Fall is one of the very best times to visit Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains! While the stunning leaves are definitely the main attraction, autumn is also a paradise for food lovers. During the harvest season, locally grown apples, corn, pumpkins, and other fruits and vegetables are brought into town to create some irresistible treats. The fall months also feature a number of special festivals and events that showcase seasonal food and drink. To help you make the most of your next vacation, Hearthside Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to finding the best fall food in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville.
1. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival
The Harvest Festival at Dollywood is the perfect place to enjoy some tasty sweets and treats! As part of the new Great Pumpkin LumiNights, the theme park will offer special decorations, activities, and refreshments during the evenings in October. Here is a quick look at some of the fall-themed foods you will find at Dollywood:
- Candy Corn Cotton Candy
- Candy Corn Kettle Korn
- Warm Pumpkin Apple Cider
- Caramel Apple Sundae
- Sliced Caramel Apples
- Fried Apple Pie
- Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake
2. The Old Mill Square
The Old Mill Square is another one of our favorite places to enjoy fall food in Pigeon Forge. At The Old Mill General Store, visitors will find a number of homemade items and mixes that incorporate pumpkin and apple flavors. Some of the most popular products include:
- Pumpkin Butter
- Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- Apple Butter
- Apple Cinnamon Pancake Mix
- Spiced Apple Cider
While you’re at The Old Mill, you will definitely want to stop by the Pottery House Cafe & Grille to sample their incredible baked goods. Here are a few of their best fall desserts:
- Pecan Pie
- Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Apple Caramel Pie
- Sweet Potato Pecan Bread
3. Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg
The annual Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg always has fantastic food and beer! Running from late September through the end of October, this fun celebration features authentic German cuisine. Some of the Bavarian favorites at the festival include:
- Bratwurst
- Schnitzel
- Sauerkraut
- Pretzels
- Turkey Legs
- Strudel
In addition to all of the great German cuisine, festival-goers can visit the outdoor Bier Garten to sample a variety of seasonal beers. There will be a different featured brewery each weekend of Oktoberfest.
4. Apple Barn Village
If you love apples, a visit to the Apple Barn Village is an absolute must for your fall vacation! This charming collection of shops and restaurants is located right next to an apple orchard. Guests at the Apple Barn Village will find a seemingly endless variety of apple-flavored products.
At the Apple Barn’s Cider Bar (located at the entrance to the general store), you can enjoy numerous apple treats, including:
- Fried Apple Pies
- Apple Cinnamon Donuts
- Apple Dumplings
- Fresh Apple Cider
- Old Fashioned Apple Stack Cake
- Apple Pie and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- Apple Butter Muffins
After dining at the Cider Bar, you can venture inside the Apple Barn General Store and shop for apple-infused butters, jams, sauces, condiments, mixes, and more. The Apple Barn is a wonderful place to buy gifts for friends and family back home! A few of our favorite items include:
- Apple Butter
- Apple Syrup
- Apple Butter Bar-B-Q Sauce
- Fried Apples
- Applesauce
- Dried Apples
- Apple Pancake Mix
- Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix
Just steps away from the Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store, visitors will find the Apple Valley Creamery and Bake Shop (which is famous for its apple cinnamon bread), the Apple Barn Winery (which offers a variety of sweet apple-based wines), and the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant & Grill (two eateries that serve legendary apple fritters). It’s easy to spend the whole afternoon shopping and dining at The Apple Barn Village!
Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge
When you stay with Hearthside Cabin Rentals, you will be near all of the best fall food in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 21 bedroom lodges, we are guaranteed to have the perfect property for your escape. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of cabins in Pigeon Forge!
