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.

At first, I had meticulously planned on driving to my destination. The journey would have taken approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes, that’s without accounting for any necessary stops along the way. If you have read my other blogs, you would know that I enjoy smoking weed as a way to unwind and relax in the evening at home. This has been a part of my routine for over 5 years now, providing me with a sense of calm and leisure after a long day. However, as many are aware, bringing cannabis on airplanes is strictly prohibited due to federal regulations, which posed a bit of a dilemma for me. Fortunately, my friend’s father also partakes in the same relaxing habit. His home was situated a bit closer to our meeting point than my friend’s, which made the logistics easier. Upon my arrival, her dad met me at the airport with a warm smile and a friendly demeanor, ready to embark on our journey. From there, we set off towards Pigeon Forge, a popular destination known for its stunning scenery and vibrant attractions. As we drove, the anticipation of our meal grew, and soon enough, we arrived at a charming Mexican restaurant that I had heard great things about. The establishment was called Azul Cantina, and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere was inviting, with beautiful decor that blended traditional Mexican elements with modern touches, creating a warm and welcoming environment. We decided to indulge in a variety of dishes, but I couldn’t resist ordering the chimichurri steak, which was highly recommended by the staff. When it arrived at our table, I was immediately impressed by its presentation. The steak was incredibly tender, cooked to perfection, and the chimichurri sauce had a delightful vinegary kick that elevated the flavors to new heights. Each bite was a burst of savory goodness that left me wanting more. Additionally, we shared a side of guacamole that was equally delectable. It was fresh, creamy, and had just the right amount of seasoning, making it a perfect companion to our meal. I highly recommend visiting Azul Cantina if you ever find yourself in the area. The combination of delicious food, beautiful decor, and a lively atmosphere made for an unforgettable dining experience, one that I will surely cherish for a long time.

After dinner, we decided to take a leisurely stroll around the charming little area that surrounded us. There was an abundance of activities to engage in, making it a delightful spot for families and friends alike. One of the highlights was a spacious open area filled with various fun games that drew the attention of both children and adults. Among these games were oversized versions of classic favorites like tic-tac-toe, where giant pieces were used on a large board, and cornhole, which had people competing to see who could toss bean bags into the holes with the most precision. There were also a few other games that, unfortunately, I can’t seem to recall at the moment, but they added to the lively atmosphere. The entire setting was incredibly cute and inviting, making it a perfect place for families to come together and enjoy each other's company while engaging in lighthearted competition.

As we continued our exploration, we stumbled upon a local distillery that piqued our interest. My friend’s boyfriend was particularly excited as he had the opportunity to sample different types of whiskeys, each with a name that sounded more delicious than the last. While I do not partake in alcoholic beverages myself, I found it fascinating to watch him savor the rich flavors and aromas that the distillery offered. The ambiance was warm and welcoming, with the rustic decor reflecting the craftsmanship behind the spirits. It was a nice touch to the evening, adding a hint of local culture to our adventure.

After our delightful wander, we made our way to the house we had rented for our stay, which was perched at the very top of a winding mountain. The drive up was quite an experience, and I must admit that there were several moments when I thought I might actually hurl due to my severe car sickness. This condition particularly flares up when I am seated in the back seat, which was unfortunately the case for my friend throughout half of our stay there. Her boyfriend skillfully navigated his Jeep—an impressive vehicle that resembled a truck—while her dad occupied the front seat for half of the journey. More about this later.

However, during this particular trip, I opted to ride with her dad since he had just picked me up from the airport. I thought it would be more comfortable than squeezing into the back seat of the jeep. Oh, there were a few tense moments when I genuinely considered asking him to pull over, but somehow I managed to keep my composure and make it up that daunting mountain. The roads were narrow and winding, with steep drop-offs that could easily send shivers down the spine of anyone with a fear of heights. If you are one of those individuals, I highly recommend keeping your eyes firmly fixed on the road ahead rather than glancing down at the steep cliffs on either side.

The houses that lined the mountainside were absolutely stunning, each one more beautiful than the last. It was clear that there was significant wealth in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, which is known for its vibrant tourist scene. The atmosphere reminded me of Orlando, albeit with a breathtaking mountain backdrop and a distinct country theme. Everywhere you looked, there were tourist traps catering to visitors. These ranged from amusement rides that promised thrills to quirky shops selling novelty items, including fake weed stores, since real marijuana is not yet legal in Tennessee. It felt as if there was a Trump store on every corner, a testament to the area's eclectic mix of attractions.

Additionally, there were numerous putt-putt golf courses that seemed to beckon families to enjoy a round or two. For those unfamiliar with the region, it’s worth noting that Dolly Parton plays a significant role in the local culture. She owns Dollywood, an amusement park that is both gorgeous and filled with fun activities. We even attended her Pirate Voyage dinner show, which was a highlight of our trip. I also noticed references to other celebrities like Jason Aldean and Paula Deen, who have made their mark on the area, further enriching its appeal to tourists and locals alike.

