9 Things Not to Do While Visiting Pigeon Forge, From a Local

An insider’s guide on what not to do when visiting Pigeon Forge, the surrounding area

As someone who frequents Pigeon Forge, I know too well that when planning a vacation, in the words of a musical maestro, it’s about knowing when to hold them and knowing when to fold them. 

When you plan your next trip to the Smokies, I want you to be prepared.

I want you to understand the risk vs reward of the choice you make. 

With that in mind, here are some of our best don’ts when it comes to visiting Pigeon Forge.

When you visit Pigeon Forge, there may be a few things you want to avoid.

For example, you don’t want to skip making reservations at popular restaurants, don’t visit Dollywood without checking to see if they are open first, and don’t visit when a popular car show is in town because traffic will be awful.

Here, a local shares some tips on how to get the most out of your Pigeon Forge vacation by avoiding common mistakes.

 

1. Don’t play it safe

A lot of people come to the Smokies and have the same vacation experience over and over again.

They stay in the same hotels and eat at the same restaurants.

Some people visit the same shows and shop at the same stores. 

However, one of the great things about the Smokies is that they’re always changing.

In the mountains themselves, those changes can take eons, but down amongst the people in Pigeon Forge?

They come a bit faster. Try the new things when they come. Try for the right balance of familiar favorites and something completely different.

Do you have to visit Dolly’s Stampede every year?

Try the Pirates show. Does everyone know your name at Pancake Cabin? Maybe give the Lil Black Bear Café a try.

2. Don’t show up without calling ahead

I am a fairly well-traveled individual. From what I can tell, this is largely a phenomenon that’s unique to establishments in the Smoky Mountains.

However, I find, that local businesses rarely keep their Google Business operating dates and hours updated as they should, businesses tend to close and open at random, and few restaurants accept reservations.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve shown up at a local restaurant ready to eat only to be greeted by a “Sorry we closed early today” sign taped to the front door.

Today, I am a more experienced Pigeon-Forge goer. When I want a day out on the town, I wake up, make a list, and call every establishment on that list to confirm operating hours.

I also make reservations whenever possible as crowds can be a problem in the busy season and wait times can exceed two hours or more.

3. Don’t assume Dollywood is open

Here’s another one that tends to get a lot of people – including myself and I should know better – failing to check the Dollywood calendar before you go.

Many assume Dollywood is a theme park like any other and open 365 days a year. And that is simply not the case.

While Dollywood is an impressive park with coasters and entertainment that I genuinely believe rivals that of Disney World, it is a seasonal park with limited hours.

Dollywood tends to keep limited hours in the fall and winter (and close 1-2 days per week, usually on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday) and they close seasonally for the better part of January-March.

4. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella

Speaking of planning … did you know that Pigeon Forge receives almost 50″ of rainfall each year – making it one of the rainiest cities in the United States?

Our rainiest month is typically July and our dryest is usually September.

But it pretty much rains year-round – wintertime included.

In fact, we spend the better part of our winters hovering just above freezing so instead of picturesque snowscapes, you just get ice-cold rain.

Don’t let our postcard-esque social media pics fool you.

It’s wet down here. Plan accordingly.

5. Don’t come during Rod Run

Okay, if you love classic cars and want to come to Pigeon Forge for the event, knock yourself out.

But the rest of you should know that this bi-annual event tends to bring in the biggest crowds of the year.

This means serious traffic congestion, limited parking and long waits at local restaurants.

Area residents have reported the simple 30-minute drive from Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge along the spur turning into a 2-hour commute during a Rod Run weekend.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Note: Rod Run dates vary each year but weekends usually fall sometime in September and April.

6. Don’t go looking for real ‘shine

I kid the tourists about the commercial distillery version of moonshine.

I know a guy or two who can put their hands on the real thing, made in a secluded barn in Cocke County.

Once or twice I’ve even run across some real, high-quality aged stuff. I’ve also run into a mess of ‘shine that was of significantly less quality.

A guy I know got into a batch of it that was poorly made and it messed up his digestive processes for more than a week.

You hear about people going blind because of ‘shine, but you never hear of what can happen to millions of innocent gastrointestinal tract microbes.

Anyway, don’t get yourself in a similar situation in Pigeon Forge.

Just stick to local commercial distilleries – I highly recommend Ole Smoky and Sugarlands.

