would need to do some further convincing to get the owners on board, as this would be a pretty big change at Apple Valley Cafe. So after she further research and a few phone calls, Emma was ready to present her idea to the owners.
Their response? “Order it today! We need that cow!” So, preparations began to welcome our very own Condiment Cow to Apple Valley Cafe. After working with maintenance to discuss installation, Emma ordered the cow and the team anxiously awaited it’s arrival.
A few days later, a large box showed up and we received our Condiment Cow! We couldn’t wait to unbox it, so we rushed it over to our maintenance barn to start the process. There she was in all her glory, almost ready to dispense condiments to our guests!
A little carpentry and framing work later, and a morning of light construction, and our Condiment Cow was installed and ready to use! But wait…What would we name her? Emma couldn’t stop singing “Sweet Caroline” and then it came to her…”SQUEEZE Caroline!” The owners loved it and thus the Condiment Cow was named Caroline!
So, the next time you visit make sure you stop in and give Caroline a SQUEEZE! She dispenses our house-made BBQ sauce, mayo, mustard, and ketchup and is sure to put a smile on your face. And don’t forget to sing while you squeeze! “SQUEEZE Caroline! *Dun Dun Dun* Ketchup’s never been so good! SO GOOD! SO GOOD!”
Our New Menu is a SMASH!
Since 1992, Apple Valley Cafe has been a fixture in the Townsend, TN community, reliably serving up breakfast and lunch options locals and visitors love. After many years of featuring the same menu, our culinary team decided the Apple Valley Cafe menu needed a facelift and some improvements!
Don’t worry…We kept your favorites like the “Off the Hook” Fish Sandwich, Black Bear BLT, and Fried Apple Pies, but we took our classics and turned them up a knotch! Our BBQ is smoked in house before being served with our house-made BBQ sauce, our Grilled Chicken and Chicken Salad are now made with locally sourced Springer Mountain Chicken, and last but not least…Our Burgers are better than ever! All of our burgers are now locally sourced from Simpson’s Meats, and our new Smash Burgers are the talk of the town.
Located just an hour and a half south from Townsend in Athens, TN, Simpson’s Meats is now providing us with fresh beef for our burgers. Simpson’s Beef is 100% USDA inspected and all of their meat is graded as “choice or higher” and you can taste the difference!
Order our Smash Burgers as a single or a double! Each Smash Burger is made with one or two 1/4lb patties served on a fresh brioche bun with your choice of cheese and lettuce, tomato, pickle, and onion. We recommend pairing our fresh, juicy burgers with a side of our famous Sidewinder Fries – thick cut, curly fries deep fried to perfection!
Don’t forget to Pile Your Patty! If our burgers aren’t appetizing enough, you can top them off with more flavor by bacon, brisket, macaroni and cheese, pimento cheese, and more!
At Apple Valley Cafe, we’re serving up your favorites with a side of Southern hospitality. Stop in today and let us know what you’re new favorite item is!