RT Lodge restaurant is the kind of place that reminds you dinner can be an experience—not just a reservation time. While RT Lodge is also a hotel, this visit was entirely about the food, and from the moment we arrived, it delivered. Set just outside of town and surrounded by trees, the restaurant feels tucked away in the best way, making it perfect for a slower, more intentional night out.
We arrived a little early and were more than happy to wait. Instead of standing around, we settled into the downstairs sitting areas where a romantic fireplace was already going. Plush seating, low lighting, and that soft crackle of the fire immediately set the tone. It felt cozy without being stuffy—exactly what you want before a long dinner.
Before heading upstairs, we stepped outside to the firepit and officially pregamed dinner with a s’more. Yes, really. Sitting by the fire, bundled up, chocolate slightly melting faster than expected—it was one of those small moments that made the whole evening feel special before we even sat down.
If you’re making a night of it, staying nearby makes everything easier. You can see where to stay near RT Lodge using a general hotel search nearby, especially if you plan on lingering over multiple courses. For another cozy dining spot in the area, see my full review of Bistro By the Tracks, which has a similar elevated-but-approachable vibe.
The RT Lodge restaurant menu is seasonal, thoughtful, and clearly designed for sharing. We leaned into that and ordered a mix of boards, small plates, and one hearty entrée.
We started with the Cheese Board, an assortment of three regional cheeses served with house preserves, nuts, olives, and crackers. It was simple but well-balanced, letting each cheese shine without unnecessary extras.
Next came the Charcuterie Board, featuring a variety of dry-cured and smoked meats prepared in-house, paired with the chef’s pickles and thick slices of crusty sourdough bread. Rustic, salty, and deeply satisfying—this is the kind of board you don’t rush through.
From the small plates, the Apple Salad stood out immediately. Arugula tossed with Benton’s bacon bits, benne seed, cider vinaigrette, and finished with house yogurt. It hit that perfect sweet-savory balance and added some freshness to the table without feeling like an afterthought salad.
The Chicken and Dumplings leaned classic but elevated. Braised chicken, potato dumplings, crispy chicken skin, and chive made it comforting without being heavy. It felt especially right on a cold night.
We also ordered the Lodge Onion Soup, finished with gruyère and a rye sourdough crouton. Deeply savory, rich, and warming—this is one of those dishes that quietly reminds you why classics exist in the first place.
If you’re exploring the area beyond dinner, renting a car makes this much easier, especially since RT Lodge is tucked away. Discovering nearby spots and scenic drives is far simpler with your own wheels.
For the entrée, we shared the Red Wine Braised Short Rib, and it was exactly what it should be. Tender and flavorful, served with carrot, fingerling potatoes, pearl onion, and mustard seed. Rich without being overwhelming, and clearly cooked with patience. This dish alone would justify the drive out here.
Everything we ordered felt intentional. Portions were generous, flavors were layered but approachable, and nothing felt like it was trying too hard to be impressive. It was just very good food, done well.
One of the best parts of the RT Lodge restaurant experience is how unhurried it feels. Between the fireplaces, the outdoor firepit, and a menu built for sharing, it’s a place that naturally encourages you to slow down. Whether you’re celebrating something or just want a cozy night out, it works without needing to announce itself as “romantic.”
If you’re planning more time in the area, check out my Gatlinburg and Sevierville Itinerary: The Perfect 7-Day Smoky Mountain Vacation for a full breakdown of where to stay, eat, and explore.
RT Lodge restaurant isn’t flashy or trendy—and that’s exactly why it works. It’s comfortable, thoughtful, and genuinely memorable, especially if you arrive early, order generously, and leave yourself nowhere else to be afterward.
Let’s talk about when to actually book that Dubai trip you’ve been pinning for two years. I get asked this constantly, so here’s the honest breakdown: October through April is your window. Anything outside that and you’re basically touring in a sauna!
October and November give you warm days and cooler nights, which is basically the sweet spot for wandering around without melting. December through February is peak season: gorgeous weather. March and April are the quiet insider pick, right before summer heat shows up and ruins everyone’s plans.
Saving this for later? That’s what it’s here for. Full breakdown linked in bio.
If you’re chasing energy, beaches, nightlife, and nonstop luxury, Dubai takes the crown. If you’re craving culture, iconic architecture, and meaningful landmarks at a slower pace, Abu Dhabi shines.🤍
My advice? Base yourself in Dubai and do Abu Dhabi as a day trip! The perfect balance of excitement and culture in the UAE.
Want the full breakdown? Check out my Dubai and Abu Dhabi guide for tips, itineraries, and must-sees!
I do not like seafood. 🐟 So when I booked a tasting menu at a restaurant built around aquarium walls at Atlantis The Palm, I was nervous.
Ossiano sits underwater fish gliding past the whole meal, moody lighting, the kind of room that makes you lower your voice without meaning to. It’s not cheap, and it’s not trying to be. You’re paying for the entire experience.
Here’s the honest part: they have a vegetarian tasting menu, and I assumed it would be an afterthought. It ended up in my top five meals of all time. Course after course, the same care and precision as the seafood-forward menu everyone comes for. They even swapped in a steak for the main and it still felt cohesive with everything around it.
By course four you’re full. They bring out three more breads anyway. I ate all of it. No regrets.
Small detail that stuck with me my dress was black, so they swapped my napkin from white to black without me asking. That’s the kind of thing that tells you everything about a place.
Full breakdown of the menu, the vegetarian option, and what to expect linked in bio.
Dubai is all skyline until you drive an hour into the dunes and it goes completely silent. Bab Al Shams was that shift for us: slower, quieter, more intentional than anything we did in the city.
If you want nightlife or walkable everything, this isn’t your stop. But if you want a night that feels like a reset, it delivers, polished service, food I’m still thinking about, and a setting that never tries too hard.
Full review (and whether it’s worth adding to your Dubai itinerary) is linked in bio. 🏜️
I flew @emirates economy to Dubai fully expecting to just survive the flight. We booked seats by the exit row — @bradplummer1 got the legroom (he’s 6’7”), I got a normal seat right next to him, and it saved us money over booking two extra-legroom seats. Smart trick if you’re traveling with someone who needs the extra space and you don’t.
The food alone earned this post. Warm chicken, a Waldorf salad that actually tasted fresh, real butter on the roll, and a breakfast spread that put most airport brunches to shame. Add in the twinkling-star cabin lighting once dinner wrapped, and it felt less like a flight and more like the trip had already started.
Not everything was perfect — the wifi didn’t work for me at all, so if you’re planning to get work done in the air, download what you need beforehand. But that was the only miss in an otherwise excellent long haul.
If you’ve got Emirates lounge access in Dubai, use it. Showers, buffets, quiet corners to nap it makes the layover feel like a reset instead of a slog.
Full review seats, food, lounge, and the wifi situation is on the blog. Link in bio. ✈️
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