7. Don’t be a snob

Not everything is for everybody. I have – in my life – felt a certain way about the stereotypes of the mountain people and where I fit into that melting pot.

Because I was afraid to be seen a certain way, I declined to do certain things.

Comedy Barn? No, thank you, sir. Not for me. I’m not one of the hill people amused by Hee Haw cornpone humor. I’m a sophisticate.

Now excuse me while I make plans to see the latest Johnny Knoxville extravaganza. But then, finally, I went and had a great time, despite myself.

There’s some risk involved in this.

You may find an activity that you legitimately didn’t enjoy. But, often, in the days, weeks, months and years after our vacations, it’s the parts that weren’t a success that we remember and tell others about. 

8. Don’t go to Comedy Barn hungry

Speaking of Comedy Barn, here’s another one that I hear people complain about all the time.

Because there are so many dinner shows in the area, I find that people often make the mistake of assuming that Comedy Barn is the same.

What Comedy Barn is: A slapstick good time and one of the best shows in the area. What Comedy Barn isn’t: A dinner show.

With that said, they do have a full concession stand that features the standard movie-theater-style fare including candy, pizza, and popcorn.

But don’t expect to show up to this one and be greeted with the kind of four-course meal you might find at The Stampede.

9. Don’t go to a celebrity restaurant for Southern food

If you want traditional Southern foods, I do not recommend going to the various celebrity eateries that have popped up in the area.

Of course, everything is subjective. I know people who love both of those places.

But do they offer traditional food from this region or an authentic experience? That’s a stretch.

There are legitimately quality authentic places to get true Southern Food in Pigeon Forge – like Mama’s Farmhouse, Old Mill Restaurant, and the Pottery House.

Give those people your money instead of ol’ Paula and you’ll be happier for it. Plus, you’ll be supporting local businesses.

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These Are the 4 Worst Times to Visit Pigeon Forge, Smoky Mountains

The worst times to visit the Smokies, according to a local

The perfect time to hit the Smokies depends on what you want out of the experience.

For example, in the spring, the mountains are fresh, green and blooming.

They retain a bit of the nip in the air. Summer is also great when nothing is more refreshing than a cold mountain stream.

We certainly love the Smokies in the fall when the kaleidoscope of colors is bursting all around, and the hint of the coming winter is in the air.

Finally, the Smokies in winter with its Christmas traditions, and Dollywood with the bright, colorful lights and the holiday spirit everywhere simply can’t be beat.

Therefore, there’s never a bad time to go to the Smokies. That said, as someone who has lived in the foothills of the mountains for more than 35 years, I can confidently say that some seasons are worse than others.

Here are, in my opinion, the worst:

There’s probably never a bad time to visit the Smoky Mountains, but the less-than-ideal time will depend on your general preferences.

Some will say the worst time to visit is during the off-season of January and February when many attractions close or run on a limited schedule.

Others will say the worst time to visit is during one of the area’s famous car shows because traffic can be a nightmare.

1. In the off-season

For Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, January and February (minus New Year’s and Valentine’s Day), are like one long December 26th.

The anticipation of the holidays is gone.

It’s cold. It’s gray. The mountains are dormant. Dollywood is closed.

Several other attractions are closed or on limited winter hours. Sure you can shop. Sure you can do indoor stuff. But a general malaise hangs in the air.

While there’s not much traffic to battle and the crowds have dwindled, there’s a reason.

The best thing to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in January and February is to look ahead to better days.

2. During Rod Runs

Rod Runs (held twice a year in April and September) are great.

The cars are super cool and the people-watching is excellent. But if you’ve ever accidentally driven onto the main drag unaware that it’s a Rod Run weekend, you are missing out on a special kind of misery.

It’s a little bit like being the victim of a mob hit in a Martin Scorsese film.

Everything’s going along swimmingly; you’re having a nice drive with your family. You see a classic car and then another.

Then the cold realization of what is about to happen hits just as everything goes slow-motion and you’re powerless to stop it.

Then everything fades to black and you spend the next four hours motionless in the fast lane listening to the Rolling Stones.

3. On holidays

I’m pretty sure it was Jean-Paul Sartre who said “To every yen, there is a yang.”

The beauty of the mountains in the fall and winter is unmatched and it’s a great way to spend Thanksgiving with the family.

