Posted by “My playground is full of moonshine, Mason jars, beer bottles, and bonfires.” – Big Smo
If you’re ever in East Tennessee, This little gem of a community is worth your time. Moonshine tasting, tourist locations, The Great Smokey Mountains, and Tennessee’s Christmas City! What more could you ask for?!
Back in May 2015, I spent a week in a cabin with a bunch of other 20-somethings, and I didn’t get to appreciate this place as much as I should have. The scenery in the summer is a lush green, with a medium humidity and not very hot. A good balance to the rest of the eastern side of the United States, so there really is no bad time to visit. It’ll always be crowded, but it’s totally worth it. Stop on by Miss Dolly Parton’s hometown and experience a little bit of the Bible Belt with your friends and family.
Recently, I’ve returned to this place for Thanksgiving, in a 24-person cabin. No privacy and loud nights, its definitely the best way to spend time here. Both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are decked out in Christmas lights from early November, and what better time to visit a CHRISTMAS villiage than during the holidays? Below is a pictoral tour of my experience this past holiday, so enjoy your browsing, ladies and gents!
Kings Distillery makes a vodka that tastes like NOTHING. Stop in and see for yourself!
Goats on the Roof is a small gift shop on the main drag of Gatlinburg, but it’s also an alpine coaster just south of its in-town location. A must-see for the animal lover, and general enthusiast of roller coasters.
As you wander through the Island, you get a good sense of the Christmas spirit throughout this town.
Cant beat the views, especially in the fall! The Great Smokey Mountaind are full of fall colors even through late November.
The Knoxville Airport is a good place to begin your trek to this Christmas City, with it’s strange water feature covered in “snow” for the holidays.
As you wander Pigeon Forge, swing by the courtyard of Ole Smokey Moonshine’s other tasting room.
The barrels adorning the ceiling of Gatlinburg’s Ole Smokey location are quite the site, and really tie in the rustic feeling of East Tennessee.
The Island also boasts a LARGE Christmas tree and Ferris Wheel for the views of a lifetime.
If you’re looking for a group activity, hit up the Escape Room on The Island and enjoy 1 to 6 fantastic puzzles!
Until next time!
– Jessica
Geek Havok 