by staff

There’s no denying the fact that all of us have unrealistic expectations from our vacations. Some of us secretly wish to come across our favorite movie star (think Ryan Gosling), others wish to experience the thrill of skydiving from a high altitude, and the rest want to stuff our faces with delicious food (bring me that pastry).

And why not? Food is the highlight of life.

If you belong to the latter category of food enthusiastic vacationers, we have some good news. Pigeon Forge is never short on taste.

So, how about indulging your taste buds in some of the best eats this side of the Smoky Mountains? We guarantee you that you’ll be left in awe – so let’s have a look.

Here are the top food items you MUST try when in Pigeon Forge:

Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Shrimps – the delicate little cousins of lobster – are a popular seafood item, and for a good reason. They’re healthy and have a unique flavor that is hard to find in other seafood items. The crunchy, slightly charred exterior and the juicy, succulent interior make grilled shrimp skewers irresistible. And when served with a lemon-butter sauce, they’re taken to a whole other level of deliciousness.

So, when searching “places to eat Pigeon Forge,” Junction 35 is the spot you must try. Their grilled shrimp skewers coated in garlic butter definitely don’t disappoint, and there’s so much more to try on their menu.

Slow Cooked Roast Beef Sandwich
The melt-in-the-mouth, slow-cooked roast beef served on a toasted baguette with sharp cheddar, crispy onion strings, and zesty horseradish sauce is a heavenly combination to tantalize your taste buds.

And at famous Steakhouses, they do this sandwich justice. The beef is cooked to perfection, and the flavors all work together perfectly to create a flavorful and satisfying sandwich. It’s the perfect pick-me-up if you’re heading out for a tiresome day of hiking.

Wood Fire Pizza
Pizza is a globally loved food item. And when it’s wood-fired, it’s even better. The smoky flavor of the wood and the crispy, thin crust make for a pizza that is truly out of this world. Pizza At The Cove serves some of the best wood-fired pizzas in Pigeon Forge, and they’re worth a try. There are oh-so-many toppings to choose from, whether the classic pepperoni or something more adventurous like the Tennessee truffle. And, if you ask us, there’s never a wrong day for pizza.

Deep Fried Turkey
Nothing says wholesome, home-cooked goodness like a big ol’ turkey, especially when it’s deep-fried to perfection. The juicy, flavorful meat and the crispy skin are a match made in heaven. The turkey is served with mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and several other delicious sides. It’s just the right meal to warm you up on a cold winter.
Aunt Granny’s Buffet, located inside the Dollywood theme park, is one of the best places to get your hands on this delectable dish. Once you’ve stuffed yourself silly with turkey, allow it to digest before you can take a spin on some of the thrilling rides at Dollywood.

Fresh Rainbow Trout
Aye, aye, seafood lovers – this one is for you. Pigeon Forge is home to the best trout fishing in Tennessee. The river is teeming with trout; if you’re lucky, you might even catch one. The Rainbow Trout is a popular dish in Pigeon Forge, and it’s usually served grilled or pan-fried. The flesh of the trout is delicate and flaky, with a subtle flavor that will please even picky eaters. And when it’s served with a side of homemade coleslaw and hush puppies, it’s a meal that is hard to resist. We bet you’ll come back asking for more.

Taffy
You can’t come to Pigeon Forge and not try some of the world-famous taffy. Lined with quaint candy stores, the Parkway is the perfect place to get your hands on some of this sticky, sweet treat. There are a lot of flavors to try, so take your pick.

We recommend the chocolate-covered taffy from The Old Mill Candy Kitchen – it’s to die for, trust us. And if you’re more of a savory food lover, they also have a delicious variety of saltwater taffy. Remember to charge your phones beforehand because you won’t want to miss recording the live taffy making that happens right on-site.

Apple Butter and Apple Dumplings
No trip to Pigeon Forge is complete without indulging in some of the delicious apple butter and dumplings the city is famous for, and for good reasons. These treats are the perfect way to satiate your sweet tooth, and they’re also a great souvenir to take home for your family and coworkers. The Old Mill General Store is one of the best places to get your hands on these delectable goodies. And if you want to see how they’re made, you can also tour The Old Mill.

Homemade Maple Syrup
Okay, where is the pancake emoji when you need it? Because nothing goes better with pancakes than a big ol’ helping of homemade maple syrup. It’s an award-winning tradition at The Old Mill that you shouldn’t miss out on when in Pigeon Forge. The syrup is made from 100% pure maple, and it’s unarguably divine. Pour it over your pancakes, waffles, or even ice cream – we promise you won’t be disappointed. The consistency, flavor, and aroma are all spot on, and it’s sure to leave you wanting more.

Moonshine and Whiskey
Winding down after a tiring day of exploring everything Pigeon Forge offers? What better way to do so than by sipping some of Tennessee’s finest moonshine and whiskey? Several distilleries in the area offer tastings and tours, so be sure to check them out. We recommend Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery and Sugarlands Distilling Company. You’ll be amazed at the number of flavors they offer. You might even find a new favorite. We recommend trying the apple pie moonshine – it’s like liquid gold.

Conclusion
We are sure you haven’t had enough yet. There’s so much more to explore, and we can’t wait for you to experience it all. So what are you waiting for then? Come on down to Pigeon Forge and have the time of your life. And don’t forget to eat – there’s plenty of delicious food here just waiting to be devoured. If you’re explicitly traveling for food, make sure the hotels you choose are located just minutes away from all the best restaurants. This way, you can easily walk off all those extra calories. Trust us, it’ll be well worth it.

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