Great Smoky Mountains

I took a many day hiatus from writing, it’s been a very busy 2 weeks.

Last Wed, Oct 15, I took a couple short flights and landed in Knoxville, Tenn.

I had this whole plan to drive to my destination, which would've taken about 8 hours and 20 minutes, not counting any stops. If you've checked out my other blogs, you know I love winding down at home with a bit of weed in the evenings. It's been my chill routine for over 5 years, helping me relax after a long day. But, as you probably know, flying with cannabis is a no-go because of federal rules, which put me in a bit of a bind. Luckily, my friend's dad is into the same chill vibes. He lives closer to where we were meeting up than my friend does, so it worked out perfectly. When I got to the airport, he was there with a big smile, ready to hit the road. We headed off to Pigeon Forge, which is famous for its beautiful scenery and fun spots. As we drove, I was getting super excited about our meal, and soon enough, we pulled up to this cute Mexican restaurant I'd heard great things about. It's called Azul Cantina, and it was awesome. The place had a great vibe, mixing traditional Mexican decor with some modern flair, making it feel super welcoming. We went all out with the food, but I just had to try the chimichurri steak, which the staff raved about. When it hit the table, I was blown away by how good it looked. The steak was super tender and cooked just right, and the chimichurri sauce had this amazing tangy kick that took the flavors to another level. Every bite was so tasty, I couldn't get enough. We also shared some guacamole that was just as good—fresh, creamy, and perfectly seasoned. If you're ever in the area, you gotta check out Azul Cantina. The mix of delicious food, beautiful setting, and lively atmosphere made it a dining experience I won't forget anytime soon.

After dinner, we decided to take a chill walk around the cute little area nearby. There were tons of things to do, making it a great spot for families and friends. One of the best parts was this big open space with fun games that caught the eye of both kids and adults. They had giant versions of classic games like tic-tac-toe with huge pieces on a large board, and cornhole, where everyone was trying to toss bean bags into the holes. There were a few other games too, but I can't quite remember them all now. The whole place was super inviting, perfect for families to hang out and have some friendly competition.

As we kept exploring, we stumbled upon a local distillery that caught our attention. My friend’s boyfriend was thrilled because he got to try different types of whiskeys, each sounding more delicious than the last. I don't drink, but it was fun watching him enjoy the flavors and smells the distillery had to offer. The place had a warm and cozy vibe, with rustic decor that showed off the craftsmanship behind the spirits. It was a nice addition to our evening, adding a touch of local culture to our adventure.

After our fun wander, we headed back to the house we rented, which was right at the top of a winding mountain. The drive up was quite the experience, and I have to say, there were times I thought I might actually get sick because of my car sickness. It tends to get worse when I'm in the back seat, which was unfortunately where my friend sat for half of our stay. Her boyfriend did a great job driving his Jeep—kind of like a truck—while her dad rode in the front seat for part of the trip. More on that later.

But for this ride, I chose to go with her dad since he had just picked me up from the airport. I figured it’d be more comfortable than squeezing into the back of the Jeep. There were a few moments when I almost asked him to pull over, but I managed to keep it together and make it up that crazy mountain. The roads were narrow and winding, with steep drop-offs that could freak out anyone scared of heights. If that's you, I’d suggest keeping your eyes on the road instead of looking down at the cliffs.

The houses along the mountainside were stunning, each one more beautiful than the next. You could tell there was a lot of money in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, which is famous for its lively tourist scene. It reminded me of Orlando, but with amazing mountain views and a country vibe. Everywhere you looked, there were tourist traps. They had everything from thrilling amusement rides to quirky shops selling novelty items, including fake weed stores since real marijuana isn't legal in Tennessee yet. It seemed like there was a Trump store on every corner, showing the area's mix of attractions.

There were also a bunch of putt-putt golf courses inviting families to play a round or two. For those not familiar with the area, it's worth mentioning that Dolly Parton is a big deal here. She owns Dollywood, an amusement park that's both beautiful and packed with fun stuff to do. We even went to her Pirate Voyage dinner show, which was a highlight of our trip. I also noticed nods to other celebrities like Jason Aldean and Paula Deen, who have left their mark on the area, making it even more appealing to tourists and locals.

