Small Town Cup of Joe

At the heart of many of the endearing Southern Appalachian communities is a coffee shop or two or three; the kind of places where folks gather for a cup of their favorite coffee blend and good, old-fashioned conversation. These special spots are also where creatives and digital nomads settle in, crafting prose, sketching art or creating whatever’s new. New ideas and revelations come to life over a mug of steaming coffee, espresso or cappuccino.

We’ve curated a list of these gems. It may not be all-inclusive, but it’s a great start if you’re visiting your favorite destinations in Southern Appalachia.

East of the park

Panacea Coffeehouse, Cafe and Roastery, located in the historic Frog Level district of Waynesville, North Carolina, is a veteran when it comes to roasting and hospitality. Located in an old warehouse, Panacea has been a coffee haven and meeting place since 2002. In the warmer months, patrons enjoy a sprawling back patio and yard butting up to a roaring creek.

Just a few streets over you’ll find Orchard Coffee, nestled in a mid-century art deco building. Owner Cabel Tice stumbled upon Waynesville via a Google Maps search. After he saw the space, he and his mother, Maria, decided to open a coffee shop. Orchard Coffee has emerged as a unique and vibrant hot spot for locals and those passing through.

Hazelwood Village is home to Smoky Mountain Roasters, another long-time favorite. Since 1997, Smoky Mountain Roasters has been known for its flavored coffees and mini bags, which make perfect gifts for friends and families.

Established in 2019, Paper Town Coffee opened in the mill town of Canton. Located in yet another historic building—it once housed the Canton Enterprise newspaper and the Red Cross—Paper Town Coffee is one of several businesses that helped bring downtown back to life over the past decade.

In Black Mountain, Josh Gibbs and Andy Gibbon conceptualized Dynamite Roasting Co. in 2008. The two musicians met on stage at a music festival. Gibbon had been roasting coffee as a hobby and Gibbs had a background in marketing, so over a late night cup of coffee they formed the plan for their new java destination. The Dripolator Coffeehouse, located in Black Mountain’s historic district, has been serving since 1999. They roast their beans off-site on an American-made Diedrich roaster.

In the small community of Weaverville, folks can visit several coffee shops, including Allgood and Well-Bred Bakery.

Allgood is a family-owned business that got its start in 2013. (Their first shop, Sweetwater Coffeehouse, is located in Sautee-Nacoochee, Georgia, now operated by Ben and Betsy Dockins.)

Down the street is Well-Bred Bakery, located in a building that once housed the Weaverville Drug Store. Since 2002, Well-Bred Bakery has expanded to four locations in the Weaverville and Asheville areas.

The college town of Boone offers a slew of fun and quirky coffee shops. Espresso News is a longstanding hub for App State students and professors. This cafe resides in an old industrial building and is known for its fresh, flavorful coffee and espresso drinks.

Bald Guy Brew, known for their commitment to being socially responsible and eco-friendly, has locations in both Boone and Blowing Rock. Don Cox, the founder of Bald Guy Brew, is passionate about each bean and works to bring awareness to the impact of climate change on the coffee growing industry around the world.

Camp Coffee Roasters is located in downtown Blowing Rock. Since 2010, it has served coffee in a lovely historic building shared with the well-known outdoor store Footsloggers. Owner Jason Campbell learned to roast on a small fluid bed roaster, then moved to a six-pound drum device. That path led to Camp Coffee Roasters, a business he owns and operates with his wife, Amanda.

All around the park

The Coffee Company, located in the heart of Elizabethton, Tennessee, is a family-owned specialty coffee shop that’s been serving customers since 1997. After grabbing a cup of joe or espresso drink, a world of charm, history and outdoor beauty awaits you in Elizabethton.

Although bigger, Johnson City still offers a quaint, small-town vibe, especially when you find yourself snug in the confines of a coffee shop. Dos Gatos serves North Carolina-roaster Counter Culture Coffee and milk from nearby Duchess Dairy. They also create their syrups in house. Dos Gatos offer a wide array of hot teas.

Brewista and the Bean is an artisan coffee shop in Johnson City that partners with two local roasters, Barb City Roasters and Gun Barrel Coffee. This shop works with several philanthropic organizations associated with veterans, first responders, victims of child abuse, and those involved in foster care.

Honeybee Coffee & Brewery has several locations in Knoxville and one in Sevierville, offering ethically sourced and locally roasted coffee. It also features a realm of locally brewed beers.

The Tennessee Grind is also located in Sevierville. As a family-owned company, it serves many java options, quality teas, and fresh-based pastries, all in an intimate environment.

If you’re frolicking in downtown Gatlinburg, try out Maddi Mae’s Café & Creamery, located in The Village Shops. Coffee and Company, also located in The Village Shops, has been serving customers since 1993. Next time you’re hitting the many gift and specialty stores along the Parkway, make sure to have a coffee drink in hand.

Other Appalachian Favorites

Main Street Coffee and Cream is nestled in the Appalachian Trail town of Damascus, Virginia. Along with coffee, specialty drinks and ice cream, this busy little place serves sweet treats, sandwiches and other menu items. In the neighboring town of Abingdon, a must-stop is The Girl & The Raven. Located on Main Street in an 1886 historic building, the shop features a newly constructed drive-through, sleek bar, and outdoor dining. Coffee is roasted on-site in small batches to achieve freshness and flavor.

Dirtbean, in Marlinton, West Virginia, is a bike shop that also offers a full menu of food items, beers, and specialty coffee drinks. They have what you need to refuel or relax when planning your mountain bike excursion.

Leopard Forest Coffee Company is in the small town of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, aptly named for its original purpose as a resting stop when traveling between Asheville and Greenville. It opened on Main Street in 2004 and now exists down the Poinsett Corridor, a small trek from the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

If you’re venturing to Northeast Georgia, be sure to visit Tallulah 1882, located in a beautiful building full of natural sunlight within the limits of Tallulah Falls. Not only does it serve coffee but also boasts a large selection of herbal teas.

Coffee roasting is an art form. Roasters take their skill very seriously and most are always searching for ethically sourced and top-quality beans. Every coffee shop has its own unique story, a tale of people combining their passion for roasting and serving coffee in an attempt to brighten your day and make the world a better place.