Category Archives: Tennessee

Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee

Ranked as one of Knoxville, Tennessee’s top attractions, I was looking forward to checking out Ijams Nature Center for the morning before traveling down to Gatlinburg for the week.  Having visited the website, I noticed the museum had won several awards and was ranked as a top destination.  I wanted to hike the River Trail along the Tennessee River for its scenic views and bird watching and then stroll through the nature center to learn more about the surrounding area.

The exhibits were extremely informative and centered around the ecology of the Tennessee River.  I learned that the river was home to over 230 species of fish, 100 types of mussels and the Cherokee Indians before the British began to build settlements here in the 1700s.

Stuffed taxidermy animals were strategically placed throughout the wildlife displays of trees and small ponds.  Shallow pools held turtles and local fish which can be found within the river.

I was most impressed with the life-like paintings of Dr. Earl O. Henry, dating back to the late 1940s.  Dr. Henry began his interest in birds when he was a young boy, imitating their songs.  He was an active member of the Tennessee Ornithological Society that was founded by H.P. Ijams for whom the center is named.  After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Dr. Henry returned to Knoxville and began to embrace his talent for painting the local birds.

Harry Pearl Ijams helped form the Knoxville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society.  An enthusiastic outdoorsman, H.P., as he was known by friends, purchased 20 acres where he set up the Ijams Bird Sanctuary to monitor the various species and study their habits. H.P. would later be regarded as the “Father of Knoxville Ornithology”.

It was a wonderful experience visiting the Ijams Nature Center, learning about the Knoxville wildlife and the men and women who were instrumental in protecting them.

Have you visited the Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee?  What were your thoughts?  I would be interested in hearing about your time spent at the exhibit if you would kindly leave a  message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my time spent at Ijams and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ijam’s Nature Center
2915 Island Home Avenue
Knoxville, TN  37920
Telephone:  865 577 4717

Where to Stay:

Four Points Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House
1109 White Avenue
Knoxville, TN  37916
Telephone:   865 971 4663

Where to Eat:

Babalu
412 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN  37902
Telephone:  865 329 1002

What to Eat in Knoxville:

  • Brunch at Bistro on the Bayou
  • Chicken pot pie
  • Fried Green Tomatoes
  • Mac and Cheese
  • Meatloaf
  • Tennessee Whiskey

What to Read:

  • Historic Knoxville: The Curious Visitor’s Guide to Its Stories and Places, by Jack Neely

Photo Guide to Knoxville: 

  • Bike Sculpture
  • Bridge Sunrise
  • CityView Sunset from SoKno
  • Fort Dickerson Quarry
  • Gay Street
  • Greetings from Knoxville Postcard Mural
  • House Mountain
  • Sunsphere
  • Tennessee Theater on the corner of Gay Street and Clinch Avenue
  • A View from the Bluffs

Inside Ijams Nature Center

Ijams Nature Center

The River Trail at Ijams Nature Center, Knoxville, Tennessee

A beautiful canopy of hardwood forest, The North Cove Trail off of the Visitor’s Center leads to the River Trail at Ijams Nature Center.  Depending on the season, there are blooms of silverbell and hydrangea or bloodroot and cut-leaved toothwort.  In late spring, the strong scent of bugbane acts as a natural insect repellent as hummingbirds feed off of the sweet-smelling trumpet creepers.

Halfway through the .2-mile trail is a bridge.  It is the scene of yellow-billed cuckoos and indigo buntings that look like blue, chubby cardinals. The sight of eastern box turtles during the warm summer months and sound of barred owls year around are what draw visitors to this trail throughout the year.

The River Trail was marked by a placard along the path and connected North Cove Trail with the Will Skelton Greenway. Along the .7 mile trek grew American bladdernut and the spicebush which produces bright red fruit in the fall.  Yellow trillium and yellow celandine poppy come into sight during early spring, while Christmas ferns appear during the holiday season.

