A local talks about his favorite area restaurants to visit around Thanksgiving and Christmas in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville
The holidays have arrived in the mountains – and, technically, everywhere. But the holidays in the mountains come with more than a few traditions. Yes, Sevier County has been a premier holiday shopping location for generations. And, the local governments go all out with bright lights and decorations. After dark, the mountains frequently have the desired nip in the air that lends itself to the kind of hot drinks and cold noses that are the stuff of Christmas carols the world over.
But at our house, the holidays haven’t hit home in the mountains until we get a chance to dine at one of our favorite Sevier County restaurants, preferably one with a special holiday menu or immaculate holiday vibes complete with a hearth and roaring fire by which we can warm our joints, aching from a day at the outlet malls.
As always, call ahead for restaurant holiday hours and policies regarding takeout.
1. Chop House
My favorite place for a meal during the holidays is the Chop House located at the Tanger Outlets. The Chop House is conveniently located of course, but it’s more than that. Operated by Conner Concepts – connected to East Tennessee find dining royalty – the Chop House offers hearty steaks and chops. For me, it just isn’t the holiday season in the Smokies until I’ve had my Chop House Prime Rib and Shrimp Cocktail.
But beyond the menu and the location? It’s the vibes. The thick timber and the heavy brick hearth. It feels like the kind of mountain getaway where Bing Crosby would have stopped to warm up before leading the place in a round of carols. When I walk into the Chop House in July, it just feels wrong.
2. Cherokee Grill
A lot of the same vibes as the Chop House just moved to Gatlinburg. There’s something about the mountain lodge feel that hits right during the holiday season. The meat-heavy menu, and the rustic lodgings, are just perfect for coming when you need to shake off a full body chill with a heavy meal and a nice bourbon.
3. Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
In many ways, the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant in Sevierville is the opposite of the first two on this list. It’s rural but not rustic. The menu isn’t heavy on red meat and chops. It is, to me, the epitome of a late summer or early fall vibe. Where does the Applewood get its holiday feel? The menu. It’s the kind of country classics you’d find at Grandma’s – or at least my Grandma’s – around the holidays. You can get turkey, meatloaf, ham, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, okra, fried chicken, pork and even steak. This is the kind of place where you’d find a lot of the makings of a traditional holiday meal on the menu. How much is Applewood geared into the holidays? You can order your holiday meal to go.
4. Tasting Pass at Dollywood
Talk about your holiday traditions. Have you really had a Christmas in the mountains if you haven’t visited Dollywood? For me, it’s the lights and the shows. Do you want to talk about Christmas vibes? At Dollywood the Christmas of it all is immaculate. And while there are a lot of great places to get holiday food in Dollywood – and get out of the cold – my favorite for more than 30 years now is the Outdoor Skillets currently located at the Marketplace. Maybe it’s the child of the Midwest in me but give me a sausage grilled outdoors with peppers and onions and a side of potatoes over just about anything else in the world. I don’t know that any meal has ever made me happier.
This year’s Big Skillet is serving up Jambalaya, but you can find the Italian Sausage skillet at one of the seasonal culinary booths. The Christmas Tasting pass gets you five festival foods – which include the jambalaya, loaded potato soup, pork belly skillet, the Stuffing Stacker and more – for one low price. There are also seasonal beverages and desserts available. Note that they will be closed on actual holidays, so be sure to check the calendar.
5. Seasons 101
Seasons 101, a casual American Bistro-style restaurant that changes its upscale cuisine with the season, is part of the burgeoning foodie scene in downtown Sevierville. If you want something more authentic, and less tourist-oriented than what you’ll typically find in Pigeon Forge, downtown Sevierville is just the place. Menu items include aged steaks, game, lamb and other meats that fit the mood of the season. If you want something a little lighter, or completely veggie, Seasons 101 will have exactly what you want to keep the season merry.
Are you planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains soon? Make sure to check out our coupons page before your trip!
Have a question or comment about something in this article? Contact our staff here. You may also contact our editorial team at info@thesmokies.com.