About Peaceful Side Social (Townsend)
Townsend calls itself the peaceful side of the Smokies, and Peaceful Side Social leans into the idea. It is a beer garden and kitchen at 7967 E Lamar Alexander Parkway, built so that the grown-ups can have a craft beer while the kids run around a playscape. If your trip includes Cades Cove, the Townsend Y or the Little River, this is the easy place to land afterward.
What makes it different
The brewery is part of a family-oriented setup. The Family Spaces page describes a natural play area with slides, a tunnel and jump obstacles on soft turf that kids and dogs can both use. There are cornhole boards, shaded picnic-style tables with umbrellas and mountain views, and restrooms with easy access from the outdoor spaces. The beer garden has water bowls and leash hooks for well-behaved, leashed dogs.
That combination is rare in the Smokies, where many beer spots are bars first. Here, you can plan on a long, relaxed stop after a hike with kids in tow.
Beer and food
The website mentions Peaceful Side IPA and a Solveza Mexican lager, and the menu page links the full beer list. The site says Peaceful Side brews its beer, but it does not say the Townsend location brews on site, so treat it as a beer garden first. The company also lists a Maryville location called Peaceful Side Brewery.
The kitchen offers pizzas, salads, sandwiches, shareables, fresh bites and cold drinks, and a seasonal Taco Bar. The website also lists a creamery, so ice cream is part of the setup. The site does not list a kids menu, but the pizza and shareable format works well for families.
Hours and contact
The website has an "Our Daily Hours" section but does not show the times, so check peacefulsidesocial.com or call before you drive over. The company's website also links an events calendar, catering and gift cards.
Tips
- Combine it with a day in Cades Cove or on the Townsend side of the park. Townsend has far less traffic than the Parkway towns.
- Go earlier in the day with young children, so the playscape is not crowded and the kids are not worn out.
- Bring a leash and a water bottle for your dog, and pick up the beer-garden rules on arrival.
- The playscape is outdoors, so check the forecast. Rain or cold changes the plan.
- The company also lists a Maryville location, Peaceful Side Brewery, at 106 Everett Ave.
