One thing about Gatlinburg is, we know how to make one of the only cakes that is socially acceptable to eat for breakfast, the much-loved pancake. So much so, that we’re inviting everyone to join the Gatlinburg Breakfast Club in late February to celebrate an entire week dedicated to the flapjack…but more on that later. Gatlinburg’s history with the classic breakfast item is as rich as the mountainous stacks served. While ordering up a delicious stack when visiting the Smokies is a Gatlinburg bucket-list item, there’s also a great history there, dating all the way back to the early 20th century. Bet you didn’t know we’ve been flipping stacks for that long. If not, welcome to Gatlinburg’s History Class: Pancake Edition. Below are 5 things you may not know about Gatlinburg’s golden breakfast treat that you can learn as you enjoy becoming a member of the Gatlinburg Breakfast Club. 

 

  1. Fuel for a Hard Day's Work
  2. A Breakfast Staple
  3. The First Pancake House
  4. Stacked with Pancake Houses
  5. Gatlinburg Pancake Week

Fuel for a Hard Day's Work

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Historic logging in Smokies
Courtesy of NPS

Before the formation of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park dating back to the turn of the 20th Century, logging camps flourished in the Great Smoky Mountains and were popular in the area. Many companies housed lumberjacks close to the logging operation and needed to fill them with the intent to keep them fueled up before a long day’s work. The best way to do that? Pancakes. (Not a bad way to start the day)

A Breakfast Staple

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Gatlinburg Pancake Week

After the preservation of the Smokies with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s formation in 1934, the logging business came to a halt. Lumberjacks were replaced by visitors coming to admire the beauty that surrounds Gatlinburg to this day and visitors began flocking to the area to hike the beautiful mountains. A hard day’s work became a hard day’s adventure, consequently sparking businesses such as hotels and restaurants springing up in the area to feed the hungry visitor. You guessed it – the humble pancake, again, became a classic choice and a staple. 

The First Pancake House

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Pancake Pantry

Gatlinburg is home to the first restaurant in the state of Tennessee, dedicated to the pancake. The Pancake Pantry opened in 1960 by the Gerding family. It is a Gatlinburg breakfast staple and continues to be one of the most popular places to order the beloved breakfast item.

Stacked with Pancake Houses

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Pancake house family

Gatlinburg is home to many pancake houses which have their own style of serving up a mountain high stack, as well as many other unique restaurants that serve delicious fare to the city’s visitors and locals.

Gatlinburg Pancake Week

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Gatlinburg Pancake WeekThe city celebrates an entire week dedicated to the sweet breakfast treat – Gatlinburg Pancake Week! During February 19 to 25, visitors can eat their way through Gatlinburg. All sweet tooths and breakfast lovers can sample everything from the traditional butter and maple syrup stack to more whimsical creations that nod to the decedent dessert we get to call breakfast. Download the Visit Gatlinburg App for more details on how to check-in and participate in one of the tastiest weeks of the year.