Category Archives: Tennessee

Noah “Bud” Ogle Farm in Gatlinburg

Nestled in the wooded landscape of the Great Smoky Mountains is the Noah “Bud” Ogle Farm which includes his home and mill that are open to visitors.   Interestingly, Ogle also farmed this area, but the trees have overcrowded the former fields which was once a part of this long-abandoned homestead.

The trail from the parking lot is the length of ¾ of a mile and takes about 30 minutes to complete roundtrip. The rocky strip was once the old road that led to the town of White Oak Flats (today’s Gatlinburg), conveniently following along Le Conte Creek.  According to the placard outside of the home, this area was full of “rhododendron and magnolia”. I try to imagine the amazing scents that I would have experienced here as a first time settler.

Bud Ogle and his wife Cindy settled down in this area back in 1879.  Stretching out over 400 acres, the Ogle family farmed this land while living in a one room cabin, built from former surrounding chestnut trees.   As the family grew, they needed to expand the house.  The living area was set up downstairs where there was a fireplace in the family area.  Outside there were a couple of recesses that provided storage for food including their meat, cornmeal and salt.  Chickens were kept in a separate nook to keep them protected from wild animals.

The lower level living space was also set aside for cooking and the sleeping quarters. The boys slept upstairs in the loft.  The Ogles had the luxury of running water which was transported by wooden troughs called flumes from one  of the local springs.  The water would then be emptied into a double sink, also created from wood, to be used for cooking, cleaning and washing clothes.

While the Ogles lived here, the home would have been surrounded by fruit trees such as apples and plums.  Fresh vegetables were grown across the road and gum trees attracted bees which provided honey for the family.

The barn was an important extension of the home and was shelter for most of their farm animals such as plow horses, dairy cows, chickens and pigs.  Farming tools were also stored here and hay was kept above the stalls where the animals slept.

To survive, the Ogle family planted a garden, making use of the spring and growing corn to feed themselves and their cattle.  It is interesting to see how life in the Smoky Mountains has changed over the years since the late 1880s when the Ogle family and their neighbors farmed the land.  Today, guests can catch a glimpse into a time where hard work and persistence were needed to survive.

Have you visited the Noah “Bud” Ogle Farm in the Smoky Mountains?  What most did you admire about their life and their property?  I would love to hear about your visit to the home if you would kindly a message in the comments section below.   Many thanks for visiting the Bud Ogle Farm with me!  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Noah “Bud” Ogle Farm
Great Smokey Mountain National Park
Gatlinburg, TN

  • Admission Fee:  There is no charge to enter the Noah “Bud” Ogle homestead  located within the Great Smokey National Park.
  • Hours:  The park is open year around, though some facilities are only open seasonally and road closures may apply during the winter season where there may be limited access.
  • Amenities:  Pamphlet for auto tour ($.50)
  • Scenic View: Spectacular views of Great Smoky Mountains throughout the drive
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours, depending on whether you stop to visit the attractions
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for walking.  Wildlife, such as bears, may be wandering around the property, so be on the lookout and do not approach them.  We like to visit here in the afternoon as the trees provide shade from the warm weather.

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.

Downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee

It was my birthday and I wanted to walk around Gatlinburg to spend time visiting some of the shops and a couple of wineries on the main thoroughfare.  While the rest of the family decided to stay in for the day, Scott was up for taking Nolan to Cooter’s Garage to see the  Duke’s of Hazard memorabilia and would later meet me at Loco Burro for lunch.

A section of shops off of the main strip also included the  Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.  The aquarium exhibits over 10,000 species of sea creatures with additional activities to include animal encounters, glass bottom boat rides, breakfast with mermaids and overnight sleepovers with the sharks.

In the distance, standing 407 feet tall is the Gatlinburg Space Needle. The observation tower, visitors can reach the top with views of the Great Smoky Mountains, downtown Gatlinburg and the nearby peaks.  Completed in 1969, the tower has been open for over fifty years.

I was surprised to find so many places to shop in Gatlinburg in addition to its wide number of restaurants and activities.  Coves of small businesses sell services and tourist items that take shopping to a whole new level.

The Skylift is a part of Gatlinburg’s Skypark which also includes a SkyBridge, SkyTower, SkyDeck and SkyCenter.  This attraction is perfect for viewing the morning sunrise, overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains.

