Call me a creature of habit, but I have one vacation destination (ahem, Disney\Universal) that I prefer to go above all other destinations. I know every time I go, I am going to have the best time and I leave wanting to plan my next trip back. Maybe it is the nostalgia of my childhood or maybe I just really, really need an escape but Disney is my absolute "Go-To" place to leave all my worries behind and it works every time.
However, my darling husband, disagrees. Do not get me wrong, he also enjoys a good Disney\Uinversal trip (especially with the new Epic Universe on the horizon), but he also gets a little bored of it... unlike myself. So it being his birthday next week, I have planned a trip that I tried my best to tailor to him as much as I possibly could. and that includes the following:
NOT DISNEY
Not Universal
Some place almost the exact opposite of those places
He loves the mountains
He loves the calm
Some place that can get you in the Holiday Spirit
Lastly, for me to absolutely NOT plan every minute of the trip
That last one, being the hardest for me to do. I naturally want to get the most out of every minute of our vacations together since its not very often and for me that means planning everything we can possibly do and reserve to the minutes in the day. However, first thing is first... where to go??
Gatlinburg, TN
Why Gatlinburg you ask? Well first things first, it is so pretty. From the picturesque Smokies to the town lighting up like its own big Christmas tree at night during the holidays, I knew he would love it. Second, my husband loves a good road trip (I do not, I would fly every time), and Gatlinburg is just over 8 hours away which will give us plenty of time to get that road trip feel without me wanting to cry at the end of it. Third, Gatlinburg has a lot to do. Way more than I even anticipated but it also *hopefully* is a place unlike my beloved Disney where no reservation means no entry and you have to plan it all out down to the minute. Lastly, I have been taking a peek at some of the food and shopping options and I cant wait to see what Gatlinburg has to offer.
Look How Pretty!
This here is the view from our cabin in the mountains of Gatlinburg. When I tell you I have high expectations, I do. I am really hoping for that cozy cabin feel when we are there and get to reconnect as a family and get some R&R with some fun on the side.
This cabin looks so cozy and home-y, I just imagine waking up and seeing the sun rise with a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa) and enjoying our beautiful view in the mountains. Now in my vision, my four year old isn't screaming running around and I am not chasing after him hoping he doesn't fling himself off said mountain, but a girl can dream at least right? Either way, I am hoping that in the chaos, there will be some moments of peace that we all can enjoy together.
Road Trip!
Road trip - 2000
I HATE driving for long periods of time. I am not one of those "its about the journey not the destination" people. I am 100% "its about the destination and please get me there as soon as possible" type of people. My husband funny enough, is not a driving type person either, but he for whatever reason has rose colored glasses for a road trip. The only reason I am even a little bit ok with the drive (Other than its for his birthday) is that we are making a pit stop on the way there and the way back splitting up the travel time.
Cincinnati
We will have about a day, maybe a day and a half here in Cincinnati. Another place I have also never been so I can cross it off my list at least! I saw here there is a Botanical Garden, a Zoo and I am hoping in our short time here, we can find some other hidden gems possibly! If anyone has any reccomondations I am all here for it. With the little time we will be here I would like to make it somewhat fun and memorable but I am also trying to "play it by ear" and fighting that urge to plan ahead.
What to do in Gatlinburg?
Now this is a loaded question. There is just so much I did not know before doing some research. Now that I have, four days seems like it will only scratch the surface (and let in opportunity for maybe another trip?). The one and ONLY thing I have planned (trying to keep my promises, here) was a trip to Anakeesta. What is Anakeesta? Why, its a theme park of course (haha)... but not just any theme park. They have ziplining, mountain coaster, gem mining, and so much more. Plus during the holiday season they have something called Astra Lumina, which I will be honest, I have no real idea what that is going to be like but I am so excited to see!
They also have so many other places to check out:
Dollywood
Ripley's Believe it or Not
Obren
Magic shows
Night time dinner theather
Tons of comedy shows
Tours
Discovery Zoo
Carriage rides
Hollywood Wax Museum
Plus so much more in shopping and eating!
My biggest worry, is I have only purchased tickets for Anakeesta. I will update you on whether or not playing it by ear and not organizing every day comes out to our detriment or if me letting go a bit turns out ok. I am hoping for the latter but I have burned before (oh, Disney).
I am hungry and I want to shop!
I love to shop.. way to much. From the looks of it Gatlinburg will deliver. From the themed little village area and all the store areas available, something tells me if you need me, just find me here. The top five places that I can tell so far to visit for a shopping trip are:
Great Smokey Arts and Crafts Community
The Village
Mountain Mall
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House
They have an entire place for just jellies. Who could not love that?!
The Peddler Steakhouse
From the looks of it, Gatlinburg has a wide variety of food. From fine dining to comfort foods, it has something for everyone. I personally love fine dining, but there is nothing like a good burger or some biscuits and gravy. I cant wait to see what they have in store for our pallets and maybe try some new things!
I will be updating you on our trip and how it goes but in the meantime, have you been to Gatlinburg? Any tips? Suggestions? I would love to know for our trip!
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