Gatlinburg, TN

The hubby and I are going in mid-October to get away for a few days? Any not-to-miss places in the area, or is it pretty much going to be just McDonalds and the like?

I have not been for a few years and the chains were creeping in then, but there are still some indies in town. Linebergers (sp?) Seafood, several pancake places, a hole-in the-wall German place, some BBQ. There are several web sites that have fairly decent restaurant information in Gatlinburg on them. We have been thinking of making a trip there, too, so I guess I will start my research sooner.

Thanks for the ideas, Suzi!

The hubby and I are going in mid-October to get away for a few days?

I hope the question mark means you haven't committed. I went to a wedding there not too long ago and I can tell you that the type of person who enjoys fine dining probably isn't going to enjoy Gatlinburg. The mountains are pretty though...get a nice place up there, stop at the grocery on the way in and stock up and don't come down until you're ready to leave.

But hey, if you need an airbrushed t-shirt or have the sudden urge to go bungee jumping or wait in line for 2 hours at the world's nastiest Friday's - you'll be just a short drive away.

We've committed. No idea why I put that question mark there. My brain must have temporarily shut down. We figured we'd probably stock up before we left, but weren't sure if there were any good places to eat, or not. Going mainly for the view, and just to get the hell out of dodge for a few days. Hopefully I can keep my sanity until we leave. Hopefully.

I am sure someone here will suggest something worth eating...but take my advise and get a place outside of town in the mountains or you'll be sorry!

good luck!

Check out The Greenbrier Restaurant its about the closest thing to fine dining in Gatlinburg. Very nice wooded setting. I think they have a website. If you are traveling with kids there used to be a restaurant just out of town heading towards Crosby, I cant think of the name of the place but you can catch you own rainbow trout at the restaurant and they will prepare it anyway you like. Our kids got a real kick out of it. They have a stream running right at the front door of the place. It is damed up so Im sure they stock the fishing area themselves. It took us about 5 minutes to catch our dinner. They have other things on the menu if you dont want trout. The server will debone you fish tableside. It was very fresh fish needless to say. Try the Log Cabin restaurant on airport road for breakfast, best cornmeal pancakes I have ever tasted.

If you would like a nice drive from gatlinburg check out Blackberry Farm in Walland TN. They have a website. True fine dining that should rank with any restaurant in the country. A beautiful setting in the mountains. It about 35 miles away.

I'm always up for a pretty drive! We'll definitely check out some places outside of Gatlinburg. I was hoping with the popularity of the arts and crafts community, maybe some more "upscale" places may have moved in, since I was there last time (almost 13 years ago).

I'm always up for a pretty drive! We'll definitely check out some places outside of Gatlinburg. I was hoping with the popularity of the arts and crafts community, maybe some more "upscale" places may have moved in, since I was there last time (almost 13 years ago).

Its been about 5 yrs for us so things may have changed.

"I was hoping with the popularity of the arts and crafts community, maybe some more "upscale" places may have moved in, since I was there last time (almost 13 years ago)."


We go there, but in the arts/craft places we've seen around 75% of the stuff says "made in China" on the back!

Normally, we stay in a chalet up in the mountains, bring most of our own food, and just relax & enjoy the scenery. There are a couple of good pancake places (Pancake Pantry - which is also in Nashville - is likely the best), there are two related steak places at the last stoplight (across the street from each other - can't remember the names) which are not bad (salad bar has smoked oysters!), and several fresh trout places, but forget gourmet.

Actually, Dolly Parton's show is hokey, the food is mass produced, but overall it's a fun night . . . four course dinner (no silverware) of vegetable soup, cornish hen, pork loin, potato wedges, and fruit turnover while you watch the show.

I grew up in East TN; there are not many real nice places on the right side of Knoxville. The Pancake Place is great breakfast. In Sevierville there is the Apple Barn, (near the outlets on the other side of the road) with great country food, and the best apple butter and fritters you can fine. But as far as upscale there isn’t much. I don’t know how long you will be in TN but you could take a couple day trips, to Black Berry Farms and Ashville. They are both about a hour to a hour and half, with lots of great fun. You might have to go up and down the little side streets, there are normally little quant places that open and close all the time since people don’t know where they are. And of course you could just ask the people; for the most part you will find the southern hospitality. If you have questions about directions or other great things to do the TN just let me know.

Just wanted to add two cents. We've been there a few times and each time we get a secluded cabin, take lobster tails to grill, bring a case of our good wine (great for the hot tub. lol) and skip the "scene". There are some very nice hiking trails, be sure to get that info from the tourist office when you arrive. Cade's Cove is very pretty and a nice drive, go early it gets busy. The most important tip is to SKIP going through Pigeon Forge or you will be in bumper-to-bumper traffic for 2 hours! Think Freedom Hall Loop for many miles. Continue on the belt way and enter Gatlinburg from the east via 321. It will save you time , gas and frustration.

I have been to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge many times, except for the Greenbrier, there isn't much in the way of fine dining. In fact, Gatlinburg seems to be more of a tourist trap than anything else. We went because we could entertain the kids for pretty cheap, and they like all the glitz of the strip. I agree with the others, if you want true relaxation and good eats, then renting a cabin in the woods is the best bet. I haven't tried the excursions into the nearby cities, but it sounds like you'll find better eats there. Good luck with your trip.

I have been told by several friends since my last reply that the Park Grill and the Old Mill Restaurant are very good places also!