Gatlinburg (Pancake Pantry and Crockett's) is a food day trips in Knoxville.
Editorially verified June 5, 2026 by Elliot Marsh, TableJourney editor. Source.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Discover the flavors of Knoxville on a guided food tour. Enjoy tastings at local restaurants, learn about the city's history, and explore the neighborhoods of Market S...
Water activity · 2 hours
Sail through Knoxville's scenic waterways. Relish a three-course meal at your private table while enjoying a breathtaking sunset.
Guided tour · 2 hours
Discover Downtown Knoxville's hidden gems on a guided walking tour. Taste some local ice cream and coffee while uncovering the city's rich history and scenic views.
Tip: Pancake Pantry opens 07:00 and the line forms early. Pair with Crockett's Breakfast Camp at 1103 Parkway as an alternative.
Pigeon Forge 40 minutes east of Knoxville, home to the Old Mill Restaurant on Old Mill Avenue adjacent to the 1830 grist mill on the National Register.
TipOld Mill Restaurant doesn't take reservations and the wait runs long; walk-in early in the morning for the shortest queue.
Townsend 35 minutes south of Knoxville at the Smokies' quiet entrance, offers slower-paced dining as the alternative to Gatlinburg's Parkway crowds.
TipThe quiet alternative to Gatlinburg; pair the Townsend approach with a Cades Cove loop drive.
Sevierville 35 minutes east of Knoxville, Dolly Parton's hometown and a quieter Smokies-area town with food anchored on the Tennessee Smokies AA baseball.
TipLess touristy than Pigeon Forge; the Dolly Parton statue at the courthouse is the photo stop.
Maryville 20 minutes south of Knoxville, the foothills college town home to Maryville College, anchors a quieter dining strip on Broadway Avenue.
TipClosest of the day-trip towns; pair with Foothills Parkway drives for mountain views.
Blackberry Farm in Walland 30 minutes south of Knoxville, the Relais and Chateaux foothills resort with chef Cassidee Dabney at The Barn, runs top dining.
TipReservations are tightly held for non-overnight guests; lunch is the easiest entry point if you can secure it.