by VICTORIA HENLEY
CTFashionMag.com
Conveniently located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, near the legendary attractions, restaurants and shows on the ionic Parkway, The Grand Smokies Resort and Lodge is known for setting the standard for both hospitality and value in the Smoky Mountains.
Offering countless amenities including a heated indoor pool in a world class glass enclosure, complete with a thrilling water slide (open daily until 1 a.m.), 24 hour coffee, computer, flat screen TV and seating area in the relaxing, nature-inspired lobby, and coupons for generous discounts on affiliated attractions , including Feaster’s on Teaster’s, Biblical Times Dinner Theater and Woodgrill Buffet, there ample reasons to lodge at the Grand Smokies Resort.
The 160-room condo features a multitude of rooms to suit every need and occasion, offering deluxe double queen and king jacuzzi units with private balconies and deluxe queen fireplace rooms.
Offering unbelievably affordable lodging and an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction, The Grand Smokies’ consistent and reliable accommodations and customer service are just a few of the many reasons that this landmark Pigeon Forge hotel remains my “go-to” lodging destination on all my visits to the Great Smoky Mountains.
The Grand Smokies served as the alternative host hotel and hosted around 50 of the 200 total attendees from our annual Magnifique Spring Fashion Show, and we received wonderful feedback from our models, designers, and guest media regarding the resort’s incredibly low rates, and spacious, comfortable rooms.
During our two week stay in conjunction with the production of our fashion showcase, my grandmother, “Mimmie” (who regularly accompanies us on many of our adventures) and dad, Russ, joined and booked the room next to ours.
The adjoining units at the Grand Smokies feature three interconnecting mix and match condos that can be customized to accommodate your entire family.
Special thanks to Tanner for his professionalism and hospitality to us and our entire Magnifique Fashion Show group rate block throughout the duration of our stay.
WEBSITE: smokieslodge.com
PHONE NUMBER: (865) 453-4106
INSTAGRAM @grandsmokiesresortlodge
BIBLICAL TIMES DINNER THEATER
One of the only faith-based entertainment venues in the Smoky Mountains, the Biblical Times Dinner Theater fulfills their mission to uplift and inspire the public through world class entertainment inspired by the word of Jesus and the Christian faith.
Having undergone a multi-million dollar renovation which includes state of the art video mapping and technology, bringing the walls around you to life throughout the duration of the production, the Biblical Times Dinner Theater has earned rave reviews from guests and critics alike for their dynamic full scale theatrical productions and concerts. Each production undergoes extensive research by theologians and highly trained Biblical scholars to ensure the historical accuracy of the dialogue and content, and the storyline of each show highlights the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of some of the Bible’s most legendary heroes (previous shows have centered on Moses , Joseph, Elijah, and most recently, Ruth.)
Each production includes a beautifully prepared multi-course feast of Biblical proportions including:
Your choice or beverage (sweet/unsweet tea, lemonade and water are complimentary with each meal, and sodas, coffee and various snacks are available for purchase at the concessions stand.
The menu includes: house salad, freshly baked dinner roll, smoked meatloaf, smoked chicken, roasted red potatoes, steamed broccoli, half cob corn, chocolate mousse (you may substitute a fruit cup for this dessert option, if desired).
Vegetarian and gluten-free meals, as well as a kid’s menu, are available upon request.
Every month, the visionary and innovative team at the Biblical Times Dinner Theater brings in world-class gospel groups and many other acts within the Christian genre for specialty concerts, and we had the opportunity to see the legendary LaFevre Quartet.
An award-winning Gospel group comprised of headliners Mike and Jordan LeFevre, Jay Parrack (tenor) and Will Lane (bass), the LeFevre quartet is known for its gorgeously blended harmonies and boisterous stage presence.
Lively, engaging, and extremely entertaining, the LaFevre quartet performed an action packed set during the first half of the show, bringing to life some of their chart topping hits including “Practice What You’re Preaching,” “A Rugged Old Cross,” “The 99,” “Between the Prayer and the Answer,” and a rousing , old-time gospel rendition of the beloved Cathedral Quartet classic , “Moving Up to Gloryland.”
The second portion of the show featured the theater’s groundbreaking resident show, “Ruth,” centered around the protagonist who risked it all and followed God’s will into the depths of a foreign and unknown land. Recently widowed, Ruth, ardently devoted to her mother-in-law, Naomi, accepts a humble and labor-intensive position working in the fields for a kind stranger, Boaz, and the two quickly form a divinely inspired bond. Through steadfast faith in God and an unwavering determination, Ruth transforms from being a stranger in a foreign land to becoming blessed, honored, and respected, fulfilling her destiny to uplift and inspire generations to follow. The cast beautifully embodies their roles, perfectly capturing the ethos and nailing every emotion of their characters throughout the heartwarming story of Ruth, and musical numbers are performed with great aplomb and pitch perfect nuance.
