From MoonPies to local barbecue sauces, it seems the fastest way to the hearts of attendees meeting in East Tennessee is through their taste buds. Throw in a ceramic black bear, the celebrated symbol of the Great Smoky Mountains, and maybe a little something from Dollywood, and you’ve got a winner of a gift basket.
One of the South’s famed snack foods, the MoonPie originated in Chattanooga in 1917. The graham cracker and marshmallow treats covered with chocolate, orange, strawberry, vanilla, or banana flavors are available at the Chattanooga Bakery and its online affiliate, the MoonPie General Store (423.267.3351; www.moonpie.com).
One Vision Plaza’s Uniquely Knoxville Gift Shop (800.727.8045) offers various customized gift baskets and boxes, which may include any variety of goodies from an array of local businesses and artisans. Among One Vision Plaza’s special Knoxville gift options are Calhoun’s (865.288.1600; www.calhouns.com) barbecue sauce and official grill seasoning; Goodson Brothers Coffee (865.693.3572; www.goodsonbros.com); and University of Tennessee (877.865.7432; www.volmall.com) apparel.
Johnson City’s circa-1949 Dr. Enuf (423.928.2541; www.drenuf.com) soft drinks—classic lemon-lime and cherry herbal among the many flavors—would make for a refreshing addition to any East Tennessee gift basket.
Ceramic black bears of all sizes are available at Pigeon River Pottery (865.453.1104; www.oldmill.com/shops_pottery), which has been in business in Pigeon Forge for more than 50 years.
Chalmers Chocolate (706.413.6380; www.chalmersganache.com) has been a Chattanooga tradition for 30 years. Chocolate lovers everywhere are invited to “spoon, melt, spread, or dip” this chocolate ganache, which is made with all-natural ingredients and free of high-fructose corn syrup and preservatives. A case of 24 four-ounce jars runs $120.
Exclusively bottled Mountain Q barbeque sauces, with varying heat indexes, are available from downtown Gatlinburg’s Pepper Palace (800.684.3358; www.pepperpalace.com), located in the Mountain Mall. Salsa, dip, relish, and hot sauce are among the other Pepper Palace take-home options.
There is a lot of fun to be had at Pigeon Forge’s Dollywood, and a special Dollywood pin—numerous pins are manufactured each year to celebrate everything from Easter to bluegrass—would be a nice addition to an attendee gift basket, especially if the group gets to visit the park when they’re in town. At Pinny Barter’s Pin Post (865.428.9890; www.dollywood.com), you’ll find pins galore available for purchase.
With about a dozen restaurants scattered throughout the Southeast today, including two in Chattanooga, Sticky Fingers (800.784.2597; www.stickyfingers.net) is the brainchild of three middle school friends from Chattanooga. If you don’t actually get the group to the restaurant for a meal, many sauces, dry rubs and even pies are available for purchase. Attendees are certain to enjoy a CD of stories from Jonesborough’s National Storytelling Festival (423.753.1030; www.storytellersguild.org) on their journey home.