Located on the trail is the Boardwalk that runs along the Tennessee River.  One of the highlights of this section of the walk is the geological rock formations and Maude Moore’s Cave.

A group of boy scouts paddle their canoes along the quiet, calm Tennessee River.  It was a cool, peaceful morning for earning their badges as they identified plants and trees on the banks of the waterway.  Along the river were sounds of the yellow and grey prothonotary warblers and swallows flying overhead.

Granite rock structures protruded from the cliffs.  The serene landscape and solitude were interrupted by the sounds of birds perched in the nearby sycamore trees. The area is home to the white-eyed vireos, common yellow-throats, bald eagles and ospreys.

It was early enough in the morning where the coolness of the day appeared as a mist hovering over the river.  We noticed a fisherman in a kayak trying his luck at catching bluegill and sunfish.

We soon approached one of the entrances to Cave Springs Caves, which were carved out by an underground stream.  These entryways have been boarded up with wood to protect the bats and salamanders that live inside.  Known by the locals as Maude Moore’s Cave, it was given this name because Maude, after having shot and killed Roy Harth, she hid in this cave system until giving herself up to law enforcement.  She was later found not guilty for acting in self-defense.

On occasion, we looked over the side of the Boardwalk into the Tennessee River to see if there were turtles, lizards or snakes resting along the rocks.   There was also the potential to see blue herons, belted kingfishers and crested cormorants that frequent the area to snack on a fish or two.

Although we couldn’t feel it, the earth beneath us was moving, creating  faults and folds that are eventually exposed at the surface.  Along the River Trail at Ijams Nature Center, there is a geological fold of rocks as a result of the pressure from the underground movement, but lucky for us, we hadn’t even noticed.

We came to a point where we had to decide whether to follow the River Trail or stay on the boardwalk.  A set of rock stairs led up into the sugar maples, but we opted to continue towards the gravel road that leads to an old quarry and cedar glade.  We eventually passed an obstacle course and noticed a placard  that informed us of the meadow habitat up ahead.

We crossed through the field and found a small pond, home to frogs, salamanders and newts.  The Visitor’s Center was within view, ending our hike and so we decided to go in for an opportunity to learn more about the Ijam’s nature center and its habitat.

Have you had the chance to visit Ijam’s Nature Center in Knoxville?  What was the most fascinating aspect of your visit?  I would be interested in hearing about your time spent at Ijam’s if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my hike and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ijam’s Nature Center
2915 Island Home Avenue
Knoxville, TN  37920
Telephone:  865 577 4717

Where to Stay:

Four Points Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House
1109 White Avenue
Knoxville, TN  37916
Telephone:   865 971 4663

Where to Eat:

Babalu
412 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN  37902
Telephone:  865 329 1002

Check out my write up on this fabulous tapas restaurant, Babalu.

What to Eat in Knoxville:

  • Brunch at Bistro on the Bayou
  • Chicken pot pie
  • Fried Green Tomatoes
  • Mac and Cheese
  • Meatloaf
  • Tennessee Whiskey

What to Read:

  • Historic Knoxville: The Curious Visitor’s Guide to Its Stories and Places, by Jack Neely

Photo Guide to Knoxville: 

  • Bike Sculpture
  • Bridge Sunrise
  • CityView Sunset from SoKno
  • Fort Dickerson Quarry
  • Gay Street
  • Greetings from Knoxville Postcard Mural
  • House Mountain
  • Sunsphere
  • Tennessee Theater on the corner of Gay Street and Clinch Avenue
  • A View from the Bluffs

Babalu, An Upscale Experience Sharing Tapas

Before browsing the Farmer’s Market in Knoxville, we stopped at a tapas restaurant called Babalu.  I loved the décor and the idea of sharing a few plates instead of having a full meal for lunch.  Tapas are a Spanish-style way of eating where “small plates” are the perfect size portions for sharing among family and friends.

