This weekend marked the beginning of the Tennessee State Fair, also known as the deep-fried smorgasbord. But beyond the corn dogs and funnel cakes, there were some gems, including a few items that were new to the fair this year, but may have been unique to the day (some vendors only set up for a limited time).
The cool front that moved through has made the weather perfect for visiting the fair, so here are most of the food options you need to look for. Remember, the fair is open each evening at 5 p.m. this week and all day next Saturday and Sunday. Tip: buy tickets at local Kroger stores and save $1 each and skip the line at the gate.
For this year's rundown on the food of the fair, we're telling the story with photos. (Guess what! I found arepas!):
Murrica! The first food you see just inside the main gate. Start off right!
Deep Fried Tennessee features battered and fried Little Debbie snack cakes as well as sweet corn hushpuppies and jalapeno huspuppies.
Recommended: deep-fried strawberry shortcake roll
and the hushpuppies
Imagine my delight upon finding the Colombian food stand. Colombian-style arepas! I had two throughout the day as well as a guava juice. Not sure they will be there throughout the fair, but look for them on the strip between the speedway and the kids' rides.
These guys were set up in the same area next to the Colombian stand. Fried green tomatoes!
Step into the FOOD ZONE
Because the food zone is where you'll find frozen chocolate banana on a stick and the holy grail of fair food: the pineapple whip.
The food zone is also where you can get all the condiments you want, including ranch dressing, a topping for anything from salad (not available at the fair) to fries and pizza (both readily available).
For your inner Fred Flinstone, the turkey leg
These guys were also near the Rabbit Barn and had an impressive selection of food for those who tired of fried foods.
On a tip from Ramien Balouch (soon to be found at the new Butcher and Bee), my husband got these tacos pastor over near the Rabbit Barn.
This ham demo actually drew quite a crowd.
This giant pumpkin weighs 34 times that of my daughter.
It is cruel to display the winners from the competitions. I really wanted everything I saw.
I was irrationally excited to see the Weinermobile. Sorry, though, folks; the weiner's headed north already.