It’s even prettier at Christmas with millions of twinkling lights along the Parkway. But every family outing to the mountains during the holidays requires a certain kind of calculus.

What combination of backroads and main roads is the right combination to get us where we’re going in a reasonable time?

Can I risk coming in from Exit 407? Should I go through Newport?

If the nerves are a little frayed, what are the chances you’ll find yourself laying on the horn and telling a tourist from Cleveland that deer are everywhere and certainly are not worth blocking the loop for 35 minutes while you gawk at them.

Yelling “If you stop for anything less than a bear, I will go full Earnhardt and put your butt in the ditch,” is an indication, you picked the wrong day to go to the Cove.

4. Summertime

I’m not sure if you’re aware, but the East Tennessee humidity can be oppressive.

Summer can be a great time to be up in the mountains or it can be a sweltering hellscape of soggy, sweaty humanity.

Once, while traversing the concrete concourse of Dollywood on our way from the Country Fair up to the relative shade of Craftsmen’s Valley, the combined effects of the staggering heat and the relocation of all of the liquid inside my body to dripping off the outside of my body left me shuttling through the relative planes of existence.

I started looking for a wedding ring I thought dropped from my finger even though I lost that ring 12 years prior while spinning it like a top. Summer, my friend, can be brutal.

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10 Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge – Taste Tested and Approved Dining

A local’s guide to the top restaurants and cuisines in Pigeon Forge

In my opinion, the most challenging part of a Pigeon Forge vacation may well be picking a place to eat. 

Do we want to be daring? Or do we want to play it safe? Do we want dinner and an experience?

Especially with over 100 different restaurants to choose from in a town that covers less than 14 square miles.

At any rate, as a local who has tried them all, I’m going to tackle the top ten places to eat in Pigeon Forge. Editor’s Note: We’ve also made this list a printable pdf.

As a local, I have determined that the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge are The Old Mill, The Pottery House Cafe, Mama’s Farmhouse, Alamo Steakhouse, The Local Goat, Blue Moose Burgers, Lil’ Black Bear Cafe, Cielito Lindo, Junction 35 and Huck Finn’s Catfish.

Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge

Rank	Food	Best for …
1	The Old Mill Restaurant	Seafood lovers seeking the best-fried catfish in town.
2	The Pottery House Cafe	People love The Old Mill but also crave a bit more variety on the menu.
3	Mama’s Farmhouse	Hungry people in the mood for an all-you-can-eat family-style Southern dining experience.
4	Alamo Steakhouse	Anyone in search of the best steak in Pigeon Forge – this is it!
5	The Local Goat	Families looking for affordable food, and sports fans looking for a place to catch the game.
6	Blue Moose Burgers	That person who wants a family-friendly local sports bar ambiance to watch “the game”.
7	Lil’ Black Bear Cafe	Visitors looking for a local hole-in-the-wall breakfast joint. But do note – seating is extremely limited.
8	Cielito Lindo	Fans of Latin spice – this is our favorite Mexican restaurant in the area.
9	Huck Finn’s Catfish	Seafood lovers seeking the best fried catfish in town.
10	Puckett’s	People in the mood for great barbecue. While we think there’s still better BBQ in Sevierville (Preachers & Bustin’ Butts) and Gatlinburg (Delauder’s), Puckett’s is the best in Pigeon Forge.

1. The Old Mill Restaurant

Located near the Pottery House in the historic Old Mill District, this restaurant features delicious Southern cuisine and country cooking done well. 

With a wide variety of local favorites, there’s something here for the entire family.

Breakfast, served daily til 11 am, features a variety of pancakes, omelets, and biscuits.

I highly recommend the latter as the biscuits are some of the best I’ve ever had in my life, anywhere.

The lunch (served daily til 4 pm) and dinner (served from 4 pm to close) menus feature a variety of fried chicken (which also made our best fried chicken in Pigeon Forge list), ham, meatloaf, pork, and barbecue.

Entrees are served with a side of corned chowder, biscuits, green beans, and mashed potatoes.

The biscuits, as stated earlier, literally melt in your mouth. The country-fried chicken is cooked to perfection.

And the chicken and dumpling platter is a dish you won’t soon forget.

But be warned, this incredible restaurant isn’t exactly a local secret. So expect at least a 30-minute to 1-hour wait even in the slow season.

In the busy season, wait times could be even greater. And they do not accept reservations. It’s a walk up, put your name down, and wait for your name to be called kind of situation.

