Garst Museum in Greenville, Ohio – The National Annie Oakley Center

 Visiting the Winery at Versailles in Ohio, I was surprised to learn that Annie Oakley was from nearby Greenville.  The winery was once home to her aunt and Annie would visit over the summer.  I decided to take a mini-field trip to check out Greenville and learn more about the little girl they nicknamed “Little Sure Shot”.  Not only was there a statue of the famous sharpshooter, but an exhibit venue dedicated to her at The Garst Museum.

Born on August 13, 1860, Annie Moses was the fifth daughter of Jacob and Susan Moses and grew up a poor country girl.  When her father and stepfather died, she learned to shoot game to feed the family at a young age.  No one knows how she was named Annie Oakley but some say it was the surname of the man that helped her escape her difficult life while others claim she took the name from a suburb of Cincinnati.

By the time Annie was 10 years old, the Darke County Fair had become a major local event and it was probable that she had attended and could have even competed in the shooting competitions.

By the time Annie was 16, she had met and married Frank Butler, who was also a professional marksman.  Frank was 10 years older than Annie and was born in Ireland.  Annie met him on a visit to see her sister who had moved to nearby Cincinnati.  During their meeting,  Frank was immediately smitten with her while Annie fell for his poodle named George.

In 1885 Annie joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, a theatrical production which demonstrated various reenactments that included Cowboy and Indian scenarios as well as sharpshooting.  Living her life out of a suitcase, Annie’s husband traveled with her and was also a performer in the show.

One attendee mentioned that she was a “small girl among the rough plainsmen.” standing at only five feet tall.   In 1890 she arrived in Paris to perform with the Wild West show and later headlined at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.  She was presented with many awards and pins that she wore while performing.  She was the first woman to become an international superstar.

Annie Oakley would eventually retire from the Wild West show and settle with her husband in Nutley, New Jersey and later in Cambridge, Maryland (known as the Annie Oakley House).  The couple did not have children, but were very fond of their adopted dog, Dave.

Annie Oakley “paved the way for women to ‘compete in a man’s world’ without compromising her integrity and femininity.”  It was her opinion that “every woman should know how to handle guns  as naturally as they know how to handle babies.”

In 1925, Annie’s health declined and was living in Greenville, Ohio with her sister, Emily.  At the age of 66, Annie died from complications with pneumonia on November 3, 1926. She is buried in Brock Cemetery near Greenville.

Annie’s story is one of success and tenacity.   Growing up with nothing, her hard work paid off resulting in her accomplishments and in becoming a role model for young girls to compete in sports.   Achieving awards and fame, she never forgot her humble beginnings.

Have you visited the Annie Oakley exhibit at the Garst Museum? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Greenville’s Garst Museum and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Garst Museum
205 North Broadway
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone: 937 548 5250

  • Admission: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $9 for youth, $9 for Darke County Genealogy Society Members, Free for children aged 5 and below and for DCHS Members
  • Hours:  Tuesday – Saturday from 10AM to 4PM & Sunday from 1PM to 4PM, Closed Mondays, Major Holidays and the Month of January
  • Amenities:  Historical exhibits, educational exhibits, research center, historic figures, museum store and special events
  • Tips: Allow yourself plenty of time to visit each of the exhibits and wear comfortable shoes.

Where to Stay: 

The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH  45380
Telephone:  937 526 3020

Where to Eat: 

The Merchant House
406 South Broadway
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone:  937 459 4405

Pig candy and the Monte Cristo sandwich….absolutely amazing!

Where to Drink: 

Kennedy Vineyard
3911 State Route 722
New Madison, OH  45346
Telephone:  937 273 8381

What to Read:

  • Annie Oakley, by Charles J. Shields
  • Annie Oakley:  A Captivating Guide to an American Sharpshooter Who Later Became a Wild West Folk Hero, by Captivating History
  • Life and Legacy of Annie Oakley, by Glenda Riley

Visiting Lehman’s Store in Ohio’s Amish Country

Fascinated by a simpler way of life, I was excited to visit Ohio’s Amish Country in Holmes County, Ohio.  Sharing the road with horse and buggies, one of my first stops was Lehman’s Hardware which caters to the local Amish community.

