A Sweet History: Taffy Is a Tennessee Town’s Generational Tradition

In this installment of ‘History off the Beaten Path,’ we'll visit an old-fashioned candy factory that’s pulled its taffy the same way for almost 75 years. 

The taffy menu at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen has over 30 flavors, not including seasonal specials. Deena Bouknight

The aroma of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint, and countless other flavors waft around the outside and inside of an old building on Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s main thoroughfare. In fact, the appealing scents are so prominent that in the fall of 2011, a black bear broke through the glass door and helped itself to Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen’s taffy and other sweet treats.

Stacks of wrapped taffy decorate the shop in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Deena Bouknight