Outdoor heaters are available on the patio for winter queues.

Parking is available on-site but may be limited during the busy season. Overflow parking is sometimes available at Patriot Park. Read our full review here.

2. Old Mill Pottery House Cafe

The Pottery House Cafe is also located within the historic Old Mill District. It’s the sister restaurant of The Old Mill.

The building used to belong to a local potter and is steeped in history.

The ambiance is casual and cozy. And there’s a surprisingly cute outdoor oasis-style patio located in the back that few, aside from the locals, know about.

They also like to put insulated igloos out for patrons during the colder months. It’s a vibe.

The Pottery House is open daily from 11 to close serving lunch and dinner.

They open a bit earlier on Saturdays and Sundays – at 10 am – with a special brunch menu.

Their all-day menu features a fusion of American classics (think chicken, steaks, and pasta) and upscale Southern comfort cuisine (like their famous Buttermilk Chicken Melt).

And don’t overlook the bread bowl – The Pottery House makes their bread on-site daily. Like their sister restaurant, Pottery House does not accept reservations.

Again, parking is available on-site but may be limited on weekends and holidays.

3. Mama’s Farmhouse

If you come to the mountains, you might as well try some good Southern home cooking. And Mama’s Farmhouse restaurant is the closest thing you’re going to find to a home-style Southern meal the way Mammaw used to make in all the Smokies.

From the time you walk in, the ambiance feels like you’ve just stepped into somebody’s grandmother’s kitchen.

The food is served family-style – which means you order for the table. Plus, it’s all you can eat – so come hungry.

They are open for breakfast (8 am-11 am), lunch (11 am – 3 pm) and dinner (3 pm – close) daily.

They just started offering extended breakfast hours (til 2 pm) on weekends last year. And ample parking is available on site.

Their breakfast menu features pinwheels, chicken tenders, chocolate gravy, hash brown casserole and biscuits.

You should be aware, the biscuit portion of this meal will blow your socks off. They won the People’s Choice Award at the 2015 International Biscuit Festival.

The lunch and dinner menus vary seasonally but usually feature a variety of fried chicken, meatloaf, ham, turkey and steak.

There’s also a variety of sides including mashed potatoes, fried okra and mac and cheese.

I recommend the chicken and dumplings and creamed corn.

I can also vouch for the desserts which include peach cobber, apple crunch and banana pudding.

But of course, like a true Southerner, banana pudding is my favorite.

4. Alamo Steakhouse

There are several good steakhouses in Pigeon Forge. But this is one of the best steaks you can get in the Smokies, cooked to perfection.

Open for lunch (11 am-3 pm daily) and dinner (3 pm to close) daily, the Alamo serves a variety of all-American classic dishes like grilled seafood, burgers and, of course, as mentioned before, steaks.

What should you get if you go to the Alamo Steakhouse? I’d start with the shrimp cocktail – it’s darn good. 

I can also recommend the horseradish-parmesan prime rib strips and the sombreros – crab-stuffed mushroom caps – if you’re considering appetizers.

Texas taters are also usually quite popular with my family.

For the main entree I of course recommend ordering steak – it’s a steakhouse after all.

But if you’re looking for a more specific suggestion I say go with “The Steak”. Yes, there’s an entree option simply known as “The Steak” at the Alamo.

It’s a massive 20oz ribe eye cooked with the bone in.

The Alamo usually accepts call-ahead seating but limits their actual reservations for couples at their second location in Gatlinburg location a few miles away hoping to dine in the “The Love Nest”. Parking is available on-site.

5. The Local Goat

The Local Goat is one of the more popular restaurants in Pigeon Forge, which means it can sometimes be difficult to get a table.

But they do accept reservations – which I highly recommend.

Open daily from 11 am to close, their daily menu features everything from burgers and steaks to seafood. And it’s all done with a certain level of artistry and flair.

Traditional American foods are presented in classic ways with modern twists that take them beyond what you’d find in a chain restaurant.

They’re certainly not afraid to offer challenging menu items from cheese fondue to deep-fried deviled eggs to an Elvis burger with peanut butter.

It’s the perfect place to go if you want to try something familiar but with a little more flavor.  

In a rarity for this area, reservations are offered at this location and available through Google. And I highly recommend making reservations.