Pulling in to the big red barn, I had created a list of items that I wanted to seek out while in the store.  Wood burning stoves, custom-made furniture and old fashioned treats were a few of the interesting goods that were available for sale.

Lehman’s first opened in 1955 in the town of Kidron and has continued to grow reaching nearly a quarter of a mile for those who explore every department of the store, measuring 35,000 square feet.  The store has become a worldwide phenomenon for providing non-electric goods.

Most fascinating was the incredible art installation by Paul Weaver.  Weaver’s large-scale wood carvings are displayed at Lehman’s and his 3-D masterpieces are remarkable.  He has an incredible talent for depicting simple, everyday scenes of the Amish as well as spiritual settings.  Perfecting his craft for over forty years, Weaver is also a furniture maker.  Many of his furniture pieces are sold at Lehman’s as well.

I spent over an hour exploring all of the fascinating merchandise at Lehman’s and if I would have purchased all of the items that day, they would not have fit into my car.  Luckily, Lehman’s offers a catalog for orders, so I look forward to browsing their items and placing in order after returning home.

Have you visited Lehman’s in Ohio’s Amish Country?  Did you purchase anything?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Lehman’s and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Lehman’s
4779 Kidron Road
Kidron, OH
Telephone:  800 438 5346

Where to Stay:

The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast
6838 County Road 203
Millersburg, OH  44654
Telephone:  330 674 7600

Where to Eat:

Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen
8101 State Route 241
Millersburg, OH  44654
Telephone:  330 674 0922

What to Read:

  • The Photograph, by Beverly Lewis
  • Fall from Pride, by Karen Harper
  • A Simple Christmas Wish, by Melody Carlson
  • 100 Things to Do in Ohio’s Amish Country Before You Die, by Brandy Gleason

Photo Guide for Amish Country:

  • Horse and buggies
  • Amish Families (ask permission)
  • Amish Countryside
  • Amish Furniture
  • Amish Food

 

 

 

 

Mastropietro Winery in Berlin Center, Ohio

It was a beautiful sunny day exploring Ohio’s Amish Country when I happened upon an Italianate winery in Berlin Center, Mastropietro Winery.  The winery is surrounded by acres of vines producing estate grown varietals such as Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin and Frontenac grapes, perfect for the winter temperatures.  In addition to these hearty Ohio grapes, the winery also brings in northern California fruit for expanding their wine offerings.

Mastropietro Winery was the first to open in Mahoning County in 2005.  In addition to wine, they offer a lovely selection of sangrias, slushies and dessert wine.  With a full service bar, visitors who may not be interested in wine, can purchase craft beers, snacks and appetizers.

Grandfather Joseph began making wine in their basement which led to starting their business.  Soon, Joseph’s son Daniel, wife Marianne and sister Cathy were supporting the winery as well and were making award-winning wines.

The winery and tasting room hosts a number of events.  In addition, there is a spacious banquet hall for private events such as weddings.  In the summer, they sponsor concerts, a balloon festival and car shows.

Arriving in the afternoon, I noticed the stunning Tuscan-style property with plenty of outside seating.  I had decided on a glass of Dolce Bianco to start and found the perfect place to admire the surrounding fifty-two acres and enjoy the welcome silence.  Firepits are also available for guests, perfect for the cooler spring and fall weather.

Mastropietro was a welcome stop on my visit to Amish Country and I look forward to returning for one of their summer events and to restock on the Dolce Bianco.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Mastropietro Winery?  Which wines did you sample?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my lovely visit to Mahoning’s Mastropietro and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mastropietro Winery
14558 Ellsworth Road
Berlin Center, OH 44401
Telephone:  330-547-2151

Snyder Park in Springfield, Ohio

On sunny Sunday afternoons, our family would pack a picnic lunch for a visit to Snyder Park.  With plenty of of picnic tables, we loved finding the best location near the water where we could watch the geese and ducks. After lunch, we would walk along the river or stop by one of the locations to swing before going back home for the evening.

Snyder Park was a generous donation of land that was held by a group of local millers.  They held the title for land measuring over 1000 acres within Clark County.  It was their desire to donate 217 acres to be designated as a park for the locals to enjoy.

