A Preview of Our June 2023 Gatlinburg Visit
Writing this post comes with the added enthusiasm of another planned Gatlinburg visit. As with most of our trips to East Tennessee, we never really have anything too intricate in our itinerary. But it’s unnecessary because we leave plenty of space in between for much-needed decompression. Here is a preview of what our loose proposals entail.
The first day will be a long day of travel, and what we hope will be some liberal leg-work strolling the mile-long stretch of the Gatlinburg Parkway. Our hunger will likely be fulfilled with a visit to either Howard’s or Best Italian in the Elks Plaza. I’ve raved significantly about both of these fantastic local establishments. The former has the best burgers we’ve had in Gatlinburg, while the latter conquers the competition in the pizza category.
A surprise addition to MY plans will be Shine Fest, put on by Ole Smoky Moonshine to celebrate National Moonshine Day. I say my plans because it’s unclear whether the rest of the family crew will gather here. Either way, it should be an entertaining and tasteful affair, including cocktails and music (I’m listening to scheduled performer, Canaan Smith’s recent record, High Country Sound, as I’m writing this. It’s pretty darn good, by the way!). My recent post, in case you missed it, details more of the event.
We’ve learned to keep our options open to the various eateries we’ve approved (all of them!), especially when it comes to breakfast. Our first morning will find me itching to grasp that coveted donut from The Donut Friar. Morning walks are imperative to the whole Gatlinburg experience, giving me the therapy and inspiration to continue living my best life. The Atrium Gatlinburg is one breakfast we loved when we stayed next door at Zoder’s Inn. They are home of the famous Baked Apple Pancake, which we hope to slice into once again on this trip.
A couple of places that have been relegated unfairly to the bottom pile recently have been Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que and Big Daddy’s Pizzeria. They share a space down River Road near the entrance to the Smokies. The excuse? Well, we just haven’t made time for them. It is our intention to right that wrong during our extended weekend.
Our nice sit-down dinner options include either or both of Cherokee Grill and Smith and Son Corner Kitchen. The former has been a family foodie favorite since our early Gatlinburg visits. Entree excellence is symbolized with their Prosperity Steak and high quality sides that include spinach-infused mac and cheese and Neva’s Potatoes. The latter underwent a re-brand, changing names from Blaine’s to their current iteration. We’ve been to each identifier once, and we have no qualms about returning. S&S fall in the classification of restaurants worthy of consideration every time.
A few hours of hiking in the Smoky Mountains is always at the mercy of the weather, which we hope cooperates a tad better this time. The rain kept us from doing The Gatlinburg Trail last time, but determination will be rewarded with a clearing of the rain clouds the first part of June. The forecast as of now looks like mostly rain chances later in the day, but this will be closely monitored until we make a decision when in town.
The most anticipated aspect of our arrival will hopefully be augmented by Anakeesta’s Astra Lumina light spectacle. I’ve written a multitude of superlatives of our encounters on Anakeesta Mountain, and we are looking forward to another memorable one. I feel like I’m late to the party, pertaining to this new, wondrous piece to Anakeesta. I’ve seen many YouTube videos, social media pictures, and more that have increased our desires to walk through this one-of-a-kind Gatlinburg adventure. To say we’re excited is a massive understatement.
Rain or shine, as sure as the sun rises every day, we’ll have an uplifting life experience once again in Gatlinburg. I enjoy writing the words to describe my feelings, but there really are none that accurately portray simply being in this mountain valley. Posts will be written following our visit, including restaurant reviews, and especially, Astra Lumina. I hope I can give you enjoyment out of my writings. If I accomplish this task, please subscribe if you haven’t. There’s much more material just around the corner. Thanks so much, all!
