October 17, 2023 The Mill at Pigeon Forge and Traffic

Our first stop today was The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge.

“The Old Mill’s story began nearly two centuries ago when local farmers with sacks of grain traveled to the newly built gristmill along the Little Pigeon River. Those trips to the mill resulted in meal and flour for cooking, and they also were opportunities to socialize and build community. In time, our town of Pigeon Forge was born.

Today, the Old Mill is one of the oldest continually operating gristmills in the country and one of the most photographed mills in America.”

This was quite a complex.  There was a blacksmith shop where they were teaching folks how to make nails.  These two kids were having a great time:

There were shops/studios for pottery, leather, stonework, wood work as well as a general store.  It was awesome.  (I did get a purse and dry soup mix.)

Outside pictures:

It was working today.

Aren't they cute?

There are tours of the mill when they are not working – later in the day and on Saturday’s.  On our list for another time.

How about these cuties?  They were all over town.

We decided to head to the Smoky Mountain National Park Visitor Center near Gatlinburg.  Nice views along the way:

Then traffic just STOPPED!!!  It took us over 2 hours to go 4 miles.  When we got there, I went in and Andy continued in the vehicle lineup.  The ranger told us about another way to get to Cades Cove so that is what we will be doing tomorrow.

Traffic getting back to our RV was just crazy!  The other way into the National Park is just past our RV park so we had a quick lunch and left.  The road took us thru Wears Valley – what a beautiful place.  Traffic was a lot less.  Since it was later in the day, we just drove to the park entrance and headed back.  Our last stop was the Wears Valley General store – lots of cute items.  There was a homemade Ice Cream shop so of course we had to try – YUM!

Tomorrow we head to Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountain National Park so stay tuned and enjoy today.