If you've never been to the Thunderhead Perk in Townsend, TN, since its establishment in 2005, then you're missing out. Self-billed as "far from the daily grind," the little coffee shop with the blue roof and a name borrowed from one of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's most infamous mountains is just on the main highway through Townsend, just outside the National Park, and it is delightfully quaint and friendly, though more importantly, it's also making some very, very good tasty treats. Owner Jaimie Matzko seems to always be cooking up something good and brewing and pouring fantastic coffee to go with it, along with some experienced and sage advice about how to enjoy the nearby mountains if anyone comes asking.
Most importantly, the coffee at Thunderhead Perk, or Th' Perk as it's sometimes referred to, is always fresh, meaning not just the brew is fresh but also the beans used to make the brew. There is usually a fair sampling of coffees from the Vienna Coffee Company in Maryville as well as from Blue Smoke Coffee in Gatlinburg, both excellent local coffee roasters with fantastic products. Vienna has even come up with a unique and very good organic, fair-trade, shade-grown espresso blend, the Thunderhead Espresso, for the shop. Those coffees can be enjoyed directly as a coffee or espresso drink on-site or to-go or can be purchased for a great price to take home and brew for yourself.
Jaimie is almost always cooking something great to eat there too. Ask anyone that's had one: her freshly baked (and served warm!) scones are just short of heaven. The little shop offers a variety of other coffee-house favorites, including bagels, muffins, and sandwiches, not to mention the fact that Jaimie's almost unbelievably good homemade cookies are frequently available. Her sugar cookies are just... well, let's just leave it at that until you try them. Personally, I don't even like sugar cookies, and I'm going back for them, if that gives you some idea.
Address: You can find the Thunderhead Perk at
7249 East Lamar Alexander Parkway
Townsend, TN 37882
Lamar Alexander Parkway is the main highway through Townsend, the one connecting Maryville to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As you head toward the mountains, just keep an eye open to the left for the little shop with it's noticeable blue roof. Coming home, of course, it'll be on your right.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday -- 7:00 am through 5:00 pm
Sunday -- 9:00 am through 2:00 pm
Closed Mondays
Phone: 865-448-2332
Website: Be sure to stop by Thunderhead Perk on the web by clicking its name anywhere you see it in blue in this article!
For those curious, see this link for a short review of the Vienna Coffee Company coffee roaster for some ideas on what you might end up with in your cup when you visit Jaimie at Th' Perk.
For more great recipes and cooking ideas, follow the Knoxville Gourmet Food Examiner by subcribing at the top of the page. You can also read more on his personal cooking blog: The Untrained Gourmet.
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