Tag Archives: Tennessee

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

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

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

John Rankin House: A Historical Safe Passage for Slaves

Many safe houses along the Ohio River provided a gateway to slaves that had escaped the south in pursuit of freedom.  Having recently visited the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, I became more interested in visiting these private homes and shelters and was curious to learn more about the families that operated them.   My search led me to The John Rankin House in Ripley, Ohio.  This home was instrumental in providing assistance to over 2000 slaves in the 1800s.

Waiting for the tour to begin, I wandered towards the front of the property to check out the scenic view of the Ohio River.   A stone path and wooden stairs lead down a steep decline to the street below and the vista is amazing on a clear, sunny day.

The tour begins in the parlor which is located at the front entrance of the house.  Decorated in its original blue woodwork and hand painted stencil, the house is refurbished in the way it would have appeared in the 1840s.

The character Eliza, from Harriett Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin, is loosely based on the life of a young slave girl who passed through the Rankin home.  The wood burning stove, mentioned in the book, was a central fixture located in the parlor of the home.

Before dams and locks were installed along the Ohio River, it was half its current depth and half as wide.  This made crossing the river much easier than it would be to travel across today. Once the slaves reached Ohio, their first stop was the John Parker House down by the banks of the river. The local Red Oak Presbyterian church was also a haven for slaves between 1862 and 1868.  A light in the window of the Rankin house signaled to Parker when it would be safe to bring the slaves to his home.  From here, the girls of the home would feed their visitors, give them dry clothes and provide them a place to sleep.

Slaves could stay only about four to five hours before continuing their journey.  They would travel along the underground railroad, a series of homes reaching Canada or Mexico that supported the freedom of slaves.

John Rankin was a reverend and staunch abolitionist.  He was forced out of the southern states of Kentucky and Tennessee because of his beliefs and eventually made his home in Ripley.

Moving into the house on the hill in 1822 he paid only $700 for the 66 acre farm. There were nineteen people that lived in the Rankin House which included nine sons, four daughters and a few relatives.

The barns that they owned would also be used to hide slaves.  Eventually, when bounty hunters would be allowed to search properties to find runaway slaves, this would be risky.

Jean Rankin, John’s wife, spent most of her time in the kitchen, while John could be found in the bedroom writing his sermons.  Period furniture appears throughout the Rankin House and the Bible and glasses on display were property of the Rankin family.

The bedroom on the lower level was the master that had a rope bed/trundle bed.  The stenciling found by the bed is original and it was protected by glass as part of the $1 million restoration of the home.

The kitchen has a nice fireplace with plenty of storage space and cupboards.  In the center of the room is a large table for the adults to sit, while the children and servants would stand to eat.  Other amenities included a butter churn, an overgrown wood station with a sink, a candle maker and a coffee grinder.

The girls and boys slept upstairs with multiple children sharing a bed.   Sometimes, during the winter months, the boys would take a place on the kitchen floor to stay warm through the night.

The boys’ side of the room was always messy with clothes and shoes hanging from their beds.  In the event that their parents would need their assistance in the middle of the night, they could quickly dress in the dark and make their way downstairs.

By 1850, bounty hunters were permitted to cross into Ohio to take their slaves back to the south, but they were not allowed to enter the homes.   One night, there was a total of eight bounty hunters that approached the house while the eight children remained inside with their mother. She would not allow them to go outside in fear for their lives.  Jean Rankin stood guard with her shot gun and was prepared to protect her family.  At one point, shots were fired, but it was later determined that there were no fatalities, only an injured bounty hunter who was shot in the leg.   During the time that the Rankin family took in slaves, none of them were injured nor caught while in their care.

Putting their lives in danger to assist slaves in their quest for freedom, the Rankin family are true American heroes. Learning more about them through the tour of their home, I am humbled by the passion of John Rankin and his active stance against slavery.  He truly was a reverend who knew how to practice what he preached.

Update:  The John Rankin House, formerly owned by the Ohio Historical Society, the home is now under the management of the Ohio Connection.

