One Of The Best Restaurants In Tennessee Is Hiding In This Small Tennessee Town
By Chris Dodge|Published October 02, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
It might look like your standard small-town restaurant, but Foglight Foodhouse in Walling, Tennessee, has a dedicated local following and stellar reputation. From quirky decor to fantastic food, folks have been coming to this establishment for years. It’s adjacent to Rock Island State Park, too, so I have planned a little trip for you today. I always want to inspire people to see our beautiful state and this area really shows our state’s finest colors. So next time you are looking for a little weekend getaway in Tennessee, just remember this sweet trip and then you have the whole thing already planned.
This is a very popular park and for good reason. With beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, a river for swimming, and one of the best places to kayak in the state, you'll never run out of things to see and do! Make the most of your time at the park with whatever activity best suits you -- but whatever you do, don’t miss a chance to see Twin Falls. This is the star of the park and well worth the trip, no matter where you come from.
A day of outdoor adventuring can work up your appetite and for that, the Foglight Foodhouse in Walling, TN, is just down the road.
In 1997, three brothers decided that the little town of Walling needed a good restaurant. Since then, the place has had a whole host of local regulars and travelers who have heard the reports coming from this small town in middle Tennessee. Over the decades they have changed a few things around; one of those changes was getting a new building.
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The building may be new, but the owners worked hard to make it look just like an improved version of the original.
Burlap sacks line the ceiling and tin frames the walls, and all of it has a designed purpose. The original place was built in memory of the brother's mother, and when the new place was getting ready, the father painted the murals on the wall and honored the first calling of this restaurant. So there is a heartwarming story behind the art, the diamond-shaped windows, and the strung lights -- for me, it is one of the best aspects of the Foglight. I love a restaurant with a little bit of character and you will find it in spades here.
A lovely outdoor sitting area is available as well. Sit under the glowing lights and look out over the Caney Fork River. The owner desires your stay at the restaurant to feel like you have been invited over to his house and wants people to feel relaxed and not in a rush -- it's the true Tennessee way, after all!
Steaks, seafood, southern classics, and many more options are available. Of course, everyone has their favorites but the daily specials are a continuous rotation from the owner himself. These delicious dishes have been described as just shy of crazy, but crazy enough to work. Making wild combinations and using creative culinary skills, these are meals you will want to ask about when you go. Take, for instance, this bratwurst being prepared to be added to a poutine. Now if you are not familiar with poutine that's okay, it's not something you see every day in Tennessee. It originally came from Canada, but the Foglight poutine is infused with Tennessee flavor and pizazz: it's a mouth-watering bratwurst smothered in brown gravy and mixed with fresh cheese curds served over crispy fries , and it's downright delicious and comforting.
Made with some common Cajun specialties like étouffée and jambalaya, thrown on blacked shrimp over smoked cheeses, and served with a red bean and rice bowl. This unique combination mixes lots of cultures and the results are phenomenal and the perfect way to cap off an adventurous day in Tennessee!
If you know where to look, there is tons to do in all these little towns sprinkled throughout the Volunteer State. Foglight Foodhouse in Walling, TN, is ranked among the best small-town restaurants and it is easy to see why. Pair that with a fantastic trip to one of our best state parks and you, my friends, have yourself an adventure. For more information, please visit the Foglight Foodhouse website.
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