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Jon W. Toledo, OH
4 adults, 1 child
Day 1
After about 7 hours in a van, we finally found ourselves driving on the famed Parkway, filled with all types of wonderful tourist opportunities. We had been in the car for so long and we just wanted to start experiencing something…and we saw dinosaurs! There were people in line so this must be a great attraction we thought! We parked and as we approached the ticket window, we noticed that the people in line were not moving…they in fact were dummies….which should have been our first sign. It felt like a ride from a 1970’s theme park, with water that probably dated back from that time too. We got stuck a few times, which at least made us feel like we got more for the $80 we spent to go in a 2 minute half circle. I don’t know how this ride is still open? Oh, well. Lesson learned early, and we have one heck of a memory now. Next, we arrived at our Smoky Mountain cabin. This was our first time traveling as the people who were responsible for making the reservations and the plans…we did not think about mountains and hills when booking a cabin. We live in the flat lands! It’s not something we think about, lol. We were at the very top of a mountain. We booked with Fireside Cabins. After we got settled we headed out for a BBQ dinner at Bennett’s. So good. would go again and again.
What was your favorite part of the day?
The FOOD!
Tips/Wish I would have known:
Be aware of the roads before you book a cabin. Ask about the winding path, the height, etc. While our cabin was nice, it was stressful each time we made our way up and down. We found a stick on the road…each time we saw it we knew we should get ready to turn or face the edge….stress. lol
Also – DO NOT RIDE THE JURASSIC RIDE! Unless you’re into wasting money. Up to you.
Day 2
We ate at the cabin the next morning, mostly because it was foggy…or Smoky…and we wanted to give it a chance to burn off before making our way down. The ladies wanted to shop at The Village Shoppes…they had some cool stores for everyone to explore. We saw the Pancake Pantry and decided it looked like it was worth risking our lives for and we would go the next day. Next we headed out to Wahoo Ziplines. That was a blast. 3 out of the 5 of us had never been before, we had my ten year old niece with us too – I can’t say enough good things about it. I’d do it again in a heartbeat (I actually did do it again, lol…stay tuned to day 3!)
My sister booked dinner that night at Dolly’s Dixie Stampede. Everyone loved it. (You get to eat with your hands, what’s not to love!) The show was great, you will love it especially if you are an animal lover. My brother-in-law is allergic to horses. We sat in the front row and by the end his eyes were swelling and tearing up. I tell you this, so if you too are allergic, take some meds before. We made our way up the mountain that night in the dark…it was a nail bitter.
Favorite part of the day:
Ziplining
Tip/Wish I would have known:
Be sure to get to Dolly’s Stampede early so you can see the pre-show
Day 3
Up early – braving the mountain today for the Pancake Pantry. We had to wait in line, but that thing is a well-oiled machine. The line looked long, but we were seated in about 30 minutes. This place has the most delicious crepes you will ever lay your taste buds on…wow.
Following breakfast we headed out to go whitewater rafting with Rafting in the Smokies. Again, my niece was there, so all of these adventures were perfectly suited for her as well. The trip was awesome, perfect for someone who wants to try whitewater rafting but has never done it before. The guides were knowledgeable and we felt safe the entire time.
After the rapids we dropped the ladies off for shopping and my brother-in-law and I headed back for another round of Wahoo Ziplining!
Favorite part of the day:
Whitewater Rafting….and Pancake Pantry
Tips/Wish I would have known:
Bring water shoes for the rafting. I walked around with wet shoes for the rest of the day…
Day 4
Now that were starting to become pros at this driving in the mountains thing, today we headed down for breakfast at the Apple Barn. We are talking fresh out of the fryer apple fritters and apple muffins placed in front of you as soon as you sit down…and a glass of apple julip to wash it down. This was my kind of place. We will go back, for sure. After eating we walked and shopped the entire campus of the Apple Barn and Mill. There is so much here: Restaurants, cider house, candy store, bakery, Store, winery….so much food!
My niece wanted to go to WonderWorks, so that was our next stop. It was like I was a kid again! So many interactive attractions and we could touch them all! (This trip was pre-COVID). All of these had a science component – but it was so much fun. We spent a good two hours playing here. We headed out to eat and then made our way to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg. This was hands down the best aquarium I have ever been too. This is a must do. Even if you don’t have kids with you.
Favorite part of day:
Apple Barn – The Food! And Ripley’s Aquarium
Tips/Wish I would have known:
When we finally made it into Gatlinburg for the aquarium it was so congested. I wish we would have looked into taking the Trolley in, because it drops you right off at the Aquarium doors and then we would not have had to spend time parking and paying to park.
Day 5
Unfortunately, this was the end of our adventure. We got up, ate leftovers, said farewell to our neighborly wild life and started our 7ish hour journey home.
