A little bit about us…
The Shepard Inn was built by Shadrach Inman ca. 1820. Since that time registry books have been filled with names of movie stars, musicians, presidents, and even royalty from around the world.
Our location in historic downtown Dandridge, Tennessee, offers unique charm and a one of a kind experience for our guests. We are within walking distance of boutiques, antique shops, and eateries, such as the famous Tinsley-Bible Drug Store with it’s nostalgic soda fountain, as well as the Dandridge Brewing Company.
Historic Dandridge hosts a variety of music and cultural festivals such as, the Scots-Irish Festival, June Jubilee, Music on the Town, and Christmas in Dandridge.
We are conveniently located in the heart of East TN, and just a short drive from popular attractions in Knoxville, Gatlinburg, & Pigeon Forge.
We serve lunch by reservation each Thursday and we also look forward to serving your special events! We are glad to give your event that special touch whether it is a birthday, anniversary, wedding, baby shower, retirement party, or reunion! If you have any questions about an event, please contact us via phone (865)397-2345 or email us shepinn1820@gmail.com. We look forward to working with you!
History
ca. 1820
Shadrach Inman bought the property and was living in a two-story log cabin.
ca. 1850
James P. Mitchell bought the building from Shadrach Inman with the plan of transforming it into a tavern, and renaming the structure "Mitchell House".
ca. 1870
Cordelia Mitchell Parks inherited the business from her
father, James P. Mitchell
ca. 1890
J. Walter Shepard married Cordelia Mitchell Parks' granddaughter, Mattie, and was the manager of the tavern.
ca.1920
Mattie passed away. J. Walter Shepard married Anne Estes from Knoxville, Tn, and renamed the "Mitchell House” to "Shepard Inn". For the next 30 years the Shepards ran a business that was equal to none other in the area:
Shepard Inn was the only diner within an hours drive. The menu featured fried chicken and country ham, and the guest services were unparalleled.
The Inn's guest book boasts of movie stars, musicians, politicians and even royalty from around the world.
Through the years the building grew from the log cabin into what you see today.
ca.1950
Both J. Walter Shepard and Anne Shepard passed away. The Shepard Inn was closed and sold to become a private residence to Earl and Mildred Kyker of Maryville. It remained with the "Keepers of the Inn" for the next 50+ years.
ca. 2007 to Present
A local Dandridge couple bought the property and reopened Shepard Inn as a Bed & Breakfast and event center several years later. Through research and planning, the staff strives to personalize the service we provide to our guests.
It is our mission to preserve the reputation this treasure has held for over 200 years.