Selecting an outdoor table along the sidewalk patio, we had plenty of opportunities for people watching and taking in the urban scenery.   We started out with a bowl of Babalu’s fabulous, tableside guacamole.  As we watched our server combine the ingredients, we learned their secret ingredient was sun-dried tomatoes, which enhanced the guacamole’s chunky texture.  This is one of Babalu’s signature, upscale avocado dip served with homemade chips and I highly recommend it.

Other starters that looked just as amazing were the flash-fried-calamari and  yellowfin tuna ceviche.

Choosing three tapas was difficult because there were so many from which to choose.  We ordered the beef empanadas, a selection  of three tacos and the filet on a stick which came with a grilled tenderloin covered in a teriyaki glaze, rosti potatoes, broccolini and pico de gallo.

The food was spectacular and the service was fabulous.  The small plates were the perfect sized portions and we were ready to tackle the Knoxville Farmer’s Market.

Have you had the opportunity to eat at Babalu?  What was your favorite item on the menu and how was the service?   I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reviewing my post about Babalu in Knoxville, Tennessee and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ijam’s Nature Center
2915 Island Home Avenue
Knoxville, TN  37920
Telephone:  865 577 4717

Market Square Farmer’s Market
Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee

Where to Eat:

Babalu’s
412 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN  37902
Telephone:  865 329 1002

Where to Stay:

Four Points Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House
1109 White Avenue
Knoxville, TN  37916
Telephone:   865 971 4663

 

Visiting the Historical Knoxville’s Market Square Farmer’s Market

2016 marked the 225th year of Knoxville’s Market Square Farmer’s Market and my family happened to be passing through on our way to Gatlinburg.  Farmers and vendors from all over East Tennessee have been coming to downtown Knoxville to set up shop at the Market Square, surrounded by fabulous restaurants and interesting boutiques.

From Babalu Restaurant, we walked towards Market Square to visit the Knoxville Farmer’s Market.  Located along a long pedestrian mall, it was here, in this very location, where the first market opened for the sale of farm produce.  We were curious to see what vendors would be there and what items we could buy.

The square, just over an acre in size, has been a popular meeting place for street musicians and artists since the 1880s.  I imagine listening to the music of Duke Ellington or watching the fiddle contests of Frank Murphy back in the 1920s.   We watched a guitar and cello duo playing at one of the street corners in front of a furniture shop,  Enjoying the talent of these musicians, we stayed for a few songs and dropped off a tip in their instrument cases.

In addition to the vendor’s booths, there were children dancing through the fountains and busy outdoor cafes along the market square.  It is a different scene than that of the late 1800s farmers who would pull their wagons up to the Market House.  Back then, there was a monthly cost of three dollars for merchants who rented a stall.

After the marketplace opened in January 1854, several shops and venues were built along its outskirts.  Among the sites were a grocery, saloon and lumberyard. Over twenty years later, additional services were set up to include a mill, a boarding house, physician and pharmacists offices, more saloons and Peter Kerns’ confections store.  Today there are several upscale and casual sidewalk cafes where one can find a seat to enjoy the exciting hustle of the market scene.

On the north end of the square is Knoxville’s City Hall, built in 1868.   Just five years earlier, in 1865, this area had been occupied by the Union Army and converted into barracks and storage for ammunition during the Civil War.

By the early 1900s, prohibition closed the saloons, residents began to move out to the suburbs and small businesses began to close, replaced by chain commercial commerce and movie theaters.   Eventually, the Market Hall would be replaced by the open-air market in 1960 in hopes of revitalizing the city.

In addition to the traditional stalls of produce, crafts and more, food trucks line the alleys for an expanded option of lunch items, baked goods and delicious local foods.  Today, Knoxville’s Farmer’s Market continues the tradition it began 225 years ago, with a modern twist and we loved the time that we spent here.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Knoxville’s Farmer’s Market in Tennessee?  What did you buy?  Did you eat at one of the restaurants or food trucks?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for exploring the Farmer’s Market with me by reading my blog post.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Market Square Farmer’s Market
Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee

Open every Wednesday (11 AM to 2 PM) and Saturday (9 AM to 2 PM) starting in May through November, the Market is open in the heart of Knoxville.

