I Loved The Apple Fritters At Applewood Farmhouse, Sevierville’s Oldest Restaurant

When you think of apples, you may think of the state of Washington before you think of Tennessee. However, Tennessee is a great place to grow apples, with dozens of thriving orchards. Apple Barn and Cider Mill is a flourishing apple orchard in the eastern Tennessee town of Sevierville. Much more than an orchard, Apple Barn has a candy shop, cider bar, Christmas store, winery, general store, and restaurant. I visited recently and had Sunday dinner at the Applewood Farmhouse in Sevierville, Tennessee.

A relative recommended that I visit the barn and cider mill while visiting Pigeon Forge, noting that with so much to do and see, there's something for everyone.

Walking up to the restaurant, I read a sign stating that the farmhouse is the oldest restaurant in Sevierville and won the 2023 Best of Pigeon Forge award for "Southern Cooking and Breakfast." My expectations continued to rise as I walked up to the restaurant's entrance and smelled the delicious food cooking.

A hostess seated me towards the back of the restaurant, and I was positively thrilled to see a basket of warm apple fritters, apple butter, and a cold Applewood julep on the table waiting for me.

The sweet, sugar-dusted fritters were crunchy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside, and the apple julep drink tasted sweet and refreshing. These surprise treats immediately confirmed that the restaurant takes its apples, Southern food, and hospitality seriously.

The farmhouse entrees came with soup, either Grandma's vegetable or broccoli cheddar, mashed potatoes, another side, and dessert. I was hungry but knew this hearty farmhouse meal would go way beyond filling me up.

I enjoyed a massive meal of vegetable soup, pot roast, fried okra, mashed potatoes, and apple cobbler. I could not finish every bite, but believe me, I tried. The food was fresh, wholesome, and delicious -- exactly what you'd hope would come from a farmhouse kitchen.

The restaurant's interior was clean and classic, with wooden tables and chairs.

The building, constructed as a farmhouse in the 1920s, was converted into a restaurant in 1986. The restaurant is family-friendly and offers a kid's menu.

The service at Applewood Farmhouse was outstanding.

The waitstaff was attentive and helpful, making sure I did not want for anything. The experience truly felt like being welcomed onto a family farm.

In addition to indoor seating, the restaurant has a beautiful outdoor dining area.

There are several tables with bright red umbrellas. No one was dining outside while I was there, likely because it was a blistering hot day.

Visit Apple Barn and Cider Mill's website to learn more about the Applewood Farmhouse and other businesses on the property.

Have you eaten at the Applewood Farmhouse in Sevierville, Tennessee? Do you have a favorite apple orchard in Tennessee?

Located near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Sevierville is a fantastic city to visit: Great Smoky Mountain National Park is nearby and a must-see, while Scenic Helicopter Tours in Sevierville is also an unforgettable way to enjoy the Tennessee mountain views.

Sevierville has incredible vacation rentals, too; check out this list of 10 of the best rentals in the area.