In 1825, Henry Hagy and his wife Polly docked their flat boat on the banks of the Tennessee River, claimed several acres and began to build a farm and family. Later their son John built a log shack next to the river. He used it to store items awaiting steamboat shipment. That shack was occupied by Union soldiers during the Battle of Shiloh.
The shack survived the tragic battle and during the early thirties earned the name “Catfish Hotel.” Apparently descendant Novin Hagy used it to entertain friends. He was known for his cookouts, catfish, hushpuppies and storytelling. Guests often became so engrossed in his tales, and perhaps drink, they ended up spending the night. Thus, the origin of the nickname.
I recently made a trip to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and hate to admit I dug in like a hungry bear. I sampled fried green tomatoes, fried gator, fried shrimp, fried okra and well…fried you name it. I put aside the knife and fork for barbeque ribs and finished plenty messy. Breakfast favorites became blueberry pancakes, syrup and apple fritters
Both towns of Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee rest near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. And both towns claim Dolly Parton as their own. The folks in these parts take pride in their country heritage. You can’t help but notice that music, food and family are the heart and soul of the people.
Tourists to the area will find numerous restaurants to choose from. Most proudly serve good-ole down home southern cookin.
Here is a list of restaurants I can recommend for casual dining in Sevierville:
Mimi has returned from Europe concluding her roundabout travels of local, national and international destinations.She explored Georgia, Tennessee, France and Germany by boat, train, airplane, auto, taxi, van, bus, bicycle, ATV, helicopter, zipline, raft and on foot.
Farmhouse in the Lavender Fields of Provence, France
She photographed lavender fields by day and cathedrals at night; farmer's markets; mountain streams and her two month old grandson's feet.
It was a month on the move and Mimi is tired.She's glad to be home to watch fireworks and celebrate the Fourth of July. In upcoming blog posts she will share her recommendations on hotels, restaurants, activities, places of interest and compelling reasons to visit.
Family Feet--Jonah, Mommy and Daddy
Photo of Mimi (AKA Debi) in the field of lavender by Susan Bowen.
