Fun Ideas for Dining Out
Mini outdoor picnic areas are popping up all across the 9 Lakes region. Takeout used to mean nothing more than pizza or Chinese food, but today the options are endless. Sure, you can call Uber Eats—but the real charm of dining out is the atmosphere. And with East Tennessee’s natural beauty, why not make the sky your ceiling and enjoy a meal al fresco? Even better, most of these spots are pet-friendly, so your furry friend can join the fun.
Here are five creative ideas to inspire your next outdoor dining adventure
Street food and Food Carts: Food carts pop up across the region every weekend. Two locations to check out are Food Truck Fridays and Saturdays at MoCo Brewing Project in the heart of Wartburg and the Southside Garage in Knoxville. Both locations have a rotating schedule of food trucks each week, so while the location is the same, the menu is ever changing.
Marinas and patio seating- Nothing says summer in the 9 Lakes like the seasonal restaurants at the marinas patios with their incredible views and sublime sunsets. Wow. Lakeside Marina and Off the Hook at Black Oak Marina on Cherokee, Caney Creek Grille on Watts Bar, Rickards Ridge at Cove Lake State Park, Arjay’s at Hickory Star and perennial fan favorite, Boathouse at 33 at Beach Island on Norris Lake all offer boat up or drive parking. With live entertainment weekly, the atmosphere is beach casual.
Open air gathering spaces- Tucked away in tiny Lancing is the Hopyard and Sauced Frog, a casual gathering micro-brewery and café. The venue is only open on weekends and your dining room is the breathtaking Obed. Or travel to the rafting community of Hartford where Bean Trees is offering southern comfort food menu written on a chalk board daily. Enjoy your meal while seated along the Pigeon River.
Sidewalk cafes- Who doesn’t love people watching? Family owned Calhoun’s restaurants offer year round patio dining along several of the region’s lakes. Two of our favorite people watching locations are Calhoun’s on Melton Hill Lake and Calhoun’s at the Loudoun Lake dam. The location at Melton Lake is home is adjacent to the NCAA championship rowing course, while the Loudoun Lake location offers a view of the dam. The river’s activity can be seductive with the comings and goings of boats, paddlers, and rowers.
Take it to Go: and Picnic Upscale- You are missing your favorite restaurant and they are missing you. Why not cater your picnic with meals to go. Pick a location- on river bank, in a tree shaded park, or under a star filled sky. Set out your blanket or chairs and enjoy your chosen meal.
When visiting, help our communities by practicing Leave No Trace principles.. Enjoy your outing, take only pictures and memories.
