Historic Dining and Shopping in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

I recently visited the Smoky Mountain National Park in Tennessee. The park is surrounded by the most fascinating little towns. Check back and I'll be talking about some of the great artists I met along with some fun things to do in the area. But this time, I want to share one of the unique dining/shopping experiences I found.

The Old Mill is more than a restaurant. It's a village that has been recreated in Pigeon Forge, and it includes several restaurants, a general store, an ice cream shop, pottery store, garden store, a toy shop, and even a candy store. All of this is created around the original 1830-era water-powered grist-mill built on the banks of the Little Pigeon River. 

The restaurant is huge and features sit down, family-style cooking. I had a great big helping of pot roast served with warm Southern biscuits and topped off with pie.

The Old Mill Pigeon River Pottery has a great selection of pottery -- everything from traditional pottery to some incredible jewelry. 

The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille offers a fine dining experience that captures all the flavors of the Smoky Mountains from great fish and beef dishes to fresh-baked breads.

You'll also be able to enjoy the Old Mill Candy Kitchen with homemade sweets; The Old Mill Potting Shed with gardening tools, art, and decorations; The Old Mill Creamery with homemade ice cream and treats; The Old Mill Farmhouse Kitchen with everything you need to take home all the favorite treats you ate in the restaurants; and The Old Mill Toy Bin with a large selection of old-fashioned toys and games. There's also a trolley that will run you around the town and between the village and the parking area. Plan on spending a couple of hours and then enjoying dinner at one of the restaurants. You're in for a fun evening and a meal that's not to be forgotten.