The Pigeon Forge Old Mill is the most iconic landmark in the Smoky Mountains! Built along the banks of the Little Pigeon River in 1830, this historic gristmill has been grinding grain into flour for over 185 years. Over the decades, The Old Mill has served as a post office, clothing factory, wartime hospital, and hydroelectric power station.
Today, The Old Mill Square is home to a variety of shops and restaurants that attract millions of visitors each year. To help you make the most of your next vacation, we have put together a guide to five of the best things do when you visit The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge.
1. Enjoy Mouthwatering Southern Cuisine
The Old Mill Square is home to two fantastic restaurants. Guests at The Old Mill Restaurant will enjoy country cooking at its finest. This legendary eatery is famous for its complimentary orange juice and warm banana nut muffins at breakfast and free corn chowder and corn fritters at lunch and dinner.
The Pottery House Cafe and Grille is another fantastic restaurant located across from The Old Mill. All of the Pottery House Cafe’s breads and desserts are baked in-house with flour ground at the historic gristmill. If you’re still craving something sweet after your meal, you can head over to The Old Mill Creamery or The Old Mill Candy Kitchen.
2. Go Shopping
The Pigeon Forge Old Mill is a wonderful place to do some shopping! The Old Mill General Store sells freshly ground products from the gristmill along with a variety of specialty food items and souvenirs.
Visitors to Pigeon River Pottery will find an impressive collection of handmade bowls, mugs, sculptures, salt and pepper shakers, and many other beautiful items. Other popular destinations in The Old Mill Square include the Farmhouse Kitchen, which specializes in pantry supplies, and Sassafras, which sells jewelry and accessories.
3. Feed the Ducks and Geese
If you are visiting The Old Mill with children, they will have a blast feeding the ducks, geese, and other waterbirds that live in the Little Pigeon River. The Old Mill General Store sells bags of bird food for about $1 each, so it’s easy to provide lunch or dinner for your feathered friends.
4. Sample Moonshine
Visitors who are in search of spirits can head over to Old Forge Distillery for complimentary moonshine tastings. This excellent distillery makes its white lightnin’ from grains that are ground at The Old Mill! The Old Forge Tasting Bar is open daily. The head distiller draws his inspiration for his flavored moonshine from the nearby Old Mill Kitchens. Some flavors you’ll find here are chocolate, french toast, coffee and peach!
5. Forge a Souvenir Knife in a Blacksmith Shop
When you visit Iron Mountain Metal Craft, you can make your very own souvenir knife. The talented blacksmith at this shop will walk you through every step of forging a blade. Even if you don’t want to pay for a lesson, it is fun to watch the shop’s blacksmithing demonstrations.
Final Thoughts
What is your favorite thing to do at the Pigeon Forge Old Mill? Let us know in the comments below!
