Our Tennessee Vacation - Day 6

Day 6

The return trip to Tallahassee turned into an adventure of its own. We took the scenic route (441) from Pigeon Forge into Cherokee, and we stopped at the museum at the Oconoluftee Village. Along the way, we saw some local art, bears that Cherokee artists have painted and named.

We also passed the Drama Inn, which provoked some hilarious hijinks from George and the kids. We continued down the road through lower North Carolina, and then stopped at the Dillard House for the largest meal we have ever eaten. It was sooooo good.

In all it took about twelve hours to get home, and we only made a few stops. One notable stop was an emergency restroom stop for Danny at the University of Georgia visitors center. Zachary picked up some brochures, killing two birds with one stone you could say. The rest of the trip was a beautiful drive through lower Georgia, including my favorite Georgia town, Madison. Of course, by the time we got home, I was super happy to be in my own bed.

Our Tennessee Vacation - Day 5

Day 5

This was supposed to be our hiking and outdoors day, as the weather was beautiful and no storms were in the forecast. Unfortunately, what we had on the to-do roster, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and the Clingman's Dome Road, were closed to all use. So, we made our way into the National Forest, with our first stop at Sugarland Visitor's Center. From the visitor's center, we walked to Cataract Falls, a small waterfall with lots of creek stops between the visitor's center and the falls. 

Our next stop was The Chimneys picnic area. George and the kids had a blast in this stream full of boulders and rushing water. I had a great time just taking the shots. It was so crowded that we had a hard time finding parking, but it was worth driving around a few times. I caught some great moments at this location.

All the way through the National Forest are pull-offs to take pictures, and we stopped many times. By the time we got back to the Mellow Mushroom in Pigeon Forge, we were starving, and the kids polished off an entire large pizza! We went back to the condo, and George took the kids for a final swim while I started packing (hey, that's not fair!)  Oh, if only we had one more day...

Our Tennessee Vacation - Day 4

I know I said I'd update every day, but we lost internet access, so I now have to catch up.

Day 4

Ok, it says Tennessee vacation, but we took a jaunt to North Carolina for a quick Father's Day present for George. We drove from Pigeon Forge to Asheville, NC to visit Biltmore and the Biltmore Winery. Our day began at Antler Hill Village with lunch at Cedric's Tavern. Cedric was the Vanderbilts' Saint Bernard who reportedly wore a 33" collar. All of the historic photos of Cedric located in the tavern prove that he was a very large dog. The tavern also sells ales brewed at Biltmore, Cedric's Ale. I am already in love - it is fairly close to Newcastle Brown Ale. 

From there, we drove around to the Estate parking to tour the home. I cannot describe the grandeur and presence of this American castle. As the largest private residence in America, it would take more than one day to see the full house and estate grounds, so we took the general tour of the home, and just barely got to see the gardens before the thunder and lightning got threateningly close. We went back to the village to visit the Winery (the most-visited winery in the country, we soon discovered), and after a serious wine tasting and a trip around the gift shop to taste the various dips and spreads with lots of pretzels to soak up all of the wime in our stomachs, we went to the Bistro next door for a gourmet meal. Of course, at this gourmet bistro, the boys got PB&J and Grilled Cheese. At least Megan got some spaghetti. 

For dessert, we went to the Creamery for fresh ice cream (the chocolate is made from cream from cows on the farm), and shopped a little before hitting the road.

Lucky for us, I-40 was open and we were able to take the straight shot both ways. Evidently, a large rock slide had closed the highway from October to April.  Both ways, the drive was a little bit scary, but absolutely gorgeous. The kids were also really excited that we got to see the Bush's Baked Beans factory on the way there. I was shocked at how large it is. I guess they produce a lot of beans.

In all, it was a wonderfully exhausting day.

Our Tennessee Vacation - Day 3

Day 3

Adventures at Cades Cove and Gatlinburg. We had a wonderful drive on the scenic loop at Cades Cove, and then stopped for soft serve ice cream at the camp store. Mmmmmmm......... Then, we drove the 2 miles to Gatlinburg, and walked off that ice cream, only to end up eating trout and Jack Daniels Creme Brulee. The price of being on vacation. Even though we only went a few places, our pictures are numerous. We had a lot of fun today, and we even had time to go swimming when we got back to the room. I love vacation!!!

Danny, the worm protector. All of Cades Cove could hear his warning..."Don't step on the worm!"

Do you ever want to freeze one moment in time? I don't think this one would be their choice, do you?

We love ice cream!!!

Danny has decided that, since the one-hour "how-to-react-when-you-see-a-bear" training on tv was so informative, he's ready to meet one.  

The traditional family sign photo. I think Zachary has grown an extra set of ears, but I'm not sure. Do you see anything?

Our Tennessee Vacation-Day 2

Day 2

Our vacation continued on day 2 with excursions into Pigeon Forge. We started across the street from our condo at the Old Mill district. We shopped at the Old Mill country store and the Pigeon River Pottery store, and then took a break at the ice cream shop.

We continued in Pigeon Forge with a winery tour of the Mountain Valley and Hilltop Wineries, and then made a stop at one of the best places in Tennessee, The Apple Barn and the Applewood Restaurant.  Oh, my - their apple fritters with apple butter are so insanely good, we got an extra batch for breakfast the next morning. After we had stuffed ourselves on home-cookin' (best chicken and dumplin's I have ever eaten, hands down) we went to their winery for our last stop on the Smoky Mountain Wine Tour. 

We then made our way to the Smoky Mountain Knifeworks store and museum. I think if George could have, he would have spent the entire day there, it was pretty impressive.  By the time we were finished there, we were pooped, and we went back to our room for the night. Good books and relaxation were what we needed, and we sat back and enjoyed some quiet time. It was a good day.