Back Hills Cafe & Picking Parlor
If Alice in Wonderland owned a 150-year old log cabin, it would be the
Back Hills Café & Picking Parlor. The interior of the main dining room of this intimate, artsy and whimsical music venue, café and bed and breakfast is painted in a variety of bright colors and sports a red and white checkered floor. The “stage room” is on the ground floor of the actual cabin and is cozy, rustic and small. How small? At a recent LoneTone’s performance, Maria Williams’s upright bass had to be positioned between the low ceiling beams, and while on-stage, drummer Phil Pollard commented that when trying to make eye contact with his wife, he thought he inadvertently made three dates with other women in the audience. (The stage is so small, Pollard was limited to just a snare drum and small glockenspiel.) This intimacy along with the white-clothed tables, mismatched dinner and glassware, and a bathroom that is in a detached building, adds to the charm of this unique smoke-free venue that seats 60 and was sold out on the evening of
The LoneTones' performance. The Picking Parlor has already been host to shows by
Robinella, Wade Hill, The Steel Drivers, The Bearded, the
Tennessee Sheiks, and Roscoe Morgan & Lonely Train.
(See upcoming performance schedule below.) Acoustics are good in the cabin and due to the close proximity between the musicians and the crowd, there is the potential for plenty of impromptu interaction.
The Back Hills Café & Picking Parlor was originally located on Church Street in Maryville and the building that housed the business fell victim to the City’s imminent domain powers. The business re-opened in this rustic cabin in October 2006, and co-owner, Rose Pierce, says she and business partner Clara Peals, who was decked out in a charming cowgirl outfit, are still learning and apologized to the crowd for running out of food. The Cafe opens at 6:00 p.m. for dinner service and the music begins at approximately 7:00 p.m. and concludes around 9:00 p.m. Dinner is optional, unless otherwise noted, and the menu changes per show. On the night of my visit, dinner included a choice of chicken or pork ($3.50), spring-mix salad ($2.75), vegetables (glazed carrots, mashed potatoes, asparagus, and broccoli casserole for $1.75 each), and dessert (pineapple carrot cake for $2.50). Non-alcoholic beverages are available for $1.00 and patrons may bring their own beverages. (A $5.00 corkage fee covers a party of four.) The tiny “stage room” was heated with a portable fireplace on the staircase landing. The room was a warm and water re-fills were spotty, so packing your own Pelligrino might be a good idea. (Phil Pollard had an adequate stash of PBR onstage.)
Co-owners Rose and Clara met approximately 15 years ago, when Clara booked Rose’s band, The Acony Belles, for a private function. Rose, who sings and plays mandolin, has also played with Wade Hill and Back Porch Soul, and formed a local bluegrass association in the Maryville area. Over time, these ladies became known for their love of music and assisted other establishments, including churches, by decorating, setting up stages and booking bands for special events. Eventually, they decided to go into business for themselves.
They purchased the cabin, which was a private residence, in April 2006, and undertook extensive renovation and decorating of their multiple purpose business. Each bedroom is unique and runs the gamut of a homey old-fashioned parlor, a simple loft, and a 1950’s retro bedroom with twin beds and even a poodle skirt adorning the room. A building detached from the main house contains a modern bedroom with a separate laundry facility and bathroom. The cabin also has a lovely screened in porch and a front porch swing. Sitting on 4-acres, Rose hopes to someday host music festivals and barn dances on the property. Back Hills Café & Picking Parlor is also available for private parties and weddings.
Back Hills Café & Picking Parlor
1559 Middlesettlements Road
Maryville, TN 37801
(865) 982-1010
Reservations are not required, but are recommended
If you get lost, call them, they’ll get you there!
SCHEDULE (Show prices vary. Please call for more information.)
Thursday, February 1 Janette Williams Band
Saturday, February 3 Christabel & the Jons
Saturday, February 10 Carrie Hasler & Hard Rain
Friday, February 16 Mike Cleveland & Flame Keeper featuring Autie Blaylock
Friday, February 23 Jerry Typton with Robinella and Cruz Contrares
Saturday, March 3 Jay Clark
Friday, March 9 James King Band
DIRECTIONS
From Knoxville, you can take Alcoa Highway South and just past the airport, take the Hunt Road Exit and turn left onto W. Hunt Road. Travel 1.2 miles and turn right on Louisville Road and them immediately left onto W. Hunt Road. Go 1.3 miles and turn left on Middlesettlements Road. Cross the railroad track and the Back Hills Café & Picking Parlor will be on your immediate right. (The painted rail road crossing sign is on the pavement opposite the property.) If it’s dark upon your arrival, their sign is not lit, but look to the right and you should see a flashing red light on top of an open wooded gate.
You can also take 321 and turn onto Old Glory Road. Turn toward Maryville when turning onto Middlesettlements Road. Cross the railroad track and the property is on your immediate right.
Comments
Good article . . .. .way to go.
Posted by: bob & dee | January 29, 2007 01:22 PM