There are several wood carving shops that offer multiple sizes of merchandise for purchase.  From small signs to large life-size animals, the unique designs and workmanship are absolutely astonishing.

The shopping areas are uniquely designed for shoppers and non-shoppers as well.  Plenty of seating is available for those that need  a rest from walking the main street or for waiting on their friends who can’t get enough of the merchandise Gatlinburg has to offer.

Downtown Gatlinburg is also a dieter’s nightmare.  Candy shops beckon sugar addicts with large signs and free samples.  From fudge to taffy, there seems to be an endless abundance of sugar for enticing anyone with a sweet tooth…

As well as an abundance of moonshine and wine.

In the midst of all of the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg, I noticed a hidden gem that I may have missed if I wasn’t looking.  A beautiful two-toned log cabin with a stone fireplace is the Ogle Cabin, built around 1802.  It is believed to be the first structure built in this area and was used as a school, hospital and museum.  In 1986, it was registered as a historical site.

Gatlinburg is a place of hidden treasures and is open year around.  From history buffs to foodies and lovers of the outdoors, this vacation destination is spectacular.

Have you visited Gatlinburg?  What was your favorite part of your visit?  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 stroll around downtown Gatlinburg and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cooter’s Place
542 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone:  865 436 9909

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Rockies
88 River Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 430 8808

Gatlinburg Space Needle
115 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 4629

Gatlinburg Sky Lift is now Gatlinburg SkyPark
745 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 4307

Ogle Cabin
576 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 
900 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
Telephone:  865 430 3034

What to Eat:

  • Shrimp

The Beautiful Firefly Chalet in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

As our car turned the corner to make the uphill climb to the Firefly Chalet, we witnessed our first bear sighting that included three baby bears and their mother.   Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains are known for its black bears and we couldn’t believe our luck seeing these little cuties so early in our vacation.

Located in the Village of Cobbly Nob, the Firefly Chalet was our Gatlinburg property for our week’s vacation and it was absolutely perfect.   The property includes a golf course, three swimming pools and a tennis court for recreation.  A chalet-style home with three rooms, the Firefly was loaded with fabulous amenities including a hot tub, free WiFi, a pool table and spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

We booked the property through the Vacation Rentals By Owner website.  There is also a toll-free number to discuss the reservation with an agent which is 888 829 7076.  The 1,675 square foot chalet sleeps six with three bedrooms and attached baths.

The living room has floor to ceiling windows with a phenomenal view of the Smokies.  There is access to the outdoor balcony which was a great place for us to enjoy our morning coffee and to relax under a passing thunderstorm.  The central feature of the main living space is the beautiful stone, wood burning fireplace.

The kitchen was the perfect size, fully equipped with lots of storage space.  There was a breakfast table and additional bar stools for seating.   We used the outdoor charcoal grill to make hamburgers one night and enjoyed an evening of relaxing on the deck.

The chalet sleeps six with a sleeper sofa for an additional guest or two.  The master bedroom features a king-sized bed, private bath and a 24” television  with a DVD and VCR player.  Located on the main level is another king sized bed, 24” television with a DVD and VCR player.  On the lower level where the washer and dryer are located is another guest bedroom with a queen sized bed, 27” television with a DVD and VCR player.

Firefly is conveniently located 2.6 miles to downtown Gatlinburg and 11 miles from Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.  The  property is located on Highway 321 North in Gatlinburg.   For more information, visit the VRBO website to book your holiday at this spectacular chalet.

Have you visited Gatlinburg?  Where did you stay?  I would love to hear about your stay in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading about my stay at Firefly and wishing you many Happy Travels!

The Roaring Fork Auto Trail, Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Driving along the Roaring Fork Auto Trail, I felt transported from everyday life into a quiet wilderness of serenity.  Surrounded by white oak, chestnut oak, magnolia and maple trees, I could easily get lost in the moment, don a backpack and set off for an adventure into the wild.  I had not seen a car for miles and I slowly drove the six-mile route to enjoy the highlights of the auto tour.

The Great Smoky Mountains is a tree lover’s paradise thriving under optimal conditions.   With the perfect amount of rain and moderate temperatures, the canopy of cove hardwoods maintain a perfect ecological balance.  Wildlife also flourishes in the Smoky Mountains where there is an abundance of fox, opossum, raccoon, chipmunks and especially bears.

