Being a foodie is an adventure in itself. Nothing comes close to exploring and trying new dishes to expand your palette. This is why your trip to any new place is only complete once you dive into all the locally available food and drinks your vacation destination offers.
For this reason, if you happen to travel to Pigeon Forge, located near the Smoky Mountains, tucked away in Tennessee, you’re in for a surprise.
Pigeon Forge is known for its southern hospitality and specializes in some of Tennessee’s finest dishes. Whether you’re looking for hearty breakfasts or family-sized dinners, Pigeon Forge has you covered. But, before you go on this incredible food journey, you must plan to make the most of your trip. Therefore, to help you indulge in all the delicacies of Pigeon Forge, here’s what you need to do:
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Do your research
Despite being a quaint little town, Pigeon Forge has numerous eateries to explore. Since the list is quite exhaustive, you should do some research beforehand to know where to start your culinary experience. Reading about different restaurants can inform you about what to expect, the cost of the meals, and what best-selling dishes you must try.
By looking up blogs and articles on Pigeon Forge restaurants, it becomes easier for you to narrow down the list of places you must see, what to order and when you should stop by these restaurants. You should also use apps like Google Maps to bookmark these locations and make your traveling much more efficient.
It would help if you read at least a few food blogs, watch YouTube videos, and read what other guests had to say to build your research.
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Make reservations
Pigeon Forge is a famous tourist town that is always bustling with thousands of tourists throughout the year. If you plan to dine at a popular restaurant, make reservations ahead of time, at least a week before. This will save you from last-minute disappointments and allow you to dine in the restaurants of your choice
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Prepare yourself for a food tour
If you are feeling adventurous, sign up for a food tour, such as those offered for wine distilleries. Food tours are a way for travelers like yourself to dine at multiple restaurants in one go. Food tours are a great way to learn about the local culture and the thought process that goes into developing unique food products and makes for an excellent experience. These tours are also cost-effective, and if you’re traveling on a budget, signing up for a few food tours can save you blowing through your finances.
However, you may need to follow certain regulatory measures to partake in these tours. These rules are set to ensure you and other tourists make the most of the experience, prevent the area from getting crowded and give you the space to sample your food in peace.
Hence, once you sign up, ensure you get to the venue or bus station at the designated time. You should also dress accordingly, so you can walk long distances without injuring yourself.
Make sure you respect other tourists and make room for them to relish the experience without inconveniencing them. Likewise, keep extra money with you if there are additional charges for trying food items outside your tour package. Finally, keep an open mind and try every tasty meal or drink that comes your way and expand your flavor profile.
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Be mindful of your allergies
Food allergies can be a menace to deal with, and if you are not careful, you may put your health at risk. While traveling, you must pack all your medications, including your EpiPen, and never visit any restaurant without them. When browsing the menu, ask the staff about what ingredients go into making the dish if you come across a food item you’ve never tried.
You should also inform the server if you are highly allergic to certain items, so the kitchen can take extra care while preparing your meal. Never play around when it comes to your health and safety.
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Talk to the local communities
Never hesitate to ask locals about Pigeon Forge’s best places to eat. Often, food blogs glaze over hidden gems such as small-scale cafes and eateries that can take your food journey to the next level. You can ask the servers, hotel managers, and local shopkeepers to guide you to where you can eat and what items you should try. This can make your culinary experience more exciting and worth your time.
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Pace yourself as you dine
While enjoying your meal, you should space the way you eat to stop yourself from overindulging. Pigeon Forge has some of the most delicious southern meals. From endless courses of fried chicken and creamy chowder to deeply marinated catfish; you may be tempted to splurge and eat as much as possible. This is never a good idea.
When you eat more than you can handle, you will inevitably fall sick and give yourself a stomach ache. Hence, take it slow and sample small amounts of food before you return for round two.
For instance, if you are at Reagan’s House of Pancakes, why not start with a stack of two pancakes instead of five or more? Likewise, if you travel with a group of friends or family, you can order a bunch of dishes and share the meals to get a taste of everything. If you happen to go on a wine-sampling escapade, try to drink slowly and responsibly. As a result, you will have fun as you feast on delicious meals without feeling unwell after every morsel.
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Stay hydrated
To get around Pigeon Forge, you may need to travel mostly on foot. This can easily cause you to get dehydrated, and visiting Pigeon Forge in the summer can lead to a heat stroke. Therefore, as you go around town, drink plenty of water.
It would help if you buy a recyclable water bottle you can refill and use on your trip. At the same time, certain meals packing sodium can also cause you to dehydrate, and your only remedy is drinking copious water to counter the effect.
Conclusion
Pigeon Forge is excellent for traveling foodies to expand their palettes and learn about new flavor profiles. Nothing captures the taste of the south quite like this quaint little town. So if you’re excited to try fried items, chow on some of the most buttery pancakes, and indulge in homemade chowder, you will have immense fun at Pigeon Forge. Following the tips mentioned above can help you improve your food-tasting experience.
