When it comes to vacation destinations in Tennessee, Gatlinburg is not exactly a local secret. It's known for the peace and relaxation that comes with mountain life and the fun and excitement that nearby Pigeon Forge can offer to vacationers of all ages. However, not as widely known are the five-star restaurants and award-winning wineries that put a modern spin on a traditional vacation spot.
You might find yourself in Gatlinburg in the near future, sitting in your tri-level chateau or cabin wondering whether you should spend a couple hundred dollars on a night of go-carting or outlet mall shopping when you think, “Am I going to relegated to eating jumbo hot dogs and pepperoni pizza this entire vacation?”
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Far too often when you travel to tourist havens such as Gatlinburg, you're confined to tourist haven food. It seems, overpriced spectacles like helicopter-rides, simulated skydiving, and bungee jumping are always coupled with cheap, unhealthy portable foods and beverages. Keeping this vacationing reality in mind, here's is a look at some of Gatlinburg's finest restaurants and wineries, so the next time you plan a visit to Gatlinburg you'll have good reason to pack a suit.
Feeding the Family
Bear Creek Grill
Sitting atop a beautiful clear water creek with the famous Smokey Mountains within what seems like arm's length, Bear Creek Grill provides the vacationer the luxury and taste of big city dining, yet surrounds you with all the elements of nature.
When you sit down in the dining area you'll notice the large, inviting windows that provide the aura of eating your own catch in the wild. Be sure to try the rainbow trout for a seafood feast and for the beef lovers in your family the Aged Mid-Western Beef (T-bone) will certainly hit the spot. Both are served with Gatlinburg's most famous garlic rolls that you have to try to believe.
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Bear Creek Grill is located at 1654 Parkway (Highway 321).
Legends by max
If choice for the entire family is what you're looking for, Legends has just what you need with tons of variety for the adults in your party and free meals for the little tikes.
Take the Sausage and Peppers Hoagie for instance; spicy sausage smothered with peppers, onions and rich provolone cheese on a toasted hoagie make for a unique $8 sandwich with $15 taste, size and originality.
If you're really hungry go for the Mile High Meatloaf; succulent, juicy beef piled high and topped with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed and seasoned vegetables. When your vacation ends you'll wish you could have that one delivered.
Legends By Max is located at 650 Parkway (Highway 321).
The Peddler
The Peddler has a down-home style of it's own that makes it a must-stop for any Gatlinburg vacationer. The Peddler is known for its fresh cuts of meat, chosen by the customer, cooked to order and seasoned perfectly before your steak hits the plate.
However, you might not make it to the main course once you feast your eyes on the well-stocked salad bar that seems to stretch the length of the dining room.
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In spite of the all the great food there is to eat at The Peddler what will stick in your memory is the fast and ultra friendly service. Rest assured, with the knowledgeable wait staff, fresh and ample salad bar and a variety of steaks unmatched almost anyplace, The Peddler would be a must-stop spot every time you visit the Smokey's.
The Peddler is locatedat820 River Road Gatlinburg, Tenn. 37738
Drinking Wine
Apple barn
It's the classic question: Where can you go to enjoy a great bottle of wine without feeling like a wine snob? Thanks to the Apple Barn Winery this question is finally answered.
When you arrive at the Apple Barn Winery your first thought will not be refined, sophisticated quality wine. However, the believing is in the tasting. Apple Barn offers 10 different wines by the bottle, including dessert wines. The Merlot is excellent and after taking a taste test you'll want to pick up several bottles.
The Apple Barn Winery is located at 230 Apple Valley Road, Sevierville.
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For those who want an intense wine experience, Mountain Valley is the winery for you. Mountain Valley has won multiple national awards for their winemaking skills and offers these wines by the bottles at affordable prices. There are wine tastings daily and you are never charged for your participation. Pick up a bottle of their Cascade White to serve with all your in-cabin meals. It's near perfect.
Mountain Valley Winery is located at 2174 Parkway Pigeon Forge.