With the help of landscape architect, Herman Haerlin, the park opened in 1897, just a couple of years later.  The city inaugurated the park with a parade on April 22nd and named it Snyder Park in honor of John and David.     Two granite stones on the west side of the park commemorate the Snyder brother’s contribution.  Later, in 1902, a stone arch was built as an additional entrance into the park.

In the earlier days, a section of the park was designated as a Par 3 golf course and was a favorite among the locals.  Today, the clubhouse stands as an administrative building for the park.

The tennis courts were perfect for summer lessons and many of the courts have been converted to pickleball courts.

Of course, my favorite memories are visiting the beautiful lagoons to feed bread to the ducks and the geese,

 Crossing the old stone bridge,

Watching the sun set along its shores,

and swinging along the water’s edge.

Since my childhood, there have been several updates and additions to the park, such as the Centennial Playground, which is ADA accessible.

There is also an adorable “Central Bark Dog Park”, a safe place for pups to run about….

and beautiful gardens.

Snyder Park is one of Springfield’s largest parks and a beautiful addition to the city.  With additional activities of white water rafting and a sprayground, the park continues to expand with wonderful activities for the whole family.

Have you visited Snyder Park in Springfield, Ohio?  What were some of your favorite activities at the park?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about Snyder Park in Springfield and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Snyder Park
1900 Park Street
Springfield, OH  45504
Telephone: 937 328 7275

Where to Eat:

Dairy Queen
721 North Bechtle
Springfield, OH 45206
Telephone: 937 325-9572

Where to Stay:

Marriott Courtyard, Springfield
100 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  (937) 322-3600

The Island, Pigeon Forge

The Island at Pigeon Forge is a vibrant entertainment complex with activities, shopping and restaurants.  Located on Parkway, the main thoroughfare, our family was ready to end our day watching the sunset and exploring the Island.

The girls were excited for the shopping, the guys were hungry for the restaurants and Nolan couldn’t wait to ride the Ferris wheel.   To work up an appetite, we shopped for souvenirs at the Southern Charm Boutique, kitchen goods at the Paula Deen Store and grocery items at the Island Tiki General Store.

Nolan was entertained by the parrots and begged to have his photo taken with him.  When the attendant put the bird on his finger, he panicked a little, but finally warmed up to “Reggie” the blue and yellow Macaw.  By the time we had collected his photo, Nolan wanted to take Reggie home.

We passed the Ferris Wheel and everyone agreed it would be best if we boarded the ride prior to eating.  There was a short line, so we waited about ten minutes as Nolan danced around in excitement.  He would later tell us it was his most favorite thing to do on our Tennessee vacation.

We decided on the Mellow Mushroom for dinner, ordering the Buffalo Chicken, the Great White and the Mighty Meaty.  With our leftovers in hand, we went in search for dessert.  About half of us decided on The Fudgery  while the other half couldn’t resist the aroma of Cinnabon. So, with our desserts in hand, we found seats near the fountain and watched the light show until leaving for home.

The Island is a fabulous way to spend an afternoon or evening surrounded by so many attractions and eateries, all for a reasonable price.  It was the perfect ending to our busy day of sightseeing.

Have you been to The Island at Pigeon Forge?  What were your favorite things to do here?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

What to See and What to Do:

The Island, Pigeon Forge
131 The Island Drive
Pigeon Forge, TN  37863
Telephone:  865 286 0119

Where to Stay: 

We stayed in a rental through VRBO called the Firefly Chalet.

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone:  865 429 2200

I ordered the Carolina Pork Sandwich and the Salad Bar.

What to Eat:

  • Barbecue

 

Hillbilly Golf in Gatlinburg, TN

Of the handful of times we have vacationed in Gatlinburg, Hillbilly Golf is one of our favorite, family activities.

Our favorite part of Hillbilly Golf was traveling up the incline.  We boarded the car and made the slow climb to the top where we reached the first hole.

Before tackling the putt-putt game, we continued tradition by rubbing the wooden bear in hopes for a wine and a hole-in-one.

For some reason, playing Hillbilly Golf at night seemed more fun.  Maybe it’s because we thought people couldn’t see how silly we looked, hitting the golf ball at a par twenty.

