Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant

We've been going to Applewood for years, and honestly, it's one of those places that just gets everything right. They've been Sevierville's oldest restaurant for over 35 years, housed in this actual Revolutionary War-era farmhouse that doesn't feel like a tourist trap. The second you sit down, they bring out warm apple fritters with apple butter and this non-alcoholic apple drink called Applewood Julep — it's become such a tradition that our kids ask about the fritters before we even pull into the parking lot.

The country-fried chicken is what keeps us coming back, but their chicken and dumplings run a close second. Most of the Farmhouse Special dinners come with soup, two sides, and dessert, which is actually a pretty solid deal when you're feeding a family. They've got two locations right next to each other now — the original at 240 Apple Valley Road and the Grill at 220 — because the waits got so crazy on weekends.

Sunday lunch is brutal. We're talking 60-90 minute waits, no joke. If you're dead set on going on a weekend, hit them early for breakfast or try that weird 2-3 PM window when everyone's either done with lunch or waiting for dinner. The Grill side usually moves faster if you don't mind grill-style service instead of traditional table service.

One thing that catches people off guard — the original restaurant is closed Wednesdays and Thursdays now. The Grill stays open those days though, so call ahead if you're planning a mid-week visit. We learned that the hard way last fall when we drove all the way over on a Thursday night and found the main restaurant dark.