6 Murals You Need to See on Your Next Smoky Mountain Vacation
The Smokies area is home to tons of beautiful murals that pay tribute to the community. Many local artists have created beautiful pieces of art for both locals and visitors alike to enjoy. Next time you’re in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville you can visit these paintings and snag a few pictures. Here are 6 murals you need to see on your next Smoky Mountain vacation:
1. Standing Strong
Painted by local artist, Pinkie Mistry, this Gatlinburg mural located outside of Smith and Son Corner Kitchen pays tribute to the beloved black bear of the Smoky Mountains. This mural is titled “Standing Strong” and makes it a lot easier and safer to see a black bear in the Smokies. Make sure to grab a picture by this mural next time you’re downtown!
2. The Listening Room Headphones
For live music from the region’s best songwriters and performers, as well as some refreshing drinks, come check out The Listening Room Cafe in Pigeon Forge. Whether you’re in Pigeon Forge for a family vacation, bachelorette weekend or Spring Break trip, you’ll enjoy the music that this cafe has to offer. They also have a beautiful outdoor mural of colorful headphones, decorated with a Smoky Mountain design.
3. Red’s Cafe Dolly Tribute
As a Sevierville staple, Red’s Cafe was a hot spot in the area for years. In 2020, a mural was painted on the original location of Red’s Cafe, featuring a cafe waiter and young, blonde Dolly Parton. Paying homage to Parton, as well as this historic restaurant, this is definitely one mural you have to see on your next Smoky Mountain vacation.
4. Dolly’s Monarch
If you’re planning to spend some time in downtown Sevierville, make sure you visit Mistry’s “Wings of Wander” mural that depicts Dolly Parton’s iconic Monarch Butterfly. If you visit any of Parton’s attractions including Dollywood and Splash Country, you’ll see various Monarch references throughout the parks. This mural is a beautiful representation of this Smoky Mountain symbol.
5. Mill Bridge Winery Wings
The Mill Bridge “Wings of Wander” are a set of beautiful purple and pink wings painted along the bright yellow wall of the winery. Enjoy a delicious glass of East Tennessee wine and get a cute picture with the wings for your social media. Mistry is also the artist behind this lovely mural, as well as many other butterfly-themed murals throughout the Smokies.
6. Hillside Winery Butterfly
On your next wine tour through Pigeon Forge, make sure you make a stop at Hillside Winery. With tons of local and foreign award-winning wines, Hillside is a can’t-miss spot for wine lovers. You can also find another “Wings of Wander” mural decorated in abstract grapes and vines. With the crisp white background, these bright wings stand out and make for beautiful pictures.
Now that you know where to find the best murals in the area, you can plan to stop by these art pieces on your next Smoky Mountain vacation. Looking for something different to do in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville? Check out all the fun activities and entertainment in the area! We look forward to seeing you!
