When I travel, I love finding things to do and places to visit that I won’t find anywhere else. It’s the best way to learn what makes a place unique and the source of locals’ pride in their state. I saw an advertisement for Bush’s Visitor Center with a free museum near Sevierville, Tennessee, and I knew I had to go. I’ve purchased Bush’s baked beans for many years; they’re a staple at potlucks and summer barbecues.

On a blazing Friday afternoon after lunch, I set out to the Bush’s Visitor Center in Dandridge, Tennessee.

The center has several parts, including a museum, shop, and cafe. I started at the museum, where an employee warmly greeted me. Admission to the museum is free.

The museum had several engaging and informative exhibits.

It began in 1908 when A.J. Bush opened a small cannery near the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. Beans are still produced on-site.

One exhibit showed a model of a family kitchen and discussed the development of the secret family recipe.

I loved seeing the bright teal appliances. Another exhibit had a large scale on the ground, where visitors stood and discovered how many cans of beans they weighed.

The museum was definitely family-friendly, with attractions suited to all ages.

Museum employees gave kids a paper outlining a scavenger hunt called the Paw Print Journey. After completing the hunt, kids turned in their papers and received a small prize, a blue bracelet.

A large theater played an informative video telling visitors about the business practices.

I was surprised to learn that the beans are cooked in the cans and that each can is filled with one small piece of bacon, in addition to the other ingredients. The theater was large and uncrowded, and I found the experience pleasant and relaxing.

After finishing the museum, I entered the shop, which sold home goods like kitchen towels, pot holders, and tote bags.

It also sold many varieties of Bush's baked beans and apparel for kids and adults. I picked up a few pot holders and dishcloths, compelled by the sign saying that the dishcloths were the world's best.

Purchases in hand, I made the short walk to the Bush's Family Cafe. I wasn't hungry enough for a meal but knew I wasn't leaving without a bean pie. The cafe hostess explained that they bake two types of bean pies: Bush's Chocolate Pinto Bean Pecan Pie and Bush's Pinto Bean Pecan Pie. She added that the pie without chocolate was her favorite.

I promptly purchased one and took it back to my Airbnb. I had a piece after dinner and couldn't believe how delicious it was. There wasn't a strong bean flavor; it just tasted like a perfect pie. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting. I was so excited to eat the pie that I forgot to take a picture, but luckily, I found one on Google Reviews to share.

I enjoyed my visit to the Bush's Visitor Center. The cafe, shop, and free museum near Sevierville, Tennessee make for a unique, family-friendly activity.

Have you visited the Bush's Visitor Center or Bush's Family Cafe? Would you like to go there?

Sevierville is near Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are tons of things to do in Pigeon Forge for all ages, including Dollywood, the Titanic Museum, and Wonderworks.

There are also excellent Airbnbs in the area, ranging from rustic cabins to luxurious mansions. Consider booking this three-bedroom Airbnb that accommodates up to eight guests. It has a hot tub and a fishing pond.