Though most people come to the Smoky Mountains during the fall to admire the breathtaking fall foliage, it’s also a paradise for food lovers! Everything from warm apple cider to pumpkin-flavored favorites can be found here. During fall, locally grown apples, pumpkins, corn and more are brought into town to create some of the most delicious treats. Here are the top 8 foods you have to try in the Smoky Mountains in the fall:
1. Warm Apple Fritters
Of course you have to dine on a warm and freshly made apple fritter! The Apple Barn makes the best apple fritters in all of town. What’s even better is that the Applewood Farmhouse treats customers to the fritters all day long! Dine at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant for some Apple Julep Grilled Chicken and enjoy the warm apple fritters as a complimentary treat.
2. Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cakes
During the fall, you can’t go wrong with pumpkin — and Dollywood is taking it to a whole other level with pumpkin spice funnel cakes! During their big Harvest Festival, visitors can dine on a variety of tasty fall foods, one being a pumpkin funnel cake. This sweet treat tastes just like pumpkin pie, but more delicious!
3. Candy Corn Cotton Candy
Also at Dollywood during fall, try some candy corn cotton candy! The special candy corn cotton candy can be enjoyed as you admire the greatness of the Great Pumpkin LumiNights. During this nightly grand finale, visitors will experience Timber Canyon illuminated in thousands of jack-o-lanterns and other pumpkin displays. More fall treats you can find at the festival include caramel apple sundaes, candy apples, and apple cider.
4. Pecan Pie
There is nothing like a warm slice of pecan pie on a cool fall evening, and there is no better place to enjoy it than The Old Mill Restaurant. Their pecan pie is a crowd favorite. The pecans are picked at the perfect time and mixed in a special batter to create the classic Southern dessert. While you’re there, try the restaurant’s turkey and dressing and signature corn chowder.
5. Baked Apple Pancake
Have you ever had the baked apple pancake from Atrium Pancakes in Gatlinburg? If not, this is a must-try treat when you visit the Smoky Mountains in the fall. This specialty pancake is oven baked with freshly sliced apples and brown sugar to create the perfect treat. It tastes so good you’ll swear you’re eating apple pie for breakfast! Check out these places to get great pancakes in Gatlinburg!
6. Hot Apple Cider
Nothing warms you up on a cool fall day like a cup of hot apple cider! When you visit The Apple Barn, you can actually watch as the apples are pressed into the delicious cider. Stop by the Cider Bar to enjoy a glass of the cider, along with other irresistible apple treats like apple pie and apple butter muffins.
7. Apple Cinnamon Bread
While you’re at the Apple Barn, make a special stop at the Apple Valley Creamery, where you’ll find the best apple desserts in town. One of the best treats is the apple cinnamon bread, which includes fresh raisins and coconut. You can also try their apple coffee cake, which is made with fresh apples and a sweet crumb topping, or their apple banana nut bread, which is made with ripe bananas and crunchy pecans.
8. Authentic German Cuisine
One of the most popular events in the Smoky Mountains during fall is Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg! At this festival, you can try some authentic German cuisine, including a variety of German brews. Some of the food served at the festival includes bratwurst, strudel, pretzels and schnitzel.
More Information About the Smoky Mountains in the Fall
Food isn’t the only fun part about visiting the Smoky Mountains in the fall. Of course the main reason visitors flock to the Smokies during this season is to see the gorgeous fall foliage. The fall colors are typically at their best from mid-October through early November. You can also visit the exciting fall festivals, like the Harvest Festival at Dollywood and Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg! There’s never a dull moment in the Smoky Mountains in fall.
Now that you know all the best things to do and foods you have to try in the Smoky Mountains in the fall, it’s time to start planning your visit! Browse all of our cabins in the Smokies and pick the perfect one to relax in after you dine on all these delicious treats.
