Thanksgiving in the Smokies: Dinner Downtown

Bring on the moist turkey, fluffy stuffing, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, mystery casserole, cranberry sauce, buttermilk biscuits, corn muffins, pumpkin cookies, and pecan pie, because Thanksgiving is only days away — yum! With so many dishes to prepare, it can feel burdensome to cook and clean (especially on your vacation time), so why not let someone else take on the hassle by dining out this year? Better yet, take your festivities up a notch with a family Thanksgiving in the Smokies, a beautiful place filled with incredible views, fun attractions, tons of activities, and — of course — delicious homemade Southern dishes!

Are good restaurants even open on Thanksgiving Day? Absolutely! In fact, quite a few popular restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge will be open for Turkey Day (Thursday, November 22, 2018). Even better, some have created a special menu just for the occasion, including mouthwatering meats, traditional sides, and seasonal desserts. Plan your trip to the Smokies today so you and yours can experience a one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving feast — Smoky Mountain style!

Seasons of Ober Restaurant

Providing stunning mountain views while you dine, Seasons of Ober Restaurant awaits with a Thanksgiving buffet of dreams in downtown Gatlinburg. Gobble up the herb butter-basted turkey, nibble on the holiday-baked glazed ham, savor the sweet-potato casserole with pecan topping, drool over the warm Southern peach cobbler — and keep going back for more!

Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., you and your family can sleep in and head into town for a festive lunch or dinner whenever is most convenient. If you would like guaranteed seats, feel free to call ahead for advance seating at (865) 436-5423, ext. 221. At $18.95 for adults, $12.95 for children 5-11, and no charge for little ones 4 and under (2017 prices), the prices are quite reasonable for a cleanup-free, delicious meal!

More on the Menu

  • Applewood Pork
  • Traditional Herbed Cornbread Dressing & Gravy
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
  • Southern-cut Green Beans
  • Sweet Buttered Corn
  • Macaroni and Cheese
  • Dinner Rolls
  • Pumpkin & Pecan Pie
  • Assorted Cakes

Applewood Farmhouse Grill

Located on the original homestead of John and Anna Stokely, the couple “who started it all” by simply selling their produce on the farm, the Applewood Farmhouse Grill in Sevierville offers scrumptious Southern cooking in a peaceful farm setting. Relax in the rocking chairs on the porch, take family photos against a backdrop of fall decorations, and simply enjoy Thanksgiving Day on the farm.

The Grill will be serving guests from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the 31st Annual Thanksgiving Feast. Though any time will be great since you only have to show up and chow down; just schedule your reservation (required) as soon as possible for your preferred time at (865) 429-8644. They start taking reservations September 4. With the prices at $25.99 for adults and $10.99 for children 10 and under, you can expect the food and atmosphere to be a true Thanksgiving delight. Also, come back on Friday and Saturday for a chance to see Santa!

A Taste of the Menu

  • Roast Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus
  • Roast Turkey with Gravy & Cornbread Sausage Dressing
  • Apple-glazed and Sugar-cured Ham
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Creamed Corn
  • Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Dinner Rolls
  • Applewood’s Apple Fritters, Homemade Apple Butter, & Applewood Julep
  • Pumpkin Pie or Apple Cobbler (Add a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream for only $1!)

Mama’s Farmhouse

If a welcoming, homey atmosphere is what you seek, look no further than Mama’s Farmhouse in downtown Pigeon Forge. Treating you like family, this homestyle, all-you-can-eat restaurant will serve up a healthy portion of each item on their Thanksgiving menu right at your table, and should you crave more, your server will bring out extra of your favorites! There’s even an outdoor play area for the kiddos and rocking chairs on the porch so you feel more at home — not rushed to leave.

From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., families of all shapes and sizes are welcome to join the food-eating fun! If your party includes 6 or more, you can call ahead to reserve a table at (865) 908-4646. Fairly priced at $23.99 for adults, $10.99 for children 6-12, and FREE for kids 5 and under, this Thanksgiving feast will be one to remember!

What’s for Dinner?

  • Honey Baked Ham
  • Roasted Turkey, Turkey Gravy, & Stuffing
  • Deviled Eggs
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Green Beans
  • Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Macaroni and Cheese
  • Broccoli Casserole
  • Cranberry Sauce & An Assorted Relish Tray
  • Pumpkin Pie, Peach Cobbler, & Pecan Pie

Additional Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day


Blaine’s Grill & Bar
Calhoun’s
Mama’s Chicken Kitchen
Smoky Mountain Brewery
The Park Grill
Three Jimmy’s
Holston’s Kitchen
Hard Rock Café
J.T. Hannah’s Kitchen
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
The Old Mill Restaurant and The Old Mill Pottery House Café & Grille

Celebrate in the Cabin

With mountain views streaming in, entertaining spaces for the kids, and relaxing escapes for the grownups, a cabin in the Smokies is just what you need to spice up your Thanksgiving! If dining out on Thanksgiving Day seems too unorthodox, why not create an in-cabin Thanksgiving tradition instead? Book a large Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg cabin for extra space or an intimate cabin for that cozy feel. Either way, a fully equipped kitchen awaits!

Grab some groceries from the local supermarket and get ready to cook in the cabin. Send the little ones to play with their aunties while you prep the kitchen, let the older children help with any mixing, stirring, folding, or crushing, get your husband to start on the meats, and let grandma teach the teens her secret recipe. After all the grunt work is done, relax in the outdoor hot tub, take a dip in the indoor pool, play some games in the rec room, and end the night with A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving — classic!

On Turkey Day morn, wake up to coffee on the back deck with incredible mountain views and pop the seasoned bird in the oven. While you wait on the main dish to finish, play with the kids in the living room, have another cup of coffee with your favorite pumpkin creamer, or head outside to take in that mountain-fresh air while relaxing in a rocking chair. When everything is finally ready (with all the trimmings), feast until your trousers snap and take an after-turkey nap to seal your new in-cabin Thanksgiving tradition in the Smokies!


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