The first night we arrived, we decided to head straight to the rental house, eager to settle in after the long journey. We were all feeling quite exhausted from our various flights and drives, which added to the anticipation of finally reaching our destination. The house itself was charming and inviting, with a cozy atmosphere that immediately made us feel at home. It featured two spacious master bedrooms—one conveniently located on the bottom floor and the other situated on the second floor. Each of these rooms was equipped with luxurious king-sized beds, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep for everyone. As we explored further, we discovered a smaller room upstairs that held a simple twin mattress. Interestingly, this room lacked any curtains, which meant that my friend's dad had to improvise by hanging up a blanket over the window. This makeshift solution helped to block out the bright morning light, allowing for a more restful sleep. I opted for the master bedroom on the ground floor, appreciating its accessibility and the ease it provided after a long day. My friend and her boyfriend took the upstairs master suite, enjoying the extra privacy, while her dad made himself comfortable on the twin mattress. One of the highlights of the house was the fantastic game room located on the second floor. It was filled with entertainment options, including a foosball table that promised hours of fun and laughter. There was also an old-school arcade game that featured a selection of classic games from the past. I couldn't resist the temptation to try my hand at the original Pac-Man and Space Invaders. To my surprise, I found that these games were much more challenging than I remembered from my childhood. It’s remarkable how something that seems so simple can actually require a great deal of skill and concentration. The second floor also boasted a lovely balcony that featured a hot tub, perfect for unwinding after a day of activities. Meanwhile, the first floor had its own balcony, furnished with an electric grill, a table, and several chairs. This outdoor space was ideal for enjoying meals or simply relaxing in the fresh air. If you have read any of my other blogs, you would know that one of my favorite pastimes is sitting outside and soaking up the surroundings. So, naturally, I took the opportunity to spend some time on the bottom porch, savoring the peaceful atmosphere and the beauty of the evening. The combination of the warm air and the 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 would have made the spot even better is if there wasn’t a “neighborhood” pool and hot tub area that seemed to serve as the central hub for social activity, where everyone congregated and spent all night engaging in loud conversations, animated yelling, and, at times, painfully off-key singing. The lively atmosphere, while intended to foster community and camaraderie among the residents and guests, often resulted in a cacophony that could be heard echoing across the premises. It was not uncommon for the sounds of laughter and boisterous exchanges to blend with the splashing of water, creating a vibrant yet overwhelming soundscape that could be both entertaining and exhausting. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the evening settled in, many guests found themselves drawn to the inviting warmth of the hot tub. It became a popular spot for relaxation and unwinding after a long day, with the soothing bubbles offering a welcome respite from the day's activities. However, this communal enjoyment was frequently interrupted by the exuberant antics of groups who seemed intent on making the most of their time in the water. Their enthusiasm, while infectious, often meant that those seeking a quieter experience had to contend with a backdrop of lively chatter and raucous laughter. The hot tub, with its steamy allure, was undeniably a highlight of the evening for many. People would gather, sharing stories and laughter, creating a sense of connection. Yet, the lack of a more tranquil setting meant that those who preferred a peaceful soak could feel somewhat overwhelmed. The contrast between the desire for relaxation and the reality of the vibrant social scene was palpable. Had there been a designated area for quieter enjoyment, perhaps with softer lighting and a more serene ambiance, it would have greatly enhanced the overall experience for those looking to unwind in a more subdued environment. This balance between social interaction and personal retreat is essential in creating a truly enjoyable communal space, allowing everyone to find their own slice of peace amidst the lively atmosphere.

Our First Full Day

The first full day we were there, we decided to immerse ourselves in the bustling atmosphere of the “Orlandolike” strip in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a destination known for its vibrant energy and plethora of attractions. Upon arrival, we quickly realized that the parking situation in this popular area was nothing short of chaotic. If you manage to find an open parking lot in the main area, be prepared to shell out a hefty 20 dollars just for the privilege of parking your vehicle. Alternatively, there are designated trolley stops scattered throughout the area, allowing visitors to take a free trolley to various specific destinations, which can be a more convenient option. We opted for the trolley service, but our experience was less than ideal. After waiting for about an hour, we finally saw a trolley approaching, only to discover it was packed to the brim with other eager tourists. As a result, we had to wait for the next one to come back around, which added to our growing impatience. The traffic in Gatlinburg is notoriously horrendous; what should be a simple 10-minute drive can easily stretch into an hour or more, so if you ever plan to visit this area, make sure you are prepared for the frustratingly slow traffic. When the next trolley finally arrived, I found myself standing due to the sheer volume of passengers, but at that point, I was determined not to wait another hour for the next one. The trolley ride itself was an experience, filled with the chatter of excited visitors and the occasional glimpse of the beautiful scenery that surrounded us. Once we finally reached our stop at the aquarium, we disembarked and began our leisurely stroll along the strip. The atmosphere was lively, with a myriad of people bustling about and a variety of activities taking place all around us. Our first priority was to find some coffee, as we had made the unfortunate discovery that our accommodation had a coffee pot but no coffee grounds. We stopped at a quaint little “hole in the wall” café that caught our attention, and to our delight, the coffee was delicious and just what we needed to kickstart our day. Refreshed and energized, we continued our exploration, wandering down the road to take in more sights and sounds.

Cute little pumpkin people they had spread around the area.

As we walked, we stopped at several shops in search of souvenirs and gifts for our family back home, but I found myself not particularly drawn to any of the items on display. There was an artisan fair happening at that time, which piqued our interest, but we were taken aback when we learned that they wanted us to pay just to walk through the event. I wasn’t about that life, so we decided to move on and see what else the strip had to offer. Eventually, we came across a restaurant called Smith and Son Corner, which was conveniently located right there on the strip. While the ambiance was pleasant enough, I would rate the experience as merely average and wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable meal. The menu lacked many gluten-free options, which was disappointing. I settled on ordering chicken wings, but when they arrived, I found them to be lacking in sauce, prompting me to request additional sauce to enhance the flavor. To add to the series of unfortunate events, when the server brought us our checks, there was a mix-up with our payment cards. They had been placed in two separate books, yet somehow, the server managed to confuse them. As a result, I ended up inadvertently paying for the meals of three people while they paid for mine. We brought this mix-up to the server’s attention and asked for a correction, but honestly, I’m not sure if they ever resolved it. In fact, I just checked my account, and it appears they did not fix the error. It’s frustrating to think about; the server had one job to do, and it seems they failed at it. Such is the chaos of a busy tourist destination!

Tao be continued……..