New Restaurants For 2017

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.

1. Elkmont Trollbridge

Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.

2. House Of The Fairies

This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells.

3. Synchronous Fireflies

The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.

4. Elkmont Ghost Town

Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.

There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.

Although it's not the Tennessee Smokies' main attraction or reason for coming, pretty much everyone who visits our area knows we offer hundreds and HUNDREDS of excellent eateries here, there and everywhere throughout and in-between our cities. You'll find incredible breakfast, lunch and dinner options at huge standalone buildings, hole-in-the-wall establishments, gas stations, amusement parks, shopping complexes... everywhere!

Our cabins at Bear Camp are perfectly convenient to many quality restaurants, no matter which one you go with, you're pretty much assured to find an excellent meal at a minimum of travel and trouble in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville. Go out and get some food, bring it back to your luxury cabin in the Smokies or even have it delivered! The combination of great food and great hospitality will surely make for a great Smoky Mountain Vacation (you can see those cabins here [hyperlink to ).

We couldn't go into all or even a quarter of the restaurants our area has to offer, so in this article, we'll introduce you to some new ones that have arrived just this year. Plan them in!

Frizzle Chicken Pancake House

This oddly named new addition to the breakfast lineup in Pigeon Forge works to get your attention and introduce you to their awesome and creative pancake creations. Stacked chocolate pancakes with chocolate syrup? Yes, please! Pancakes in the shape of a bear's face? Yes. please! Multi-tier pancake sandwich with eggs and bacon and syrup? YES, NOW!

2785 Parkway

Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 774-7707

Curl de la Creme

They've been open less than a week so far and their pictures on social media show a PACKED ice cream store. That's how good Curl De La Creme is. This ice cream and frozen yogurt store comes from New York to the Publix complex of Pigeon Forge and features lots of things to go on your ice cream - from Fruit Loops, marshmallows and sprinkles to chocolate-covered pretzels, cherries, mini chocolate chip cookies and more!

2656 Parkway

Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 286-9230

Local Goat Tavern

See that restaurant on the parkway in Pigeon Forge with the classy and learned-looking goat on the sign? That's one of our most popular new culinary attractions in town! Local Goat Tavern offers draft beers and wine by the glass in addition to a surprising variety of food ranging from jumbo chicken wings, steaks and shrimp to Fettuccini Rocco, flame-grilled salmon, gourmet burgers and more!

2167 Parkway

Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 366-3035

LandShark Bar & Grill

A Jimmy Buffett property for all visitors who enjoy their cheeseburgers in paradise, LandShark Bar & Grill is seen as you come into downtown Gatlinburg just before the Ripley's Aquarium. They feature appetizers like chicken wings, peel and eat shrimp, buffalo sriracha shrimp, and clam strips - while serving sandwiches, burgers and entrees like crispy shrimp basket, Hawaiian sirloin, Jamaican Jerk chicken and much more.

515 Parkway

Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 277-7008

Mama's Chicken Kitchen

One of Pigeon Forge's unique restaurants is an all-you-can-eat-Grandma's-House-For-Supper-After-Church establishment called Mama's Farmhouse. Gatlinburg is now home to a branch of Mama's called Mama's Chicken Kitchen on Highway 321 towards Cosby and they serve the same awesome chicken you get from Mama's Farmhouse but in a more conventional style of commerce (in other words, platters instead of buffet). Excellent for picnics and family get-togethers.

1244 East Parkway

Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 412-1333

J.O.E. and Pop's Sub Shoppe

And just next door to Mama's Chicken Kitchen on Highway 321 in Gatlinburg is another Johnson Family of Restaurants property - J.O.E. and Pop's Sub Shoppe. Johnson's Family is a very respectedhigh-qualityy collection of restaurants and this is effectively their sandwich-focused eatery. They offer Italian subs, Reubens, open-faced roast beef sandwiches, chicken salad sub, a variety of cheesesteakes and a lot of different options for them.

1256 East Pkwy,

Gatlinburg, TN 37738

And as of writing, we've got more restaurants coming soon! Broaster's Chicken in Pigeon Forge, NAO Japanese restaurant in Pigeon Forge near Gatlinburg and more are all on the way.