October 13, 2020
7 Things You Didn’t Know About The Pigeon Forge Old Mill
Since its opening in 1830, the Pigeon Forge Old Mill has been a staple building in the Pigeon Forge community. What once started as a place where farmers could go to grind their grain has now become one of the most popular attractions in Pigeon Forge. That being said, there are probably a few things that you didn’t know about this Historic Old Mill in Pigeon Forge.Check out these 7 things you didn’t know about the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge:
1. The Pigeon Forge Old Mill is the most historic building in Pigeon Forge
Often times when you think about historic buildings in the Smoky Mountains, you think of the early settler homesites found in Cades Cove, Elkmont, and other areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, one of the many things that makes The Pigeon Forge Old Mill unique is that it is the only structure in Pigeon Forge to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
2. The Pigeon Forge Old Mill is still in operation
Typically when you think of a building that was built in 1830 you think of something that has been converted into a museum that you can walk through. However, for The Pigeon Forge Old Mill, this is not the case. Not only is the Pigeon Forge attraction one of the most popular tourist destinations for folks looking to learn a little bit of history of the area, it is also a fully-functioning gristmill to this day. When you visit The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, you can still see the large rocks and wheels grinding down the grain that is then used to create many of the delicious recipes at the two restaurants located at The Old Mill Square. This definitely goes to show what high of a quality of craftsmanship went into building The Pigeon Forge Old Mill. Even more notably, the stones used to ground the grains have only been replaced once in the building’s history.
3. Electricity was once a product of the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge
Often times when you think of The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, you think about a place where farmers would take their crops to grind up to make things like flour and cornmeal. However, in the 1900s, a generator was installed in The Pigeon Forge Old Mill, which then produced electricity for the town until about 1930. The electricity produced by The Pigeon Forge Old Mill was used to power the string of houses that were located across the river from the building.
4. Home to the First Pigeon Forge moonshine distillery
One of the more recent developments for the historic space, The Old Forge Distillery opened on July 2, 2014, and is the first Pigeon Forge moonshine distillery. Named after the iron forge that was once the neighbor to The Pigeon Forge Old Mill, the Old Forge Distillery honors the area’s past by incorporating as much of the community’s history has possible. This includes ground corn from The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, moonshine jugs from Pigeon River Pottery, and ingredients from both The Old Mill Restaurant and the Candy Kitchen. One of The Old Forge Distillery in Pigeon Forge’s most popular flavors is the 1830 Original, which is dedicated to the year that both the iron forge and the mill were built. Guests to the area can tour the Pigeon Forge moonshine distillery, as well as try a free sample Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
5. One of the only places to find homemade candy in Pigeon Forge
There is just always something more special about a sweet treat that you know was locally made using a recipe that has been handed down for generations. That is just what visitors will find inside The Old Mill Candy Kitchen. With over 75 years of experience, The Old Mill Candy Kitchen is an area favorite when it comes to finding freshly-prepared homemade goodies like chocolate-covered cherries, fudge, brittle, Bear Paws, pecan clusters, rock candy, saltwater taffy, and more!
Along the same lines of being surprised that The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge was once used to produce electricity, it is also interesting to note that during the Civil War looms were brought into the mill to help construct uniforms for the Union soldiers.
7. All of the serve ware at The Old Mill Restaurant was made at Pigeon River Pottery
One of our favorite things about The Old Mill Square is how all of the businesses work together in creating a unique experience for visitors. Part of this experience is incorporating little details from each different shop into the other businesses. We have already told you how The Old Forge Distillery is using ingredients and products produced by many of the other stores at The Old Mill Square, but it is also neat to point out that all of the serving plates, bowls, and salt and pepper shakers found at both of the Old Mill restaurants were made by the artisans at Pigeon River Pottery.
Location
The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge is located in the Old Mill Square, directly off of the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Guests can easily access The Old Mill either from the Parkway, turning onto Old Mill St. An alternate route to bypass the busy Parkway is to take Veterans Blvd. to Teaster Lane before arriving at The Old Mill Square.
For driving directions to the Pigeon Forge Old Mill, feel free to use the map below!
Businesses Found There
The Pigeon Forge Old Mill and General Store
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Phone number: (865) 453-4628
Pigeon River Pottery
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Phone number: (865) 453-1104
The Old Mill Restaurant
Hours: Daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Phone number: (865) 429-3463
Click here to see The Old Mill Restaurant’s menu
The Pottery House Cafe and Grille
Hours: Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily; Dinner 4-8p.m. daily
Phone number: (865) 453-6002
Click here to see The Pottery House Cafe and Grille’s menu
Farmhouse Kitchen
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Phone number: (865) 428-2044
The Old Mill Creamery
Hours: Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Phone number: (865) 453-4301
The Old Mill Candy Kitchen
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Phone number: (865) 453-7516
Sassafras
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Phone number: (865) 908-8591
Parking
Parking at The Old Mill Square is completely free. Guests are more than welcome to find a parking spot that is located near their favorite store, or they can park next to the Fun Time Trolley stop located next door to Patriot Park.
See The Pigeon Forge Old Mill For Yourself
Ready to experience all the excitement and history of The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge for yourself? HearthSide Cabin Rentals offers a variety of spacious cabins in Pigeon Forge that are just a short drive away from this popular Pigeon Forge attraction. To begin planning your next visit today, browse our Pigeon Forge cabin rentals.
