family mountain vacation 2008

Day 1

After a 12 hour trip to Gatlinburg with 3 children and my husband we were so happy when the mountains came into view.  We entered The Great Smokey Mountain Park and we were truely speechless.  At the end of the park we entered Gatlinburg.   We found our hotel (Days Inn), and were shocked at how "unkept" this hotel was.  It was in a great location, but needed sooo much work.  The pool had no water in it and was moldy.  But after  driving 12 hours we really didn't care at that point.  We walked down "the strip" to the Cherokee grill, which was very nice.  Went across street the Brewery and called it a day.

Day 2

After a scary night at the days inn, we were up early to enjoy some of those famous flapjacks.  To be honest our plan was to eat at a different pancake place every morning during our stay, but that one time was enough for me.  They were good but kind of got sickening towards the end of our meal.   We walked around Gatlinburg a while and drove into the National Park.  This was an experience because of all the curves going around the mountains. (Especially after flapjacks).   The scenery there is simply breathtaking!   Cades Cove proved to be the BEST part of our vacation.  We drove through and got out to enjoy the old houses, churches, and the old mill.   I wanted to see a bear, but only seen turkeys and deer.  This was a 1/2 day activity.   Afterwards we went on a quest to find the cabin we rented for the next 3 days.   Of course we got lost!  The rental cabins don't have an address so our GPS was worthless at that point.   Our directions looked like (Go to the 3rd light,  turn down the 2nd road on the right, turn left at the patch of mailboxes!)  I am not kidding!   I think the road that took us to our cabin went straight up!   I thought our car would roll away in the night!   Our Cabin was gorgeous!   Our kids were in heaven, with pool table, arcade game, and the hot tub.   The beds were very confortable but the wood furniture in living room was awful!   We actually had to take the bear skin rug off the wall for the kids to watch TV.

Day 3

Went back into Gatlinburg for the day.  Rode the skylift up the mountain, fun but we were a little disappointed once we were up there because there is nothing there but a little gift shop and icecream parlor.  Had an ice cream and rode back down.   Decided to go back into the National Park.  We went to Clingman's Dome and walked up to the highest point of  the Smokies!   The air is very thin and the walk up was not too easily done.  Very hard on your breathing.  I was not expecting that.  But we climbed it!   Next we drove into Townsend and found the Tuckaleechee Caverns.  This tour was the best!  Tour guides were very imformative and we really enjoyed seeing thye caverns.  They let us reach into a stream in the cavern and take home a rock.  (Maybe might seem silly, but  the rocks had never been in the sunlight,)   We ended our day by going horseback riding through the mountains.  Fun but a little scary to me. (Only did this because my daughter is a horse lover.)

Day 4

Decided to visit Pigeon Forge for the day.  It reminded me of Orlando.  First thing we did was the Gem Mine.  This was my husband's favorite thing that we did in Pigeon Forge.  Spent $30 and found alot of Gems.  The catch was at the end you have to bring your finds inside to be "appraised".  Then they try to get you to set them into jewelry.  I had to drag my husband out  from the sifting trays, he was having so much fun.   Next, we did the go karts, fun.  We visited the Mountain Valley Vineyards, and were disappointed to find that they did'nt offer any tours.  We got to sample the wines, and fell in love with their blackberry wine.  Bought 8 bottles to take back home.  Last thing that we did that day was have our family portrait taken dressed like hillbillies!

Day 5

Gatlinburg Again!  Had lunch at the Brewery again!  We really enjoyed the pizza and beer.  Kids wanted to go on the Ripley's moving Theater.   Beware!  Do not waste your money on this attraction!  It was loud and it jerked you around like crazy.  The kids were crying before this thing was over and we all felt sick for a while afterwards.   The Hollywood wax museum was alot of fun and so many picture opportunities!  We all had a great time there.  We were laghing so hard we were crying!  Got alot of funny pictures!  Went back to cabin to get ready for a long ride home.

Day 6

Headed out early, through the National Park (For the last time).   When we entered Cherokee NC, stopped at a little Restaraunt called "The Little Princess".   This is run by cherokee indians, and I have to tell you that the food was perfect!  Best Southern breakfast I have had!  (besides my grandma's of course).   Headed home to Florida, and enjoyed the scenic view through North Carolina!  BEAUTIFUL!   Enjoyed this trip!