Whether you’re looking for lunch or just want to go shopping for souvenirs, you cannot go wrong with a trip to Whole Earth Grocery Café. At this eclectic shop, they go big on delicious and nutritious meals that keep you coming back for more. But that’s not all they do. Their shop also has all the healthy staples you might want for your cupboards and handmade gifts galore.
If you’d like to see what they’re all about, you can take the trolley and hop off at the stop right by their front door. Or drive your car over and park in their dedicated lot for free. Either way, you’ll get a warm welcome and an invitation to look around when you come through the doors. Plan to take your time exploring all their offerings because there are endless things to consider buying.
On the handmade side, there are tie-dye shirts, upcycled art, and even vintage wares from yesteryear. They’re always getting something new from local artists and collectors, so don’t hesitate to stop by whenever you’re in town. When it comes to healthy fare, there’s no shortage of goodies awaiting your purchase. Canned soups, pure fruit juice, and everything in between can be found here.
Vitamins, essential oils, bath and body products, beauty products, and so much more also line their shelves. Everything is packed closely together to fit as much as possible into a small footprint. So, plan to slowly make your way down each aisle, exploring all the products in your midst. If your arms get too full of stuff, feel free to take your items up to the counter before going back for more shopping.
If you time your visit between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., you can treat yourself to a wonderfully nutritious lunch as well. They have all kinds of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes, all freshly made when you order. Their chef puts excellent care into assembling each dish, too, so you feel like a guest of honor whenever you stop by for a visit.
Fan favorites on the café menu are:
Tuna Salad
Simple yet tantalizingly good, the Tuna Salad has all the best flavors in every bite. This dish starts with a spring mix salad with red onions and tomatoes over top. Then, they mix up their tuna with celery, mayo, and light spices before placing it over the top. A basic vinaigrette is served alongside for dipping, or you can pour it over top if you wish.
Chicken Salad Sandwich
When you’re hankering for a filling meal, the Chicken Salad Sandwich is the way to go. This dish features their signature chicken salad between two hearty bread slices. Lettuce and tomatoes provide a fresh kick that beautifully combines all the flavors. You also get to choose between their potato salad and pasta salad for your side.
Lentil Burger
The Lentil Burger is a definite local favorite. This dish starts with their handmade lentil patty that’s perfectly seasoned and expertly prepared. Once it’s hot and ready to go, they place the patty on a thick bun along with red onion, lettuce, and a big slice of tomato. Pasta salad or potato salad are served alongside to complete your meal.
Need a little pick-me-up before heading out on all your Gatlinburg adventures? Stop by the coffee counter to order a fresh cup of joe. Their iced coffee is endlessly refreshing whether you order it ultra sweet or plain. They can also serve your coffee hot if you’d like, and plenty of non-dairy milk alternatives are available.
Insider Tips:
-Their fresh juices sell out by early afternoon most days, so stop by in the morning if you have your heart set on enjoying those drinks.
-Try their wellness shots if you’d like a big boost of vitamins in one tasty sip.
-Ask for gluten-free bread if you’d like a burger or sandwich but need to skip the wheat.
-Do not put any food trash in the bin outside or their frequent bear visitor might feel like coming by to give it a taste.