The aroma coming from the Timberwood Grill in Pigeon Forge, TN, was downright hypnotizing after a long day in the sun. We had family visiting us from out of town and after spending a fun day at The Island, we were all hungry and ready for a big meal. This restaurant delivered in a big way as I sank my teeth into the big, beefy, impossibly juicy burger they delivered to our table.

The Island in Pigeon Forge is one of those must-see attractions in town. If you haven’t been, let me paint the picture of what to expect.

Making good use of the outdoor space, you will find fun rides, escape rooms, arcades, and more. The area is jam-packed with restaurants and unique shopping experiences, while the fountain is at the heart of it all. My girls were filled with glee as they ran with their cousins from one ride to the next. The Smoky Mountains stand proudly in the background and are visible from various places, but the best view is from The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. The highlight for me is always this Ferris wheel: being 200 feet up and seeing that grand view of my favorite mountains is always a great experience. After a long day out in the sun, our stomachs started growling and we were ready for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Although I have been to The Island many times, I had never eaten at the Timberwood Grill, so when someone suggested it, I was all in for trying something new.

The restaurant sits right near the edge of the park near the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and next to Arcade City.

There is a distinct Appalachian culture in the Smokies which is represented in design, music, and food.

The mountains tend to bring a calming presence so you will find plenty of chairs positioned in a way that is inviting and relaxing. You will also hear the strings of the fiddle accompanied by the plucking of a banjo, and inhale the aromas of delicious, All-American fare with Appalachian flair. It is a culture I love very much and is represented very well here at the Timberwood Grill. The exposed wood, the large tables for gathering families, and the taxidermy all play into the Appalachian way of life perfectly.

The menu is another good representation of that same culture, with mountain-themed names and twists on typical dishes. There is a wide variety of steaks, BBQ, and salads; needless to say, no one in my family had a hard time finding something they liked -- the hardest part was choosing from all the good offerings!

I chose the Smoky Burger and once the steaming half-pound burger was delivered I was excited to bite in. The massive patty mixed well with the crispy bacon and fried onion straws. After a long day, it was a euphoric experience to mow down a big messy burger to satisfy my hunger.

After my plate was fully cleaned and food devoured, I left full and very happy. The Island is one of my favorite places to visit in the Smoky Mountain region and when the sun goes down it gets even better.

The alleyway that leads to many of the shops is lit up with stringed lights and charming balconies line the walls high above your head. This warm and inviting atmosphere is the perfect place to just stroll through, pop in and out of the little shops, and take in the Appalachian culture.

The last thing we did was grab a rocking chair and got ready for the fountain show. This is my youngest daughter's favorite thing to do on The Island and I have to agree with her -- the fountain show is amazing.

The show is even better at night because the whole show is filled with dancing lights that pair nicely with the water. Every half an hour the fountain show takes place in which music is played and the lights and water are synchronized to the tempo of the music. It is always a treat to watch the 89 nozzles shooting water and see the middle nozzle propel water an impressive 60 feet into the air! It is a great way to end a fun day on The Island.

Overall I would recommend going to The Island for a family fun day and when it comes time for dinner the Timberwood Grill in Pigeon Forge TN is an excellent choice. Sinking my teeth into a big juicy half-pound burger was an amazing experience and is making me hungry just thinking about it. To check out the menu yourself please visit The Timberwood Grill website.

If you want to stay for a getaway in the beautiful vacation land that is Pigeon Forge then I would recommend booking your stay at Camp Margaritaville. It is located just down the road from The Island and is a great home base for a Smoky Mountain Adventure.