This was it! This was the trip that started it all. Prior to my trip to Gatlinburg, I had always stuck to Southeast USA. Even traveled outside the US to St. Croix and St. Thomas. Anywho, as I stated, this WAS it! My love for nature developed. Amazement for how the further you traveled North the landscape changed. I was always used to the flat, below sea level lands of the South.
In March of 2013, I took my first trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. For this trip we stayed at an awesome mountain home outside of Pigeon Forge. We basically just needed to bring our clothing. It was fully furnished and included a game room. We enjoyed beautiful mountain views on a daily basis. I will say that the weather was still pretty chilly. For this trip, we visited Pigeon Forge, Cades Cove, downtown Gatlinburg and then Biltmore Estates in Asheville, North Carolina.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge is a nice little town not far from Gatlinburg. It is filled with restaurants, museums, an outlet mall, and last but not least Dollywood. We spent a small amount of time there, enjoying a few meals. If I return again in the future, I am definitely going to have to spend more time here.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a pleasant valley located in the Smoky Mountains. It was my first opportunity to view wildlife so out in the open. Visitors have the ability to explore the park by camping, hiking, or by a self-guided tour. We opted for the tour. It is an 11-mile one way loop around the cove. We were able to sightsee at our own pace, learning about the Cove’s history and trying to spot as many wildlife as we could. No black bears… unfortunately.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is such a quaint town with loads of things to do. First on our list was to take a ride in the Gatlinburg Aerial Tram from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg Ski area and back. Yes, ski area is right. It was terrifying for me, especially when two trams bypassed each other. It offered beautiful views. We then explored Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. I do not have to tell you how excited I was for that. It’s no secret how much I enjoy exploring aquariums. Which was followed by us taking a stroll through downtown, checking out unique shops, restaurants, and attractions. Like sampling some moonshine from the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery. My favorite was the Apple Pie. If you are thinking about visiting Tennessee, I suggest adding Gatlinburg to your list.
The Biltmore Estates
We decided on our last day to take a quick drive to Asheville, North Carolina, to the Biltmore Estates. I love learning about the history of people, places, and things. The Biltmore was home to one of America’s richest and most influential families… The Vanderbilts. We got to tour their lovely home, filled with grand rooms, silk tapestries on the walls, huge library, and pretty advanced kitchen and slave quarters (well for that time, at least). I wish I could have taken pictures, but we were prohibited from taking photography of any kind from within the home. You can take as many photos as you like of the outside grounds and gardens. The grounds contain restaurants, shops, a winery, and inns for overnight stays. I really recommend adding the Biltmore to your North Carolina bucketlist.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first trip to Tennessee. And would do it again if given the chance. I hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane. ‘Xcuse the quality of my photos, these were taken in 2013.
-Nadia-
15 Comments
Hi, what a great post–your photos are beautiful! My brother lives near Gatlinburg and he has been wanting to take me to some of these places, and now I’m convinced to visit. 🙂
You should! It was a really nice place. I would like to go back again and explore more.
I’m not a mature person but your outlook on the experience makes me want to check it out! Looks like lots of fun and things to explore!
Your pictures are beautiful. Well, I fell in love with nature during a local travel around my country. I’ve never seen such huge rocks as I saw in Ondo, Nigeria.
You have some awesome memories of what looks like a gorgeous place. It’s great you have documented some great shots to remember.
I have a friend who own property down in Tennessee and all your making me want to do is pack up the kids and dog and head for a road trip.
I have never been to Gatlinburg,Tennessee but after reading this post, it makes me want to go. The mountain house you stayed at looks amazing. And all the activities you did sounds great for kids.
That’s a pretty awesome vacation house! I’d love to see Cades Cove, looks like there would be so much history there.
How fun! I’ve only been to here once many years ago, but I remember loving the nature and the lovely southern charm that came along with it!
It looks like you had a wonderful trip. Your photos are fantastic. It is nice to take a trip that helps you become one with nature. It really helps de-stress especially if you live in a city.
I never really thought about going to Tennessee before, it looks beautiful though. May need to add it to my want to do list.
That’s a fantastic memory of your trip! So many amazing places and activities, and definitely the Aquarium would also be a highlight for me too!
Looks like a great getaway. So much wildlife. You got some great shots.
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What an awesome place to visit! I had never heard of Gatlinburg, but it definitely looks like a place my whole family would enjoy!
What an amazing place! I loved your photos, I would love to go here with my family. It’s such a unique experience!
May I ask, which camera do you use for your photos? They are so beautiful!!
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