A Sweet Summer at Lake Junaluska

Discover the magic of Crepe and Custard at Lake Junaluska—where every bite comes with a view.

What Changes When Summer Arrives

Summer at Crepe & Custard is a different operation than the rest of the year. The cafe stays open later. The porch fills earlier. Families on vacation mix with locals who walk the lake trail every morning, and the line at the custard window gets longer as the afternoon heats up.

The menu stays mostly the same, but the way people use it shifts. Breakfast crepes still anchor the morning, but by midday the sweet crepes and custard take over. A scoop of vanilla custard with toasted coconut on a July afternoon does what it is supposed to do. Strawberry crepes move fast when the berries are good.

Outdoor seating is the obvious choice in summer, but the covered porch earns its value on the days when a quick rain passes through. You can sit under the roof, watch the rain move across the lake surface, and still eat without getting wet. Those are some of the better moments, honestly.

The Lake in Summer

Lake Junaluska draws more visitors in summer than any other season. The walking trail is busy from early morning on, and the water gets kayakers and paddleboarders from mid-morning until evening. The auditorium runs concerts and events through the summer schedule, which brings conference groups and day visitors who might not have found the lake otherwise.

For the cafe, that means a mix of regulars and first-timers on any given day. Regulars know what they want. First-timers tend to study the menu, ask questions, and often come back the next day to try something else.

Worth Planning Around

If you want a quiet visit, come on a weekday morning before 10. If you want the full summer atmosphere with families and activity around the lake, aim for a Saturday afternoon.

The frozen custard is the seasonal draw. It is made in-house, denser than soft serve, and available in chocolate, vanilla, or a swirl of both. Most people get a cup, but it pairs well with a sweet crepe if you are committed to the full experience.

Summer hours run longer than off-season. Check the website or call ahead to confirm daily hours, especially around holidays.

From Sunrise Walks to Sunset Swirls

Whether you’re arriving for a lakefront brunch or capping off a busy day of paddleboarding, Crêpe and Custard fits right in. Our seasonal menu features both sweet and savory crêpes, strawberries and cream, ham and gruyère, peaches and caramel, and a rotating list of custard creations that range from nostalgic to downright decadent.

Local Love in Every Layer

We’re proud to serve the Lake Junaluska community with fresh ingredients, warm hospitality, and the kind of service that makes you feel like family. Many of our recipes are inspired by local produce, regional traditions, and customer favorites that keep coming back (hello, blueberry-lemon custard parfait!).

Worth Planning Around

If you want a quiet visit, come on a weekday morning before 10. If you want the full summer atmosphere with families and activity around the lake, aim for a Saturday afternoon.

The frozen custard is the seasonal draw. It is made in-house, denser than soft serve, and available in chocolate, vanilla, or a swirl of both. Most people get a cup, but it pairs well with a sweet crepe if you are committed to the full experience.

Summer hours run longer than off-season. Check the website or call ahead to confirm daily hours, especially around holidays.

Come See What’s Swirling at the Lake

Follow us on Instagram for daily specials, seasonal custard flavors, and behind-the-scenes looks at your favorite crêpe creations. Better yet—stop by. We’ve got a seat, a smile, and something delicious waiting for you.

Share:

Table of Contents

On Key

Related Posts

What Makes a Great Crepe?

There is a short list of foods that are impossible to eat without being fully present. A great crepe is on that list. It requires