One of my favorite things about staying at the Historic Gatlinburg Inn is that you never have to get in your car.
Some of Gatlinburg’s best experiences are only a few minutes away. Others take a little longer, but reward you with a quieter stroll and a chance to see a different side of town.
On a warm summer afternoon, I decided to head toward the south end of Parkway, making the walk toward the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a little farther than some of our previous walking adventures, but if you’re already spending the day exploring downtown, it makes for an enjoyable walk.
My destination was Old Dad’s General Store, located at 1127 Parkway, right beside Old Mountain Wine Company and just before the national park entrance. The family-owned shop has become a favorite stop for visitors looking for picnic supplies, snacks, drinks, groceries, souvenirs, and made-to-order deli sandwiches.
More Than Just a Convenience Store
Walking through the front door feels a bit like stepping into an old-fashioned general store.
Shelves are stocked with everything from cold drinks and trail snacks to candy, novelty gifts, groceries, and those little vacation necessities you didn’t realize you forgot until you arrived in Gatlinburg.
If you’re planning a picnic in the national park or simply need supplies back at your room, it’s an easy one-stop shop.
But this trip wasn’t about the candy.
It was about lunch.
The Philly Cheesesteak
I ordered the Philly cheesesteak, one of several sandwiches made fresh on the grill.
One thing I appreciated is that they’ll customize it however you like.
In my case…maybe a little too much.
I asked for lettuce, assuming it would be added after the sandwich came off the grill. Instead, it went on while everything was cooking, which left me with warm, cooked lettuce. That’s probably one topping I’ll skip next time.
The sandwich itself was very good.
It leaned a little on the salty side for my taste, but the meat was tender, the bread held together well, and it was a satisfying meal after the walk.
One of Gatlinburg’s Better Values
Let’s be honest.
Finding an affordable meal in downtown Gatlinburg isn’t always easy.
That’s one reason Old Dad’s stands out.
For around ten dollars, you can get a freshly made sandwich that will actually fill you up. In a town where lunch can easily cost twice that, it’s a refreshing change of pace.
Sometimes that’s exactly what you’re looking for between attractions or before heading into the national park.
Worth the Walk
One of the things I enjoy most about staying at the Historic Gatlinburg Inn is discovering places that many visitors simply drive past.
Old Dad’s General Store may not be flashy, but that’s part of its charm.
It’s an old-school general store where you can grab a cold drink, pick up a few snacks, browse the candy aisle, and enjoy a solid deli sandwich without spending a fortune.
If you’re looking for an easy lunch adventure, lace up your walking shoes and make the trip down Parkway. The walk is pleasant, the scenery changes as you get closer to the national park, and you’ll have another local favorite to add to your Gatlinburg list.
Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones waiting just a little farther down the road.
