Scouted Fall Getaways: Sevierville / Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge
As summer fades into fall, we’re embracing autumn with open arms, cozy knits, and plans to explore East Tennessee. Foliage and local charm await – often only a short, scenic drive away. And whether you’re in search of a delicious destination to culminate a scenic Sunday drive or a weekend respite from the bustle of city life, we’ve scouted the best of Knoxville’s neighboring towns.
For those who have earmarked a few hours – perhaps a Sunday afternoon – we’ve scouted can’t-miss eateries and family-friendly activities that will introduce you to the delights of our region. And for those with a few days for a getaway, we’ve scouted the best lodgings, prioritizing design, hospitality, and scenery in our selection process.
This week, we’ve scouted the towns to our East, emphasizing offerings in Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge. In addition to stunning lodgings and delicious cuisine, you’ll find inspired activities and historical delights. Interested in venturing a different direction? Peruse our Scouted Fall Getaway Guides to Maryville & Townsend.
WHERE TO STAY
CLOUD 9 CABINS
Smoky Mountains | Think luxury stays with the trimmings of home. Their lineup of sophisticated, thoughtfully-designed rental homes are perfect for family gatherings – all against the backdrop of Smokey Mountain foliage. We’ve bookmarked it for a family reunion or Thanksgiving getaway. Preview stays…
LECONTE LODGE
Great Smoky National Park, Top of Mt. LeConte | Situated on an open glade just below the summit of Mt. LeConte, the LeConte Lodge is an outdoorsman’s dream that’s accessible only by foot. March through November, The Lodge welcomes visitors, offering majestic solitude and commanding views of the Smokies.
UNDER CANVAS
Near Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains | Named a ‘Best Resort in the South’ by Travel + Leisure and a ‘Top 20 Resort in the US – South’ by Condé Nast Traveler, Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains beckons travelers to Tennessee’s ancient mountains and misty blue vistas. Enjoy safari-style accommodations with ample amenities including king-size beds with plush linens, ensuite bathrooms with hot showers, in-tent wood-burning stoves and stunning views.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
APPLEWOOD FARMHOUSE
240 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN | Built in the 1920s, The Applewood Farmhouse proudly serves up home-style, southern favorites with their signature Apple Fritters and Apple Julep.
CRUZE FARM
1642 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862 | Local favorite, Cruze Farm features a location in Sevierville so you can get your Cruze Farm fix. Enjoy their rotating flavors and be sure to pick up a pint (or two) to take home.
FIVE OAKS FARM KITCHEN
1638 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862 | From griddle cakes to casseroles, fresh greens to hearty soups, Five Oaks Farm Kitchen serves breakfast through dinner and is the perfect place to start or end your day. Expect Southern cooking and hospitality with fresh local produce and quality ingredients.
GRAZE BURGERS
125 Bruce St, Sevierville, TN 37862 | Graze features all-natural, grass-fed beef burgers made, like everything else, from scratch. Build your own fabulous burger to enjoy on their back patio with a local brew or craft cocktail.
SEASONS 101
101 E Main St, Sevierville, TN 37862 | Located in the heart of downtown Sevierville at the Historic Central Hotel, Seasons 101 is an American-style bistro delivering a comfortable, casual dining atmosphere with an upscale, seasonally-inspired menu.
101 SKY LOUNGE
101 E Main St, Sevierville, TN 37862 | Located atop the Historic Central Hotel in Sevierville, TN, 101 Sky Lounge offers unparalleled views of Sevierville and the Smoky Mountains. In cooler weather, firepits roar, creating a cozy fall atmosphere in which to enjoy a delicious craft cocktail.
THE APPALACHIAN
133 Bruce Street, Sevierville, TN 37862 | Chef David Rule, former Blackberry Farm chef, brings contemporary Southern Appalachian dining to Sevierville. The menu features a wide range of Appalachian-inspired seasonal dishes, from starters such as blue crab spoon fritters and beer battered okra to mains including glazed duck, rainbow trout and variety of dry age steaks.
TROTTER’S WHOLE HOG BBQ
127 Bruce Street, Sevierville, TN 37862 | Trotter’s Hole Hog BBQ is another offering from Chef David Rule created to define East Tennessee in the world of whole hog barbeque and to establish roots for this cooking style. The restaurant has a casual and inviting atmosphere. Guests order from a walk-up counter. While the menu spotlight is the whole hog, additional offerings include ribs, yardbird, sausages and all of the traditional barbeque fixings. Guests are invited to pour their own beer from 20 taps, featuring local and regional craft beers. Trotter’s also has plenty of family pack options to take home as well as catering. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating and features regular live music performances.
WHAT TO DO
CLIMB WORKS
155 Branam Hollow Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | For the thrill-seeker, Climb Works offers a thrilling way to leaf peep. Enjoy truly unparalleled views of changing foliage as you zipline across treetops with professional tour guides.
DOLLYWOOD
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd. Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | From the theme park to the waterpark, dinner shows to festivals, Dollywood celebrates the best of Tennessee life in the fashion of Dolly herself. Voted the #1 Theme Park in America, Dollywood offers something for the whole family every season, though Fall is particularly beautiful.
OGLE BROTHERS GENERAL STORE
1640 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862 | Ogle Brothers General Store offers true Southern hospitality in the heart of the Smokies. This store in the Smoky Mountains has clothing, food, candy, toys, locally made arts and crafts, souvenirs, and so much more.
OLE SMOKY DISTILLERY
Ole Smoky has been making moonshine in the Smoky Mountains since before it was legal. Today, they still make that punchy moonshine, just legally and with innovative spins on the long-loved regional favorite. Visit them in the heart of Pigeon Forge at The Barn (dog & family-friendly) for live music and tasting or The Barrelhouse in Gatlinburg. Distillery tours are available at The Holler, as are live bluegrass and tasty drinks.
SCENIC HELICOPTER TOURS
1949 Winfield Dunn Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37863 | For the ultimate fall foliage viewing experience, an aerial view is a must. Scenic Helicopter Tours are a truly incredible way to experience the season’s leaves.
THE APPLE BARN & CIDER BARN
230 Apple Valley Rd, Sevieville, TN 37862 | Nothing is more quintessentially autumn than an apple picking family outing. Come fall, The Apple Barn – a working apple farm featuring a general store, two restaurants, a winery, candy factory – calls.
THE OLD MILL
175 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | Built in 1830, The Old Mill is a historic landmark that shaped Pigeon Forge. Today, the gristmill continues its tradition as a working gristmill – one of the oldest operating in the country – and fuels The Old Mill’s legacy of “Mill Made” goods. As the leaves turn and seasonal favorites return, Fall is one of the best times to visit The Old Mill, which features a bevy of retail and restaurants. Pro Tip: Stock up on provisions like flour, seasoning, and syrup at The Old Mill General Store.
Did we miss you or your favorite business? Let us know via email ([email protected]) so we can scout them for Volume 7!