When we got there the first night, we went straight to the rental house, eager to settle in after a long trip. We were all pretty wiped out from the various flights and drives, which made us even more excited to finally arrive. The house was super charming and cozy, making us feel right at home. It had two big master bedrooms—one on the ground floor and another upstairs. Both rooms had luxurious king-sized beds, perfect for a comfy night's sleep. As we explored, we found a smaller room upstairs with just a simple twin mattress. Funny enough, there weren't any curtains, so my friend's dad had to hang a blanket over the window to block out the morning light. I snagged the master bedroom on the ground floor, loving how convenient it was after a long day. My friend and her boyfriend took the upstairs suite for some extra privacy, while her dad settled on the twin mattress. One of the coolest parts of the house was the awesome game room on the second floor. It was packed with fun stuff, including a foosball table that promised hours of laughter. There was also an old-school arcade game with classics like Pac-Man and Space Invaders. I couldn't resist giving them a shot and found them way more challenging than I remembered. It's funny how something that seems so simple can actually take a lot of skill and focus. The second floor also had a sweet balcony with a hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a busy day. Meanwhile, the first floor had its own balcony with an electric grill, a table, and some chairs. This spot was perfect for meals or just chilling in the fresh air. If you've read any of my other blogs, you'd know I love hanging out outside and soaking up the surroundings. Naturally, I spent time on the bottom porch, enjoying the peaceful vibe and the beauty of the evening. The warm air and sounds of nature made it the perfect spot to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures.

View from the bottom porch

One thing that could have made the place even better is if there wasn’t a “neighborhood” pool and hot tub area that seemed to be the main hangout spot, where everyone gathered and spent the night having loud chats, animated shouts, and sometimes painfully off-key singing. The lively vibe was meant to bring people together, but it often turned into a noisy mix that echoed everywhere. You’d hear laughter and loud conversations blending with the splashes, creating a fun but overwhelming soundscape that could be both entertaining and tiring. As the sun went down and night rolled in, many guests were drawn to the warm hot tub to chill out after a long day. The bubbling water was a nice break from the day’s activities. However, this chill time was often interrupted by groups who were all about having a blast in the water. Their excitement was contagious, but it also meant that those looking for a quieter time had to deal with lots of lively chatter and loud laughs. The hot tub, with its steamy appeal, was definitely a highlight for many. People would gather, share stories, and laugh, creating a sense of connection. But without a quieter spot, those who wanted a peaceful soak could feel a bit overwhelmed. The contrast between wanting to relax and the reality of the buzzing social scene was pretty clear. If there had been a spot for quieter enjoyment, maybe with softer lighting and a calmer vibe, it would have really improved the experience for those looking to unwind in a more laid-back setting. Balancing social fun and personal chill time is key to making a communal space enjoyable for everyone, letting each person find their own peace amidst the lively scene.

Our First Full Day

On our first full day there, we dove into the lively vibe of the "Orlandolike" strip in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a place buzzing with energy and tons of attractions. When we got there, we quickly realized parking was a mess. If you manage to snag a spot in the main area, get ready to cough up 20 bucks just for parking. Alternatively, there are trolley stops all over, offering free rides to different spots, which can be a more convenient choice. We went for the trolley, but it wasn't smooth sailing. After waiting for about an hour, a trolley finally showed up, but it was jam-packed with other eager tourists. So, we had to wait for the next one, which tested our patience. Traffic in Gatlinburg is notoriously bad; a simple 10-minute drive can easily turn into an hour or more, so if you plan to visit, brace yourself for some slow-going traffic. When the next trolley finally came, I ended up standing because it was so crowded, but I wasn't about to wait another hour for the next one. The ride itself was quite an experience, filled with the chatter of excited visitors and occasional glimpses of the beautiful scenery around us. Once we reached our stop at the aquarium, we got off and started our leisurely stroll along the strip. The place was buzzing with people and activities everywhere. Our first mission was to find some coffee since we found out our place had a coffee pot but no coffee grounds. We stumbled upon a charming little café that caught our eye, and thankfully, the coffee was delicious—just what we needed to kick off our day. Refreshed and energized, we continued exploring, soaking in more sights and sounds as we wandered down the road.

Cute little pumpkin people they had spread around the area.

While we were strolling around, we popped into a bunch of shops looking for souvenirs and gifts for the family, but nothing really caught my eye. There was this artisan fair happening, which seemed interesting, but we were surprised to find out they wanted us to pay just to walk through it. Not really my thing, so we moved on to see what else was around. We eventually found a place called Smith and Son Corner right on the strip. The vibe was okay, but honestly, I'd say the experience was pretty average and not something I'd recommend if you're after a memorable meal. The menu didn't have many gluten-free choices, which was a letdown. I ended up ordering chicken wings, but they were kind of dry, so I had to ask for extra sauce to make them better. To top it off, when the server brought our checks, they mixed up our payment cards even though they were in separate books. I somehow ended up paying for three people's meals, and they paid for mine. We pointed out the mistake to the server and asked for it to be fixed, but I’m not sure they ever sorted it out. I just checked my account, and it looks like they didn’t. It's annoying to think about; the server had one job, and they messed it up. Just part of the chaos in a busy tourist spot!

To be continued……..