Old Mill Square: The Heart of Pigeon Forge

Each year for the past several years we take a family vacation over the Labor Day weekend. We have deemed it our #LateSummerVacay because travel during the summer track season is nearly impossible.

We always choose places that are drivable from Kentucky and have a variety of activities and attractions. A family favorite is Pigeon Forge, TN.

Right in the heart of the town is Old Mill Square, an epicenter for dining, shopping, and local culture and history.

Places To Eat at Old Mill

Old Mill Candy Kitchen

Our first stop at Old Mill was in the Candy Kitchen. They have a variety of house made treats from fudge to salt water taffy to chocolate. Bring extra cash, because you’re going to want to buy one of everything.

The Old Mill Restaurant

The center piece of Old Mill Square is an fully functional gristmill that has been converted into The Old Mill restaurant. You can enjoy down home southern style cooking for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The portions are generous and the food is well seasoned and tasty.

We plan to go for breakfast on our next trip. If it’s as good as the dinner and the reviews are accurate, it’ll be worth it.

Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille

Smaller than The Old Mill, but just as popular is The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille. With slighter lighter American faire, all the meals at the cafe are served on pottery made at the Pigeon River pottery store in the square.

Old Mill Creamery

Once you’ve had dinner you have to pick up dessert at the Creamery. Of course we stopped, but the evidence of our visit was long gone by the time I thought to take a picture. Choose a shake, a malted shake, a sundae, or just a regular scoop of freshly made, super rich and creamy ice cream.

Things To Do at Old Mill

Patriot Park

When you arrive in Old Mill Square, you’ll find free parking in the lot near Patriot Park. A tribute and memorial for veterans, Patriot Park is a great place to walk off all the calories you consumed at The Old Mill, The Cafe, the Creamery, and the Candy Kitchen.

Pigeon River Pottery

Products and items made by local makers are available at Pigeon River Pottery. If you like black bears, kitchenware, and one of kind vases and urns you’ll love the pottery store. Visit between 12 noon and 5 PM each day for a live demonstration.

And don’t forget to pick up your Appalachian Face Jug to store your moonshine safely from children who might try and sneak a few sips.

Fun Time Trolley

Wanna explore the area without worrying about parking or traffic? Take the Fun Time Trolley. For just 50¢ per person you can ride to your destinations.

The main road that runs through Pigeon Forge is very busy. Park your car for free at Old Mill and take the trolley on one of the five routes: North Parkway, South Parkway, to Dollywood, to Splash Country, or to the Gatlinburg Visitor’s Center.

Instead of paying for parking at the park, we took the Fun Time Trolley when we went to Dollywood. So convenient and affordable.

Have you ever been to Old Mill Square? What was your favorite part?