Pigeon Forge, TN is known for many things. Among them: go kart tracks, mini golf, arcades, outlet stores, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Titanic Museum Attraction, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Applewood Farmhouse and The Old Mill, moonshine, indoor skydiving, arts and crafts, dinner shows, Dollywood, and cozy cabins in the mountains. And, much to the dismay of our waistlines, sweet treats and Southern staples.
Heaping stacks of fluffy pancakes, apple butter slathered on homemade biscuits, fresh-pulled saltwater taffy, rich and creamy fudge, candy-covered caramel apples, cookies the size of your face, crunchy classic candies – and that’s just the sweet stuff. You’ll also find fried chicken, juicy burgers, barbecue, ribs, mashed potatoes and gravy, grits, and the list goes on and on.
While reading this on an empty stomach or while counting your 10,000 steps for the day may seem like torture, we’re really just prepping you for May 6 – No Diet Day. It’s just one of the many quirky holidays that’s popped up over the years, and it’s just another reason to splurge on the delicious and varied foods you’ll find in the Smokies. Whether you want to treat yourself to a small sweet or splurge on a decadent meal, you can do it all in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Need a little nudge? Here are a few favorites, from savory to sweet.
Chocolate treats at The Chocolate Monkey
3152 Parkway | Pigeon Forge
The candy-covered caramel apples entice you in, side by side with truffles, cookies, fudge, and more!
Unique flavors at The Old Mill Creamery
171 Old Mill Ave | Pigeon Forge
Oat Mill Cream Pie, Biscuits ‘n Honey, Whiskey Ribbon, and Gristmill Toffee Grind are just a few fun flavors.
Decadent goodies at Kilwin’s Chocolates
645 Parkway | Gatlinburg
You can’t walk down the Parkway without smelling the sweets – truffles, fudge, brittles, corns, and beyond.
Hot slices at Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
3053 Parkway | Pigeon Forge
A big menu of pizza served with salads, sandwiches, and desserts like cannoli and cappuccino mousse cake
The classics at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
4074 Parkway | Pigeon Forge
Our family can’t help but stop when the hot sign is on!
Country breakfasts at Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant
2831 Parkway | Pigeon Forge
All your breakfast favorites, along with specialties like banana foster French toast and chicken and waffles
Salty goodness at Poynor’s Pommes Frites
131 Island Dr | Pigeon Forge
German flavors, Belgium fries, and unique offerings like Spaghetti Ice
Apple Valley Creamery
230 Apple Valley Rd | Sevierville
Hot apple cobbler and frozen bananas served up with smoothies, frappes, and a big menu of flavors
Cupcakes at Gigi’s Cupcakes
2430 Teaster Ln | Pigeon Forge
Mama’s Farmhouse
208 Pickel St | Pigeon Forge
Homemade buttermilk biscuits start off family-style meals, followed by fried chicken, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, chicken & dumplings, and more.
Fresh goodies at Donut Friar
634 Parkway | The Village Shops | Gatlinburg
Enjoy fresh donuts, eclairs, and pastries with a hot cappuccino for browsing the shops.
Southern staples at The Old Mill
164 Old Mill Ave | Pigeon Forge
Heaping plates of Southern favorites at the Pottery House Café & Grille and The Old Mill Restaurant; stone-ground grains, mixes, and jams to enjoy in the cabin
Ogle Dogs at Fannie Farkle’s
656 Parkway | Gatlinburg
Foot-long corndogs, peppers and onions smothering sausage subs, and cheesesteaks
WORKING OFF THE INDULGENCES
It’s always fun to splurge and treat yo’ self to some goodies. But after big pancake breakfasts, rich chocolates, foot-long corndogs, pizza, donuts, and Southern sides, you may be ready to burn a few extra calories. Once No Diet Day has come and gone, here are a few ways to get moving in the Smokies:
- Lace up your boots and hit the hiking trails. Some favorites: Alum Cave Trail, Appalachian Trail, Charlies Bunion, Andrew’s Bald, and Porters Creek.
- Spot wildlife on a bike ride through Cades Cove. Those hills are sure to burn off a little fudge!
- Walk and play at Dollywood. Spread over 150+ acres, walking from rides to shows to shops will ensure you get your steps in for the day.
- Play ball in the parks of Pigeon Forge. From Wear Farm City Park to Patriot Park, Pigeon Forge has plenty of outdoor spaces to get active.
- Walk around at The Island. Not just a spot for sweet treats, The Island’s layout allows you to get some great walking in. Plus, try the ropes course for some extra fun!
- Golf – especially if you skip the cart – is a great way to enjoy the scenery and work off some of the goodies you’ve indulged in. Spend a day at Bent Creek Golf Course or play with the kids at one of the mini golf courses in the area.
