G Is For...

GATLINBURG, TN.

AND

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

This past September we took our 1st official family vacation. I say official because earlier in the year we went to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, but we don't really consider a trip to New Orleans a true vacation. Many people may not consider Gatlinburg, TN. for a vacation with a toddler, but there are so many activities which are extremely child friendly.

We decided to drive, but stopped in Nashville on our way down and also on the way home. We actually planned to stay in Nashville for two nights on our way home, but we were having such a good time in Gatlinburg we decided to stay there an extra day.

We rented a two bedroom condo in Gatlinburg, which was in walking distance to the majority of our entertainment. The condo itself was beautiful and the view from our balcony was so peaceful, calm, and tranquil. We will definitely stay there again on our next visit.

One of our favorite activities was riding the Sky Lift. We rode the lift one time per day and a couple of times we rode it at night...the view was absolutely amazing.

Ober Gatlinburg was another fun family outing. Pictured below is the tram which you ride to the top of the mountain. The alpine slide was one of our favorites at Ober Gatlinburg. I was hesitant to attempt this, but sure was glad John talked me into it. Kyle was even able to take a ride. John rode with Kyle, since I was wasn't sure what to expect. Unfortunately, since we were riding the slide at the same time we weren't able to get any pictures, but pictured below is Kyle taking a little test drive. We did spend a couple of days, driving through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The park is really beautiful and such a sight to see. I would love to take a trip during the fall while the leaves are changing. Now that, I can imagine is a sight to see. The aquarium was another fun attraction Kyle really enjoyed. Dollywood is also close to Gatlinburg and that was on our list of things to see, however, we changed our mind and didn't go. I'm a little disappointed we didn't see what it was all about, but there is always next time. We chose to spend some time at the outlet mall instead. Outlet malls are always fun, no matter where you are! Well, at least for me...I'm not too sure about John and Kyle.

We really enjoyed our vacation and plan to go back one day in the future. Each year, my parents would take my sister and me on a vacation and one year we went to Gatlinburg. One of my favorite memories was actually seeing a bear while we were having a picnic in the park. Unfortunately, we didn't see any bears on our trip, except for the bears which were on display.

Of course, now that Kyle is getting older there are many other destinations we want to show Kyle. Hopefully, we will be taking another family vacation in the next few months, but haven't made any definite plans.

Do you have any vacation plans this summer? If so, where are you headed?

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