Special thanks to our friendly servers, Natasha and Michelle for wonderful and hospitable service and to the talented Kyle King for facilitating our visit for this spotlight feature.*
WEBSITE: biblicaltimestheater.com
PHONE NUMBER: (865) 908-3327
FEASTER’S ON TEASTER’S
Featuring farm to table cuisine, a delectable selection of Native American-inspired menu items and colorful decor, which pays homage to America’s indigenous peoples, Feaster’s on Teaster’s offers aesthetically pleasing and delicious dishes sure to impress even the most discerning foodie.
Conveniently located in the building which houses Biblical Times Dinner Theater (beside Grand Smokies Resort and Lodge and Woodgrill Buffet), Feaster’s on Teaster’s is a scratch kitchen that takes immense pride in utilizing only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients offering premium quality appetizers, entrees, and desserts to entice and satisfy the entire family.
Offering a staggering selection of seafood, chicken, pork, red meat, garden fresh vegetables and salads, hearty soups, and an irresistible specialty dessert, this exciting new restaurant is quickly building a reputation as the destination for hearty, satiating, and mouthwatering selections to whet every craving.
Our top recommendations are:
SOUP
Three Sisters Soup. The Feaster’s on Teaster’s signature soup features a delightful blend of fresh roasted sweet corn, beans, tomatoes, and a sumptuous combination of fresh vegetables in a house made stock broth.
PREMIUM STARTERS:
We highly recommend asking for the scrumptious signature Prairie Sauce, featuring a distinctive, savory, and bold blend of flavors tha beautifully compliment any appetizer.
Mac ‘N Cheese Bites. Warm and melty clusters of macaroni and cheese crispy fried into perfectly portioned snack-able nuggets.
Fried Green Tomatoes. One of Feaster’s on Teaster’s’ signature sides, this southern classic is golden fried to perfection and a sublime way to kick off any culinary experience .
FRESH SALADS:
Native Harvest Salad (spring mix lettuce , sliced apples, walnuts, dried cranberries, feta cheese, croutons, and Fuji Apple vinaigrette dressing.)
NATIVE
Bison Burger. A lean and prime quality alternative to a traditional hamburger, this 6-ounce burger is topped with special prairie sauce, avocado, and cheese.
Choctaw Chicken. Smoked with in house rub on a bed of sautéed vegetables, served with a sweet maple glaze on the side.
POULTRY:
Chicken Cordon Bleu. Hand breaded chicken stuffed with cheese and smoked ham, topped off with cheese sauce.
DESSERT:
Grape Dumplings: A specialty dessert exclusive to Feaster’s on Teaster’s: grape dumplings feature fresh, deliciously sweet grapes and warm, tender dumplings, cooked to perfection and smothered with a blanket of decadent grape sauce. Russ (who does not typically indulge in dessert) asked for a second helping and proclaimed the dumplings were the best dessert he has ever tried. Only available upon request, no visit to Feaster’s on Teaster’s would be complete without this delightfully unique dessert.
Each meal comes with a complimentary breadbasket, including Indian Fry Bread Yeast Rolls, Sweet Cornbread with whipped butter, whipped cinnamon honey butter and fruit butter.
Special Thanks to Front of House Manager, Thomas and our server, Donna for a superb experience*
WEBSITE: Feastersonteasters .com
PHONE NUMBER: (865) 286-5662
WOODGRILL BUFFET:
Serving up a staggering variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, the Woodgrill Buffet offers hundreds of freshly prepared meats, vegetables, pasta dishes, salads, breads, soups, and almost every imaginable culinary creation, sure to satisfy everyone in your party. Extremely spacious and built to accommodate both large and intimate parties, the Woodgrill Buffet is conveniently located near all the action on Teaster’s lane and the legendary Pigeon Forge Parkway, featuring convenient hours to accommodate all your dining needs for any time of day. Open most holidays, the Woodgrill Buffet has become our Thanksgiving Dinner destination due to the landmark buffet’s trademark hospitality, relaxing mountain lodge-themed atmosphere, and ardent commitment to offering only the freshest, finest quality ingredients, serving up ample portions of cuisine in a myriad of genres.
Aiming to offer dining options as wildly diverse as the thousands of guests who visit annually from around the world, the Wood Grill Buffet offers a wide variety of themed stations for a customizable meal experience. Mix and match food items from the following stations:
Fruits, Salads, Sides, American, Italian, Seafood, Steaks, Mexican, Asian, American, Desserts.
Our server , Shawn , was extremely attentive and pleasant throughout our dining experience , and manager Courtney, always goes out of his way to ensure that all guests enjoy a top-notch experience.
Special thanks to Kaylee Davis, part owner of the Grand Smokies franchise, for setting up our restaurant spotlight feature visits.
WEBSITE: woodgrillbuffetpf.com
PHONE NUMBER: (865) 429-3120
Victoria Henley writes Backstage Pass for iHeart Radio and CTFashionMag.com