Posted on 5/18/2023

A GUIDE TO THE PERFECT SMOKY MOUNTAINS SUMMER BBQ

May you always be surrounded by good friends and great barbeque. A summer trip to the Smokies isn't complete without an epic backyard barbeque. Luckily for you, we've sourced all of your necessary local supplies and planned the perfect menu, making it easier than ever for you to pull off the meal of the season! Plan your Smoky Mountains getaway now by booking a Mountain Laurel Chalets property, and bring along your barbeque-loving friends and family. From one-bedroom chalets to twelve-bedroom lodges, we have a property to suit every group and budget. Each has a fully-equipped kitchen, and most homes also have a grill. We'll set you up for the perfect summer vacation, guaranteed. Heck, it might even become an annual tradition!

DINNER LINKS AT SWAGGERTY'S FARM.

2827 Swaggerty Rd., Kodak, TN 37764; (865)933-2625

If you're a fan of bratwurst, beer brats, or Italian sausages, you absolutely must make a trip to Swaggerty's when you come to the Smokies. They're about twenty miles outside of Gatlinburg, but it will be well worth the drive, we promise. They are world famous for their sausages, and their dinner links are just the ticket to take your summer barbeque to the next level. You can purchase their meats locally as well (they supply the Food City grocery stores in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge), but you'll find a bigger (and fresher) selection if you head straight to Swaggerty's Farm. Pro Tip: While you're there, go ahead and grab some pre-made sausage biscuits; you'll have breakfast covered the next morning at your chalet!

HAND-CUT MEATS AT BUTLER & BAILEY MARKET

7513 S. Northshore Dr., Knoxville, TN 37919; (865)691-8881

We realize Knoxville is a hefty haul from the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas (from some places it's as far as 45 miles), but you simply can't find better, fresher meat anywhere else in East Tennessee than at Butler & Bailey. You can be confident that you are getting the finest cuts in town, ranging from all-natural chicken to premium Black Angus and U.S.D.A. Prime Grade steaks. B&B has a team of six extremely skilled butchers who've been cutting meat for over 100 years combined. They're all about high standards and making sure you get the best pieces of meat, every time. You can also find an East Tennessee treasure, Benton's bacon, at Butler & Bailey! Benton's bacon, crafted in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, has earned nationwide recognition for its exceptional flavor and quality. This acclaim stems from their time-honored dry curing process. Be sure to grab a pack (or three) of that when you swing by as well! Pro Tip: Plan to stop at B&B on your way into town; that way you can stock up on meat for your stay and you won't have to backtrack once you get to Gatlinburg.

RECIPES FOR THE GRILL:

-SUMMERTIME GRILLED BRATWURST (SWAGGERTY'S FARM)

-THE BEST GRILLED CHICKEN (ONCE UPON A CHEF)

-JAMAICAN JERK CHICKEN (FOOD & WINE)

-GRILLED PEPPER-CRUSTED T-BONE STEAKS (BOBBY FLAY)

-BEST HAMBURGER PATTY RECIPE (A SPICY PERSPECTIVE)

PRODUCE, EGGS, HONEY, & MORE AT GATLINBURG FARMER'S MARKET

East Parkway, traffic light 2b (across from Food City); Saturdays from 8:30am-12pm; For questions, call or text Glo at (865)640-7190

If you can make it work with your schedule, you're bound to find the best in-season produce around on Saturday mornings at the Gatlinburg Farmer's Market. All vendors are required to be local, and they are only permitted to sell what they grow or make themselves. That's about as local it gets! The market will have green-house-grown tomatoes, lettuce, kale, other greens, radishes, onions, garlic, berries, and plenty of seasonal veggies. It also routinely has eggs and honey, and even offers meat and baked goods on occasion. Pro Tip: Get there early; the market gets picked over quickly as it's a popular Saturday morning destination for locals and visitors alike.

A WIDE VARIETY OF VEGGIES AT HENDERSON'S PRODUCE

705 Eastgate Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862; (865)453-0179 (call to make sure they're open before you go!)

Located in Sevierville, Henderson's Produce is well regarded for its fresh selection of local produce and other local products, and for its affordable pricing. Availability is always based on what's in season, so buyers arrive flexible and ready to plan their dishes around the latest harvest. Pro Tip: Their tomatoes are apparently to die for; give 'em a try!

FIND EVERYTHING ON YOUR LIST AT PUBLIX SUPERMARKET

2656 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863; (865)774-2030

It might not be local, but you can trust Publix Supermarket to provide everything you need to prepare your favorite side dishes, and at great quality. At Publix, where shopping truly is a pleasure, you'll find the freshest produce, delicious baked goods, and a huge selection of canned and dry goods for your favorite side dishes. If all else fails, or if you're running short on time, swing by Publix. Your barbeque will thank you for it later! Pro Tip: If you need a one-stop shop, Publix is it; they have a wide assortment of freshly-butchered meats, and might even carry some of the local cuts mentioned above. You can feel great about buying all of your necessary grocery items here and feel confidenct that you're getting quality goods.

