Cabins USA Gatlinburg Logo
Loading Page
RESERVATIONS
(800) 584-9872
Cabins USA Gatlinburg Availability Search Icon Availability Search Small Icon


The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge Landmark and Restaurant: The Old Mill

Area Info : Explore : Historic Sites : The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge

Resting on the banks of the Little Pigeon River is a landmark from another time. The Old Mill, first built in 1830, has been a focal point of community in Pigeon Forge and continues this tradition to this day. A visit to Pigeon Forge, TN isn't complete without stopping by the Old Mill that's a part of the rich history and heritage of this mountain community.

A Pigeon Forge Landmark

The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge was first built in 1830 on property that has been in use since the founding of Pigeon Forge. The original spot of the river was home to the ironworks or forge for which Pigeon Forge is named. This waterwheel-powered gristmill was the center of life in the old days, since it performed the valuable task of efficiently grinding corn, wheat, and oats for local farmers.

This Old Mill has served many purposes in its long history. During the Civil War, the Old Mill powered looms that made cloth for soldiers. In the 1900s, the mill housed a hydroelectric generator that was a source of electricity for the town until the 1930s. Today, the mill is listed under the US National Registry of Historic Places and holds the distinction of being one of the most photographed mills in the country.The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge

The Old Mill Restaurant

Making Cornmeal at the Old MillThe legacy of the Old Mill is alive and strong today with a restaurant that uses wheat, mixes and grits made from this historic mill to make delicious southern meals. Here, you can enjoy heaping plates and southern hospitality for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The dining area has an old-fashioned, inviting atmosphere and boasts views of the Little Pigeon River. The restaurant serves classics like:

  • Fried Chicken
  • Chicken Pot Pie
  • Country Fried Steak
  • Pot Roast
  • Chicken and Dumplings

Signature sides like corn chowder, homemade green beans and corn fritters earn truly rave reviews. Made from scratch pies and desserts are also available.

Insider Tip: If you visit the Old Mill Restaurant, be sure to bring your appetite so you can make the most of their generous portions.

Country General Store

Old Mill General StoreWhen you step into the Old Mill General Store, you step back in a simpler time when all a family could need was at their local community store. This tradition carries on at this old-timey store that sits right next to the historic Old Mill. Inside you'll find:

  • Cornmeal
  • Grits
  • Wheat Flour
  • Homemade Jams and Jellies
  • Pancake, Biscuit, and Muffin Mixes
  • Smoky Mountain Crafts

All of the grains and mixes are freshly ground from the authentic water-wheel powered mill that has been in operation for nearly 200 years! After dinner, you can bring home some of their delicious corn fritter or biscuit mix to enjoy long after your Smoky Mountain vacation.

The Old Mill Square

Across the street, you'll find a shopping area that houses several places worth stopping after a meal at the Old Mill Restaurant.Pigeon River Pottery at the Old Mill

    • Pigeon River Pottery – This onsite pottery store features handcrafted pottery pieces that are both functional and decorative. See these authentic Smoky Mountain crafts being made and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.
    • The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe and Grille – This restaurant offers lunch and dinner with a pleasant dining area by the Little Pigeon River. Even better, the plates and bowls used to serve the food comes from the pottery shop next door.
    • The Old Mill Creamery – Satisfy your sweet tooth this this classic ice cream parlor in the Old Mill Square.
    • The Old Mill Candy Kitchen – Offers old-fashioned, homemade candy and is one of the only places to find it in Pigeon Forge.
    • The Old Forge Distillery – A moonshine distillery that honors moonshine's role in the heritage of the Smoky Mountains by using corn ground in the historic gristmill. You can even tour the distillery, learn about how moonshine is made, try samples, and purchase a jar of 'shine to enjoy responsibly.

