There’s nowhere like the Smokies for a good old fashioned family vacation, especially for the holidays. Below is a guide to our properties for families traveling to the area.
Apple Valley Mountain Village
General Store
At the General Store, there’s plenty to see from fun souvenirs to handmade products to our candy shop. Here they serve ice cream, and it is the home of our Fudge Shop serving up homemade fudge in a variety of flavors like pumpkin spice. If you’re looking for a fun snack, they also sale Amish popcorn in a variety of colors. For kids, there’s a whole kids’ corner where you can find little stuffed bears and fun games for the whole family including s’mores checkers which is perfect to take back to the cabin and play or enjoy the breeze with some apple cider on the porch of the Dancing Bean.
Apple Valley Cafe
One of two locations that provide guests with a complimentary breakfast, Apple Valley Cafe offers a variety of casual fare from pancakes in the morning to smash burgers in the evening. Chicken tenders make an ideal lunch too. Served all day are also the fried apple pies that they’re famous for.
Smoky Mountains Outdoor Center
If you forgot the sunscreen or bug spray, SMOC has plenty. They also happen to have a variety of kids' books perfect for wrapping up the night before bedtime in the form of Mabel Meets a Black Bear or for taking with you on the next hike like Scavenger Hike Adventures & Mountain Journal. If you’re planning on being outside, they also have a wide variety of outerwear and hiking gear for all your adventure needs.
Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro
Dancing Bean Coffee House
Our other breakfast location, the Dancing Bean has a variety of pastries like pumpkin bars, waffles, muffins. For a savory option we now serve our brand-new bagel sandwiches along with other offerings provided by the Appalachian Bistro. This is your place for a good latte, but they also offer kid-friendly fare like hot chocolates or colorful bubble tea drinks. Located across the road from the coffee house is one of our gardens where you can visit our resident chickens or see monarch butterflies as they head south for the winter.
Dancing Bear Lodge
Here at the Dancing Bear Lodge, we like to think of ourselves as the basecamp of the Smokies. Located down the road from the GSMNP, we're ideally located right in the middle of Townsend and close to a variety of restaurants, activities, museums, and shops. We have a variety of cabins available, but for families we typically recommend a two-bedroom cabin which can accommodate six, or a villa which accommodates up to 4 and is more of a traditional hotel suite style. Either offers space for families to spend time together and take in the outdoors whether it be from the back porch or by exploring our walking trails. We’ve now added both a new fudge add-on and a coloring book option which includes soy-based stone shaped crayons.
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro
One of the best parts of an evening here is the s’mores at the Bistro firepit. They begin at dusk, and they set up the station every night they’re open. The restaurant offers a good variety on the Cub’s Menu and features a rotating option of dishes for adults. The restaurant specializes in contemporary Appalachian cuisine and looks to provide an approachable fine dining experience for all.
Peaceful Side Locations
Peaceful Side Social
Perfect for a post-hike lunch, Peaceful Side Social is the place to split one of their excellent pizzas and some truffle fries. Also on the menu is a variety of sandwiches and salads. For dessert, it’s conveniently located next to the Peaceful Side Creamery. The menu here is put together by the same chef from our award-winning Appalachian Bistro.
Peaceful Side Creamery
With a color palette inspired by wildflowers, the Peaceful Side Creamery can’t be missed with its bright stripes. Offering a rotating menu, it’s the perfect location for a seasonal treat with a variety of flavors and plenty of toppings. If it’s on the menu, the S’mores ice cream is highly recommended."