Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg: Best Sweets and Treats You Can't Miss

Posted by Phil Rodgers in Pigeon Forge

Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, are well-known for their natural beauty, thrilling attractions, and charming mountain towns. But did you know these two destinations are also a haven for sweet tooths and dessert lovers? From melt-in-your-mouth fudge to nostalgic taffy and gooey cinnamon rolls, there are plenty of sugary delights that make this region a must-visit for anyone with a craving for something sweet.

If you're planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains, here's a list of the best sweets and treats you absolutely can't miss in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

Fudge – A Smoky Mountain Classic

You can't visit the Smoky Mountains without indulging in some homemade fudge. Both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are home to several fudge shops, many of which have been perfecting their recipes for decades.

Where to Go:

The Fudgery (Gatlinburg): Known for their mouthwatering selection of traditional and gourmet fudges, The Fudgery also puts on a fun show, singing and entertaining guests as they prepare fresh batches right before your eyes.

Pigeon Forge Fudge Company (Pigeon Forge): This locally loved shop offers a huge variety of fudge flavors, from classic chocolate to peanut butter and maple walnut, all made with rich, creamy ingredients.

Why You'll Love It: These fudges are the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, and the rich, decadent flavors will make you want to take a batch home as a souvenir. It's the ultimate Smoky Mountain treat!

Apple Barn's Famous Apple Cider Donuts

No visit to the Smoky Mountains would be complete without stopping by the Apple Barn and Cider Mill in Pigeon Forge for their signature apple cider donuts. Made fresh daily, these hot, cinnamon-dusted treats have earned a reputation for being one of the best desserts in the area.

Why You'll Love It: Soft, fluffy, and filled with warm, spiced apple flavor, these donuts are absolutely addictive. Pair them with a cup of fresh apple cider or apple butter for an unbeatable fall (or anytime) treat.

Taffy – Sweet, Chewy, and Oh-So-Delicious

Taffy has long been a favorite sweet in the Smoky Mountains, with numerous candy shops offering this chewy, stretchy treat in all kinds of flavors. Watch the old-fashioned taffy-pulling process as you wait for your taffy to be prepared fresh, or grab a handful of pre-made, colorful pieces to go.

Where to Go:

The Old Smoky Candy Kitchen (Gatlinburg): Famous for its handmade taffy, this iconic shop is a must-see. Watch taffy being pulled on the large machines as it's transformed from syrup into a chewy, colorful confection.

Taffy Shop (Pigeon Forge): Another great option for fresh taffy, this shop offers unique flavors like banana, cotton candy, and even wildberry.

Why You'll Love It: The sweet, chewy texture of taffy is irresistible, and the variety of flavors makes it easy to find your new favorite. Plus, there's something magical about watching it being made right in front of you!

Chocolate-Covered Everything

For those who prefer their sweets on the richer side, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have plenty of places to get your fix of chocolate-covered delights. From fruit and nuts to pretzels and marshmallows, these shops offer chocolate-dipped treats that are guaranteed to satisfy your craving.

Where to Go:

Smoky Mountain Chocolate Factory (Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge): Whether you're in the mood for a chocolate bar, truffles, or decadent chocolate-covered fruits, the Smoky Mountain Chocolate Factory has you covered.

Rocky Top Chocolate Factory (Pigeon Forge): This local favorite specializes in handmade chocolate confections, including their famous chocolate-dipped strawberries and pecans.

Why You'll Love It: The rich, velvety chocolate coating perfectly complements whatever it's paired with-whether it's crunchy pretzels or juicy strawberries. You can't go wrong with any chocolatey treat here.

Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the indulgence of a warm, gooey cinnamon roll. The aroma alone will draw you in, but the taste is even better.

Where to Go:

Pigeon Forge's Cinnaholic: A fan favorite, Cinnaholic serves up fully customizable cinnamon rolls with an endless selection of toppings. Whether you like classic cream cheese frosting or want to try something more adventurous like maple bacon or cookie dough, the possibilities are endless.

The Pancake Pantry (Gatlinburg): While best known for their pancakes, this beloved breakfast spot also serves up amazing cinnamon rolls that are the perfect way to start your day in the Smoky Mountains.

Why You'll Love It: Soft, fluffy dough combined with rich cinnamon and a sweet glaze makes for an irresistible treat. Plus, you can customize your cinnamon roll at Cinnaholic for a truly personalized indulgence.

Homemade Ice Cream

When the temperatures rise (or even if they don't), a scoop of creamy homemade ice cream is always a good idea. Many local shops offer unique flavors made with fresh, local ingredients.

Where to Go:

Kilwin's (Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge): With locations in both towns, Kilwin's serves up creamy, delicious ice cream in flavors like Butter Pecan, Turtle, and Fudge Brownie.

The Creamery (Gatlinburg): Known for its large servings and rich, handmade ice cream, The Creamery offers plenty of indulgent choices in a fun, retro-style shop.

Why You'll Love It: There's something extra special about homemade ice cream, especially when it's paired with the sights and sounds of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Whether you like traditional flavors or something more adventurous, you'll find a creamy treat to cool you down and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Moon Pies

A Southern classic, the Moon Pie is a beloved treat you'll find throughout the region. Essentially a marshmallow-filled sandwich cookie, this nostalgic snack has a long history in the South and is a perfect souvenir to take home with you.

Where to Go:

The Moon Pie Store (Gatlinburg): A fun stop for anyone craving a Moon Pie, this shop offers a variety of flavors, including traditional chocolate and banana, along with unique, limited-edition offerings.

Why You'll Love It: The combination of fluffy marshmallow, crunchy cookie, and smooth chocolate makes the Moon Pie a satisfying and memorable treat. It's simple, nostalgic, and perfect for a quick snack on the go.

Candy Apples

Candy apples are another classic treat you'll find throughout Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Whether you like them covered in bright red candy or topped with nuts, there's no better way to satisfy a sweet tooth than with a sticky, sweet, and crunchy candy apple.

Where to Go:

Gatlinburg's Candy Kitchen: Known for their freshly made candy apples, you can watch them being prepared in their shop, and choose from a variety of toppings and coatings.

The Apple Barn (Pigeon Forge): This popular stop offers their own take on candy apples, often with a little Smoky Mountain twist!

Why You'll Love It: A candy apple is a perfect blend of sweetness, tartness, and crunch, and it's fun to eat as you explore the towns. Plus, the colorful candy coating adds a bit of nostalgia to the experience.

Bacon-Wrapped Caramel Apples

For those looking for a unique sweet-and-salty experience, the bacon-wrapped caramel apple might be just what you need.

Where to Go:

The Apple Barn (Pigeon Forge) is known for taking the traditional caramel apple to the next level by adding crispy, salty bacon on top, creating a fun and savory contrast to the sweetness.

Why You'll Love It: If you're a fan of both savory and sweet flavors, this treat combines the richness of caramel, the tartness of the apple, and the salty crunch of bacon-perfect for a foodie adventure.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're strolling through the charming streets of Gatlinburg or soaking up the sights and sounds of Pigeon Forge, there's no shortage of sweet treats to enjoy in the Smoky Mountains. So, the next time you're in the area visiting Goats on the Roof of the Smokies, make sure to indulge in some of these mouthwatering desserts-your taste buds will thank you! Did we mention that we have plenty of sweets at our location as well?

 

This content posted by Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains. Visit our home page, goatsontheroofofthesmokies.com for more information on the goats and their coaster.

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