Some days, after a satisfying meal, all you want to do is take a nice, long walk. Other days, after an invigorating hike, the only thing keeping you on your feet is the promise of food. In either case, one thing remains true: Proximity is everything.
Whether you long to be hiking toward a full belly or hiking away with one, here are a couple of great options for pairing your meal with your miles.
Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe
4001 St. Elmo Ave.
» 2-minute drive from Guild-Hardy Trailhead
Dine in or pick up a picnic lunch for the trail at this St. Elmo cafe, offering sandwiches, hot dogs, barbecue plates and other staples reminiscent of outdoor gatherings.
Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cafe on the CornerCafe on the Corner
826 Scenic Hwy., Lookout Mountain
» 3-minute drive from Sunset Rock
Frequented by hungry sightseers on their way home from Rock City and Ruby Falls, this grocery-store-turned-restaurant serves up Southern cuisine with a classy twist.
Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hummingbird Pastaria
720 Mississippi Ave., Signal Mountain
» 3-minute drive from Rainbow Lake Wilderness Trailhead
If you’re heading up to Signal Mountain in search of adventure, make sure to pop by this family-run neighborhood trattoria praised for its fresh pasta and rustic Italian dishes.
Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream
3924 Tennessee Ave.
» 4-minute drive from Millers Way Trailhead
Broke a personal record? Stuck to that workout regimen? Forced yourself to get off the couch? Treat yourself with a slice from this 1980s-esque pizzeria, as well as a celebratory scoop from its large variety of ice cream flavors.
Monday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Lucky’s
2536 Cummings Hwy., Lookout Valley
» 5-minute drive from Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center
If you’re looking to knock back a cold one after working up a sweat at the nature preserve, fortune is on your side. This relaxed bar offers a filling cheeseburger and pool tables, to boot.
Tuesday-Thursday, 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Friday-Saturday, 1 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Sunday, 2-10 p.m.
Sofa King Juicy BurgerSofa King Juicy Burger
1743 Dayton Blvd.
» 7-minute drive from Stringer’s Ridge
Don’t be fooled by the low prices; this burger joint heaves out hefty helpings of everything from onion rings to milkshakes to keep you going if your workout left you running on “E.”
Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Hillbilly Willy’s Bar-B-Q
115 Browns Ferry Road, Lookout Valley
» 8-minute drive from Raccoon Mountain
You could easily grab a bite at one of the many nearby chains after your trip to Raccoon Mountain. Or, you could drive just a few extra minutes to this unassuming family-owned eatery, whose unique barbecue has seemingly become the stuff of legend.
Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.