Smoky Mountains: Open for Business

Christy
Dec 6, 2016
4 min read

The Smoky Mountains have always spoken to me. Perhaps it’s my memories of childhood summers at my great grandparents’ secluded Tennessee cabin. Maybe it's the beauty of the wildlife; the friendly people; the food…? Something about the Smokies brings me peace. It was the first place my husband, Jordan, and I went on a vacation together. He proposed in the national park. We spent part of our honeymoon in a tiny cabin on the outskirts of Gatlinburg. We had our vow renewal in a beautiful chalet just off of the Parkway. All of this, in addition to countless family trips, make it a special place to us.

Of course, with this connection with the Smokies, I was heartbroken by the forest fires. I watched the news and followed the top trending story on social media closely. It seemed every hour, we learned of more destruction; more people who had lost their homes, churches and businesses. I couldn’t help but feel a call to help. But how? Jordan and I learned of a church in Pigeon Forge running a distribution center. We brought down a car load of supplies and spent the weekend volunteering our time. It was rewarding, but it just didn’t feel like enough.

Through the media and face to face conversations, business owners, local employees and even government officials are all pleading: please, visit. Don’t cancel your reservations. Don’t cancel your Christmas trip. In fact, The New York Times interviewed a representative of the Johnson Family of Restaurants, a chain of restaurants in Sevier County (coincidentally, some of our favorite restaurants in the world). They lost one of their restaurants in Gatlinburg, which was devastating enough, but now, people are canceling parties, weddings, caterings and other reservations at their other (totally unharmed) locations! What!? We’ve even heard friends say things like, “Oh no, we were going to go to Pigeon Forge for Christmas… Guess we can’t now…” Guys – Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are FINE! Big picture view: More helpful than a few hours of my time in a distribution center is to ask you to help me spread the word that, though Gatlinburg and its immediate neighbors are certainly suffering from this terrible disaster, the tourism industry is still in full swing in the Smokies.

After purchasing toiletry supplies for the distribution center (yes, the stores are open), we enjoyed a delicious meal at the Pigeon Forge location of the Alamo (our favorite restaurant in the Smokies, by the way). Amidst messages of "Pray for Gatlinburg" and "#MountainStrong," flashy signs announce that shows are on schedule. Stores are open. Trolleys are running. People are playing mini-golf, racing go-karts and riding the giant Ferris wheel on “The Island.” Dollywood was up and running when we drove by. We spoke with other volunteers who had worked hard all day and were enjoying the activities of the two cities in the evening. They had eaten incredible meals and watched fantastic shows, and were surprised to discover that it felt so much like “business as usual” in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. This weekend, the only difference we saw was that most of the “tourists” are actually there to volunteer.

While we enjoyed our dinner, we overheard a young server who had lost his home in the fires. He was staying in a hotel, but had made an absolute, unwavering effort to make it in for his shift. I heard him telling one of his tables just how important tourism would be to him as he worked to rebuild his future. He said he needed the tips from tourists, and expressed his concern that folks might be scared away by the tragedy. Honestly, his point was valid… Business was slower than we are used to seeing. Many of his customers came together that evening to make sure this young man had a few extra dollars in his pocket, and shared many words of encouragement.

We attended services at First Baptist Church in Pigeon Forge Sunday morning. It was a truly emotional experience as we heard stories of those who had endured true tragedy, and those who were so thankful for what they didn’t lose. Some people have lost everything. So yes, sending food, donations, and volunteering your time is absolutely encouraging these folks. I am telling you, there’s more we can do. If you really want to help these wonderful people truly rebuild, come, spend your money. Help these people who have lost their homes keep their jobs. The lights of Winterfest are Incredible. Come see them. Go to some of the many Christmas shows. Enjoy an amazing meal. Shop the outlets. Ride horses. See a 4D movie. Visit the Old Mill. The people of Smokies may have seen a set-back, but they are tough. #MountanTough. And they are open for business.

**UPDATE DECEMBER 10, 2016:

The city of Gatlinburg has been reopened. Initial reports are that the city sustained some devastation, but much of the city is in overall good shape, and will be ready for visitors as early as today. These folks are tough - and they need us. How can help? Eat fudge and caramel apples. Have some pancakes. Eat a delicious dinner. Enjoy a beautiful Christmas season in a beautiful mountain town. Basically they are telling us that we can help them by taking a vacation. Wow, talk about demanding, huh? :-) How in the world can we refuse? Check out the story in the USA Today to learn more about these #MountainTough people and the progress they are making.

Photos from the Weekend of Dec 4: