Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen
Gatlinburg, Tennessee · Family-owned since 1950
Taffy pulled fresh every day on the same recipes since 1950, and you can watch it being made through the kitchen window at two shops on the Parkway.
Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen has made Gatlinburg taffy by hand since 1950, using the same recipes it started with. Stand at the window and watch taffy being pulled, chocolate poured, and brittle cracked, then head inside for Taffylogs, chocolate brown bears, and dozens of taffy flavors. It's still family-owned, with two shops on the Parkway.
Two shops: 744 Parkway and The Village Shops, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Family-owned and making candy since 1950
Known for: taffy and Taffylogs
Watch candy being made through the kitchen window
The story
In 1950, Dave and Peggy Dych were driving to California to seek their fortune when they stopped in Gatlinburg. They saw a growing mountain town and pictured a main street shop where visitors could watch candy being made. They opened the kitchen and never made it to California. Today the shop is still family-owned and still uses the original recipes.
What to buy
Taffy
The signature candy, pulled fresh daily in dozens of flavors, including Moonshine Taffy. A sugar-free option is available too.
Taffylogs
The house specialty: taffy wrapped around a pecan roll and covered in pecans.
Chocolate brown bears
Caramel covered in milk chocolate and boxed with a bear on the front, a Gatlinburg classic and a favorite with kids.
Brittle, divinity, and caramel apples
Old-fashioned peanut and cashew brittle, pecan divinity, and fresh caramel apples.
Gift boxes of mixed taffy flavors pack well for the trip home. See the current lineup at olesmokycandykitchen.com.
Watch the kitchen
The candy-making is the reason to stop. Through the window, you can watch staff pull taffy on the machine, cook candy in copper kettles, and pour and crack brittle throughout the day. Kids and adults alike end up watching longer than they planned.
Locations
744 Parkway
On the Parkway in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg.
The Village Shops
Inside The Village Shops at 634 Parkway, a European-style courtyard just off the Parkway.
Both shops are an easy walk from most of downtown. Hours change by season, so check olesmokycandykitchen.com before you go.
Tips for your visit
Watch before you shop — the kitchen window is the main attraction.
Get the Taffylogs — they're the shop's specialty.
Try the cashew brittle — it's a nice change if you usually stick with peanut.
Take Moonshine Taffy home — it's a fun, local souvenir for adults.
Buy gift boxes on your way out of town — taffy travels well, but it's best fresh.
More sweets in Gatlinburg
Make it a candy crawl. Visit Aunt Mahalia's Candies, try the fudge at Fudge Shoppe of the Smokies, or get ice cream at Kilwins. See all of our Gatlinburg candy shops.
Nearby
The Village Shops shop is next to Pancake Pantry and The Donut Friar, so it's an easy add-on to a downtown breakfast. Ride the gondola to Anakeesta or see the sharks at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. See all things to do in Gatlinburg.
Frequently asked questions
How long has Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen been open?
Since 1950, and it's still family-owned.
Where are the Gatlinburg locations?
At 744 Parkway and inside The Village Shops at 634 Parkway.
Can I watch them make candy?
Yes. You can watch taffy being pulled and candy being made through the kitchen window throughout the day.
What are Taffylogs?
Taffy wrapped around a pecan roll and covered in pecans, the shop's specialty.
Is there sugar-free taffy?
Yes, a sugar-free option is available.
Is it related to Ole Smoky Moonshine?
No. Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen and Ole Smoky Moonshine are separate businesses.
Stay close to the Parkway with our Gatlinburg cabins, or bring the whole family with our family cabins. Book direct and the Stay & Play Pass includes free attraction tickets for every paid night.