Introduction

Traveling this spring season? Here is your guide on where to EAT, STAY, and PLAY in the Great Smoky Mountains. You really thought that we would let Gatlinburg, Tennessee fall under your travel radar? Well, I have two reasons you should answer the call to action to put the Great Smoky Mountains on your bucket list! I humbly admit that at first, the thought of Gatlinburg, Tennessee was a sleeper for me. Beyond the fanfare and huge iconic presence of the legendary Dolly Parton, I was unsure what to expect from my visit. Fortunately, I was charmed with brilliant southern hospitality and a warm embrace during my visit for the Smoky Mountain Winefest Weekend and the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. There are gallons upon gallons of the "good stuff" aka wine in Gatlinburg and tons of activities that will have you returning seasonally to build a lifetime of memories.

Eat

After my adventure of drinking wine and doing some hiking (ok, more wine than hiking) I strolled into the Log Cabin Pancake House which was about a half a block from my hotel. The food and service are unparalleled. Seriously, there a tons of dining experiences in walking distance from the hotel but I decided to patronize this establishment three times over my weekend stay (yes, it was that good!). From my first dining experience, it was as if I met an old friend from the moment my server greeted me. Did I mention, the joint has the absolute best hash browns known to man? Take my advice and sprinkle your belly with this delightful southern dish. I promise, you will not be disappointed.

Stay

Whether you are a solo traveler or with family and friends, the convenience of lodging in the downtown Gatlinburg area is a definite advantage. While the swiss themed chalets and cottages in the mountains are quite tempting, the best choice for me was to opt for the convenience of the Courtyard Marriott so that I could "wine and dine" responsibly. Steps away from the city center, the Courtyard Marriott allows for you to enjoy all of the local attractions without having to worry about transportation. In addition, the indoor and outdoor oversized fireplaces make this particular hotel a cozy, chic, and comfortable spot for fireside chats with friends to recap the fun of the day.

Play

Smoky Mountain Winefest Weekend

Ready to sip wine? Well, the many local wineries make it easy to indulge. Wine is about what you love and by far my favorite wine find during this travel excursion was Tennessee Homemade Wines Proper Peach. Considering I'm a Georgia native it is only fitting that I gravitated to the acidic bliss of this beverage. The Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts serves as a cool backdrop for this friendly event paired with delicious local fare. Grab your tickets and get to Smoky Mountains. Click here for more details about Smoky Mountain Winefest Weekend.

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

Don’t forget to wear your most comfortable shoes or footwear suitable for hiking in the great outdoors. Porters Creek Trail is a mustl. While the hike is not arduous, the rocks and slippery paths require support to keep your feet firmly planted. The multitude and medley of exotic colors are will have you in heaven. The tour guides are passionate about educating you on the different species of wildflowers which will have you engaged the entire experience. Be sure to fully charge your camera as the flowers make for the most brilliant natural photography. Click here for more details about the Wildflower Pilgrimage.

Click here for more information on Gatlinburg.