Where to Stay:

Four Points Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House
1109 White Avenue
Knoxville, TN  37916
Telephone:   865 971 4663

Where to Eat:

Babalu’s
412 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN  37902
Telephone:  865 329 1002

We ordered Babalu’s signature guacamole, made table side, which was absolutely amazing (secret ingredient? sundried tomatoes!).  We decided to share three tapas which included the beef empanadas, three tacos and grilled tenderloin with a teriyaki glaze and we enjoyed our meals.

What to Eat in Knoxville:

  • Brunch at Bistro on the Bayou
  • Chicken pot pie
  • Fried Green Tomatoes
  • Mac and Cheese
  • Meatloaf
  • Tennessee Whiskey

What to Read:

  • Historic Knoxville: The Curious Visitor’s Guide to Its Stories and Places, by Jack Neely

Photo Guide to Knoxville: 

  • Bike Sculpture
  • Bridge Sunrise
  • CityView Sunset from SoKno
  • Fort Dickerson Quarry
  • Gay Street
  • Greetings from Knoxville Postcard Mural
  • House Mountain
  • Sunsphere
  • Tennessee Theater on the corner of Gay Street and Clinch Avenue
  • A View from the Bluffs

The Island, Pigeon Forge

The Island at Pigeon Forge is a vibrant entertainment complex with activities, shopping and restaurants.  Located on Parkway, the main thoroughfare, our family was ready to end our day watching the sunset and exploring the Island.

The girls were excited for the shopping, the guys were hungry for the restaurants and Nolan couldn’t wait to ride the Ferris wheel.   To work up an appetite, we shopped for souvenirs at the Southern Charm Boutique, kitchen goods at the Paula Deen Store and grocery items at the Island Tiki General Store.

Nolan was entertained by the parrots and begged to have his photo taken with him.  When the attendant put the bird on his finger, he panicked a little, but finally warmed up to “Reggie” the blue and yellow Macaw.  By the time we had collected his photo, Nolan wanted to take Reggie home.

We passed the Ferris Wheel and everyone agreed it would be best if we boarded the ride prior to eating.  There was a short line, so we waited about ten minutes as Nolan danced around in excitement.  He would later tell us it was his most favorite thing to do on our Tennessee vacation.

We decided on the Mellow Mushroom for dinner, ordering the Buffalo Chicken, the Great White and the Mighty Meaty.  With our leftovers in hand, we went in search for dessert.  About half of us decided on The Fudgery  while the other half couldn’t resist the aroma of Cinnabon. So, with our desserts in hand, we found seats near the fountain and watched the light show until leaving for home.

The Island is a fabulous way to spend an afternoon or evening surrounded by so many attractions and eateries, all for a reasonable price.  It was the perfect ending to our busy day of sightseeing.

Have you been to The Island at Pigeon Forge?  What were your favorite things to do here?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

What to See and What to Do:

The Island, Pigeon Forge
131 The Island Drive
Pigeon Forge, TN  37863
Telephone:  865 286 0119

Where to Stay: 

We stayed in a rental through VRBO called the Firefly Chalet.

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone:  865 429 2200

I ordered the Carolina Pork Sandwich and the Salad Bar.

What to Eat:

  • Barbecue

 

Hillbilly Golf in Gatlinburg, TN

Of the handful of times we have vacationed in Gatlinburg, Hillbilly Golf is one of our favorite, family activities.

Our favorite part of Hillbilly Golf was traveling up the incline.  We boarded the car and made the slow climb to the top where we reached the first hole.

Before tackling the putt-putt game, we continued tradition by rubbing the wooden bear in hopes for a wine and a hole-in-one.

