The Best Apple Fried Pie in Tennessee Comes From This Mountain Orchard

I have a confession. I have never tried a fried pie before. I know, I know,  what kind of southern am I without partaking in this sacred tradition? But I now have learned what I have been missing. I bit into my first fried pie at one of the best orchards in Tennessee, and I now understand why so many people hold these crunchy delights in such high regard. If you, too, are in need of earning your Tennessee card and still have yet to try a fried pie, then head to Carvers Orchard for a mouth-watering experience you won't soon forget.

I had been wanting to stop by Carvers Orchard ever since I saw their brightly colored signs on my way to the Great Smoky Mountains. I was intrigued by the promises of apples, fruits, and other great farm-fresh goodies. One day, I obeyed the signs and turned. Little did I know I would be in for a tasty trip for which I had no prior context.

Outside we first noticed the rows of beautiful pumpkins. These were unique pumpkins as they seemed to have a dusty hue about them that made them feel antique in a sense like they belonged in your grandmother's house. This prompted a quick picture before we headed into the barn.

We pursued the rows and rows of canned goods, fresh seasonal produce, and locally made treats. We picked out some apples and even some good-looking okra. As we went to check out, we couldn’t resist the warmed peanuts waiting for us near the exit. While we were chatting with the nice woman at the register, she asked if we had a chance to check out their fried pies. My ears perked up because I had actually never had a fried pie before, so I just had to take the opportunity.

We entered the next room, which was hiding these treats, and it felt like we had opened up a chest filled with buried treasure. The smell of cinnamon apples wafted in the air, inviting us to partake in this southern tradition. These reasonably priced desserts soon made their way into a bag and I was excited to finally get my chance to become a real southern. This felt like a rite of passage for me as I bit into the crunchy edges, and my tastebuds were met with warm, gooey apples. I instantly felt much more Appalachian at that exact moment.

I have now arrived and I am proud of it. Not only have I now found a new favorite out of all the apple orchards in Tennessee but every time I pass by I will have fond memories of my first fried pie. If you want to indulge in this euphoric experience as I did then make sure you find your way to Carvers Orchard in Cosby in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. 

If you need to walk off that pie (or several pies, no judgment here) I would suggest heading just down the road and into the Smokies. I use the AllTrails app to help navigate trails, and it's a helpful tool you should check out when you go. Enjoy the pies, my friends enjoy the pies.