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Editor’s Note: This is the third in a multiple part travel series detailing the recent journey of reporter Anna Coburn and her husband, James in the Smoky Mountains.

Situated snuggly between the Tennessee and North Carolina state line is Cardinal Coffee. A stop on the way to the Pigeon Forge-Gatlinburg area in a town called Bryson City, the shop offers a cozy stop and good coffee to the sleepy traveler.

James and I, traveling through East Tennessee, and getting increasingly cranky as we continued to get more and more hungry, passed by the shop.

As I continued to look out the window of our car, I was taken by surprise as James slowed down in the middle of the road and asked me “Do you want to go to that coffee shop?”

I looked down at my hands, which were slightly shaking with hunger, and nodded. Definitely couldn’t object to some comfort food, as we still had a couple more hours of travel.

We turned back, and pulled into the quiet coffee shop.

As far as product is concerned, they offer coffee sourced from local farmers. They also offer seasonal favorites like apple cider and hot chocolate, along with smoothies.

Every good coffee shop offers pastries, and the shop’s New York bagels are especially yummy. While visiting, James and I split an everything bagel, and it was delicious.

The small business was founded in 2018, and provides not only coffee but offers a wide range of art and souvenir pieces from the artists of the area.

According to their website (https://cardinalcoffeenc.com/), they “believe that a small company can have a big impact on its community. And what would a community be without its artists? Inside the shop you will find local artists’ creations on our walls and on our shelves. Our retail selection specifically showcases products made locally and by women-owned businesses. You can feel confident that your purchase will directly impact the lives of the people in this small town.”

While inside, I was particularly interested in some stained glass pieces on sale. We didn’t get any, but they sure were lovely to look at.

Cardinal Coffee “is a melting pot of our three loves: Espresso, Art and Community. Whether you have just conquered the frigid waters of the Nantahala River, or maybe taking a rest off the Appalachian Trail, or are just passing through, we look forward to sharing with you our southern hospitality over good coffee.”

If you’re ever itching for a good coffee out in the middle of the Smokies, I recommend a stop at Cardinal Coffee.