What-To-Do Issue 1 2025-2026 - Magazine - Page 64
“Smoky” Flavors
Local Foods in the Smokies
When it comes to local flavors, the foods and
beverages in the Smoky Mountain region are
delicious! The area’s restaurants are diverse and
often have something for everyone. However, if
you’re looking for a taste that exemplifies the
Smokies, try some of the following items. Most
of them go very well together!
Baked Beans
Bush’s Best Baked Beans is one of America’s
most famous bean brands and it has been
around for over a century. In 1897, the A.J. Bush
& Company general store opened about 20
miles away from Pigeon Forge. As a free destination for area visitors, the building now houses a
museum reflecting the Bush family’s history and
exhibits that show how their “Best” beans are
made. The company actually uses local mountain waters in the secret family recipe and then
recycles the water onto growing plants. Many of
their products have a smoky flavor such as the
Brown Sugar Hickory recipe or the Smokehouse
Tradition Grillin’ Beans. If you plan on stopping
by, don’t forget to check out the Bush’s Family
Cafe and the gift shop. Taste some of the beans
and try a few new recipes such as their famous
Pinto Bean Pecan Pie (be sure to get to the café
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early to get a slice before it sells out!) With the
purchase of a cookbook you can explore new
ways to use Bush’s Best Baked Beans at home.
You’ll be surprised to see how deliciously versatile these famous beans can be.
BBQ
Who doesn’t appreciate succulent barbeque
that has been smoked over hot coals for several
hours? Whether you’re in Tennessee or North
Carolina, you’ll learn that the locals love their
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