Our Quick Pit Stop
It was literally a quick pit stop. A visit to Dandridge, Tennessee wasn’t on our list during our trip—but we were starving and looking for good food.
So we headed off the highway, passed all the popular fast-food stops, and made our way to Dandridge’s historic district.
How did we know where to go? I’m no stranger to the area. You might say there’s a little Dandridge DNA in me. My grandfather grew up there and my grandparents married in the courthouse in 1921—wow, almost 100 years ago.
Across the street from the 1845 Courthouse (where my grandparents married) is the 1820 Vance building, home to the Dandridge Brewing Company and more.
Location:
1237 Main Street
Dandridge, TN 37725
Contact:
Jake Depew
(865) 344-0542
Hours:
10 AM - 10 PM, M-Sa
Lunch / Dinner:
Available for $$
The old wood floors add warmth while the blue checked tablecloths add extra cheer to the dining room.
Dandridge Brewing Company
We ended up at the Dandridge Brewing Company. Immediately after walking through the door, a greeting rang out. Hearing the manager’s southern accent felt like home to this southern belle.
Scanning the room, we found a table and located the large chalkboard menu. While coffee and brew is their specialty (we don’t drink either one), we were there for food. We ordered deli sandwiches, which were perfect for a quick pit stop.
During our short wait, Tom had lively conversation about photography with the manager, Angie. Also, there was a small crew setting up for Thursday night karaoke, and guests were coming in and out from the outdoor dining area.
Wish we had a longer time to actually interview the owner and get more than quick snapshots. However, the stop met our needs. Our meal was tasty, served quickly, and with a smile.
Part of the rustic décor includes dollar bills signed and taped to the columns. Something unique we have never seen before!
Peering through the Mercantile window left me longing to go inside. Next trip!!
Festive fall decor on the columns outside the Dandridge Mercantile.
Fall Visit, Decor, and Quaint Shops
The historic district was decorated for fall, both inside shop windows and outside several buildings. We stopped to snap a few shots on the way back to our car.
With their door wide open and a large welcome sign beckoning all to enter, the Dandridge Mercantile looked so inviting. Going inside meant a longer stop….and boy was it hard to pass by! Quaint shops in old, repurposed buildings are hard to resist.
Tom was resting outside the Mercantile during our pit stop after a long day of travel through the South. (More posts coming!)
Had to snap a shot of the fall display by the barbershop. Fall isn’t my favorite season but it sure is beautiful!
Not all stops on your trips have to be planned to be pleasant. Seeing Dandridge again reminded me of fun times visiting family, along with the area’s rich history. This pit stop ranks as one of my favorites.
About the Dandridge Historic District
The Dandridge Historic District is situated adjacent Douglas Lake, surrounded by fertile farmland, and near the Great Smoky Mountains.
Founded in 1783, the town was named after Martha Dandridge Washington, the nation’s 1st First Lady. Now, Tennessee’s 2nd oldest town has a population of 3,145 (2018 count).
It is filled with quaint places to shop, grab a meal, and stay the night. There are 21 interesting historic sites and landmarks to see in the downtown area alone.
Dandridge’s downtown is registered as a National Historic District. With the residents’ love of historic preservation, it is the epitome of small towns that built this great country.
Looking for more yummy foods to enjoy?
Head over to our "Places to Eat" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
