Alcatraz East Crime Museum Presents True Crimes Utilizing Rare Artifacts

There's something about crime that keeps us intrigued. For anyone who has ever had a interest in the mob, unsolved mysteries, and criminal proceedings, the Alcatraz East Crime Museum is a must see when visiting Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This is defiantly one of those attractions draws you in, and keeps you stunned and curious as to what awaits around the corner.

We enjoyed the exhibit space on Pirates that explores the flags used, and history of the escapades. There was also an exhibit on the Old West that revealed details on the life of Billy, The Kid and others like Jesse James, who lived outside the law. Throughout the exhibits you'll find artifacts that include the Pocket Army Revolver owned by Allan Parmer, who was married to Jesse's sister, Susan.

We live in Morgan County, Indiana, which is where John Dillinger once lived, and actually robbed a local grocery store. So, it was interesting to see the exhibit on mobsters, and the death mask of Dillinger himself. The details described by both sides of the law are fascinating. There are newspaper clipping and Public Enemy poster featuring many mobsters you will recognize.

Did You Know? The origins of NASCAR can be traced back to bootlegging - you can learn more about this history and more at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. And, if you'd like to try some free samples of moonshine visit the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery that has a location right behind the AE Museum at The Island. They also have locations in Gatlinburg too, and they offer free concerts with artists like Monroeville!

We are in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, so there are many moon-shining tales to be told. Learn about the law and lawless who brewed shine by moon light, and the extraordinary skills of the drivers running the loads during prohibition. These drivers, like NASCAR legend, Junior Johnson, became famous for their skills on and off the track. - Oh, Johnson is a partner in "Midnight Moon" moonshine today, and they use his family recipe to craft the shine.

Remember, the Alcatraz East Crime Museum has a huge collection of artifacts on so many aspects of crime. It's so diverse, and wide ranging you'll spend hours moving from one exhibit to another. It was a strange feeling to see the headlines on the serial killing from my youth. Some of the exhibits stir memories of where we were when these events happened.

There are moving exhibits to Missing Persons like Nancy Halloway, and to the victims and heroes of 9/11. This is one off those moments when you just pause, and take a moment of silence in their honor.

This museum is more than just a achieve of historic relics. Whether it is Bronco that O.J. Simpson drove or postcards written by Charles Manson - each piece within the Alcatraz East Crime Museum has a story to tell. There are so many tales to be told that you'll find yourself discovering new stories each time you visit.

Plan Your Visit To Alcatraz East

Alcatraz East is located at the entrance to The Island, at 2757 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, near the Margaritaville Hotel and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. For ticket information and current exhibits visit their website at www.alcatrazeast.com.

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Join Us As We Rediscover The Great Smoky Mountains

The warmth and hospitality found in Gatlinburg, and region of the Great Smoky Mountains makes you feel like a friend returning home. And, the region is thriving, and welcomes you to rediscover their giving spirit, the natural beauty, and heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains!

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Enjoy Tastings And Free Concerts At Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery

Bourbon has become a popular spirit being distilled across the country, and like wineries, they offer entertaining and educational tours. We've toured the Evan Williams Distillery in Louisville and sampled their variety of Kentucky Bourbon. And on our recent trip to Tennessee we discovered the first licensed distillery in the state, Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery.

Did You Know? - The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, at the "The Holler", is the most visited distillery America!

The Holler has a great location along the Parkway in Gatlinburg - just around the corner from the Hilton Garden Inn, where we stayed. It's close to all the attractions like the Ober Gatlinburg, shops, and dining options, and there's actually another location just down the street from The Holler that offers more tasty flavors of moonshine to sample - and there are so many of them. Plus, there's another location at The Island in Pigeon Forge, and each location of the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery has its own unique style and samples to try. 

What makes Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg a must see on your trip is the experience. Their staff is treated like family and it shows in the way you're greeted - with the warmth and hospitality of the Smoky's.

On the day of our visit the first thing we noticed was the smell of the moonshine fermenting. Everything is right there - you can see the corn mash - and the air is filled with an earthy scent. Take a tour of the distillery, and you'll learn this spirit was created from corn by the light of the moon - Moonshine - which allowed them to see anyone coming, and avoid being caught by the local law. In fact, you could say that the family recipe used to create Ole Smoky Moonshine is as old as the hills.

After your tour you can sample some of the Ole Smoky Moonshine. This is the fun part. The friendly and knowledgeable folks, like Red, who are in charge of your moonshine tastings are defiantly  entertaining. We were all laughing as he shared the history of moonshine, a few tips for recipes, along with some hilarious jokes.

We couldn't believe how many different flavors of moonshine there were to sample. There's the Original and Blue Flame that were some of our favorites. They’ve also created some splendid moonshine with fruit like their Apple Pie Moonshine that is delicious as well as Mulberry, and Peach, which is popular in Georgia. We also loved the Mountain Java that is perfect for adding to coffee, and Some Beach Moonshine - a smooth coconut shine, and perfect for mixed drinks or on the rocks. And, there is a Mango Habanero Whiskey that has a kick. 

If you check out the Ole Smoky Moonshine website you'll find recipes for mixing up all kinds of delicious drinks like a Moonshine Margarita, or Mocha Almond that includes: 

    3 oz. Ole Smoky® Mountain Java Moonshine

    .5 oz. Half & Half

    1 oz. Amaretto 

Mix up in a glass, pour over ice, and enjoy! (There are some great recipes for the holidays too!) 

Along with all the flavors moonshine and whiskey you can also bring home a taste of the Great Smoky Mountains by selecting from a assortment of tasty jams, sauces, peppers, or try some Smoky Mountain Taffy Logs. 

From sampling moonshine to free concerts with artists like Monroeville, you're certain to have a memorable time when you visit the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg!

Plan Your Tasting Adventure At The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery In Gatlinburg

The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery at The Holler is located at 903 Parkway in Gatlinburg. It won't be hard to find because you can smell the moonshine fermenting as you come around the corner. To explore their extensive collection of moonshine and whiskey available visit the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery website. For a tasty selection of recipes to try for your next party use this link. Ole Smoky Moonshine is sold across the nation and beyond, so look for it in your local liquor store as well if you cannot make the trip down to their Smoky Mountains Tennessee locations.

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