The game was coming to an end and we were all so close that it was anyone’s game.  We cheered, teased and tried to distract each other in an effort to finish first place.  It was a friendly game of competition with lots of laughs and giggles.

Mom scored a whole in one, giving her the lead.  We could not have been more happy for her and we cheered her on.

Nolan was so excited and impressed by Grandma’s hole in one.  He must have spent ten minutes trying to make his OWN hole in one, not giving up for one second.  He tired himself out and gave up, moving to the next hole.

Joy, Scott and Nolan had finished first and the game was still too close to call.  Each of them had been concentrating on the last hole and we would need Mom and Dad’s score to confirm the winner.

Mom is quite competitive and couldn’t let anyone beat her, so in the end, with her hole in one and a win, rubbing the bear may have given her that extra push and made her a winner.

Have you played Hillbilly Golf in Gatlinburg?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about our fun outing in Gatlinburg and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Apple Barn
230 Apple Valley Road
Sevierville, TN  37882
Telephone:  865 453 9319

Where to Stay: 

We stayed in a rental through VRBO called the Firefly Chalet.

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone:  865 429 2200

I ordered the Carolina Pork Sandwich and the Salad Bar.

What to Eat:

  • Barbecue

The Apple Barn, Pigeon Forge

The Apple Barn story began in the early 1900s,  when the barn was built by the  Mullendore family.  Here, they raised cattle and planted tobacco.  Seventy years later, the barn and property were purchased by the Hicks and Kilpatrick family and they planted their first apple trees in 1976.

A Visit to the Apple Barn is a tradition for the many families that visit Gatlinburg on a regular basis.  I love their breakfasts starting with their complimentary Apple Fritters served with their famous Apple Butter.

Nolan couldn’t wait to eat his pancakes with a spoon and each of us couldn’t wait to see him try.

Scott decided it was too late for breakfast and went for the traditional meatloaf with a side of macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes.  A great hearty meal before our long drive home.

The Original Farmhouse Sampler Trio included a generous serving of fried chicken, chicken and dumplings and chicken pot pie.  I was happy to share my meal, thinking of all the calories in my order.

Mom and Dad each ordered the chicken friend steak with a side of mashed potatoes.

Of course, this family could not leave the restaurant without dessert…from cobbler and ice cream…

To chocolate cake, this family left the Apple Barn without room to spare.  It was time to visit the gift shop and work off a few pounds we had packed on in one seating.

Have you visited the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant?  What did you order?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Apple Barn
340 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
Telephone:  865 436 7470

Where to Stay: 

We stayed in a rental through VRBO called the Firefly Chalet.

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone:  865 429 2200

I ordered the Carolina Pork Sandwich and the Salad Bar.

What to Eat:

  • Barbecue

The Clifton Mill Holiday Lights, Ohio

The Clifton Mill Holiday Lights

Sometimes I find myself lost in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and realize that there is so much more to Christmas than mall shopping for gifts.  I decided to take an evening to escape the madness and planned a visit to Clifton Mill for their spectacular light show.

Each year, the Mill sponsors a legendary holiday event that takes place in Clifton, Ohio.  From the day after Thanksgiving to December 31st, visitors can experience this over-the-top display with more than 3.5 million lights.

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For over 20 years, the mill has been lighting up the holiday season by illuminating the mill, the bridge, the gorge, and the riverbank.  In preparation for the event, it takes six men approximately three months to put up the light display.

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Located just outside of the mill is a miniature village that displays some of Clifton’s local, historic buildings as well as other structures that would be found in town.  For example, there is a drive-in movie theater where a movie is actually playing on its “big screen” as well as the county fair with its moving ferris wheel.  I watched the men working in the  auto mechanics shop and firefighters climbing on a ladder to put out a fire at the village’s log cabin.

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A 1950’s re-creation of Clifton Mill, and the Ohio State band creating its script Ohio as the Goodyear blimp hovers over the field are additional  displays which are absolutely spectacular.  Before Christmas, visitors can see Santa working out of his workshop.  through the frosty glass, I stepped up to the window to see what kinds of toys he was making.

The Santa Claus Museum displays the Satariano family’s private collection of over 3,000 Santas. Some of the items date as far back as 1850 and has taken the family about 40 years to collect.  You will find a wide variety of Santas from over the years that range from interesting, odd and elegant.

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One of my favorite features was the 100 foot “waterfall” of red and white lights along the riverbank.  From here I had a wonderful vantage point to view the synchronized light show that includes the covered bridge and gorge.

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After perusing the fascinating holiday display, I strolled over to the mill where  I had my choice of hot dogs, sandwiches, popcorn, soft drinks, cookies and pies.  I just couldn’t resist a hot chocolate.

Have you made visiting the Clifton Mill’s Legendary Light Display a holiday tradition in your family?  I would love to hear from you, so leave a message about your experience in the Comments section below!  Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Clifton Mill
75 Water Street
Clifton, OH  45316
Telephone: 937 767 5501

The light display begins the day after Thanksgiving and open nightly through December 31st.  Gates open daily at 5PM and the light show starts at 6PM. Gates close at 9PM and the lights are turned off 30 minutes after the gates close.  Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, the gates close at 8PM.

Parking is free and there is an admission of $10 for guests, 7 years and older, while children 6 and under can enter at no charge.

Where to Stay:

Mills Park Hotel
321 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH  45387
Telephone:  937 319 0400

Where to Eat:

Clifton Mill
75 Water Street
Clifton, OH  45316
Telephone: 937 767 5501

Clifton Mill is open on New Year’s Eve with a full menu from 5PM to 8PM, and open daily for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is served all day.

One of my favorite meals at Clifton Mill is the order of pancakes. They are huge!  Their pies are delish as well.

What to Read: 

Not That I Could Tell, by Jessica Strawser

Photo Guide to Yellow Springs: 

  • Clifton Gorge
  • Colorful, Artsy Streets
  • Glen Helen Nature Reserve
  • John Bryan State Park
  • Sunflower Field, located at 4625 US-68, Yellow Springs (The Tecumseh Sunflower Field)
  • Wall Murals
    • Preparation for Life Work by Axel Horn hangs in the Yellow Springs Post Office
    • Village Cyclery is the location of the oldest mural in Yellow Springs
    • “Keith’s Alley” located behind the shops on the east side of Xenia Avenue between Cory and Glen Street showcases several murals
    • Winds Cafe displays one of the largest murals in town
    • Ohio Silver Co. displays a beautiful painting by Maxfield Parrish
    • The patio of Sunrise Cafe
    • The Smoking Octopus displays the works of Sarah Dickens
    • The Xenia Avenue Shops’ painting was created by local Mandy Knaul (Mandy Sue)
    • Corner Cone mural designed by Pierre Nagley
    • Kings Yard murals

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The beautiful Clifton Mill Holiday Light Display

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The County Fair, Auto Mechanics Shop and Firefighters at the Scene

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1950’s style diner

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The Ohio State Football Game

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A re-creation of the Clifton Mill 

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Santa and his reindeer

A Day at Ober Gatlinburg

For some reason, we had never visited Ober Gatlinburg during our family vacations.  With a little research, we realized this may be a perfect, kid-friendly activity for the whole family that Nolan would enjoy as well.

In addition to the children’s rides, we were excited about the  Alpine Slide, the Ski Mountain Coaster, the Wildlife Encounter, the Amaze ‘n Maze, the Cyclone Rapids ride, Mini Golf and an indoor ice skating rink.

Our first step was to take the Aerial Tramway to Mountaintop Park.  Reaching heights of 2813 feet above sea level, each tram’s capacity is 120 guests.

 

Waiting for the next Tramway, we were the next to board the tram which worked to our advantage offering a place near the window to enjoy the stunning views.   Standing towards the front, we had an amazing view of the mountains as well as the other trams making their way, a little over two miles, towards the top.

The Tramway was completed in August of 1972 transporting millions of people to the Adventure Park to date.

Nolan was the most excited of all.  Pointing out trees, houses and other sights, his commentary proved to be quite entertaining.

As we passed over the Animal Habitat, we knew we would need to make a stop to see the black bears – BJ, Chief and Holly, river otters and their adorable bobcats, all animals native to Tennessee.

We tried to talk Nolan into going down the side of the mountain on the Alpine Slide, but he was just a little too nervous.  We thought that we would let him ride a few other games so that he would see how much fun the rides were and agree to take the slide. Lucky for us it worked.

Nolan was happy and content to ride the children’s rides.  Animated and enjoying every minute of making us laugh, he was finally ready to ride the Alpine Slide with his mom, with a bit of hesitation.  By the time they reached the end of the slide, he was ready to go back and do it all again.

With so many activities for young children, Ober Gatlinburg kept Nolan entertained.  We were happy to see his enthusiasm to make friends on each of the rides.  After a couple of hours, we moved on to the Scenic Chairlift,

The Chairlift reaches Mt. Harrison with a rise of nearly 800 feet.  This is my favorite ride in the park with scenic mountain and bird’s eye views.  On a clear day, riders can see as far as Douglas Lake and the views of Mt. LeConte are spectacular.

At the top of Mt. Harrison, we were entertained with bluegrass music….

…and met with an overlook that continued for miles.

Ober Gatlinburg is Tennessee’s only Ski and Snowboard park making winter its peak season, open all year around.  We thoroughly enjoyed visiting during our summer vacation and thought it would be fun to visit in the winter during ski season.  What a beautiful place no matter what time of year it is.

Have you visited Ober Gatlinburg?  Which season did you explore the park?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ober Gatlinburg
1001 Parkway Suite 2
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
Telephone:  865 436 5423

  • Admission Fee: $29 for ages 5 and older for the tram only; $49 for the wristband, ages 5 – 59 and $39 for the wristband ages 60+; ages 4 and under may enter at no charge with an adult admission
  • Hours:  The park opens from 10AM to 6PM daily but parking is open at 9:40 and the tramway begins its operation at 9:40AM.
  • Length of Visit: 4+ hours
  • Amenities:  Aerial Tramway, Tennessee Flyer, Wildlife Habitat, Ice Skating, Ice Bumper Cars, Scenic Chairlift, Carousel, Rock Wall, Family Snow Zone, Snow Tubing
  • Tips for Your Visit:   The Ober Mountain Wristband is valid for unlimited use of the Aerial Tramway and all other activities on the mountain for the day in which it was purchased. Activities such as snow tubing, snow sports, white water rafting and ziplining are not included with the wristband. Check their website for activities available based on the season.

Where to Stay:

The Firefly Chalet booked through VRBO.

Where to Eat:

The Best Italian Restaurant
968 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 4345

What to Eat: 

Everything on the menu and I highly recommend the Garlic Knots.

The Best Italian Restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

When you are dining at “The Best Italian Restaurant”, you expect it to be “the best Italian restaurant”, right?  Who doesn’t love all of the  rich pasta dishes and foods with a doughy crust, melted cheese, garlic and rich tomato sauce?

While vacationing in Gatlinburg, we visited the Italian restaurant as a recommendation from family friends.   They had just returned from their stay near the Smoky Mountains and visited the restaurant three times during their week vacation.

After a short wait, we sat down to a crowded dining room and a very patient waitress.  Looking over the menu, we ordered their “World Famous Garlic Rolls” to start with the deep fried ravioli.  Needing some additional time, we finally gave the waitress our order which included the fettuccini alfredo, spaghetti and meat sauce, a couple of pepperoni calzones and chicken parmesan.

The garlic rolls would have us tasting garlic for the next several days and were perfectly baked and topped with an abundance of parmesan cheese.  The deep fried raviolis were cooked to perfection, oozing with mozzarella cheese with each bite.  The alfredo pasta was rich with a thick, creamy cheese sauce topped on thick noodles.    The spaghetti with meat sauce had the perfect balance of tomato and sauce.  The calzones were doughy with a soft inside and rich tomato sauce with chunks of tomatoes topped with Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese.

We had overly stuffed ourselves, not leaving any room for dessert.  For now, we were just taking up space, trying to manage the energy to step away from the table.  My guess is if we could walk a few miles along the Parkway, maybe we can make room for a small ice cream or sample of taffy.

Have you visited The Best Italian Restaurant in Gatlinburg?  What did you order?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my lunch at The Best Italian Restaurant and wishing you many Happy Travels.

Where to Eat:

The Best Italian Restaurant
968 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 4345

What to Eat: 

Everything on the menu and I highly recommend the Garlic Knots.