Enjoying the Snowy days

This year we had a cold and snowy winter, which was unusual, especially in middle of Tennessee. In fact, I think the whole country had a rough winter. The recent massive snow storm brought the record low temperatures, ice and snow across the country - has left millions of Americans without power. 

We got a good amount of snow over the weekend and had such a great time playing in it. We don't always get a lot of snow out here, so when it does come we make sure to enjoy it while it lasts.  Whether you’re wrapped in a blanket on your couch or out playing in the snow, there’s wintry inspiration all around us, and always something to share with our family.

Making memories with family is what life is all about.

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21 comments AdBenture, Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Nashville, Tennessee, United States, Winter Getaways, Winter Memories

A colorful time to explore Smoky Mountain in East Tennessee

Everyone knows the further you go up North  the vibrant fall colors display draw a lot of visitors.  But did you know that the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee puts on its own stunning display of gold, red, yellow and orange as the temperatures cool down and the days shorten?

The landscape here is populated with sugar maples, hickories, sweetgum, scarlet oaks, red maples and nearly 100 other species of native trees.  This colorful show from Mother Nature will last not that long.  It’s another great reason to make a trip to eastern Tennessee and take a break from your hectic everyday life.

We decided to join a million other leaf-peepers in the Great Smoky Mountains.

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19 comments Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Jeep Adventure, Shades of Autumn, Tennessee, United States

Visit Anakeesta Theme Park in the Mountains of Gatlinburg Tennessee

My husband and I were in Gatlinburg, TN for the Labor Day weekend and for the first time we visit Anakeesta. Anakeesta is a new attraction since the big forest fire of 2016.  It offers a unique outdoor mountain experience for all ages.  Admission includes a scenic Chondola ride from the Parkway to the summit, 16 bridge Tree Canopy Walk, Treehouse Village Playground, Forest Memorial Walk, Dueling Ziplines, Gem Mining, shopping, dining and the most gorgeous scenic views of Great Smoky Mountain.

The breath taking view of the restaurant on top.

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42 comments Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Tennessee, Theme Parks, United States

Cataract Falls Hike in the Smoky Mountain

We enjoyed our short hike to Cataract Falls,  one of the most popular falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Located just a half mile behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cataract Falls is an easy hike with a small set of stairs near the falls.  The first part of the trail was flat and featured a small foot bridge that crossed the creek next to a tree that had some very interesting features.

At the end of the hike you will find a beautiful waterfall. The waterfall is comprised of two low-flow streams totaling a 25-foot drop into a small pool below.  After periods of rain, the waterfall is quite impressive!

📌  Hike the Smokies Challenge

Our very first hike at Smokies.

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19 comments Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Hiking Trails, Tennessee, United States, US National Park, Waterfalls

Visit Fontana Dam at North Carolina

Located in the far western corner of North Carolina, Fontana Dam is the tallest dam east of the Rockies . It was built in 1940s by the Tennessee Valley Authority in response to an urgent need for electric power during World War II.  This dam is surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala National Forest, and deep river gorges. Fontana ranks among the most beautiful dams in the world.  In addition to providing hydroelectric power and flood control for the region, the lake created behind the dam on the Little Tennessee River is a popular site for many kinds of outdoor recreation.

One of our stop over view at North Carolina.

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27 comments Fontana, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Historic Landmarks, Jeep Adventure, North Carolina, Rivers and Lakes, United States

Hike to Charlies Bunion in the Smoky Mountains

From the popular tourist stop Newfound Gap, Charlie's Bunion is  an eight mile round-trip moderate to strenuous hike along the historic Appalachian Trail.  The views  will take your breath away and the hike is definitely a strong cardio workout.  One of the toughest hike we've ever did.  Its almost 2.7 miles uphill and 1.3 miles downhill.  Hiking path is rocky so be sure to have sturdy hiking shoes. There is no washroom until you get to shelter which is 3 miles away from starting point.  There will be two intersection on the way so do check sign board and follow correct trail.  It will be better if you start hiking early like 9 am or so.  Although  it was super smoky that time, we did get to see a little bit of the view and watch the clouds roll over the mountains.

