Tennessee whiskey is deeply ingrained in the area’s culture, so much so that internationally acclaimed country musician Chris Stapleton dedicated a song called “Tennessee Whiskey” to it. It’s no wonder that the Grain & Grits festival, which celebrates southern spirits and gourmet food, continues to draw whiskey lovers from across the country. This post is the ultimate guide to all you need to know about this classic festival.

A brief history of Grain & Grits Festival 

Corn whiskey started way back with the Appalachian foothills settlers. They were the first to use the phrase moonshining, as they had to produce the spirit under the moonlight to avoid being caught by authorities. This was after leaders passed the prohibition laws, and they started taking effect throughout the country.

During the prohibition error, moonshine producers had to close their stills or face serious legal action. However, it was at a time when there was a massive demand for whiskey, so many folks moved to the back of the Tennessee mountains and spent their years making spirits while evading the law.

After the prohibition, whiskey regained popularity, and the spirit producers legally registered their distilleries. Years later, the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority partnered with Tennessee Distillers Guild to create a festival celebrating the whiskey. They called it Grain & Grits festival. The festival is a one-day event at the Townsend Visitors Center at Townsend’s 7906 East Lamar Alexander Parkway.

At first, the event didn’t have many people in attendance. However, as the years passed, it quickly gained popularity amongst whiskey and food enthusiasts. 

Things to do 

Sample area spirits 

At the Grain & Grits festival, you’ll get to sample spirits from the state’s distilleries and interact with the makers of your favorite whiskeys.

Some of the Tennessee Distillery Guild members that participate in the event include:

• Big Machine Distillery
• Junction 35 Distillery
• Nashville Craft
• Gate 11 Distillery
• Br Distilling Company
• Nashville Barrel Company
• King Family Distillery
• Ole Smoky
• Prichard’s Distillery
• Corsair Distillery
• Post Modern Distillery
• Tennesy Legend Distillery
• Chattanooga Whiskey
• Bootleggers Distillery
• Old Glory Distilling CO.
• Leiper’s Fork Distillery
• Short Mountain Distillery
• H Clark Distillery
• George Dickel
• Jack Daniels
• Old Dominic Distillery
• Sugarland’s Distillery
• Old Forge Distillery 
• Company Distilling

Visit the Ring of Fire

Even though the Grain & Grits festival primarily focuses on whiskey, the event organizers have added food to highlight the area’s distinctive culinary offerings and keep patrons satiated. Chefs from all over the region will encircle a sizable fire pit with whole chickens, pigs, and lambs they can use. The event organizers will also pair each chef with a distillery so they can demonstrate how its whiskey can work as an ingredient in different dishes, and you’ll get to taste them.

When you purchase a Grain & Grits ticket, it includes complimentary tastings at the fire pit. However, if you would like a dinner-sized portion, you must pay an extra $10 for a food ticket. Chef Shelley Cooper, Dancing Bear Lodge’s executive, typically spearheads the festival’s culinary aspect. Other high-profile chefs that have previously graced the event are Catherine Kline from North Carolina and Geoff Kenny from Nama.

Numerous local restaurants also participate in the festival, they include;

• Willy’s Butcher Shop
• Junction 35 Spirits
• AMICI
• American Butcher
• City Limits Barbeque
• Lulu Liquor Cakes
• Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro
• The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe’ and Grille
• Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant 
• Motor Supply Co. Bistro 

Musical Performances

While you sample the area’s fine craft whiskey and partake in their tasty gourmet foods, there will also be live music performances from bands to complete the night. So, ensure you bring along your dancing shoes.

Other things to do in Tennessee

If you don’t feel like heading back home after the event, Townsend has plenty of attractions you can tour, like;

Tuckaleechee Caverns

Arguably one of the must-see caverns in Tennessee and the entire Great Smoky Mountains. A guide will take you through the caverns; the tours typically take one and a half hours. However, it can be longer depending on the number of people present. You will also see one of the country’s tallest underground waterfalls.

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

The Heritage Center offers you a chance to learn Townsend’s entire history. It has extensive museum galleries and an Appalachian village with historic structures from 1802-1960. Over the weekends, the center hosts live concerts. You can get admission tickets by phone, online, or at the gate.

Cade Cove Riding Stables

Explore Tennessee’s wilderness while on horseback as the guides narrate exciting stories about the remaining historic settlers in the area. You’ll even get a chance to race with friends.

Ride a bicycle through town

Townsend has a 5-mile bicycle trail. The trail starts at the Apple Valley Mountain Village & Café and ends at a parking lot next to the KOA campground. You can hire a bicycle for the day and ride through the town as you enjoy the views. Bike rentals start at $20 for half a day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I get tickets for Grain & Grits festival?

You can buy festival tickets at their official website, grainandgritsfest.com/#tickets, or at the gate. However, buying earlier via the website is cheaper, as gate charges are a bit higher.

What ages are allowed?

Only people aged 21 and above can attend the festival; you’ll need a valid government-issued photo ID to prove it.

How long is the event?

The Grain & Grits festival occurs only on one day and in a few hours. At 6:00 pm, the gates open; from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, there will be entertainment and performances; at 9:00 pm, the event closes, and people go home.

Will re-entry be allowed?

The festival regulations don’t allow for re-entry unless there is an emergency. So, it would help if you prepared adequately in advance.

When was the festival started?

Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority and Tennessee Distillers Guild held the first Grain & Grits event in 2016. It will be clocking eight this year.

Conclusion

Numerous events occur in the Great Smoky Mountains, but none compare to the Grain & Grits festival, where you will enjoy exquisite food, spirits, and music. It is worth a spot in your calendar this year.

Check out the Distillery Nearby website to learn about cocktail recipes, craft spirits, distillery trails, and all matters spirits. You can also leave reviews for distilleries you visit or whiskey you have tasted.