Have you visited the John Rankin House or can you recommend another home that was on the Underground Railroad trail, open for visitors?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly provide your information in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to the John Rankin House and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

John Rankin House
6152 Rankin Hill Road
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 937 392 4044

  • Admission Fee:   Adults:  $6, Children and Students age K through 12:  $3,  OHC Member:  Free, Children 5 and under:  Free, Golden Buckeye Card Holders:  $5
  • Hours:  The John Rankin House is open from May to October from 10AM to 5PM from Wednesday to Saturday and 12PM to 5PM on Sundays.  The museum us also open for the Historic House Tour.
  • Amenities:   Available by appointment outside regular museum hours.
  • Scenic View:  Views from the home overlook the Ohio River.
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit: Visitors can schedule private tours and photos can be taken on the inside of the house.  Public tours take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Where to Stay: 

The Signal House Bed and Breakfast
234 N. Front Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone:  937 392 1640

Where to Eat: 

Cohearts Riverhouse
18 North Front Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4819
American Cuisine with a fabulous view of the Ohio River!

Ripley Gourmet Tortillas
6 Main Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4000
People rave over their guacamole!

Fifties Diner
15 South 2nd Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 9328
Cute little diner with American food located along the river!

Where to Drink: 

Meranda-Nixon Winery
6517 Laycock Road
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone:  248 891 0935

What to Read: 

  • The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead
  • Harriet Tubman:  The Road to Freedom, by Catherine Clinton
  • Uncle Tom’s Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Bill and Shawna in Oldsmar

I had been waiting for my friend, and former boss, Bill to call when I checked into the Don Cesar Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Bill and I worked together at the Tampa International Airport and he was from Hendersonville, Tennessee.  Everyone loved Bill not only because of his southern accent, but although ten years older than most of us, he wouldn’t miss the opportunity to hang out with us.

I dropped off my luggage and hurried to the beach for a moment to take in the Gulf of Mexico.  It was a full day of travel and I was so excited to pick up Shawna from the airport.  I was hoping that she would be up  for hanging out, but tomorrow, we would make the drive back to Miami to spend more time with her cousin and my best friend, Melissa.

Sitting at a table with a Mojito in hand, Shawna had called to let me know she had arrived but was waiting to in baggage claim as her luggage had not arrived.  I finished my drink and began the short drive to the St. Pete-Clearwater Beach airport.  Shawna had her second wind and wanted to find a place for dinner.

So excited to see Shawna, we found  Jack Willie’s Bar and Grill in Oldsmar and ordered our dinner of wings and a salad.  We caught up on how she was doing at the Montessori, reminisced about our girl’s trip to Turkey and discussed what we may want to do when we reached Miami.

I loved spending time with Shawna.  She is intelligent, funny, spontaneous and a wonderful mother to her two girls and son.  Never a dull moment with this girl and her positive spirit just gravitates you towards her.

After a long day of travel, Shawna was extremely tired and was not up for a night of karaoke, a favorite past time for Bill.  She agreed to drop me off at nearby Peggy O’Neill’s Irish Pub and Eatery so I could follow up with Bill and reminisce about our time in Tampa.  He agreed to bring me back to the hotel, so she left within minutes to rest for the night.

Bill was full of energy and could not wait to meet up again and catch up about all of our friends that we worked with at the airport.  He was always such a support of my singing and so karaoke was such a fun pastime that we shared.  If it wasn’t for Bill, I would not have had the opportunity to sing with a band that performed each week at the PGA Sawgrass. What an amazing experience.  Bill and I had such a great time at Busch Gardens and Peggy O’Neill’s.  We spent a couple of hours singing our favorite songs until it was time for the bar to close (of course).  It was a lovely night that I will never forget.

Little did I know that it would be the last time I would spend with Bill Harper.  A couple of years later, Bill passed away and it was such an incredibly sad day.  A man that loved life and was the life of the party, he would surely be missed by all who had ever known him.

Have you experienced such a memorable event that you will never forget?  Whether it was the last time to spend with a friend, a breathtaking view or an experience that would be etched in your mind forever, I would love to hear about it if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my favorite people and our reconnections.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Peggy O’Neill’s Irish Pub and Eatery
13910 W Hillsborough Ave
Oldsmar, FL  33635
Telephone:  813 749 7192

Where to Stay:

The Don CeSar
3400 Gulf Boulevard
St. Pete Beach, Florida  33706
Telephone:  844 338 1501

Where to Eat:

Jack Willie’s
1013 St. Petersburg Drive West
Oldsmar, FL  34677
Telephone:  813 749 7932

 

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

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.