It doesn’t matter if you’re a Texan, a New Yorker, a Floridian, or a Tennessean—for one March day out of every year, everyone becomes Irish. St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to celebrate your Celtic roots, whether or not you can actually trace your ancestry back to the Emerald Isles. There’s no better place to do this than in the Gatlinburg area. From the finest craft beers to authentic Irish walking caps, Gatlinburg has everything you need to express your inner green. Read on for the top three ways you can make this St. Patrick’s Day one to remember!
Celtic Heritage
Celtic Heritage is located in downtown Gatlinburg and offers authentic goods imported from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Their shop boasts an incredible variety of products—from gold Claddagh rings and Trinity Knot necklaces, to walking caps and knitted sweaters, glassware and clan regalia. There’s something for everyone in your party. The shop even offers kilts and kilt accessories. Whether you’re an expert in Irish goods or just looking for a well-made product, Celtic Heritage has options for you. Visit their shop to get you in the right Irish spirit!
Rainbow Falls
Unfortunately, there are few leprechauns to be found in the Smoky Mountains. That doesn’t mean we don’t have some fantastic rainbows, though! Take a hike to the beautiful Rainbow Falls, and you might get a glimpse of one. This spectacular cascade falls 80 feet, with an amazing misty spray that produces a rainbow on sunny afternoons. The hike up to the falls is a 5.4-mile climb, but the park recently rehabilitated the trail, making it an ideal choice for a more adventurous St. Patrick’s Day experience. As a bonus, if the weather is chilly, you’ll be treated to some impressive ice formations around the falls!
Visit a Brewery
Of course, there’s no better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Gatlinburg than by tossing back a pint or two. The area offers several pubs and breweries to quench your thirst. The Smoky Mountain Brewery operates four convenient locations around the area, where they serve home-brewed beers and delicious food. They serve six basic brews all year round and rotate in seasonal flavors throughout the year. If you’re looking for a pub experience, you can’t go wrong with the Fox and Parrot Tavern. This restaurant is modeled after a traditional British pub and offers classics such as Corned Beef and Scottish Shortbread—along with a pint to wash it all down, of course.
This St. Patrick’s Day, celebrate your Irish spirit with a souvenir from Celtic Heritage, or catch a glimpse of a jaw-dropping rainbow at the falls. Finish off the day with a glass from one of our local breweries or pubs. Whether you’re an avid hiker, shopper, or craft brew enthusiast, you’re sure to come away with plenty of great memories. Make your St. Patrick’s Day one to remember with a trip to Gatlinburg!