I approached the trailhead to Trillium Gap Trail, but there were so many cars parked alongside the roadway that I decided to stop by on another day. The trail led me to the top of Mt. LeConte, but I only hiked up to Grotto Falls and back which was about 2.6 miles roundtrip.

I passed through groves of hemlock and tulip trees which brought me to the Old Road.  I had seen a section of this road when I visited Noah “Bud” Ogle’s home.  It was a primitive trail with large rocks that made it difficult to travel by wagon.

Through the trees I caught a glimpse of the home of Ephraim Bales, another early settler to the area. The road passed by the house and there was a noticeable drive-thru split in the home.  The Bales family owned 70 acres where they had built their house, pig pen and barn.

On the left side of the road is the Alfred Reagan Place.  Although Alfred was a farmer, he was a carpenter and blacksmith as well, which provided more money to afford a more modern home.  He later opened a store along the roadside and a mill for making bread.  The home was not the typical log cabin and it was painted in the three colors offered by Sears and Roebuck.  The house and the mill are all that remain on the property.

Approaching the mill, I heard the sound of water rushing through the flume, traveling down towards the wheel.  The “tub mills” were given this name because the wheel was surrounded in a wooden tub-like enclosure.  Eventually, these casings would be removed, exposing the wheel.  Millers  would usually charge a “toll” of one gallon per bushel of corn meal.

As I came to the end of the drive, I passed through boulder fields and waterfalls before entering back into “civilization”.   It was a beautiful escape from the everyday life of technology and manufacturing.  The demanding yet uncomplicated days of manual labor are experienced by so few.  I wonder how many of us could really go back?

Did you drive the Roaring Fork Auto Tour during your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains?  What were your favorite stops?  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 time on the auto tour! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Roaring Fork Motor Tour
Just beyond the Rainbow Falls Trailhead
Telephone:  865 436 1200

  • Admission Fee:  There is no charge to drive the Roaring Fork Motor Tour as it is a part of the Great Smoky National Park.
  • Hours:  The park is open year around, though this road is closed during the winter season.
  • Amenities:  Pamphlet for auto tour ($.50)
  • Scenic View: Spectacular views of Great Smoky Mountains throughout the drive
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours, depending on whether you stop to visit the attractions
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for walking should you decide to stop at the attractions.  Wildlife, such as bears, may be wandering around the property, so be on the lookout and do not approach them.  We like to visit here in the afternoon as the trees provide shade from the warmer weather.

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.

 

 

 

Cade’s Cove, Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

I found myself mesmerized by the playful shadows fading in and out upon the Smoky Mountains.  Surrounded by clouds, the rolling hills were dense with firs and oaks, rising up in the distance from the valley of Cades Cove.  I decided to take an early morning drive along the 11-mile loop, one way auto tour to visit this informative living history museum.  Picking up the brochure, I began my adventure at the Orientation Shelter and followed the road heading west.

A cove is defined as a flat valley that exists between mountains or ridges.  A perfect location for settlers coming from the east, Cade’s Cove provided the ideal terrain for farming and raising cattle.  Today, there are over 80 structures that contribute to the historical perspective of life in the Great Smoky Mountains.  Dating back to the early 19th century where the population totaled 685, these buildings include homesteads and outbuildings, churches, barns and an early grist mill.

Dating back to the early 1820s, the John Oliver cabin is the oldest log home in Cades Cove and the first homestead on the tour.   Made from trees within the vicinity, the home has an upper and lower level that housed their Cadlarge family.

Organized in June of 1827, Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church was the meeting place for early settlers until the time of the Civil War.  Crossing into its entrance, there was a group of visitors singing hymns towards the front.  Several pews were occupied with onlookers enjoying the entertainment.  I took my place on one of the benches and closed my eyes for a moment to listen to the sweet sound echo off of the wooden logs.

A quick stop at the Methodist Church provided me the opportunity to examine several epitaphs dating back to the late 1800s with names familiar to the area.  It was here where I located the headstone of John Oliver and his wife Eurena Frazier Oliver who are noted as the first permanent white settlers of Cade’s Cove.

A group of Baptists that believed in the emphasis of Missionary work, started a church in 1839 called the Missionary Baptist Church.  The congregation shut its doors in 1944.

