Adventures in Gatlinburg

Last week, my family ventured to Gatlinburg. My parents have been there many times, but this was a first for me. Along the way, we stopped at a gas station where I found a beautiful Mexican blanket for only $4.99. What a deal! I am in love with this blanket, and have been attached to it since I bought it. Driving into the area was incredibly stressful, because we were surrounded by thousands and thousands of cars of people anxiously trying to get to their destination. Upon arrival, I was very nervous for how the week would go, but I ended up finding joy in each day.

Once we settled into our humble abode for the trip, we took the first night to relax. I watched a few movies and sat on the porch, which overlooked some mountains. We went to get some groceries at Wal Mart, and I think I can easily say that the Wal Mart in Gatlinburg is the busiest Wal Mart in the country. It took us nearly an hour just to check out the few items that we had gotten.

I was able to sleep in on Sunday, and woke up around 11 am to get ready to go to the flea market. Now I've got to say, I was so incredibly excited for this trip to the flea market because I had never been to one before. And for my first experience, I'd say I'm hooked. My mom and I stopped at two different flea markets we found, and I got a few treasures that I've fallen in love with. There was a music stand with some instruments and accessories, and I got a guitar strap and a mandolin book for $6 total. It's about time I taught myself to play my mandolin! I also found a book for my friend, and I got some brown sandals that are perfect in every way. They're brown slip-on sandals with a sole similar to that of Crocs. All this to say, they're probably the comfiest sandals I've ever owned.

On Monday, I slept in again and mosied on down to the pool to get some sun. After that, my mom, my grandma and I went downtown to Uber Gatlinburg. It's one of the 'have to go to' tourist places in the city, and it was well worth the crowds. It's sort of like a ski lift and it takes you up over Gatlinburg. It gave me some pretty good camera shots of the Smokies.

After that, we met up with my grandpa, dad, and cousin to go to Dixie Stampede-another 'have to go to' place in Gatlinburg (well, actually it's in Pigeon Forge). It starts with a pre-show complete with popcorn, slushies in a boot-shaped cup, and good ole live bluegrass music. After that, you're led into a giant room with a rodeo-esque area surrounded by long tables. Everybody filed to their seats, and the feast began. The meal was one of the best country meals I've ever had, but there's a catch: no silverware. I guess Dolly Parton started the tradition there that silverware was not allowed at the table. The only thing that was really difficult to dig into was the chicken. Sidenote: the soup was to die for. It was absolutely incredible. As you begin to devour your 5-course meal, a show begins. The theme is a Northern-Southern showdown between the two table sides, and there is a friendly competition with many events involving horses and rodeo animals. It really was an awesome experience.

Then Tuesday came, and we went right into the day very early in the morning. The entire family went out to Clingman's Dome-the highest elevation point in the Tennessee. Deep into the woods of the Smokies, there was a trail that led us to the highest point, where there was an observation deck. The view was absolutely breathtaking. Looking around, you could see nearby states and you could see for miles and miles. The hike up to the top was so worth it.

After the hike, we went to a place called The Apple Barn. The food there was to die for, and I enjoyed being with my grandparents and cousin before they departed. I got some amazing apple cider at the gift shop there, and it tastes yummy on a late summer night outside. Once we stuffed ourselves with food, we went back to the hotel for a relaxing evening by the pool. That night, we met up with my sister and her boyfriend's family to hang out for a bit. The next morning, we all went to Dollywood together. To be quite honest, the park is a little outdated, but we had fun and the roller coasters were amazing.

Short as it was, this getaway to Gatlinburg was really some time away that I needed. Work had been stressful for the few weeks leading up to that, and it was nice to just be with my family there. I am so glad I got to experience the trip, and I would do it all again if I could.

"You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you." Nehemiah 9:6

~Christy