Dude's Daiquiris

The bar opened in 2013 alongside the Mellow Mushroom, with eight specialty daiquiris and a handcrafted signature margarita on the original list. It also pours a wide selection of craft beer. TheSmokies.com ranks it third among drink spots at The Island and describes it as a good place for a light buzz, on the milder end of local drinking venues. Reviewers describe the mood as casual and lively, with quick service.

The Island is an outdoor entertainment district off the Parkway, with a 200-foot Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, fountains and a stage. Its official site says it is open 365 days a year with free parking and free admission. The patio gives Dude's an outdoor feel, and the live music nearby adds to the atmosphere on weekend evenings.

• Drinks: frozen daiquiris in a range of flavors, margaritas and craft beer.
• Food: order from the neighboring Mellow Mushroom if you want pizza to go with your drink.
• Crowd: adults and groups of friends, with families passing through on the walkway.
• Price: specialty drinks run higher than a casual beer, so treat it as a $$ stop.

Evenings and weekends bring the biggest crowds, especially in summer and October. If you want a seat on the patio, go in the late afternoon. Drink responsibly if you are driving: the Parkway is busy after dark, and there are rideshare and trolley options. The Pigeon Forge Fun Time Trolley costs $1 a ride on most routes.

Combine a drink with a ride on the Wheel, a stroll past the fountains, or dinner at one of the many restaurants on site. Mornings at The Island are quiet, so the bar is best saved for the afternoon or evening.

If you spent the day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a cold frozen drink on the patio is a fine reward. Remember that the park's parking tag is required for any stop over 15 minutes, and federal passes are not accepted in its place.

Hours are not confirmed, so check on arrival.