The Old Mill
The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in the region, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the area’s past while providing modern-day shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. Built in 1830, the Old Mill has been a cornerstone of the Pigeon Forge community for nearly two centuries, and today, it continues to operate as a working mill while serving as a popular tourist destination. Whether you're interested in history, Southern cuisine, or handmade crafts, a visit to the Old Mill promises a memorable experience for everyone.
A Rich Historical Legacy
The Old Mill was originally constructed to serve as a gristmill, grinding local farmers' grains into flour and cornmeal. Powered by the force of the Little Pigeon River, the mill played a crucial role in the development of Pigeon Forge as a community, helping support the local economy and fostering trade. Over the years, the Old Mill has remained largely unchanged, preserving its original stone foundation, heavy beams, and large water wheel, making it a true historical treasure.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Old Mill still grinds grain just as it did in the 19th century, using the same time-honored techniques. Visitors can watch as the massive water wheel turns and powers the grinding stones inside, producing freshly ground cornmeal and flour that are used in many of the dishes served at the Old Mill’s restaurants and sold in its shops.
Southern Dining at Its Best
One of the main attractions of the Old Mill complex is its Old Mill Restaurant, known for serving up hearty portions of traditional Southern comfort food. Set in a rustic, charming building overlooking the Little Pigeon River, the restaurant provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy classic dishes made with the Old Mill’s own freshly ground ingredients.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served at the Old Mill Restaurant, with popular dishes including biscuits and gravy, Southern-fried chicken, country ham, and pot roast. The restaurant is particularly famous for its freshly baked cornbread, which is made from the cornmeal ground on-site at the mill. Each meal comes with generous servings of homemade sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and coleslaw, ensuring that no one leaves hungry.
For a lighter, more casual dining option, visitors can stop by the Old Mill Pottery House Café & Grille, located just across the street. This café offers sandwiches, salads, and freshly baked bread in a charming setting surrounded by the Old Mill's pottery studio.
Artisan Crafts and Unique Shopping
The Old Mill area is also home to several artisan shops, where visitors can watch skilled craftsmen at work and purchase handmade items. The Old Mill General Store offers a variety of products, including freshly ground grains, jams, jellies, and locally made crafts. The Old Mill Pigeon River Pottery is a highlight for many visitors, as it showcases beautiful, hand-thrown pottery pieces made on-site by talented potters.
The Old Mill’s artisan focus extends beyond pottery, with other shops offering handmade candles, candies, and woodwork, providing a unique shopping experience that celebrates local craftsmanship and creativity.
A Must-Visit Destination in Pigeon Forge
For anyone visiting Pigeon Forge, the Old Mill offers a blend of history, culture, and Southern hospitality. With its rich legacy as a working mill, delicious Southern food, and vibrant artisan community, the Old Mill provides a quintessential Smoky Mountain experience that combines the charm of the past with the creativity and flavors of the present. Whether you’re there for a meal, a stroll through its shops, or a history lesson, the Old Mill is a must-see destination that captures the spirit of Pigeon Forge.
