Gatlinburg Getaway

The kids' fall sports wrapped up in time for a four day weekend so we planned a trip to Gatlinburg.  We wanted to check out a place we had never been to before and we could drive to.  Gatlinburg checked all the boxes as far as drivability and things to do with the whole family.  I have to say, we all had a blast.  It's one of those places you don't need to see twice but I think it's safe to say we are all glad we went.

We drove down on a Friday and arrived in time to unpack, grab dinner, check out the hot tub and play the arcade games in the rental house.  Saturday was spent at Anakeesta which was probably our favorite day.  The weather was perfect on Saturday.  We grabbed donuts at the Donut Friar and then rode the chairlifts up to the top of Anakeesta mountain where we found mountain coasters, food, drinks, live music, playgrounds, tree top walking paths, shops, and light shows.  We were there for hours, had a blast and then rode the chairlifts back down the mountain around 9:00 PM to head back to the house for quick showers and bed.

The weather was hit or miss on Sunday but the rain held off long enough in the morning for us to grab breakfast at the Pancake Pantry, play some putt-putt at Hillbilly Golf and walk the strip taking in all the sights and people watching.  Once it started to rain, we were ready for a snack so we check out Jason Aldean's restaurant for some food, drinks and Sunday football.  Both the Browns and the Chiefs won!  After a late lunch, we went to the Mirror Maze that Mairin was adamant about, did some shopping and then went home to get ready for dinner.  Sunday night we had dinner at The Peddler which had an enormous salad bar, good food and we even got to see a black bear and her cub in action down by the creek outside the window.  With that, our Tennessee trip was complete.  We spend Sunday night and then headed out early Monday morning.

It was amazing family time.  The kids laughed, got along, and Gatlinburg provided something for everyone.  It turned out the be the perfect long weekend.