Planning a trip to Hartford and worried about how you curtail that hungry stomach after a day of calorie-burning rafting? If you aren’t into taking your own items for picnicking on our Family Adventure Island, we have you covered with a list of tasty restaurants that aren’t a long drive away.
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
Bean Trees Cafe
If you’ve visited us at Rafting in the Smokies, you’ve likely seen (or visited) our neighbors at the Bean Trees Cafe. Started by four women from the Hartford Area, the Bean Trees Cafe is where you can sit down for a quick bite to eat, sip on a hot cup of organic coffee, or drink an ice cold beer. They don’t advertise as a “fast food” restaurant because they take the time to prepare the food right (and fresh to order). They also offer vegetarian options. In the evening they often offer live music acts.
Dave’s Smokin’ BBQ
If you’re lucky, this food truck will be right next door and taking orders! You’ll get traditional BBQ fare like racks of ribs, smoked pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, hamburgers, and hot dogs at Dave’s Smokin’ BBQ. Don’t miss the homemade potato salad and smoked veggies to go along with it. The guide for their business is if we’re rafting, they’re serving.
A SHORT DRIVE
Carver’s Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant
Located in Cosby, TN, which you likely passed by in order to get to Rafting in the Smokies from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Carver’s Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant has something for everyone (including vegetarian and gluten-free dining options). They offer breakfast (served until 1 p.m.), lunch, and dinner. They make their own apple butter, cider, and apple fritters, which are served with their meals. You might want to stay around for dessert and try the cobbler of the day or fried apple pie. If you can’t get enough of the apples, they have their own market where you can get apple butter, cider, and sugar free jellies and jams.
The Woodshed Restaurant
Located off of Cosby Highway, The Woodshed Restaurant has limited hours (Thursday through Sunday). They make up for it with a great atmosphere, excellent food, and mouth-watering food choices. They serve sandwiches and salads and offer tasty appetizers and entrees like onion straws and Gulf shrimp. They also have a kid’s menu with staples like mac and cheese and chicken tenders.
We hope this list helps you so you can come to Rafting in the Smokies for the fun and then enjoy the food when it’s time to head home!
