Apple Barn (A Piece of Homemade History)
It’s officially the season of hot apple cider, warm blankets, and pumpkin patches. It’s also the season for fall festivals, and the Smoky Mountain area is full of them!
Here are three festivals you can enjoy while on your Smoky Mountain vacation.
1. Dollywood Harvest Festival
If you love Dollywood and the fall season then you won’t want to miss this event! From early September to late October this annual celebration marks the best weather and some beautiful fall foliage in the Smokies. Stay late into the evening to see beautifully carved pumpkins, lit up and on display. During the day you’ll enjoy fall themed food, and colorful leaves all throughout the park.
2. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
In early to mid October the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair heads into full swing. Artisans from across the country gather to peddle their wares while musicians serenade the crowds. You’ll see everything from woodworking and pottery to handcrafted jewelry and leatherworkings. If you have an appreciation for handmade goods then this event is for you.
3. Wears Valley Fall Festival
The Wears Valley Fall Festival takes place in mid October and is a favorite event for locals. Come experience the hundreds of vendors, melodic live music, and incredible Southern cuisine. If you’re interested in a true rustic, Appalachian festival with plenty to do and see for the whole family, then this one is for you.
No matter the festival you choose you’ll need a place to stay. Choose from one of our many options at Bear Camp Cabin Rentals today!
The Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge emerged in the early 1900s along the banks of the Little Pigeon River. At this scenic location, nestled next to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, visitors find the Apple Barn Cider Mill, General Store and Winery. The property encompasses acres upon acres and has thousands of blossoming apple trees in the orchard. Originally a 1920s farmhouse, the expansive Apple Barn in Pigeon Forgenow includes a general store, cider mill and two restaurants along with a bakery, candy store, ice cream shop and winery.
Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge’s general store offers numerous delights ranging from a variety of butters and jellies made from apples and other locally grown fruit to honeys, sauces, syrups and condiments. The store also offers a wide selection of mixes for everything from fritters to pancakes. Visitors find smoked hams, old-fashioned candy sticks and taffy. Also evolving around the popular fruit, the store features a variety of gifts, home décor and souvenirs featuring an apple theme.
Located in a historic 1910 barn, the Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge’s Winery hand makes many different selections of wine from locally grown apples, grapes, peaches, strawberries and other fruit. The facility welcomes visitors daily to enjoy samples while learning about the winemaking process through a video tour. The venue also features a cider bar. An onsite gift shop sells the various wine selections in addition to wine accessories and souvenirs.
Candy Shop
The Candy Apple & Chocolate Factory remains a delight for anyone with a sweet tooth and has delicious homemade candy apples and a nice selection of chocolate confections. Watch the crafters make the treats through large glass windows while choosing divinity, fudge, taffy or turtles. The Creamery and ice cream shop hand churns apple infused ice cream and many other flavors ranging from chocolate to blackberry. The facility also offers various freshly baked goods. Relax in the ambience of the old-fashioned ice cream parlor while indulging on a cone or sundae.
Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge’s Restaurants
Enter the doors of the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and Grill to the aromas of a country kitchen. The facility makes their own versions of apple butter, apple fritters and apple juleps, which they happily serve with each meal. The restaurant and grill offer breakfast, lunch and dinner with the likes of southern fried chicken, chicken pot pie and chicken and dumplings on the menu. Or, try some down home fried catfish, a traditional turkey dinner or shrimp and grits. Besides the authentic country charm, many claim guests will not find better meals anywhere else.
A bottle of wine from Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge’s winery, or a warm apple pie are the perfect accessories for any evening spent relaxing in a Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge cabin. To reserve your cabin, give us a call at 1-800-705-6346, and start planning your summer Smoky Mountain Vacation today.
Photo Credit: RBA Marketing