Once an Indian trail, Cooper Road Trail is a popular hiking path for visitors to Cade’s Cove.  Named after Joe Cooper, the road was a direct route to nearby Marysville.

Elijah Oliver left Cade’s Cove during the Civil War but made his home here once he returned.  There are several buildings on the property to include the dog-trot style cabin with the detached kitchen, springhouse, smokehouse, corn crib, a chicken coop and a barn. Oliver later added the “stranger room”, an addition to the front porch for overnight guests.

Approximately halfway through the driving tour is the Cable Mill Historic Area & Visitor’s Center, the perfect place to experience the everyday life of the Smoky Mountain settler.  Starting out at the center, I pick up additional information about the area and check out a couple of books and guides.

The blacksmith shop was once owned by Tipton Oliver and was brought to this site from another location in the park.  The blacksmith held an important position within the community creating farm-related items for the local residents.  With the use of hot coals and fire, the iron was shaped into tools, bits, chains and axes.

In addition to homes, the barn was one of the most important structures on the frontier because they provided shelter for the animals during the winter season. The cantilever configuration left half of the barn open as storage space for farm equipment and animals, while the opposite end was enclosed.

Following the wooden flume along the path, I notice the mill which was once owned by John Cable one of the area’s original settlers who purchased this land in the 1860s.  Soon after purchasing the land, he built the water-powered grist mill and sash sawmill around 1870.   The grist mill uses circular stones that crush grains to create meal while the sawmill cuts into the logs which were used for building homes.  Demonstrations of the grist mill take place here and visitors can purchase a small bag of grain.

A short distance from the mill, is the smokehouse where the meat from the hogs were cured by using smoke or salt.  The meat was stored here until it was time for the next hog was butchered.

The corn crib was a structure with cracks in between the logs to ensure that the corn would stay dry.  Consumed by both animals and man, corn was an important staple for the local residents.  They could grind it down to make bread or use it in their stills to produce moonshine.

The bridge-like structure within the distance of the corn crib was actually barn.  The load of hay could be brought up to the drive through so that the hay could be unloaded by two men speeding up the process of delivering the load.

Several important structures sit on land that was parceled out by the state of Tennessee once known as “Kate’s Cove”, named for the wife of Cherokee Chief Abrams.

The Gregg Cable House is known as the first frame house to have been in the area making it one of the greatest landmarks in Cade’s Cove. Many of the homes during this time period were not only homes but places of business as well.

Due to its location on a lush valley, surrounded by mountains, it is a wonderful place to see deer, making it one of the most popular destinations within the park.

Leeson Gregg built this house in 1879 on land that he had purchased from John P. Cable, who also provided him the lumber.  The home included the main open-style living quarters with a fireplace as well as three room upstairs.  A porch and kitchen were added later.  Looking up at the ceiling, I couldn’t help but notice a couple of bats, which had me running out of the building as soon as possible.

In addition to the Becky Cable House, there are two additional important sites located on this land which includes Don Lawson’s cabin….

…and the Tipton Cabin.

The “Cove”, once a hunting ground for the Cherokee, is located in a valley surrounded by spectacular mountains and an abundance of wildlife.  Living history demonstrations add an added educational aspect from spring through fall. Cade’s Cove is the perfect location for hiking, biking or taking a scenic drive and learning about the history of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Have you visited Cade’s Cove?  Did you drive, bike or walk through the park?  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 adventure at Cade’s Cove and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cade’s Cove
Cade’s Cove Loop Road
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

What to Read:

  • Cade’s Cove, by Nann Wilson
  • Cade’s Cove:  A Personal History, by William Wayne Oliver
  • Cade’s Cove:  The Dream of the Smoky Mountain by Rose Houlk

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Having finished the hike at Laurel Falls, we decided to go into town to have lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.  It would be a first time visit for my brother-in-law, Scott, who was a fan of the movie and after a hearty lunch we would wander the shops of downtown Gatlinburg.

For the first few minutes, Scott was reciting some of his favorite lines of the movie and naming all of the types of shrimp dishes we could order.  Nolan said that he wanted to be Bubba Gump someday because he could eat all of the boxes of chocolate, but he wasn’t sure if he would eat the shrimp.

With a little heat, the shrimp and chicken platter was the perfect portion and served with a side of fries.