For some reason, playing Hillbilly Golf at night seemed more fun.  Maybe it’s because we thought people couldn’t see how silly we looked, hitting the golf ball at a par twenty.

The game was coming to an end and we were all so close that it was anyone’s game.  We cheered, teased and tried to distract each other in an effort to finish first place.  It was a friendly game of competition with lots of laughs and giggles.

Mom scored a whole in one, giving her the lead.  We could not have been more happy for her and we cheered her on.

Nolan was so excited and impressed by Grandma’s hole in one.  He must have spent ten minutes trying to make his OWN hole in one, not giving up for one second.  He tired himself out and gave up, moving to the next hole.

Joy, Scott and Nolan had finished first and the game was still too close to call.  Each of them had been concentrating on the last hole and we would need Mom and Dad’s score to confirm the winner.

Mom is quite competitive and couldn’t let anyone beat her, so in the end, with her hole in one and a win, rubbing the bear may have given her that extra push and made her a winner.

Have you played Hillbilly Golf in Gatlinburg?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about our fun outing in Gatlinburg and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Apple Barn
230 Apple Valley Road
Sevierville, TN  37882
Telephone:  865 453 9319

Where to Stay: 

We stayed in a rental through VRBO called the Firefly Chalet.

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone:  865 429 2200

I ordered the Carolina Pork Sandwich and the Salad Bar.

What to Eat:

  • Barbecue

The Apple Barn, Pigeon Forge

The Apple Barn story began in the early 1900s,  when the barn was built by the  Mullendore family.  Here, they raised cattle and planted tobacco.  Seventy years later, the barn and property were purchased by the Hicks and Kilpatrick family and they planted their first apple trees in 1976.

A Visit to the Apple Barn is a tradition for the many families that visit Gatlinburg on a regular basis.  I love their breakfasts starting with their complimentary Apple Fritters served with their famous Apple Butter.

Nolan couldn’t wait to eat his pancakes with a spoon and each of us couldn’t wait to see him try.

Scott decided it was too late for breakfast and went for the traditional meatloaf with a side of macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes.  A great hearty meal before our long drive home.

The Original Farmhouse Sampler Trio included a generous serving of fried chicken, chicken and dumplings and chicken pot pie.  I was happy to share my meal, thinking of all the calories in my order.

Mom and Dad each ordered the chicken friend steak with a side of mashed potatoes.

Of course, this family could not leave the restaurant without dessert…from cobbler and ice cream…

To chocolate cake, this family left the Apple Barn without room to spare.  It was time to visit the gift shop and work off a few pounds we had packed on in one seating.

Have you visited the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant?  What did you order?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Apple Barn
340 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
Telephone:  865 436 7470

Where to Stay: 

We stayed in a rental through VRBO called the Firefly Chalet.

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone:  865 429 2200

I ordered the Carolina Pork Sandwich and the Salad Bar.

What to Eat:

  • Barbecue

A Day at Ober Gatlinburg

For some reason, we had never visited Ober Gatlinburg during our family vacations.  With a little research, we realized this may be a perfect, kid-friendly activity for the whole family that Nolan would enjoy as well.

In addition to the children’s rides, we were excited about the  Alpine Slide, the Ski Mountain Coaster, the Wildlife Encounter, the Amaze ‘n Maze, the Cyclone Rapids ride, Mini Golf and an indoor ice skating rink.

Our first step was to take the Aerial Tramway to Mountaintop Park.  Reaching heights of 2813 feet above sea level, each tram’s capacity is 120 guests.

 

Waiting for the next Tramway, we were the next to board the tram which worked to our advantage offering a place near the window to enjoy the stunning views.   Standing towards the front, we had an amazing view of the mountains as well as the other trams making their way, a little over two miles, towards the top.

The Tramway was completed in August of 1972 transporting millions of people to the Adventure Park to date.

