Larry Vaught Photo
Once again I am wondering how I came to the Pigeon Forge/Sevierville area for so many years and did not know about Bush’s Visitor Center here that is only about a 25-minute scenic drive from Pigeon Forge.
Bush’s Family Cafe has a lot of great food options but once again I went for the chili, grilled cheese and onion rings — and of course the pecan pinto bean chocolate pie. I know that does not sound like a great meal but the chili is thick with just the right spice and the grilled cheese is unbelievable. I am not sure what makes the grilled cheese sandwich so good, but it is and that’s why I even swore I would not get it again this year, I did anyway.
And the pinto bean pie — you have to taste it to believe. My wife does not eat pinto beans. Never ever eats them. She tried the pie last year, loved it and had it again. You simply have to taste it to appreciate it.
If that’s not enough, you always get to sample the “bean of the day” no matter what you order to eat in the cafe.
Touted as the “world’s most beautiful bean museum” is a big claim but the free museum has all kinds of exhibits and history about Bush’s beans. It’s interactive so kids can enjoy it as much as adults.
The general store has plenty of Bush’s swag and products and even if you don’t purchase anything, it’s fun to just look around.
This year thanks to Susan “Sam” Merrell, Bush’s Visitor Center manager, we got a personal tour of the original Bush home that is across the highway from the cafe/store/museum. It was built to replace the family log cabin in the early 1900/s and was renovated in 2004. It’s still used by company visitors/special guests on occasions.
Even better each year at Christmas the house is decorated and open at limited time for the public to visit but even without decorations the house is a treasure to see. You can just imagine the good times the Bush family had there and the stories/memories they shared.
We took time to visit the cemetery at the local Methodist Church that can be seen from the Bush house. We found the graves/markers for A.J. Bush and his wife who both passed in 1946 but obviously their legacy with Bush’s Beans is still flourishing not only with family members but with employees who make it obvious just how much they enjoy their jobs when you visit.
Trip to Bush’s Beans
Larry Vaught Photos
3 Responses
Thanks Larry for the story. The picture of the beans and grill cheese made me hungry. LOL
Larry, you tingled my taste buds so I am opening a can of Bush beans tonight for supper.
Good for you Ripper