Meet The Famous Dog Who Inspired An Iconic Restaurant In Tennessee
By Chris Dodge|Published June 09, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
Cumberland Jack’s is certainly a cool restaurant in Gatlinburg and the story that inspired this place is just as interesting. There is a distinct culture that comes from the Smoky Mountain area and things looked much different before it become our national park. In terms of capturing that culture, I think this restaurant nailed it. Not only does Cumberland Jack’s represent Tennessee history well, but the name comes from a heartwarming story about a beloved German Shepard companion.
This restaurant is located right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg and only minutes away from the Great Smoky Mountains, which is where our story begins.
Back in the 1920s, our beloved vacation spot looked very different than it does today. It was common to have large families all living in a single-room cabin without water or electricity. What you needed would have to be provided for by your own hands. One of these individuals was a man named Paul Adams, who spent a lot of time within these rugged mountains. Adams traversed the forest trailblazing his own way and had a dream in his heart for the preservation of such beauty.
Adams was not exploring alone, but instead had a furry companion everywhere he traveled.
Cumberland Jack was his faithful German Shepherd that was always by his side. When you are deep within the mountains it can be quite lonely, and not only did this canine provide companionship -- but he also protected his owner. This was a special kind of dog because he would even collect supplies in town and return them to his owner. In short, there was a deep bond between Paul Adams and Cumberland Jack.
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Later, Adams was hired to build a lodge on top of Mount Leconte.
As you can imagine, that was no easy feat. For every piece of wood that was placed down, Cumberland Jack was there. This lodge played a prominent role in showcasing the brilliant beauty of the land. After several people spent the night with the spectacular view they knew that this land was going to need to be preserved so generations of people could enjoy the same experience. Fast forward to today, and the inside of Cumberland Jack’s mimics the design features of that very lodge. Each piece is reflects the story and pays homage to this great man and his faithful dog.
Every meal comes with warm bread and a mug of vegetable soup just like brave explorers would have had after a long day of hiking. The menu also has journal entries from Adams; each entry is like a window into the past, and further propels the story.
The main courses offer a wide range of Southern cooking and good ole Appalachian tastes.
These dishes should be familiar to most Tennesseans at this point. These comfort foods bring the flavors of home right to your table, whether it is a pile of fried chicken or smoked meatloaf. With every bite, it is a sweet and subtle reminder that you are, in fact, in the Great Smoky Mountains.
The LeConte Lodge is still open to this day and offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
To see these rustic cabins and spend the night on this mountain top the only way to get there is to put in the hard work of hiking the mountain yourself. Booking a night also gains you access to a meal at the kitchen also located on top of Mount LeConte. Getting to do this epic adventure will only solidify why the story of Adams and Cumberland Jack is still being told to this day.
Cumberland Jack’s in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is more than just a restaurant. They offer a fully immersive experience into the life of one man and a dog who made our park what it is to this very day. So make sure you head downtown to partake in this interesting part of history as well as dine on a traditional Appalachian-style dish. For more information please visit Cumberland Jack’s website.
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