Nolan was the most excited of all.  Pointing out trees, houses and other sights, his commentary proved to be quite entertaining.

As we passed over the Animal Habitat, we knew we would need to make a stop to see the black bears – BJ, Chief and Holly, river otters and their adorable bobcats, all animals native to Tennessee.

We tried to talk Nolan into going down the side of the mountain on the Alpine Slide, but he was just a little too nervous.  We thought that we would let him ride a few other games so that he would see how much fun the rides were and agree to take the slide. Lucky for us it worked.

Nolan was happy and content to ride the children’s rides.  Animated and enjoying every minute of making us laugh, he was finally ready to ride the Alpine Slide with his mom, with a bit of hesitation.  By the time they reached the end of the slide, he was ready to go back and do it all again.

With so many activities for young children, Ober Gatlinburg kept Nolan entertained.  We were happy to see his enthusiasm to make friends on each of the rides.  After a couple of hours, we moved on to the Scenic Chairlift,

The Chairlift reaches Mt. Harrison with a rise of nearly 800 feet.  This is my favorite ride in the park with scenic mountain and bird’s eye views.  On a clear day, riders can see as far as Douglas Lake and the views of Mt. LeConte are spectacular.

At the top of Mt. Harrison, we were entertained with bluegrass music….

…and met with an overlook that continued for miles.

Ober Gatlinburg is Tennessee’s only Ski and Snowboard park making winter its peak season, open all year around.  We thoroughly enjoyed visiting during our summer vacation and thought it would be fun to visit in the winter during ski season.  What a beautiful place no matter what time of year it is.

Have you visited Ober Gatlinburg?  Which season did you explore the park?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ober Gatlinburg
1001 Parkway Suite 2
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
Telephone:  865 436 5423

  • Admission Fee: $29 for ages 5 and older for the tram only; $49 for the wristband, ages 5 – 59 and $39 for the wristband ages 60+; ages 4 and under may enter at no charge with an adult admission
  • Hours:  The park opens from 10AM to 6PM daily but parking is open at 9:40 and the tramway begins its operation at 9:40AM.
  • Length of Visit: 4+ hours
  • Amenities:  Aerial Tramway, Tennessee Flyer, Wildlife Habitat, Ice Skating, Ice Bumper Cars, Scenic Chairlift, Carousel, Rock Wall, Family Snow Zone, Snow Tubing
  • Tips for Your Visit:   The Ober Mountain Wristband is valid for unlimited use of the Aerial Tramway and all other activities on the mountain for the day in which it was purchased. Activities such as snow tubing, snow sports, white water rafting and ziplining are not included with the wristband. Check their website for activities available based on the season.

Where to Stay:

The Firefly Chalet booked through VRBO.

Where to Eat:

The Best Italian Restaurant
968 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 4345

What to Eat: 

Everything on the menu and I highly recommend the Garlic Knots.

The Best Italian Restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

When you are dining at “The Best Italian Restaurant”, you expect it to be “the best Italian restaurant”, right?  Who doesn’t love all of the  rich pasta dishes and foods with a doughy crust, melted cheese, garlic and rich tomato sauce?

While vacationing in Gatlinburg, we visited the Italian restaurant as a recommendation from family friends.   They had just returned from their stay near the Smoky Mountains and visited the restaurant three times during their week vacation.

After a short wait, we sat down to a crowded dining room and a very patient waitress.  Looking over the menu, we ordered their “World Famous Garlic Rolls” to start with the deep fried ravioli.  Needing some additional time, we finally gave the waitress our order which included the fettuccini alfredo, spaghetti and meat sauce, a couple of pepperoni calzones and chicken parmesan.

The garlic rolls would have us tasting garlic for the next several days and were perfectly baked and topped with an abundance of parmesan cheese.  The deep fried raviolis were cooked to perfection, oozing with mozzarella cheese with each bite.  The alfredo pasta was rich with a thick, creamy cheese sauce topped on thick noodles.    The spaghetti with meat sauce had the perfect balance of tomato and sauce.  The calzones were doughy with a soft inside and rich tomato sauce with chunks of tomatoes topped with Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese.

