Greta's Official Guest Guide: The Apple Barn
🍎 GRETA'S OFFICIAL GUEST GUIDE: THE APPLE BARN 🔍
A Beach and Mountain Rental Recommendation
Chief Cabin Inspector Greta begins her Apple Barn investigation
Our Chief Cabin Inspector recently conducted a thorough investigation of one of the Smoky Mountains' most beloved destinations: The Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store in Sevierville. Here's her official guest guide.
GRETA'S RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Five Paws Up!)
WHAT IS THE APPLE BARN?
For 50 years, this family-owned farm has been sharing the best of Smoky Mountain flavors. What started as a small cider mill has grown into a complete destination featuring:
🍎 The Cider Bar - Fresh cider, donuts, and apple fritters
🏪 General Store - Famous apple butter and local products
🍬 Candy Factory - Watch handmade candy being created
🍦 The Creamery - Fresh, homemade ice cream
🍷 The Winery - Apple wines and tastings
🍺 The Cider House - Hard cider tastings
🍽️ Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant & Grill - Southern comfort food
🎄 Christmas & Candle Shop - Year-round holiday magic
🌳 Apple Orchards - Stroll along the Little Pigeon River
Location: 230 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862
Distance from our cabins: 10-15 minutes from most Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg properties
Website: AppleBarnCiderMill.com
GRETA'S TOP RECOMMENDATIONS:
🍩 #1: The Apple Cider Donuts (Cider Bar)
Greta's Assessment: "Three enthusiastic tail wags"
Legendary apple cider donuts - warm, fresh, and irresistible
Made fresh daily at the Cider Bar, these legendary donuts are warm, cinnamon-sugar coated, and absolutely worth the trip alone. Greta's professional opinion: "Get a dozen. You'll thank me later."
Also try: Apple fritters (made fresh!) and watch the cider being pressed right in front of you.
🧈 #2: The Famous Apple Butter (General Store)
Greta's Assessment: "Non-negotiable purchase"
The Apple Barn's famous apple butter - 50 years of perfection
The Apple Barn's most popular item for 50 years! Apple butter isn't actually butter—it's a luscious, smooth jam made with local apples, sugar, and secret spices.
Greta's note: "Rich, dark, delicious. Perfect on biscuits, toast, waffles, or those apple fritters. Buy multiple jars. Trust me."
Available: 30+ varieties of apple butter, jams, and syrups in the General Store
🍬 #3: The Candy Factory
Greta's Assessment: "Fascinating process, delicious results"
Watch skilled candy makers create hard candies by hand. Educational for kids, mesmerizing for adults, and the finished product is exceptional.
Greta spent 10 minutes studying the process. Her conclusion? "Impressive craftsmanship. Sample generously."
🍦 #4: The Creamery
Greta's Assessment: "Homemade excellence"
Fresh, homemade ice cream made on-site. Perfect treat after exploring the farm. Greta's recommendation: "Try apple-flavored varieties for the full experience."
🍷 #5: The Winery & Cider House
Greta's Assessment: "Adults will appreciate this."
Sample apple wines and hard ciders made from local apples. Relaxed atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and unique flavors you won't find elsewhere.
Greta (who obviously didn't sample) observed: "Guests consistently left smiling and carrying bottles. Highly recommend for couples and wine enthusiasts."
🍽️ #6: Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant & Grill
Greta's Assessment: "Southern comfort perfection"
Full-service restaurant featuring Southern favorites with apple-inspired dishes. The apple fritters here are famous, and the apple butter is served with everything.
GRETA'S PRO TIPS FOR GUESTS:
🕐 TIMING
- Best time to visit: Weekday mornings (9-11 AM) to avoid crowds
- Peak season: September-November (fall colors + apple season)
- Tip: Arrive early for warm donuts right out of the fryer
👨👩👧👦 FAMILY-FRIENDLY
- Multiple activities for all ages
- Watch candy being made (kids love this!)
- Orchard walks along the river
- Ice cream treats
- Not overwhelming for little ones
💰 BUDGET
- Free: Walking the orchards, watching cider pressing, candy-making demonstrations
- Affordable: Donuts $10-15/dozen, apple butter $6-12/jar
- Restaurant: $10-20 per person
- Tastings: Winery and Cider House have tasting fees (worth it!)
📸 PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Beautiful apple orchards along the Little Pigeon River
Greta identified prime photo spots:
- In front of the red barn buildings
- Among the apple trees
- At the cider press (action shots!)
- With your donut haul
- Along the Little Pigeon River
🐕 PET POLICY
Outdoor areas and orchards are pet-friendly! Greta personally tested this and approves. (Indoor food service areas require pets to wait outside, but outdoor seating is available.)
🛍️ WHAT TO BUY
Greta's essential purchases:
- Apple butter (multiple jars - it's their signature item!)
- Apple cider donuts (get extra for the cabin)
- Handmade candy
- Mixes & flours (make apple goodies at home)
- Apple wine or hard cider (adults)
WHY STAY WITH US FOR YOUR APPLE BARN VISIT?
✅ Perfect location - 10-15 minutes from The Apple Barn
✅ Full kitchens - Store your apple butter, cider, donuts, and treats
✅ More space - Room for the whole family and all your Apple Barn goodies
✅ FREE attraction tickets - Book direct and get Dollywood + 20 other attractions
✅ Greta-inspected quality - Every cabin meets our high standards
✅ 25+ years experience - We know the best local spots
MAKE IT A FALL GETAWAY:
Combine your Apple Barn visit with:
🎃 Dollywood's Great Pumpkin LumiNights
🍂 Cades Cove fall foliage drive
🏔️ Great Smoky Mountains hiking
🎭 Pigeon Forge shows and attractions
🛍️ Gatlinburg shopping and dining
All included with your FREE attraction tickets when you book direct!
GRETA'S FINAL VERDICT:
"The Apple Barn receives my highest recommendation. After 50 years of family tradition, they've perfected the art of Smoky Mountain hospitality and apple products.
Excellent for families, couples, and anyone who appreciates authentic local experiences. The apple butter is legendary for a reason. The donuts are mandatory. The orchard walk is therapeutic.
This location has been added to my 'Essential Guest Experiences' list. Plan to spend 2-3 hours exploring everything."
- Chief Cabin Inspector Greta
Rating: 5 Paws Up 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
BOOK YOUR FALL SMOKY MOUNTAIN GETAWAY
🏡 Cabins available now for the fall season
🍎 Perfect home base for Apple Barn visits
🎃 FREE Dollywood + 20 attraction tickets included
Beach and Mountain Rental
📞 Phone: (865) 366-9632
🌐 Website: www.BeachAndMountainRental.com