Nathan and I have tried to make a point of getting out more and exploring the great outdoors, so when he suggested we take a trip up to the Smokey Mountains I was all for it. Of course, I grabbed my yoga pants “outdoorsy” clothes expecting a hiking adventure and being I had never been to Gatlinburg before I had no idea what awaited me. I will be perfectly honest, I wasn’t expecting much in terms of activities just lots of mountain trekking. From the moment I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised and here’s why.
I WAS INTRODUCED TO PANCAKE HOUSES
I have never been a fan of pancakes. Everyone who knows me knows I am all about the french toast, but maybe that’s because I’ve never been presented with pancakes properly. Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin was behind our hotel and because Nathan schooled me on the famous pancake houses in Gatlinburg, we headed there first.
Even non-fans of pancakes, like myself, find it hard to pass up scrumptious pancake options like Reese’s Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip or, my actual order, Sticky Bun – cinnamon swirled pancakes with pecans and drizzled in icing … yes, please. Nathan got a Campfire Skillet and regretted it because, hello … Sticky Bun Pancakes.
EXPLORING OBER GATLINBURG
Even without the snow, I had a blast at the Ober Gatlinburg ski area because it also includes an amusement park and indoor mall area. It’s not your typical mall with department stores, instead housing cute little shops with a lot of locally made items you might not be able to find too many other places. It’s a place Nathan went to when he was younger, so it was fun walking around with him as he relived a bit of his childhood.
The outdoor amusement park was reminiscent of a carnival with the ride selection with the exception of the Ski Mountain Coaster that I was terrified to get on. I had to take a pass on that one but was nervously excited to ride the Aerial Tramway back into town. We took a Lyft up to Ober Gatlinburg and planned to take the Tram back down because it was only about a mile walk from our hotel but the rain had other ideas and we weren’t able to use our tickets. I will add, they did graciously provide buses back down for those planning to take the Tram, so we weren’t stranded the ride just wasn’t as scenic or terrifying high.
WINERY HOPPING … ON FOOT
I know bar hopping is a thing and in Charlotte, you can easily brewery hop using the light rail. I’m not so sure winery hopping is a thing, especially considering they’re normally quite spaced out and very inconvenient to reach more than one. Gatlinburg provided a couple options all on the Parkway, so we took advantage by walking from one to the next.
Sugarland Cellars had a selection of reds and whites to please your sweet or dry palate. We weren’t able to do a tour, but did sample some selections and purchased a bottle for later that night we both agreed on.
Tennessee Homemade Wines was the standout for me. I’m a fan of sweet and typically only go for dessert wines … all of Tennessee Homemade Wines taste like a dessert. They’re made with local fruits that taste like they were freshly picked and turned into wine that day. I’m almost a bit embarrassed to admit we walked away with 6 bottles … shopping local.
SPENDING TIME WITH DOLLY
Just kidding, we didn’t exactly spend time with Dolly as I’m sure she was much too busy being fabulous somewhere, but a girl can dream. We did, however, head over to Pigeon Forge … conveniently close to Gatlinburg … and took in Dolly’s Stampede show. Being from the North we felt like the lone people out on the south side but the show was for entertainment purposes and we were certainly entertained. It was beautiful to watch, the actors and actresses were amazingly talented, and you really felt like you were apart of the show and who doesn’t love to be engaged.
I thought eating with my hands was going to be more challenging than it actually was, but it was easier than I thought. With the exception of the soup, the foods they provide you with (chicken, corn, roll) are ones you’d likely be eating without the assistance of cutlery anyways. The soup was, surprisingly, good and probably my favorite part of the meal, especially once I dipped my and Nathan’s bread into it. The sweet tea was some of the best I’ve ever had. You know the kind, no additional sugar needed because it’s sweet enough to rot your teeth out and you still drink it with pleasure.
This may not have sounded like the ideal romantic time, but trust me, it was. I always enjoy spending time with Nathan and discovering new things. Traveling has become our thing because neither of us spent much time doing it when we were younger and we love doing it together. This particular trip we experienced things he had actually gotten a chance to do years prior and it was nice feeling like I had my own personal tour guide to take me around city they love so much.
What are some of your Great Smokey Mountain favorite places to visit when you’re in Gatlinburg?
