The Rod Runs in Pigeon Forge are events to behold. Its not September until two back-to-back weekends are filled with classic cars parading down the street as the night sky is lit up with every hotel and headlight in the downtown area.
On the weekend of the 11th, the Shades of the Past Rod Run comes to The Smoky River Ranch in Pigeon Forge, but you'll be seeing its presence for miles around. The Rod Run is ENORMOUS here in town and those who come to attend will pretty much party a good deal of the night away (just use excellent judgment when you do). The sidewalks will be lined with chairs, festive watchers, owners, gearheads and much much more.
Word of warning: Traffic will be INSANE and there is nothing you can do about it. Just get in early, find a reasonable spot and some comfort footwear and enjoy.
On the 18th is the Grand Rod Run which takes place at the Grand Hotel and Convention Center. This is the biggest one of the year and if you missed anyone the first week, its a good chance they stuck around for this one.
Its a surprisingly well suited event to take the whole family to as well. The problem, then, is where to take the whole family for dinner during such a congested period of activity.
Well, would you believe you can get a proper, southern, Sunday afternoon after-church dinneron any of these given nights? Try it! The dynamic shift is pretty exciting and you're getting the real deal.
Mama's Farmhouse is where you want to go, not just because it literally is real home cooking, but because you don't even really need to drive there. Mama's Farmhouse is just above the Car Museum next to Professor Hacker's - a hop, skip and a jump uphill and across the street from Alamo Steakhouse.
It is recommended you come with a full family as Mama's is specifically designed to changing up the traditional style of restauranting. Even of ordering food, it is brought to you anyway - fried chicken, green beans, mashed and material taters, beans, pork and then some. It is generally not recommended for one person as you will be expected to eat and pay for all that, but with a family you couldn't do any better BECAUSE THE FOOD KEEPS COMING UNTIL YOU SAY STOP!
You came to Pigeon Forge for some excitement and nothing is more exciting than a creative, wild dynamic like that. If you're bringing the family, take them to Mama's. You'll be back.
