Dining

waffle stacked high with whipped cream

This Stand in Gatlinburg Serves the Craziest Waffles You’ve Ever Seen

Dual-location shop and stand in Gatlinburg serves up decadent waffles all day It’s a bold choice, I would think, to open a pair of waffle shops in the shadow of the iconic Gatlinburg institution the Pancake Pantry. But, in the Smoky Mountains, where there are pancake palaces stacked on top of each other – see what I did there? –

food from old mill compared to food from applewood farmhouse

The Old Mill vs Applewood Farmhouse: An Honest Comparison by a Local

Local compares two popular Southern-style restaurants in the Smoky Mountains One of the truisms of life in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is that if you find business success with a new or unique idea, it won’t be long until someone else is moving in on your territory. I’ve been around these mountains for nearly four decades. I recognize that imitation

assortment of dishes from paula deen's restaurant compared to mama's farmhouse

Paula Deen’s vs Mamas Farmhouse: Which Is Better, According to a Local

Local weighs pros and cons to two popular family-style restaurants in Pigeon Forge The wonderful world of wrestling introduced us to the concept of the Royal Rumble. In other words, a bunch of wrestlers get in the ring for a free-for-all. Allegiances form and are broken as necessary through the course of the scripted Donnybrook. At the end, the last

dolly parton speaks at a media event for HeartSong

The Bizarre Reason Dolly Parton’s Mom Put Rocks in the Family Soup

Dolly Parton shares childhood story that is now part of her Dollywood resort As a mom of five, I understand the struggle to get dinner on the table for a hoard of hungry children. But my little brood is tiny compared to the family Dolly Parton grew up in. Dolly’s parents had a total of twelve children (six boys and

food from paula deen compared to food from old mill

The Old Mill vs Paula Deen’s Kitchen: Which Is Better, According to a Local

Local weighs pros and cons of two of the most popular Pigeon Forge restaurants It seems that in the Smokies, there’s danger in diversification. The tried-and-true traditions of successful businesses in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and beyond are found in mimicry. Imitation is, after all, the sincerest form of flattery and the path to financial success in Sevier County. As someone

the exterior of pals and a meal featuring frenchie fries, a hamburger and a hot dog

Why People Are Obsessed With This Bizarre-Looking Burger Joint Near the Smoky Mountains

Pal’s Sudden Service is unlike any fast food restaurant you’ve ever seen There is a clamor for a famous burger chain or two to set up shop in the Smokies. Some want Whataburger. Some crave Fatburger. While others want an In-and-Out. But what if I told you they don’t need these West Coasters to come to the mountains? What if I told

a cubano at tennessee jeds

I’ve Eaten at 100s of Meals in Gatlinburg, These Are the 3 Best and Worst

I’ve lived in the Smoky Mountains for over 30 years, these are the best, and worst, meals I’ve ever had in Gatlinburg, TN As someone who has been dining in Gatlinburg for more than 30 years, ranking best and worst is somewhat difficult. First, there aren’t THAT many worsts. In honest the floor for Gatlinburg dining to me is OK

Greenbrier vs Peddler (a shot of the exterior of the restaurants)

The Peddler vs Greenbrier: Which is Better? A Local Declares A Winner

Area restaurant reviewer compares two of Gatlinburg’s most popular fine dining restaurants: The Peddler and The Greenbrier Restaurant Look let’s start by peeling the curtain back a little bit. Friends, on this particular subject my expertise is substantial. I’ve been tasting quality meat up and down East Tennessee for nearly four decades now. Wait, forget it. You know what I

boneless wings at smoky mountain brewery

We Taste Tested Dozens of Wings in Pigeon Forge, These 3 Were the Best

A local reveals his picks for the best wings in Pigeon Forge, TN I’ve dined in Pigeon Forge eateries for nearly 40 years. I certainly know the nature of the beast. Change is the buzzword in the mountains. Except for the rare few, popular restaurants come and go. One day, a restaurant can be in high demand, it’s impossible to

These 4 Hidden Gems Are the Best Mom and Pop Restaurants in Gatlinburg

I’ve dined at dozens of eateries in Gatlinburg, these are the best mom-and-pop restaurants in the area Nowadays, the term “mom and pop” is code for a restaurant that isn’t a chain or is owned by a single restauranteur or family instead of a restaurant group. But we’re still attached to the idea of a certain kind of place. Take,