The warmth and hospitality found in Gatlinburg, and region of the Great Smoky Mountains makes you feel like a friend returning home. This is especially true since the wildfires that blazed a destructive path through the region in Tennessee last November.
The community united to help each other. Businesses raised funds; including Country music star Dolly Parton, who gave each family affected by the wildfires $1,000 a month for six months to help them get "back on their feet." The Great Smoky Mountains generosity goes beyond giving back during a tragedy. Local businesses are dedicated to serving their community and beyond as we learned when invited to explore the area.
Dollywood Offer's Fun For All Seasons
We visited Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, and had a great time, and plan to return for their festive events like the Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Oh, and the holidays are a especially nice time to visit Dollywood when the park is filled with sparkling lights and cheer.
Along with giving travelers a fun amusement park filled with thrills and entertainment, Dolly Parton inspires children to read through her Imagination Library. This program provides a book a month to children, and has grown since it was first started in 1995 - they’ve given away over 85 million books in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. And, to help support the Imagination Library, Dolly just released her first children's album, "I Believe In You."
Ole Smoky Moonshine, The Island, Pigeon Forge
Then there is Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery that has several locations in the Great Smoky Mountains. And, their location in Gatlinburg is one of the most visited distillery's in America. Yes, they offer tastings, and free concerts with musicians like Monroeville, yet it is their community spirit that keeps them connected to the region.
They were there to support their employees and neighbors after the fire. And, they continue to give through programs like Boot Campaign to help military personnel, their families, and veterans. Through continuing education in communities the Boot Campaign raises awareness and funds to provide financial assistance, emotional and physical support, and ongoing help to those who have and continue to serve our country.
Sample A Taste Of The Smoky's At The Park Grill
Another way businesses give back to there community is by representing the region they love. One example is the locally-owned Park Grill in Gatlinburg that celebrates the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Step inside, and you'll discover a rustic mountain lodge that embraces the history of the park.
Did You Know? -The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in America.
The Park Grill has made it easy for travelers visiting the area to enjoy lunch or dinner - just call ahead to 1-(865) 436-2300, Ext. 104 to request seating. This is a nice way to plan your day. Let them know what time you plan to visit, then enjoy a trek along one of the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Later, just head out of the park onto Parkway - The Park Grill is right there. Or, if you plan to visit during Peak Seasons like Fall simple make a reservation.
At The Park Grill the chefs create their savory menu selections from locally sourced produce and meats. One of the suggestions our waiter offered for a appetizer was the fried green tomatoes. The tomatoes were cooked just right, with a nice seasoning, and were delicious.
There's a huge salad bar that The Park Grill is famous for, and includes all the fixing you could want. They also have wonderful fresh mozzarella, smoked oysters, along with homemade dressings, and pickled okra. The nice thing is the selections change with the seasons so there's always something new to try. With such a refreshing variety of salad selections it could be a meal in itself.
Leroy enjoyed the Prime Rib, which he said perfectly cooked with a side of fresh broccoli and cauliflower. While I enjoyed the local blackened Rainbow Trout and Sweet Potato Casserole with Coconut. We could have shared the Trout had I realized how much there was, instead we saved some to take back to the Hilton Garden Inn for later. I've lowered my salt intake, and seafood like shrimp has too much, which means I don't eat processed seafood. So an opportunity to try fresh, local fish was great. What a wonderful meal - I loved the Trout - it was seasoned just right. And the sweet potatoes - they were divine.
We did save room for dessert and the sampler was suggested. This is a nice way to enjoy some sweet treats without overindulging. There was a Blackberry Cobbler, as well as the Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse. The Jack Daniel’s Crème Bruleé was my favorite - very creamy and not too sweet!
The Park Grill has so many great menu selections to pick from it was hard to choose. Although, next time we plan to try some of their local favorites like the BBQ Sampler, and Grilled Moonshine Chicken. If you're visiting Gatlinburg be sure to stop in because it's a lovely restaurant that is as much a part of the Great Smoky Mountains heritage as moonshine and bluegrass!
For more great food check out their other restaurant, The Peddler that is also a Gatlinburg dining tradition.
Explore The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Beyond
After a hearty meal like ours at The Park Grill a walk through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is ideal. Although, if you only have a little time in your schedule you can still take a lovely drive through this national treasure, where we spotted wild turkey. And, there are plenty of places to pull over so you can take photos along the way. Be sure to stop at the Visitors Center and you can learn about the Friends of the Smokies that supports environmental education, preservation, and management of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The natural beauty in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains has also inspired many artists. In fact, Gatlinburg is has a rich and diverse Arts and Crafts Community beyond what we imagined. Here, you'll find the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts that is rooted in the community. First, simply as a school, and later to recognize and preserve the talent of local artists, and provide a path to profitability through their creative skills.
To explore the local creations take a trip along the Arts and Crafts Community Loop, which is a lovely cruise along the rolling hills and countryside. Along with an abundance of art studios and galleries to explore, you’ll also find nice restaurants and ice cream parlors that have tasty treats to sample too.
We stopped in at the Morning Mist Village at 601 Glades Road in Gatlinburg. We found galleries and shops here - some with jewelry, other with ceramics, and a nice quilt shop. There is also the Morning Mist Cafe in case you'd like a bite to eat. And, while looking around we found these stunning acrylic dot painting by Greg Hooker. - Yes, it's all made of dots of acrylic paint.
With so many galleries and studios you could spend a whole day stopping in from one to another. If you want to plan a visit then check out the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community website, and you’ll find information about local artists as well as history and hours to visit. Another way to enjoy the amazing arts found is the region is to visit local events like the Craftsmen Fair that takes place at 1756 Hidden Hills Rd, Gatlinburg, TN.
As you'll find on your trip - Gatlinburg and surrounding areas are thriving, and welcome you to sample a tasty of local favorites while rediscovering their giving spirit, the natural beauty, warmth and hospitality, and heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains!
Wherever your travels take you have a safe and memorable trip!
Plan Your Trip To The Great Smoky Mountains
Follow the links throughout the feature or to explore packages, area attractions, and events visit one of the following local tourism sites:
Credits:
Melody Schubert