The Grocery Shopping Dilemma
One of the most common questions we get from guests is: "Where should we stop for groceries?"
Many visitors make the mistake of stopping at the Super Walmart in Sevierville or Pigeon Forge on their way in. While that works, it often means navigating intense traffic, crowded aisles, and the general chaos of a massive big-box store right when you just want to start your vacation. You've been driving for hours. The kids are tired. The last thing you want is to spend an hour wandering a Walmart looking for milk and bread.
There's a better way. And it's so close to our cabins that you'll wonder why you ever considered the Sevierville option.
The Better Option: Food City on East Parkway
For guests staying at Summit & Shores Properties, we highly recommend Food City at 1219 East Parkway.
Location: It's located right on Hwy 321, the same road that leads directly to Cobbly Nob. You don't have to navigate downtown traffic or confusing side streets.
Distance: It's only 5-10 minutes from our cabins. Seriously. You can be back at the cabin with groceries in less time than it takes to drive to Sevierville.
Hours: Open until midnight, making it perfect for late arrivals. If you get to the cabin at 8 PM and realize you forgot milk, you can run down and be back in 20 minutes.
Full Selection: This isn't a convenience store. It's a full-service supermarket with:
- •Fresh produce (local when in season)
- •Meat department (steaks, ground beef, chicken, pork)
- •Deli (rotisserie chicken, prepared foods, sandwiches)
- •Bakery (fresh bread, pastries, cakes)
- •Dairy section (milk, cheese, yogurt, butter)
- •Pantry staples (pasta, rice, canned goods)
- •Beer & Wine section (solid selection of local craft beers and wines)
- •Frozen foods
- •Health and beauty items
Gas Station: There's a Food City Gas 'N Go right in the parking lot, so you can fuel up before heading up the mountain.
Why We Recommend Food City Over Sevierville
Time Savings: By skipping the Sevierville stops, you save about 30-45 minutes of potential traffic delays. That's 30-45 minutes you could be enjoying the view from your cabin or settling in with a glass of wine.
Convenience: The store is right on the way to Cobbly Nob. You don't have to backtrack or navigate confusing roads.
Atmosphere: Food City is a local, regional chain (not a massive big-box store). It has a more manageable, less overwhelming atmosphere than Walmart.
Quality: The produce and meat are fresh and well-maintained. The deli has good options for quick meals.
Price: Competitive pricing. You're not paying a premium for the convenience.
The Pro Strategy: Check In First, Shop Second
Here's our recommended approach: Check into your cabin first! Since Food City is so close, you don't have to worry about milk getting warm in the car while you navigate the cabin roads for the first time.
Here's the flow:
- •Arrive at the cabin.
- •Get your keys and do a quick walk-through to make sure everything is as expected.
- •Unload your personal items and luggage.
- •Take 10 minutes to enjoy the view and get oriented.
- •Make a quick 10-minute run down the mountain to Food City.
- •Shop for your week's groceries.
- •Return to the cabin and unload.
- •Settle in for the evening.
This approach means you're not shopping on an empty stomach or with tired kids. You're shopping with a clear head, knowing exactly what your cabin has and what you need.
What to Buy at Food City
Breakfast Staples:
- •Eggs
- •Bacon or sausage
- •Bread or bagels
- •Butter
- •Coffee and filters
- •Milk
- •Cheese
- •Fresh fruit
Lunch Ingredients:
- •Deli meat (or grab rotisserie chicken from the deli)
- •Bread
- •Cheese
- •Condiments
- •Chips or crackers
- •Fresh vegetables for salad
Dinner Ingredients:
- •Proteins (steaks, chicken, ground beef, fish)
- •Fresh vegetables
- •Pasta or rice
- •Sauces and seasonings
- •Olive oil
Snacks:
- •Nuts
- •Granola bars
- •Fruit
- •Cheese and crackers
- •Chocolate
Beverages:
- •Water
- •Coffee and tea
- •Wine or beer
- •Juice or soft drinks
Prepared Foods (if you want a break from cooking):
- •Rotisserie chicken
- •Prepared salads
- •Deli sandwiches
- •Pizza (if available)
Money-Saving Tips
- •Shop the perimeter: The freshest, healthiest foods are around the edges of the store. The processed stuff is in the middle.
- •Buy store brand: Food City's store brand is high quality and significantly cheaper than name brands.
- •Check the deli: Rotisserie chicken is a great value and can be used for multiple meals.
- •Plan your meals: Before you shop, plan what you'll cook each night. This prevents overbuying and food waste.
- •Bring reusable bags: Some stores offer a small discount for using your own bags.
Alternative Options
If Food City doesn't have something you need, here are other nearby options:
- •Walmart Supercenter (Pigeon Forge): 20-25 minutes away. Larger selection but more crowded.
- •Harris Teeter (Gatlinburg): 10-15 minutes away. Higher-end grocery store with good quality.
- •Local specialty shops: The Arts & Crafts Community has several small shops with local products, honey, jams, and crafts.