Mom was happy with her fish and chips order which arrived with a side of coleslaw and tarter sauce while Joy’s order of fried fish was served with French fries.

Dad ordered the fried shrimp and French fries and a side of gumbo to add a little spice to his meal.

Scott selected the fried chicken platter with mashed potatoes and gravy and an ear of corn.

Nolan sat perfectly patient waiting for his pizza and kept himself entertained with the restaurant’s activity book.

It didn’t take him long to finish his meal and was urging all of us to hurry up as well.  He kept us entertained for a few more minutes asking his dad to tell him more about Forrest Gump, which made him laugh until he just couldn’t laugh any longer.

The movie, Forrest Gump, would win several awards to include the Academy Award for Film Editing, a Golden Globe for Best Director of a Motion Picture, the Golden Globe  for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture and the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role.

So when it comes to Nolan’s acting career, he’s going to have some big shoes to fill.

Have you ever visited Bubba Gump’s 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 Bubba Gump’s and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Where to Eat:

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 
900 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
Telephone:  865 430 3034

What to Eat:

  • Shrimp

Sugarland Cellars in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

It was a beautiful day to enjoy wine during our vacation to Gatlinburg, so my sister and I decided to make the short drive to Sugarland Cellars.  Located at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains, this winery is easy to find on the main strip of town.

Surrounded by beautiful oak wine barrels and strategically placed wine tasting counters, we couldn’t wait to try some of the sweet wines that the winery has to offer.

Kassaundra was our wine expert, helping us decide which wines to sample and she suggested the 12 sample flight.  Staring with the dry wines, we sampled the Greenbrier, a blend of Riesling and DeBlanc grapes, available for $19 per bottle.

The Hellbender was our second dry wine, a blend of of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel.  This was one of my favorite wines selling at $21 for a bottle.  I picked one up to enjoy later.

The LeConte, named for one of the Great Smoky Mountains’ highest peaks is a Chambourcin, most common in the cooler climates.  This wine is available for $18 per bottle.

Made from the Muscat grapes, the Martha Jane Rose is one of two semi-sweet options for $18 per bottle and the other is the Baskins Creek Blanc.

Three sweet wines wrap up our tasting with the Cherry-Kee made from local cherries, the Wiley Oakley from local blueberries and concord grapes and the Mountain Laurel from the muscadine grape, most commonly grown in this area sold at $18 per bottle.

We added a couple of additional bottles of the Cherry-Kee and Wiley Oakley wines so that we could sip them while enjoying the Smoky Mountain view from our rental’s spacious balcony.

Have you visited Sugarland Cellars winery in Gatlinburg?  Did you visit their wine production location as well?  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 wine tasting in Gatlinburg and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to Do and Where to Go: 

Sugarland Cellars Winery
634 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
865 325 1110

Corky’s BBQ in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

It was a long morning of travel and we were all tired when we entered Pigeon Forge.  Looking for a place to eat, we happened upon Corky’s BBQ, which claimed to offer original Memphis BBQ.  A slab of meat sounded fabulous, so we made a U-Turn and stumbled in for a hearty meal.

Their specialty is the ribs that are “lean and tender, hickory-smoked and basted with either Corky’s Original BBQ sauce or a secret blend of dry spices.”  We could choose the regular, large or full rack of ribs served with a choice of two sides.     I decided on the regular sized order of dry ribs with corn and a side salad.

The salad was loaded with tomatoes, red onions, cheese, croutons and a couple strips of bacon.  It was a hearty starter which was enhanced with a side of ranch dressing.

The restaurant offers “Killer Rib Combos” as well as BBQ dinners, starters, BBQ sandwiches and sandwich platters.  The portion sizes were quite generous and we left the restaurant extremely satisfied. It was time to find our chalet and unload the van before turning in for the night.

Do you have a favorite restaurant to visit while in Pigeon Forge?  What would you recommend?  If you have eaten a Corky’s BBQ, I would be happy to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my post about Corky’s BBQ and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Corky’s BBQ
3584 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN  37863
Telephone:  865 453 7427

Where to Stay:

Firefly is conveniently located 2.6 miles to downtown Gatlinburg and 11 miles from Dollywood and Pigeon Forge. The property is located on Highway 321 North in Gatlinburg. For more information, visit the VRBO website to book your holiday at this spectacular chalet.

