As soon as we enter into town the first thing that comes to mind is Rocky Mountain High, John Denver. Though they are known as the Smokey Mountains, it was the closest theme song that I could come up with for sight.
We stop into a Cherokee trading post because of my love of Native art. The store sells anything and everything, but also carries a couple of collections from local artists. Another item that seems to be quite popular are the moccassins, Minnetonkas, and they are absolutely adorable. I'll be sure to get me a pair before we hit the road again tomorrow.* * *
The view from our hotel window is beautiful. That pretty shade of pink, purple and orange is in the sky right now, with the sight of the mountains right underneath it. Even with the cheesy country shindig spots around the area, they are no competition for this back drop.
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Dinner tonight is at the Old Mill Restaurant, at the historical Old Mill Square, a national landmark in operation since 1830, which included a Pottery, Creamery, Candy Kitchen and Farm Kitchen. The restaurant was FULL, and with it being a large place, it was quite surprising for midweek. With a 30 minute wait now behind us, we were craving a drink to prepare us for our hearty meal. Behold, this establishment does not serve ANY alcohol. According to our waitress, this city used to a dry city, now that beer and wine is permitted they didn't want to sacrifice space to put in a bar. This was the first time I had ever been in such a position, so I went for the next best thing - sweet tea (my new thing).
We order the Southern Country Fried Steak and the Sugar Cured Ham - according to our waitress, "(You're) gonna be thirsty for two days!" The ham is that salty. Both dinners are served with corn chowder, homemade fritters, salad, mashed potatoes, green beens and dessert, at $16.99 each.
After our salads were taken away, we were served the all-you-can-eat mashed potatoes and green beans, family style, both our dishes, looked like a heart attack. I think my arteries prepared themselves for this one. With all my excitement, I was disappointed. The service was fast, the restaurant was like a well oiled machine, and the waiters were aiming to turn their tables quickly. The food itself, was not as great as I expected it to be, since Trip Advisor says that this place has "...great food and desserts..." The green beans were so mushy, they were definately canned and then reheated too many times. The mashed potatoes, whether or not they are house made, were good. My steak tasted ok, I was a bit surprised that the only way to have my steak done was well done, but the white gravy that topped it, was like eating beef flavored paste - thick and lumpy. With regards to the ham, our waitress was right, that thing was so salty, I think my contacts dried out. The dessert did not taste homemade at all. We ordered the peach cobler to stay and the chocolate cake to go. Both looked like they were from the grocery aisle and lacked that rich homey flavor.
Maybe the restaurant became too touristy, and they were more concerned with accomodating everyone, because the property is in a great location and on it's own does have a lot of character, but they are missing the mark. While the customers are getting a lot of bang for their buck, this is where it is clear that it must be quality over quantity. Sure us customers may be a one time visiter, maybe not, but did they really want the taste left in our mouth to be a bad one?