5 Years of Smoky High House: Our Favorite Places in Wears Valley, Tennessee

Five years ago, we fell in love with the peaceful beauty of Wears Valley and purchased Smoky High House as our family’s mountain getaway and cabin rental. Since then, this cozy cabin rental in the Smoky Mountains has become more than just a vacation spot ... it's become a place filled with memories, sunsets, coffee on the porch, and adventures throughout the valley.

One of our favorite things about returning year after year is seeing Wears Valley continue to grow while still holding onto the charm that makes it feel like home. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to the Smokies again, here are some of our favorite old classics and new additions you won’t want to miss during your stay at Smoky High House.

The Original Favorites We Still Love

Elvira’s Cafe

If you’re searching for the perfect breakfast spot near your Smoky Mountain cabin rental, Elvira’s Cafe is a must-visit. Located just at the bottom of the hill from Smoky High House, this local favorite serves delicious breakfast, coffee, and homemade baked goods in a cozy mountain setting. Even better? Save your receipt for a discount on your next visit during your stay! Elvira’s recently earned national recognition by making the “Top 100 Places to Eat Across America,” and after one visit, you’ll understand why.

Harper Brothers Mountain General Store

Right next door to Elvira’s Cafe, Harper Brothers Mountain General Store is one of our favorite places to browse and explore. From mountain gifts and souvenirs to snacks and local finds, it’s the perfect stop while exploring Wears Valley. They also offer horseback riding and a Skylift experience, but honestly, some of the best mountain views in Tennessee can simply be found driving along Foothills Parkway nearby.

A Wears Valley Shopping Tradition

Mountain Brothers General Store

No trip to Wears Valley is complete without stopping at Mountain Brothers General Store. This charming shop is filled with unique gifts, mountain-themed items, and one of our favorite things to bring back to the cabin: coffee. Their wide variety of specialty coffee makes it easy to enjoy slow mornings on the porch at Smoky High House while watching the sunrise over the Smoky Mountains.

Heavenly Roast

One of the newer additions we absolutely love is Heavenly Roast, conveniently located next to Mountain Brothers General Store. This cozy coffee shop and bakery has quickly become a favorite stop for cinnamon rolls, specialty coffee drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere. Whether you need a quick breakfast before hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or a quiet afternoon coffee break, this spot is worth visiting.

New Favorites We’ve Added to Our List

Sloppy Hog Burger Joint

One of our newest go-to restaurants in Wears Valley is Sloppy Hog Burger Joint. I'm not kidding when I tell you that we now make sure we have dinner here during every trip to the cabin! We've introduce lots of friends to this restaurant too. The burgers are incredible, the pizza is delicious, and the mountain views make it even better. And if you're wanting to have dinner at the cabin but you just don't feel like cooking, we recommend ordering your meal to-go and bringing it back to the cabin. There’s nothing quite like enjoying dinner on the porch while watching the sunset over the Smoky Mountains.

Wears Valley Food Truck Park

Another fun addition to the area is the Wears Valley Food Truck Park. This family-friendly spot features rotating food trucks throughout the week, making every visit a little different.

There’s also a small playground for kids, making it an easy stop for families looking for casual dining after a day of exploring the Smokies. Be sure to check their website before your trip to see which food trucks will be there during your stay.

Mountain Brothers Brewing Company

One of the newest additions next to Mountain Brothers General Store is Mountain Brothers Brewing Company. This laid-back local brewery is the perfect place to relax after a day in the mountains. Stop in for tastings, enjoy a cold drink outside, or grab a 4-pack to bring back to Smoky High House and unwind on the porch.

Why We Love Wears Valley

One of the reasons we continue to return to Smoky High House year after year is because Wears Valley offers the perfect balance of peaceful mountain living and convenient access to restaurants, shopping, hiking, and family activities.

Unlike the busier tourist areas nearby, Wears Valley still feels relaxing, scenic, and authentic—making it one of the best places to stay in the Smoky Mountains.

Whether you’re sipping coffee on the porch, exploring local shops, hiking nearby trails, or watching the sunset after a day of adventure, we hope Smoky High House becomes part of your family’s memories too.

Planning your next Smoky Mountain getaway? We’d love to host you at Smoky High House in beautiful Wears Valley, Tennessee.