SIDE DISH RECIPES TO DIE FOR:

-EASY CAPRESE SALAD (REE DRUMMOND)

-RUM BAKED BEANS (SOUTHERN LIVING)

-JALEPEÑO POPPER GRILLED CORN SALAD (WONKY WONDERFUL)

-MEDITERRANEAN PASTA SALAD (LOVE AND LEMONS)

-PERFECTLY GRILLED ZUCHINNI (SKINNY TASTE)

-ARUGULA, WATERMELON, AND FETA SALAD (FOOD NETWORK)

-CREAMY BAKED MAC AND CHEESE (THE CHUNKY CHEF)

-PERFECT POTATO SALAD (SOMMER COLLIER)

DONUTS, PASTRIES, & CINNAMON BREAD AT THE DONUT FRIAR

634 Parkway, Suite 15, Gatlinburg, TN 37738; (865)436-7306; CASH ONLY

Don't feel like baking? No problem—check out The Donut Friar instead! This beloved Gatlinburg bakery is known for its homemade donuts, cinnamon breads, and pastries. Located in the historic Village Shops, it opens at 5 am daily, serving fresh in-house creations all day long. There's never a bad time of day to enjoy donuts, so grab some for a post-barbeque dessert; or, grab a loaf of their famous cinnamon bread instead. Pro Tip: Enjoy a latte or cappucino when you stop by The Donut Friar; they make the best frothy coffees in town!

CHOCOLATE-CHIP GOODNESS AT BYRD'S FAMOUS COOKIES

708 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738; (865) 494-1704

From key lime and lemon cooler to chocolate chip and salted caramel cookies, Byrd's has a flavor for everyone! This cookie-centric bakery has been around since 1924, and with good reason: their cookies are delectible. They even have Dipped Grahams, premade smores for those who don't want to get their hands sticky around the fire! Pro Tip: Grab some of their Jalepeno Cheddar Biscuits, their unique take on cheese straws, to serve as an appetizer at your barbeque.

BROWNIES, MUFFINS, COBBLER & MORE AT APPLE VALLEY CREAMERY

230 Apple Valley Rd., Sevierville, TN 37862; (865)429-4113

The Apple Valley Creamery is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and bakery situated in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in Sevierville, Tennessee. Established in 1991, it specializes in crafting homemade ice cream with an impressive selection of approximately 60 flavors. The creamery also prides itself on its made-from-scratch baked goods, including breads, cookies, brownies, muffins, and mouthwatering apple cobblers. Their offerings will have you barbeque-ready in no time at all! Pro Tip: Grab a soft-serve ice cream cone while you're picking up your goodies; there's nothing wrong with having dessert twice!

PIES AND PASTRIES AT THE WILDFLOWER BAKEHOUSE

240 Forks of the River Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37862; (865)365-1295

This delightful family-owned bakery is named after the owner's first grandchild, Violet. They offer pies, danishes, cookies, specialty breads, brownies, fritters, and more. All are made by hand and with a deep love for the Smoky Mountains community. Support this locally-owned business and grab a variety of sweets for your barbeque; it will be the most delicious decision you've ever made! Pro Tip: Stop by in the morning and grab breakfast while you're there; word on the street has it they make the best breakfast sandwiches in town.

TRIED AND TRUE DESSERT RECIPES:

If you are up for the challenge and would rather bake your own sweet treats, try these homeade dessert recipes at your chalet!

-BEST HOMEMADE BROWNIES (LOVE AND LEMONS)

-HOMEMADE ICE CREAM (NEW YORK TIMES)

***bring your ice-cream maker!

-APPLE PIE BY GRANDMA OPLE (ALL RECIPES)

-WORLD'S BEST S'MORES (HERSHEYS)

-PERFECT SUMMER FRUIT SALAD (ALL RECIPES)

-CHOCOLATE PIE (FOOD & WINE)

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If you're wondering about appetizers and drinks, never fear—we haven't forgotten them! Check out a few of our favorite recipes below:

FAN-FAVORITE APPETIZER RECIPES:

-THE BEST BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP (THE FORKED SPOON)

-FRESH MANGO SALSA (NATASHA'S KITCHEN)

-MILLION DOLLAR DEVILED EGGS (SUGAR SPUN RUN)

-GRILLED BACON-WRAPPED JALEPEÑOS (ALL RECIPES)

-FRUIT KABOBS WITH CREAM CHEESE DIP (TASTE OF HOME)

FRESH & EASY DRINK RECIPES:

-PERFECT LEMONADE (SIMPLY RECIPES)

-BLUEBERRY LEMON MINT ICED TEA (WHISK IT READ GUD)

-THE PERFECT MARGARITA (BON APPETIT)