Old Mill Heritage Day

The Old Mill at NightIn September, Pigeon Forge takes the opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage of the Old Mill by holding a day long festival. The Old Mill Square is filled with food, fun, music, and games for all ages. Smoky Mountain craftspeople attend and demonstrate how to make lye soap, sorghum, and apple butter as was done in the old days. Free guided tours of the Old Mill are also available for visitors to learn about the history of this iconic Pigeon Forge landmark.

Final Thoughts on the Old Mill

Pigeon Forge today is known as the playground of the Smokies and has mile after mile of attractions, shops, and restaurants. A stop at the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge is a way to see a part of the old Pigeon Forge that still remains intact. Enjoy a bit of Smoky Mountain history with this truly iconic place in the heart of downtown.

Contact:


164 Old Mill Avenue
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-429-3463
http://old-mill.com

Written by Hayden Brown   2015-02-05">

Google map from Cabins USA Gatlinburg to The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge.
A - Cabins USA Gatlinburg
B - The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge
historic sitessmoky mountainssmoky mountains, tntn

Please Note: Cabins USA Gatlinburg's area information, area events, and blog pages are provided as a public service. Cabins USA Gatlinburg does not endorse any of the products, vendors, consultants, or businesses referenced in these web pages. Any mention of vendors, products, businesses, or services on the Cabins USA Gatlinburg web site is for informational purposes only. Users of this web site are responsible for checking the accuracy, completeness, currency and/or suitability of all information. The inclusion of this information does not imply endorsement by Cabins USA Gatlinburg. Furthermore, specific questions regarding any content should be directed to the appropriate organization and not necessarily to Cabins USA Gatlinburg.

Cabins USA Gatlinburg Official Logo
star star star star star
849 Glades Rd., Unit 1A1
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
(865) 436-5031

VLS #157
Smoky Mountain Cabin Rentals
Guest Reservations
(800) 584-9872
2 Night Minimum
Amenities
Property Types



Cities






Resorts / Areas
















































Cabins USA Gatlinburg Help Icon
Copyright 2013-2024, Cabins USA Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg, TN

Want to receive up to date information on cabin specials and events in the Smokies? Sign up for our newsletter! Simply provide a contact name and email so that we can reach you. Cabins USA Gatlinburg respects our guest's privacy and never shares this information with third-party sites. We treat any information that you share as confidential.

For each of the fields, please provide the following information:

There are several boxes that can be checked to broaden or narrow your search. Once you select your desired amenities or locations, simply click "search" to filter out available properties for your desired date. Once search results are provided, you can sort your results by bedrooms, name, rate, and rating.

After your first search, it isn't necessary to click the "search" button again as this feature will automatically filter your results for any new search features you provide, unless you change the date, the number of nights, or go to a new webpage.

It isn't necessary that you wait for a search to be completed before you select or deselect different search features.

When browsing results, you can add them to your "favorites" by clicking the red plus mark on the bottom left of your desired property. You can view your selected properties by click the "favorites" tab at the top of the search bar.

Add/Remove Favorites
When using our "search" feature, you can make a list of favorites. After doing an availability search for your desired vacation date, our site will produce a list of available cabins. Simply click the "+" sign on the lower left side of the property you are interested in.

Doing this will add the rental to your favorites list. You will notice that the "+" has now changed to a "-". You can click this minus sign to "unselect" this property from your favorites list.

You can also remove a property from your favorites list by clicking the minus sign to the right of the property name under the favorites tab. Additionally, you clear your favorites list by clicking "remove all" on the favorites bar. After doing this, you will have to perform a new availability search.
The number next to the favorites tab is the number of properties you have selected.

View List
To see all of your favorite rentals on one page, simply click "view list"

Compare Favorites
Under the favorites tab on the search bar, you can view your selected favorites. By checking the box next to your selected rentals, you can compare up to three properties.
Simply select the 2 – 3 properties you wish to compare, then click "compare" to see these rentals side-by-side.
Once you find your perfect rental for the right date, simply click "book now" to begin the booking process.