If you’re bringing your family to the Smoky Mountains this summer, you won’t have to search long for hundreds of exiting things to see and do. But sometimes those summer thunderstorms roll in or the hot weather just gets too exhausting, and you’re looking for something other than a day at Dollywood or a hike in the mountains.
On the days when you’re looking for a variety of fun away from the sun, park your vehicle in the Patriot Park parking lot and get ready for a day of fun at the historic Old Mill! The Old Mill is one of the most photographed mills in the country and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s remains fully functional, grinding today just as it did in 1830.
Your day at the Old Mill can begin as early as 8 a.m. at The Old Mill Restaurant, where you can get a hearty Southern breakfast just like Grandma used to make it! Fluffy biscuits, made-to-order eggs, pancakes, and pepper gravy are the perfect way to start your day. The Old Mill Restaurant also serves delicious lunch and dinner options, depending on when you want to visit. Their famous Corn Chowder and Corn Fritters will have your mouth watering before you even set eyes on the country-fried steak, pot roast and gravy, or sugar-cured ham that you’ve ordered. And all their breads and biscuits are made from ingredients ground right next door, using the giant wheel right outside your dining room window.
At The Old Mill General Store next to the restaurant, you can purchase a variety of products, including fresh-ground grains from the mill. You’ll find all the grains used at the restaurant, from yellow and white grits or cornmeal to a variety of flours and their famous pancake and specialty mixes. At the store, you’ll also have the chance to purchase homemade jams and jellies, dip mixes, and other popular products.
If you don’t find everything you’re looking for at the General Store, be sure to head over to the Farmhouse Kitchen, where you can find all you need to make an Old Mill breakfast, lunch, or dinner right inside your cabin! From their Signature Corn Chowder to their salad dressings, the Farmhouse Kitchen has it all. You can also find unique serving pieces, like the bread dippers used at The Old Mill Pottery House Café & Grille, in the kitchen.
Located in the former home of Pigeon River Pottery’s founding potter, Douglas Ferguson, The Old Mill Pottery House Café & Grille is open for lunch and dinner daily. With menu items like quality steaks, grilled salmon, and Southern comfort foods, you’ll be glad you stopped for a bite!And not only will you get to enjoy the good food, but at the Café you’ll also get to enjoy the ambiance of a large stone fireplace and stone floors that are original to the home when it was first built.
If you like what you see at The Old Mill Restaurant and The Old Mill Pottery House Café & Grille, be sure to check out The Old Mill Pigeon River Pottery, next door to the Café. Rated #1 on TripAdvisor, this pottery shop has been in operation for more than 50 years with some of the best in-house potters in the Smokies. At the store, you can purchase the salt & pepper shakers, plates, and bowls featured at the The Old Mill restaurants. You can also purchase unique and handcrafted gifts in a variety of glazes.
To finish off your day of fun, visit The Old Mill Candy Kitchen or The Old Mill Creamery—or both! At the Candy Kitchen, you can choose from a number of sweet treats to enjoy right away or to take back to the cabin. They still use old-fashioned copper kettles and hand dip many of their chocolates. Be sure to try one of their famous Bear Paws for a taste that’s a Smoky Mountain favorite! If you’re like me and ice cream is more your style, then head on over to the Old Mill Creamery. Not only will you find delicious takes on all your old favorites, but also fun ice cream flavors you’ll only find in Pigeon Forge. Oat Mill Cream Pie, Biscuits ‘n Honey, and Whiskey Ribbon are just a few of their interesting and flavor-filled options.
Be sure to ask our reservation specialists about booking your Pigeon Forge cabin close to the historic Old Mill, where you’ll find plenty to see, to do, and to taste this summer!
