TOWNSEND, Tenn. – Renowned country music artist Tara Thompson will headline the entertainment lineup at Grains and Grits, a celebration of Southern spirits and gourmet grub taking place Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Townsend Visitors’ Center in Blount County, Tennessee.
The inaugural whiskey festival will showcase more two dozen Tennessee whiskey distilleries, craft breweries and vineyards. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste beverages, interact with distillers and enjoy fare from local restaurants.
Thompson, an East Tennessee native, is an emerging country singer and songwriter known best for her debut single “Someone to Take Your Place,” which scored her a place on CMT’s Next Women of Country Music Tour.
The festival showcases a who’s-who of Tennessee whiskey legends, including Jack Daniels Master Distiller Jeff Arnett, who will be participating in his first-ever East Tennessee tasting, and other national whiskey names such as George Dickel. A bevy of craft distillers from throughout the state will also sample their spirits to attendees, including Old Forge, Popcorn Sutton, Sugarlands and Chattanooga Whiskey.
“We are delighted to welcome Tara to our stage,” said Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority’s Kim Mitchell, one of the event’s organizers. “As Grains and Grits makes its debut, it’s only fitting to showcase a singer from East Tennessee who is bursting onto the national scene, too.”
“Grains and Grits will offer every kind of entertainment, from popular craft whiskey and beer to authentic music and delicious food,” said Tennessee Distillers Guild President Kris Tatum, who is also general manager of Old Forge Distillery in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. “It will be a one-of-a-kind experience for whiskey lovers and anyone who values East Tennessee’s unique culture.”
The event, which is being arranged and hosted by the Tennessee Distillers Guild and the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority, also gives distillers a chance to interact with their customers.
“The best part, hands down, is being able to share our unique story of how we changed century-old laws to bring whiskey back to Chattanooga,” Chattanooga Whiskey CEO and Founder Tim Piersant said. “This type of personalized marketing is priceless. Being able to express our love of our products with other whiskey enthusiasts is unparalleled.”
Sugarlands Head Distiller Greg Eidam says he is eager to showcase his product and meet with fellow distillers from across Tennessee.
“I love hearing the enthusiasm and passion people have for fine spirits in general, and it never gets old talking about it,” Eidam said. “The Grains and Grits festival is an excellent opportunity for members of the Tennessee Distillers Guild to come together here in East Tennessee to showcase our products at a very classy event paired with exceptional food.”
Tickets for Grains and Grits are $60 online and $70 the day of the event, and VIP parking is $10. They can be purchased at GrainsAndGritsFest.com. The website also includes more information about the event.