[Kentucky Fisherman]

Miss Cindy and I are taking a vacation in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area next week. We've been there numerous times, but each time we seem to find at least one attraction, either natural or commercial, that's totally new to us. Some of our favorites are Alewein Pottery, Donut Friar, and the Cade's Cove loop inside the park.

We're not big into loooooong hikes, but if you know of waterfalls, overlooks, stone arches or other such natural attractions that are fairly accessible, I'd love to hear about them. One new stop for us this time is a railroad tour over in Bryson City, N.C. I wanted to ride behind their old steam locomotive, but only the diesel will be running next week. Should still be an enjoyable ride through the mountains.

Thanks in advance!

 

[charlie sterner]

I suggest you come to Gettysburg instead. But then again, I'm biased.

 

[Doug Roberts]

Pigeon Forge

The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge is one of our favorites. Be hungry.

 

[Greyfox]

Although I'd be the first to say that the Smoky Mountains are just about my favorite place on earth and I've had two honeymoons in October there, you better have plenty of green and a tolerance for lots of people if you are going there in mid - October. For years my preference is Townsend. Upside is, it's close to the Cove and there aren't enough motels to make it crowned. Downside is, it fills up quick and there aren't many places to eat. I guess all that sounds kind of negative. Tarcila and I are going camping next week in the Cumberlands. We like the mountains but are tired of the crowds. If traffic and lots of folks don't bother you, have a great time.

Rick

 

[Kentucky Fisherman]

Although I'd be the first to say that the Smoky Mountains are just about my favorite place on earth and I've had two honeymoons in October there, you better have plenty of green and a tolerance for lots of people if you are going there in mid - October. For years my preference is Townsend. Upside is, it's close to the Cove and there aren't enough motels to make it crowned. Downside is, it fills up quick and there aren't many places to eat. I guess all that sounds kind of negative. Tarcila and I are going camping next week in the Cumberlands. We like the mountains but are tired of the crowds. If traffic and lots of folks don't bother you, have a great time.

Rick

I'm not surprised you would recommend Townsend, Rick. About 20-25 years ago I was working as a travel writer for a magazine that catered to the bus touring industry. In that job, I spent 2-3 days in Townsend and absolutely fell in love with it. When we visit Cade's Cove this time (always a must), we'll probably pop out of the park for a few hours in Townsend.

I haven't totally decided how my Christian beliefs mesh with the concept of reincarnation, but when I'm visiting those old cabins and grist mills in Cade's Cove it just feels like home. I suspect you understand that.

If I remember, I think you said Tarcila had agreed to camp in the big white garage. When you get it up, point to that right front corner and tell her that's where Mike and Cliff's policeman friend were hanging on to the poles, trying to hold things down. You were dashing around with the bashing tool driving rebar back into the ground as I recall. Memorable storm.

Hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[Kentucky Fisherman]

The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge is one of our favorites. Be hungry.

That place is a "must" for us, too, Doug. The meal prices are quite reasonable and the food has always been great. The problem comes when I want to buy a carload of cornmeal, pancake mix, jams, jellies and such.

Another "must" for us is a little place called Donut Friar smack in downtown Gatlinburg. Lots of reasons we like it. A story: Last time we were there, we were in line to pay and a lady in front of us pulled out a credit card. There are one or more signs posted fairly prominently saying "Cash only. No credit cards." I don't remember how big an order the lady had, but the owner was at the cash register and he said, "Tell you what, do you come here often?" The lady said yes, at least once or more a year. The owner says, "Just pay me when you come in next." Something tells me that woman probably came by and paid that bill before she left the area, plus it made her a customer for life. Reminded me of the stories we shooters tell about the Harrell Brothers and other reloading old-timers who operate the same way.

 

[Kentucky Fisherman]

I suggest you come to Gettysburg instead. But then again, I'm biased.

One of these days, Charlie, I promise. We were in Washington a few years ago and hoped to call and come visit, but it just didn't happen. Maybe we'll join you some year for one of those Outer Banks excursions. I know how to hook eels and bunker both.

 

[jimp]

If in Townsend and hungry, try the Carriage House, it's a big buffet type place, but food is good. If you want a good burger, find the Black Bear Cafe, it's on the right when headed back to Maryville/Knoxville. The ice cream stand close to the Lazee Dayz campground is good too.

 

[LarryDScott]

Mike, try Huck Finns in Pigeon Forge for
some good fish. LDS

 

[JRinKY]

Check out Sugar land and Old Smokey Distilleries in downtown Gburg. Kinda Hokey but nice music and a good performance.
They sell some HI priced pseudo moonshine which is really diluted flavored mostly GNS.

 

[Kentucky Fisherman]

Check out Sugar land and Old Smokey Distilleries in downtown Gburg. Kinda Hokey but nice music and a good performance.
They sell some HI priced pseudo moonshine which is really diluted flavored mostly GNS.

I've been to one or two of those flavored moonshine places down there in recent years, JR. When I was there, I wondered what your take on them would be. I suspect you're right, mostly grain alcohol with some Kool-Aid poured in. When I was in college we used two main recipes for that and the little freshman girls would really chug it down. That's all I'd better say about that. Who would pay a high price for pseudo moonshine when he already has some of the real deal made and gifted by JR Carter? You are right, though, that there's nothing wrong with free samples and enjoying the atmosphere.

 

[Paul Workman]

The Titanic exhibit in Pigeon Forge is a MUST SEE/DO. And the Park Vista - Doubletree is THEE place to stay in Gatlinberg.