From Roaring Rivers To Towering
MOUNTAINS
Breathtaking mountain scenery and true Southern hospitality are what make East Tennessee such a memorable place to visit.
Some say East TN is the cradle of bluegrass, but we can all agree that East TN is the cradle of bootleg liquor. You’ll find over ten different distilleries in the hills of East TN, and plenty of great cities and fun adventures along the way. This itinerary starts in Chattanooga and heads north up I-75 where you’ll finish in the Great Smoky Mountains. We recommend budgeting around one week in East TN if you want to see all the distilleries. If you’re just hitting up a few, then a few days should do.
Chattanooga Area
Chattanooga is a beautiful city that is set along the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Chattanooga is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream locale with rock climbing, hiking and white water rafting action abound. Check out some of the area’s popular attractions. While you’re downtown, plan to spend some time at neighboring Trail distilleries Chattanooga Whiskey Co. (formerly Tennessee Stillhouse), a micro-distillery and tasting room and Gate 11 Distillery, a micro-distillery, cocktail bar and live music venue.
Spend the afternoon shopping downtown or head to North Shore, a hip, yet historical district just north of the river. For those with a slight sweet tooth, you’ll want to check out the MoonPie General Store – a perfect stop for souvenirs for friends and family members back home!
Knoxville Area
Knoxville is the state’s third largest city behind Nashville and Memphis. Settle in near Market Square or Gay Street for a lively evening filled with music, scrumptious cuisine and a good dose of Southern hospitality. Make time to stop by the tasting room at Knox Whiskey Works near the heart of all the action in downtown Knoxville. You can sample four of their locally produced spirits, or kick back with some of their award-winning Old City Heirloom Corn Whiskey.
Just down the street, be sure to check out PostModern Distilling, an innovative, locally owned new distillery located in the historic Jackson Terminal. Specializing in spirits for the modern consumer. Crafting authentic yet edgy spirits for both experienced drinkers as well as those new to the spirits market. PostModern Distilling features an innovative tasting room and manufacturing facility on site, as yet another destination for locals and visitors to experience something new, from tastings and tours offered along with special events and activities at the nearly 4,000 square foot facility.
45 minutes west of Knoxville you’ll find Brushy Mountain Distillery, maker of End of the Line Moonshine. Located in Petros, TN, Brushy Mountain Distillery is located inside the old Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, which was a maximum security prison up until 2009 when it closed. Brushy Mountain is an attraction all to itself, so enjoy historic tours as well as see how their Tennessee whiskeys are made on the grounds. Some say the grounds are haunted, so might even see a ghost or two!
Sevierville Area
Keep heading east toward Sevierville by way of Thunder Road, a historic route that got its nickname as part of an undercover operation to nab moonshiners illegally producing that “good old mountain dew” during prohibition. Stop by Old Tennessee Distilling Co., a distillery that pays homage to the legendary route and the whiskey runners’ spirit that inspired its namesake.
Continue south, then take a short detour to Tennessee Legend Distillery in Sevierville. From flavorful Tennessee whiskies to smooth, classic White Lightning Moonshine, this distillery captures the legendary recipes of the mountains with its distinct flavors.
Enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains in Sevierville. Located in the foothills of America’s visited national park, Sevierville is within a day’s drive of over half the nation’s population. This popular mountain town is known for its high-end outlet shopping, exciting attractions and distillery tours. Try ziplining (there are more than 14 courses in the area), indulge in down-home southern cooking at roadside dives and spend time exploring historic downtown Sevierville. You’ll soon discover why Smithsonian Magazine named Sevierville one of its “20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2015.”
Your next stop is Hartford, TN for a taste of Bootleggers Distillery’s whiskey, which may just be the smallest batch distillery in the nation with its small-batch products brewed in 25-gallon stills.
Pigeon Forge Area
Once you get to Pigeon Forge, be sure to check out the Old Forge Distillery in The Old Mill area of town. These connoisseurs of great whiskey grind their own grains and use old-fashioned methods of distilling to craft some truly remarkable spirits. Since you’re on the cusp of the Smoky Mountains, trying some of the locally crafted moonshine is a must. If you’re brave enough, try some of their 1830 Original Unaged Corn varietal. It’s distilled with pure, local Smoky Mountain spring water which yields a slightly sweeter, smooth and well-balanced finish. After a few samples, hit the historic Old Mill Restaurant and shops next door, an 1830s-era gristmill on the banks of the Little Pigeon River transformed into a unique dining and shopping destination.
Still thirsty? Head over to the The Island in Pigeon Forge, a popular destination with many choices for entertainment, dining, shopping and lodging. Right along the entrance of the Island is the 6,000-square foot Ole Smoky Distillery, that includes an onsite still and a tasting bar, with live bluegrass music performing on the outdoor stage daily.
Gatlinburg Area
A few miles up the road from Pigeon Forge is the quaint mountain town of Gatlinburg, TN. It’s home to some of the most unique eateries, attractions, and distilleries around, as well as stunning mountain scenery any time of the year. Take a stroll along the main parkway to soak in the eccentric sights and sounds of downtown Gatlinburg. Right along the main drag are stops at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, and Sugarlands Distilling Company.
More Trips & Trail Routes
