TN 2014- Day 1-3

TENNESSEE 2014!

 Last summer, I saw some photos on Facebook of the Smoky Mountains, and I knew that would be our trip this summer! I've loved planning it- researching, ordering brochures and booking things!

Well, our first long road trip of the summer did not involve the bus. We chose to not take the bus for a few reasons-- including cost of diesel fuel (because of the distance), ease of driving (where we were going), and the fact that I got a new car a few weeks before our departure, and I wanted to try it out!

Isn't it fab?

Ok, back to my trip report.

We had decided to visit the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. After some preliminary research, we decided that a 14 hour drive would be best in the car, staying at halfway each way. We found out there is a lot to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!

We booked a few shows, but left the rest open for exploring- what we like to do best.

DAY 1- Friday, July 11, 2014

Adam had to work Friday, but Toad and I tagged along with him, and as soon as he could get away, we crossed the border at Fort Erie, and started south.

We stopped to see the pirate ship and so Adam could change into comfy clothes, and across the border we went!

The drive was not too bad. Toad is a seasoned traveler and I had packed two bags for the back seat-- one with "busy" stuff for him, and one for snacks. Both of these came in handy!

 

We drove into New York state, then into Pennsylvania, then into West Viriginia. We found a hotel around 11pm and called it a night!

Day 2: Saturday, July 12, 2014

We woke up, and had some breakfast. We continued to drive through West Virginia, and then into Virginia. I always love when we start to see the mountains and get to go through the tunnel!

 

We made our way into Tennessee and to Gatlinburg. What a quaint little small town! Our hotel was on the river, with a balcony. I loved it. We could walk to everything and enjoy the weather! We made ourselves comfy and then set off to explore.

 

 

We walked to the downtown area and saw lots of antique places, little boutiques and places to eat. Our first stop was to taste some MOONSHINE! There are only a few distilleries in Gatlinburg that are allowed to sell moonshine, and it was good! Behind one, there was music playing. Carson found a rocking chair, and sat there for a quite a while! He loves music. We settled on a place to eat (lots of people around on a Sat evening), and then we made our way back to the hotel.

 

 

 

On the way, we passed the Aquarium and Cooter's. I love the Dukes (so does Adam and Toad) so we had to go there. Amazing memorabilia, as the store is owned by Ben Jones (who playes Cooter on the show)- he had everything! They also had indoor gokarts and Toad could drive on his own. We spent a good while there! I saw many things that my brother and I had as kids. So much fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We walked back to the hotel and relaxed!

Day 3: Sunday, July 13, 2014

 We had a quiet morning. The boys slept in, and/I went and got coffee and Krispy Creme donuts and sat on the balcony. It was HOT! (104F!)

 

 

We got ready, and made our way to the Smoky Mountain National Park. This is the #1 most visited National Park in all of the US, and one of the entrances was less than 5 minutes away from our hotel. It really is beautiful! So many trees. We went to the Visitor's Centre where we got a map, watched a movie on the history of the park, and looked at some exhibits. We then made our way up to Clingman's Dome. It is the highest point in the park, at 600 feet above sea level. My ears were popping as we went up, up, up on some very twisty roads. It was very hot, but the view was amazing! We were able to see some amazing views on the way down and see alot of people picnicking, fishing, cycling and enjoying the lovely park. 

 

We headed back into Gatlinburg and found Ober Gatinlinburg- a gondola that takes you to the top of a mountain where there is a resort and amusement park. The ride was so much fun, we had a bite to eat and a drink, then took the chair lift even higher, so we could ride down on a bobsled trail (the track was cement). Carson loved it! 

 

 

We explored a bit more, then rode back down to check out the "Star Cars" museum. Toad knew most of the cars right away, but he was most smitten with KITT, the General Lee and Bandit, of course. You can take photos of as many cars as you would like, but we paid extra so he could sit in the Bandit car. He was mesmerized! A real memory for him, I'm sure.

 

What a day! We were pooped. We grabbed a bite, and went back to the hotel to relax.

 

TO BE CONTINUED!