There is something about the mountains that calls to the heart of this beach town girl. The vastness of mountain ranges in the distance never fails to catch my breath. The winding roads and trickling waterfalls streaming down the rocky mountainside relax me in a way that flat land never does. Add a bit of snow to the picture, and somehow my heart is home though I have never lived anywhere but Florida.
My experience with mountains has thus far been limited to the southeastern United States. I can imagine higher and larger mountainous landscapes, but I cannot imagine sweeter beauty than that of the Great Smoky Mountains. I thrill to see them looming on the horizon after traveling hours to get there, and it always saddens me to see them fading in my rearview mirror when it is time to leave.
Three neighboring cities make up my favorite part of this area. North to south they are Sevierville (where my husband and I rented a sweet little cabin for our honeymoon) 
Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. Although these little cities draw approximately twelve million visitors annually, there remains a calm serenity over much of the land. It is exquisitely beautiful – particularly in the fall, when a kaleidoscope of color is displayed through the trees, and in the winter when a light snowfall blankets everything in brilliant white.
There really is something for everyone in this quaint little corner of the southeast. If your dream vacation includes shopping and excellent dining, your only struggle will be choosing where to go. If you enjoy the peaceful sound of a mountain stream flowing beneath the open back porch of a log cabin with a breath-taking view of the mountains, many options are available. I suggest you browse the VRBO website (https://www.vrbo.com) when making your plans.
If you enjoy trips to “the mountains” as much as we do, I feel sure there are several places you try to visit every time. Here are the experiences I always look forward to:
The Apple Barn and Cider Mill
Located in Sevierville, just a stone’s throw north of Pigeon Forge beside the Little Pigeon River, stands the Apple Barn and Cider Mill. This two-story General Store was originally built in 1910 as a barn and today houses fresh apples and cider from the orchards outside, delicious homemade jams and apple butter (which makes a great souvenir, by the way!) and a vast array of country décor items for your home. It is attached to the Cider Bar (family friendly, of course!) where you can sit and enjoy one of the most delicious homemade Fried Apple Pies you have ever had melt in your mouth! Be sure to order it “à la mode”, so you can taste their homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, and complete this perfect treat with a cup of hot or cold freshly squeezed apple cider. Are your taste buds watering yet? Just outside the Cider Bar is the The Creamery (an old time ice cream parlor) and the Candy Factory filled with an assortment of homemade candies, taffy, and fudge!
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Formerly known as the Dixie Stampede, the Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner attraction is one of my absolute favorites!
The delicious southern food, hilarious comedy, singing, dancing, and world class skills of the horse riders provide memorable entertainment and fun we continue to talk about long after the show is over. For an extra treat, there is a pre-show in a family friendly “saloon” hosting the awesome band Mountain Ruckus. Get there early for a good seat! I believe you will really enjoy them. Quite possibly my favorite part of the whole night, though, is the end of the dinner show when the “north” and “south” sides of the arena stop the competition and come together united as Americans. Let me know if this part makes you feel as proudly patriotic as it does me.
Ober Gatlinburg
You can drive (parking is limited) or take the Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg, but you should venture to the top of Ski Mountain Road to visit Ober Gatlinburg.
Inside this mall (of sorts) is an ice skating rink, shops, restaurants, and arcade games. Outdoors you will find the only ski and snowboard slopes in Tennessee and (my personal favorite) a snow tubing hill! It is way more fun than you can imagine if you have never tried it! Although this is primarily a winter destination, there are activities at the top of the mountain for fun that lasts all year long. Check it out!
Cades Cove
Leave the beaten path, take a step back in time, and enjoy the rich history and natural wildlife of the beautiful valley known as Cades Cove.
While driving the one-way, eleven-mile loop that circles the cove (particularly in the early morning or late afternoon) you are likely to see deer, turkey, raccoon, and even black bear. Take time to leisurely walk footpaths up scenic hillsides to explore wood-frame homes built in the 1800s. I love to enter the Cades Cove Methodist church and imagine the area’s former residents gathering there. The names of many of them are engraved on the headstones in the adjoining historic cemetery. The quiet peace of this early mountain settlement is a breath of fresh air amid the hustle of a busy vacation.
I normally do not spend a lot of time shopping on vacation, but there are two stores I never miss when I visit the mountains. They are The Incredible Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, and Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen in Gatlinburg. Please visit both of these, and make sure you try the pecan logs made with cherries at the Candy Kitchen!
Also, If you enjoy Christmas as much as I do, you really must stay at The Inn At Christmas Place where it is Christmas all year long!
These are my favorites – the places where I have made so many fond memories and intend to make more every chance I get. Please comment on this post to share your favorite experiences of The Great Smoky Mountains. I would love to hear them!
