All things Tourism for the City Of Pigeon Forge with Leon Downey

Seasoned In Appalachia, a cookbook by Jimmy Proffitt

In this special episode of Foothills Of The Smokies, the tables are turned as host Jimmy Proffitt steps into the guest seat. Guest host Beth Haynes leads a heartfelt and engaging conversation about Jimmy's new cookbook, Seasoned In Appalachia. Jimmy shares the story behind the book, the inspiration drawn from Appalachian foodways, and the traditions that shaped both his cooking and storytelling. Listeners will hear behind-the-scenes moments from the cookbook journey, reflections on heritage recipes, and the deeper meaning of preserving regional culture through food. Beth Haynes, an award-winning journalist and longtime collaborator, brings her signature warmth and curiosity to the discussion. Over the years, Beth and Jimmy have worked together on several creative projects — including one connected to Dolly Parton herself. With Beth recently interviewing Dolly, this episode carries a special sense of full-circle conversation, friendship, and shared East Tennessee roots. Whether you love Appalachian cuisine, Southern food traditions, cookbooks, storytelling, or the culture of the Smoky Mountains, this episode offers a rich and personal look at the heart behind Seasoned In Appalachia.

A chat with Distiller, Keener Shanton of Old Forge Distillery

In anticipation of starting this podcast, Foothills Of The Smokies, I sat down with Keener Shanton, Head Distiller for Old Forge Distillery. So we taped this more than a year before, just as they were about to celebrate their 10th Anniversary. That milestone has come and gone, but like a good spirit, the discussion still aged well, and we wanted you to hear it.

Merry Christmas To All, and to all a good night!

Enjoy this special Christmas Eve reading of T'was The Night Before Christmas. This is a recording we did a couple of years ago, on the 200th anniversary of the the publication of the poem. So make some hot cocoa, lay out the cookies, and gather the family around. Merry Christmas from our Old Mill Family to yours.

All things Tourism for the City Of Pigeon Forge with Leon Downey

On this episode of Foothills of the Smokies, we sit down with Leon Downey, Director of Tourism for the City of Pigeon Forge, to talk about tourism in one of East Tennessee's most visited destinations. Leon shares insights into how Pigeon Forge, Tennessee welcomes millions of visitors each year, the story behind how the town got its name, and what goes into promoting a community we're proud to call home. With a population of just over 6,000 full-time residents, Pigeon Forge hosts more than 8 million visitors annually, offering memorable experiences through its lodging, restaurants, attractions, and family-friendly entertainment. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park sees roughly 12 million visitors each year across its Tennessee and North Carolina entrances—and nearly three-quarters of those visitors make their way to Pigeon Forge. That kind of impact highlights the work of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism and the role the city plays in the broader Smoky Mountains tourism economy.

LandonTalks with The Old Mill

Today we've got a real treat for you. I sat down with Landon Bryant — the voice, the storyteller, and the heart behind LandonSpeaks, and his charming wife Kate. You know him for his wit, his Southern charm, and the way he puts into words what so many of us in the South feel in our bones. Together, they host a podcast of their own called Landon Talks with Kate. [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/landontalks-with-kate/id1779817785] We're talking all things home, place, creativity, and the stories that shape who we are. So settle in, pour yourself a glass of sweet tea, and join us for a conversation that feels like front-porch talk with an old friend. You can find Landon as LandonTalks [https://www.instagram.com/landontalks/] , and Kate as TheCoolestKate [https://www.instagram.com/thecoolestkate/] on Instagram. Foothills Of The Smokies Podcast is brought to you today by The Old Mill [https://www.instagram.com/theoldmilltn/]. Our historic gristmill, in continual operation since 1830, is the cornerstone of our spot right here in Pigeon Forge, TN, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. We've been welcoming families for decades, and now we invite you to join us as we tell the stories of not only the people and what they do here at The Old Mill, but of folks from all across our beautiful region here in the South. I'm your host, Jimmy Proffitt, and this is Foothills Of The Smokies.