This restaurant might be a local gem but that doesn’t mean it’s not a well-known establishment.

Wait times can be lengthy if you go without a plan. A large parking lot is available on site. Read our full review here.

6. Blue Moose Burgers

Blue Moose Burgers & Wings bills itself as Pigeon Forge’s only family sports grill and the best-kept secret by residents since 2007.

However, that secret is getting out.

Blue Moose is growing in popularity and for good reason. It’s affordable, it has good food and good service.

It’s located in one of those rare semi-hidden pockets of Pigeon Forge where it’s not exactly on the beaten path. But it’s also not really off the beaten path either.

It’s a sports fan’s ideal location to catch the game with a casual atmosphere and dozens of flat screens located throughout the restaurant including inside the booths.

There’s not a bad seat in the house.

They are open every day from 11 am to close. Their regular menu features a variety of American dishes like sandwiches, burgers and chicken.

But they are famous for their award-winning jumbo chicken wings and craft beer.

Unfortunately, reservations are not available for this location but you can order takeout on their website. Free parking is available on-site.

7. Lil Black Bear Café

This is one for the “you have to be in the ‘know'” kinda place.

A teeny, tiny breakfast and lunch spot with only a handful of seats located on Veterans Parkway, Lil Black Bear Café isn’t going to wow you with its menu options.

It’s a basic breakfast, a basic lunch but it’s done to perfection.

Do you want something memorable from your vacation?

The Lil Black Bear Café is memorable for all the right reasons. And it has a cult-like area fan following.

The menu features reasonable prices and it’s a great place to eat. But be warned, wait times often reach up to two hours in the busy season.

And this restaurant, like many in the area, does not take reservations. Also, be sure to call ahead and confirm hours.

This is a mom-and-pop-style restaurant.

Operating hours/dates tend to vary without notice. Don’t stake your entire morning on eating at this establishment only to be greeted with a rudimentary sign taped to the door – sorry, we’re closed.

8. Cielito Lindo

Cielito Lindo roughly translates to “pretty little heaven”. And that’s exactly how I feel about this place.

It’s a traditional hole-in-the-wall style Mexican joint.

But I adore it. It’s my little heavenly haven for spice in the Smokies.

I find Pigeon Forge has surprisingly few Mexican dining options.

This, I suppose, makes sense as you probably aren’t coming to the mountains looking for Latin cuisine. But I’m the kind of person who will seek out Mexican no matter what town I’m in. And there’s something about the unique style of Mexican food served in East Tennessee that I simply adore. 

So if you’re like me, or if you just need a break from Southern comfort food, head to Cielito Lindo.

Their daily menu features nachos, fajitas, tortas, tacos, soups and combo platters.

My go-to order is the burrito deluxe with pulled chicken (pictured above) with a side of queso. This restaurant is open daily from 11 am – close.

A small parking lot is available in front of the store.

9. Huck Finn’s Catfish

OK. Maybe you want a traditional Southern twist on seafood entrees.

In that case, Huck Finn’s Catfish is the place for you. 

Open daily from 11:30 am to close, Huck Finn’s entrees largely feature chicken and/or fish.

Sides include delicious options like baked white beans, coleslaw, hushpuppies, fries green beans and more.

If you’re hungry go for the all-you-can-eat dinner option with vittles (beans, pickles, cole slaw, hushpuppies and fries or green beans), catfish and chicken.

Vittles are also complimentary with every regular entree.

Any restaurant that treats pickles as an appetizer is all right by me.

Do note, that this restaurant isn’t open late.

They usually end dinner service around 7:30 pm nightly Parking is available on site.

10. Puckett’s Restaurant

What are your top restaurants when you visit Pigeon Forge TN? Let us know in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cuisines and dishes is Pigeon Forge known for?

Pigeon Forge and the surrounding areas are best known for their Southern comfort food cuisine which includes barbecue, fried chicken, ham and steak.

We are also known for our pancakes.

How much is the food in Pigeon Forge?

Food prices vary by restaurant but as a safe rule of thumb, plan to spend about $10 to $15 per entree at casual restaurants and $25 to $40 at finer table service restaurants.

Pigeon Forge isn’t as expensive as other tourist destinations in the United States, but it’s still a tourist destination, which means “cheap” food will be a bit harder to find unless you

Do you have a tip on what not to do in Pigeon Forge? Let us know in the comments.

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.