Where to Eat:

Corky’s BBQ
3584 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN  37863
Telephone:  865 453 7427

 

The Loco Burro, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

It was my birthday and I wanted to walk around Gatlinburg to spend time visiting some of the shops and a couple of wineries on the main thoroughfare.  While the rest of the family decided to stay in for the day, Scott was up for taking Nolan to Cooter’s Garage to see the  Duke’s of Hazard memorabilia and would later meet me at Loco Burro for lunch.

I chose Loco Burro’s with its outdoor patio to people watch from the second floor.  The hostess led me towards the escalator where I rode it to the top.  The restaurant had just opened for the day, so there were several tables available.  I chose one with a view of the Observation Tower.

From here, I had a clear view of the Parkway which  was beginning to fill with tourists and traffic.  My server dropped off a menu with some chips, three salsa samples and took my drink order for a house margarita on the rocks with salt.

I decided on the chicken burrito with a side of beans and rice which arrived on a large platter and could have fed a family of four.  Finishing my meal, I requested a box to pack up my leftovers and continued to drink my margarita while eating a few more chips.

I was surprised when my server dropped off a large plate of desserts and learned that my friend Dave had called the restaurant and ordered them.  We had just talked for a few minutes prior, so I was appreciative of his kind gesture.   I knew there was no way I was going to finish these, so I waited for Scott and Nolan to arrive.

Within minutes of my dessert delivery, I noticed Scott and Nolan walking up the Parkway and waved down to them .

When Nolan saw the dessert at the table, his eyes were huge and he had such a big smile on his face.  Such a polite little guy, he would ask me if he could have another bite each time he had taken one.  I told him, that if it was okay with his father, he could have as many bites he was allowed.

Before leaving the restaurant, we noticed a mechanical burro and we begged Scott to ride it.  Of course Nolan wanted to ride it but he wasn’t tall enough, so he begged his dad to ride it instead.  The wait staff was encouraging him to do it and told him that if he could hang on for twelve seconds, they would purchase our meal on our next visit.

Nolan was happy to put the helmet on but he didn’t seem too excited wearing it.  Within seconds, he was taking it off and handed it to his dad.

Scott put on the helmet, mounted the mechanical burro and turned it on.  He stayed on for a few seconds and we couldn’t help but laugh when he fell off onto the large cushions underneath.  We laughed so hard and cheered him on for a couple of attempts before he decided he was finished. Although he didn’t beat the record, we had a lot of laughs.

Have you eaten at Loco Burro in Gatlinburg?  What did you order?  Did you ride the mechanical burro?  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 downtown Gatlinburg adventure and wishing you many Happy Travels.

Where to Eat:

Loco Burro
735 Parkway, Suite 1
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone:  865 430 5624

What to Eat:

I’m a burrito girl and their chicken burrito was amazing!  I also recommend the salsa trio and don’t forget to save room for dessert!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cataract Falls, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

All Nolan could talk about was our hike to Laurel Falls, so we decided to take the short walk to Cataract Falls the next day as it was listed as a perfect hike for small children.  He had been so excited to explore the outdoors, so with his walking stick, Nolan led the way on the 3/4 mile roundtrip trail toward the falls.

The pathway was started out paved and shortly turned to stone with a bridge built over the Fighting Creek.  Nolan loved having his photos taken, so we pointed out scenic spots for him to pose.

The floor covering was a beautiful green with plants and ivy.  Thick trees provided shade from the sun bringing the temperature down a few degrees.

The trail goes under a bridge with stones on each side and is on average, four feet wide with a gentle grade.   We had the trail all to ourselves and we reached the falls fairly quickly.

A few feet away from the bridge we could hear the falls.  Nolan’s face lit up when he realized he was hearing the rushing of the water and started running down the path.

Once the newness of the falls wore off, Nolan was more than excited to play at the base of them.

Within minutes, Nolan was calling us over to show us the snail that he had found.

It was difficult to leave, seeing how excited Nolan was for the hike, the waterfalls and little creatures, but it was close to dinnertime and promising him we would be going to visit Margaritaville, you would have thought he would have sprinted back to the start of the hike.  I guess that little guy was hungry.

Have you hiked the Cataract Falls?  What was your experience?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Cataract Falls 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