7th Annual Trip to the Smoky Mountains

This was the 7th Annual Trip to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Sevierville/Smoky Mountain area of Tennessee.

It started in 2010.  After Dad died on New Year's Eve morning in 2009 and we totally lost the entire holiday weekend, I wanted to do something that would help me not re-live the memories of loss and saying good-bye.  I needed to do something totally different, in a different place.

During that year also Karen had undergone several serious medical issues which included extended hospital stays.  At one point when we were visiting her, she said that 2010 was not one of her better years and she needed something to cheer her up.  It was then I suggested that we all go somewhere different for NYEve and have fun instead of staying home and crying.

Gary was receptive to the idea and he asked  "Where do you want to go?"  My response?  "Gatlinburg."  So off we went.

The first year we stayed in a 2 bedroom condo, decorated for the holidays, not far from the downtown area of town.  From the balcony we could see the fireworks, we could see the ball drop, and we could hear the noise from the crowds gathered on the streets.  We took along cards, the Wii so we could dance and play games, and we had a great time (except that Clay was sick with the flu on NYEve night).  

Over the next years we stayed at Laurel Inn again (twice), Oakmont in Pigeon Forge (once), and twice at Tree Tops Resort in Gatlinburg.  Certain places are always on the list of things we must visit.  First stop is always Bass Pro Shop when we exit the interstate.  A day at Tanger Outlets in Sevierville.  Apple Valley shops.  The Christmas Store.   Certain shops in Gatlinburg- The Donut Friar at the Village, the clock shop, All Sauced Up, Tin Roof, Old Smoky Candy Kitchen for SF caramels, the boot place.

At The Village 





 Alewine Pottery in the Artists Loop.  

The Island for the past few years. 

 

 

 





 

Some restaurants have earned a return trip - Smoky Mountain Brewery, The Alamo Steakhouse, a BBQ place (either Corky's or Bennett's). 

 
We always try new places too - this time it was Timberwood Grill at The Island.  Places to avoid are the chains or any place that we could eat at home.  This trip, however, we did stop at McAlisters (because none of us were really too hungry after the Dixie Stampede) and Chick-Fil-A because we needed something light before the planned Alamo dinner.  Breakfast is always 'in' as is our NYEve celebration buffet.  

Each year we select one major show to attend.  This year we started the stay with tickets to the Dixie Stampede Christmas Show. 








 



Gary wanted to go to the first show of the day (11:00 a.m.) so that we would have the rest of the day to do whatever we wanted.  This was one of the better shows we have watched (not as much music as others, but still entertaining), and the food was great.  Messy (no silverware at all) but still good.

 

Our condo this year was in Pigeon Forge, a last minute change since Tree Tops burned to the ground in the fires around Thanksgiving.  As we drove around Gatlinburg on Thursday, the devastation was evident.  The two areas that hit me the most were the site of The Alamo and along the road to Tree Tops.  Everything was gone.  How sad.  How tragic.  

 The site of The Alamo





 The Tree Tops



This trip started as a therapeutic trip for the loss of my father and rough health year for Karen.  It has continued as one that we all anticipate as a time to relax, rejuvenate, and remember.  We do what we want, and if we want to stay in and watch tv, we will.  If we want to go someplace, we do.  

On the way home today we talked about planning the 8th Annual Trip to the Smoky Mountains.  Already I am looking forward to it.