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42 comments Charlies Bunion, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Hiking Trails, Tennessee, United States

The 10 Must-See Waterfall Hikes in Tennessee

Welcome to East Tennessee, the home to the nation's most visited national park— the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tennessee is famous for beautiful outdoor scenes. With its beautiful blend of rustic scenery, smoky mountaintops, rolling hills and countryside, it’s pretty clear Mother Nature lay her place in Tennessee. 

As one of the Appalachian Trail’s highlighted states, Tennessee is a paradise for backpackers and hikers,  and the state has plenty of hot spots for black bear sightings. Challenge your self  and your family! Join numerous hikers that have logged over 100+ miles and the park will reward you with mileage pins.

Here are 10 must-see hiking trails and waterfalls in Tennessee, in no particular order. (Click each waterfalls name to view more photos.)

1. Hike to Ozone Falls

Located just off U.S. Highway 70, Crab Orchard, Tennessee. This stunningly grand Ozone Falls is a 110-foot waterfall with a pool below it has been a popular tourist attraction for more than a century. The waterfall was named Ozone, because the mist from the falls was believed to have healthy qualities. Today, the waterfall is protected as part of Ozone Falls State Natural Area and it's just a short hike — less than a mile — and easy, but the trail that takes you to the pool below is strenuous, especially on the way back up.

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33 comments Crossville, Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park, Travel Tips, Waterfalls

Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage 2017

It’s late October and the fall foliage 2017 season is underway to the lower elevation at the Great Smoky Mountains. The fall foliage  for this year is an average season. This is because of the moderate summer temperatures during this past summer . But an average fall foliage appearance is still a good one.

When hurricane Irma passed through East Tennessee weeks ago it did cause some closures in the park. But the closures were more for safety reasons. There was no real damage to the park and areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are open. The wind from Irma was not bad enough to have a detrimental effect on this year’s fall foliage season.

Impressive display the dramatic scenery of fiery trees in Smoky Mountains.

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18 comments Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Jeep Adventure, Road Trip, Shades of Autumn, Tennessee, United States

The Smoky Mountain Fall Festival

The muggy summer heat fades into an inviting fall chill.  The greenery on the trees transforms into the vivid colors of the season.  Today is the time where everyone starts to wear a jacket and warmer clothes when they go out.  When you visit the Smokies in the fall, you can be assured you’ll always have something to celebrate, whether it’s a harvest festival, a food tasting or a parade.

My favorite time to visit the Smoky Mountains is fall. Autumn is a special season in the Smoky Mountains with the incredible weather, beautiful scenery of fall foliage, talented craftsmen, delicious treats, mountain music, and everything else that makes fall one of the favorite times of year for both locals and visitors.

Smoky Mountain is your home-away-from-home all year long, but fall is an especially good time visit. 🍁🍂🎃

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5 comments Festival, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Mountain, Shades of Autumn, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park, Townsend, United States

Wears Valley Log Cabins

This year we only experience mild winter in East Tennessee and I like it by the way.  Just because the temperatures are a little uncomfortable doesn't mean you need to be stuck inside all winter. Driving around is a pleasure, and allows for plenty of exploring. We both enjoy an uncrowded area of Wears Valley where we can briefly survey the mountain range beyond in all its glory on a mid morning drive.

First winter in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park should not be missed. Even if there is snow accumulation and some business establishments are closed. There is still many places to check out. Also, bears are hibernating, so there is not much concern there either. Though the GSMNP is not vibrantly green like other seasons, you may be surprised to discover how breathtaking it is even on a winter days.

The mountain cabin homes located throughout Wears Valley, Townsend Tennessee.

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10 comments Cabin and Hotel Reviews, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Jeep Adventure, Mountain, Road Trip, Tennessee, Townsend, Winter Memories