APPALACHIAN BORN AND BRED - OLE SMOKY DISTILLERY

      Distilling moonshine and whiskey products is a part of the Smoky Mountain heritage as locals did whatever they could to survive tough economic times. And when Tennessee law changed to allow the distillation of spirits, Ole Smoky Distillery became the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee.

     Today Ole Smoky Distillery produces and sells a variety of moonshine and whiskey products in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Co-founder Joe Baker states, "We have an incredibly rich history with making liquor. It's an important part of who we are." Products vary from Unaged Corn Whiskey and White Lightnin', to flavored shines like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Strawberry, Peach, Lemon Drop and even Moonshine Cherries. Currently there are over 26 flavors and several proofs to choose from including seasonal shines like Pumpkin Pie and Shine Nog. Ho-Ho-Ho to those Christmas goodies!

     Ole Smoky Distillery has stores in The Island in Pigeon Forge and The Holler in Gatlinburg where you can taste the products, buy jars and bottles of shine and whiskey, and pick-out some memorable souvenirs like T-shirts and hats, glassware, mugs and jugs and bar ware. The recently opened The Barrelhouse on the main street of Gatlinburg, where they distill whiskey in carefully selected White Oak Barrels to create an authentic experience that is truly American. Come in for a taste.

     Born from Hospitality, Craftsmanship and Pride, and using a 100 year old recipe, Ole Smoky Distillery is a real Smoky Mountain experience that should be sampled when visiting the Smokies. Find our more, watch their video and plan the rest of your vacation at the Best Read Guide website at http://bestreadguidesmokymountains.com/. There you will find coupons, maps and information on all of the places to stay, things to do, places to eat, shop and play in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

GRAND MAJESTIC THEATER OFFERS 3 ENTERTAINING SHOWS

The Grand Majestic Theater located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, TN, offers 3 different live, dinner shows. You can hear jukebox hits from the '50's and '60's at Hit Parade, a concert-style tribute to Motown legends at Soul of Motown, or enjoy some foot stompin' fun for the whole family at the Hazzard County Hoedown.

Start with the Hit Parade's energetic, non-stop action as they sing and dance to the greatest hits of the first two decades of rock 'n' roll. Poodle skirts, saddle shoes, tight chinos and even beads and paisley shirts are the costumes that represent the different eras of music and fun. You will remember the words and the music and the singers will have you clapping along or up and dancing in the aisles.

Hazzard County Hoedown features your favorite characters from the Dukes of Hazzard, but with a little mountain flair. The Boars Nest is the place for foot-stompin' music, dancin', humor and down home family fun. See the show or enjoy dinner and the show.

And for top-notch Motown music see the Soul of Motown. You will hear music from legends like Sam Cooke, Smokey Robinson, The Drifters and The Platters. There is plenty of more recent renditions from Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and The Jackson 5. The Ladies of Soul are also well represented with tunes from Aretha Franklin, The Supremes and Gladys Knight.

You can save money by buying a Combo Deal and you can get coupons and find out about other Smoky Mountain shows or attractions, shopping, dining and accommodations, by clicking on the ""Visit Best Read Guide Smoky Mountains" link at the top of the blog page.