We had overly stuffed ourselves, not leaving any room for dessert.  For now, we were just taking up space, trying to manage the energy to step away from the table.  My guess is if we could walk a few miles along the Parkway, maybe we can make room for a small ice cream or sample of taffy.

Have you visited The Best Italian Restaurant in Gatlinburg?  What did you order?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my lunch at The Best Italian Restaurant and wishing you many Happy Travels.

Where to Eat:

The Best Italian Restaurant
968 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 4345

What to Eat: 

Everything on the menu and I highly recommend the Garlic Knots.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park: Visitor Center

Did you know that the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a World Heritage Site?

These beautiful mountains, known as the Great Smokies, are located in both North Carolina and Tennessee, a part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and a segment of the Appalachians.  This land, measuring nearly half a million acres, became a national park in 1940 and a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1983.

The national park’s Visitor Center provides an overview of life in the Great Smoky Mountains from its flora and fauna to the wild animals that make their home here.  We decided to make a stop with my nephew, Nolan to learn more about the animals we may encounter during our visit.

The Red Fox resides in the Northern Hemisphere and is one of the largest of all foxes.  Able to adapt in all environments, the red fox is usually found in pairs or in small families feasting on smaller rodents.  They can survive at various elevations. The red fox has a white tip on its tail, a face that resembles a dog. and its legs may me darker than its coat.

The Grey Fox, although similar to the Red Fox, is usually grey in color and is specifically adapted to climb trees to escape predators. Rather than a white tip on their tail, they will have a black stripe down its tail, a strong neck and the face similar to a cat.

I have only seen a mink once in the wild near a wetlands trail.  They are such an elusive creature, growing to be about 12 – 15 inches and weighing a little over 2 pounds. Their coats are brown and may have white markings on their chests and bellies.  They travel independently and find their food near water.  It is certainly an amazing feeling when you see one in the wild.

Bobcats are a rare sight throughout the Smokey Mountains as they are nocturnal and solitary in nature.  Covered in spots, they have stubby tails and short ears and they only grow as long as three feet.  The females give birth to up to six kittens during the winter.

Skunks are the animal that you can smell before you see them due their scent glands, used as a defensive weapon.  Known for their black coat with white stripes, they are in abundance throughout the park while the lesser known skunk is black with white spots.  Skunks give birth to a litter of four to seven babies, usually in the month of May.

While there are populations of wild hogs within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, they are not often spotted within the mountains. The female will usually have around six piglets in a litter and breed twice a year.

The Woodchuck, or Groundhog, is found in open fields, on the side of the road and streams where they find their food.  They can measure up to 26 inches and weigh between five and 13 pounds.  The females give birth to up to nine babies living up to six years in the wild.

There is an abundance of raccoons within the Great Smoky National Park.  While they may make a rare appearance during the day, they are nocturnal and most active at night. A fully grown raccoon will live up to seven years old and weigh between eight to 14 pounds. Most raccoons live near streams to feed on crayfish and frogs.

Chipmunks are also another Smoky Mountains animal that are easily spotted throughout the park.  On the ground collecting nuts or racing up trees to store them,  Eating nuts, seeds and fruits, they can store their food in their cheek pouches that can reach the size of their bodies when full.

Several species of owls can be found within the Great Smokey National Park.  From the medium-sized barn owl to the smaller great horned owl, they are a rare sighting as they are most active at night.  They feed off of small rodent animals within the park and make their homes in the many trees throughout the park.

What animals did you see while visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park?  Did you have a favorite one?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my amazing adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN  37738
Telephone:  865 436 1200

Where to Stay:

Firefly Chalet
Highway 321 North
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
Website:  www.vrbo.com

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone:  865 429 2200

What to Eat:

  • Barbecue