There are a few liquor stores in Gatlinburg, though I've never stopped in one to know what the selection is like. There are probably no liquor stores in TN that will be spectacular. In Knoxville, McScrooge's has a respectable collection of whisky.
formatting link
If you will be going through Nashville, Frugal MacDoogal's probably has the best whisky selection of any place in TN as well as a few limited edition bourbon whiskeys you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere.
formatting link
FWIW...As you might expect, Tennessee (and Kentucky) liquor stores have a better selection of bourbon whiskeys than most other states.
Most watering holes in Gatlinburg will be restaurant bars, not true bars/ pubs/ taverns. A real pub in Gatlinburg that's worth a stop, IMO is the Fox and Parrot.
formatting link
Since you like Bluegrass music you might want to head over to Asheville, North Carolina for the Brewgrass Festival on September 23. It's all about microbrewed beer and Bluegrass music. 'nuff said.
formatting link
Some of my favorite hikes in the Smokies are....
Andrews Bald: 3.6 miles round trip, mild to moderate. Starts at the Clingman's Dome parking lot. The Bald has a spectacular panoramic view.
Charlies Bunion: 8 miles round trip, moderate. Starts at Newfound Gap. Another spectacular view at the Bunion. If you go, you'll also pass a turnoff for the Sweat Heifer Creek Trail (there will be a sign). Just a few hundred feet down this trail opens up to another great view.
Chimney Tops: 4 miles round trip, strenuous. Trailhead is on the right about halfway between Gatlinburg and Newfound Gap. This one's a buttkicker as it seems like you're going straight up, but you're rewarded by bagging this peak and the awesome views from the top.
Low Gap trail to Appalachian Trail to Mt. Cammerer: Trailhead begins in the Cosby campground. 10.4 miles round trip, moderate+. Huge hemlocks along Low Gap. The trail ends at the stone firetower atop Mt. Cammerer. Very dramatic views from the top.
The drive through Cades Cove is unique and beautiful, but I highly recommend going during the week. The traffic on the weekends and during the peak season can be awful.
Happy Trails!
JR