On the road
We had to make a stop at the closest gas station to fill up the tank. While waiting in line to pay, my hubby, Roger, reminded me to grab a pack of batteries for the camera...crap! It was the one thing I for got to pack. After another stop at the house to get it, we were on the road...again.
Keep your kids from getting bored in the car
Polaroid 7" Dual Screen Portable DVD Player DPA-07051B
Amazon Price: (as of 01/04/2010)
Planning ahead pays off
We had decided to take this trip a few weeks beforehand so we got online to check out hotels. This is made a little bit more difficult for us because we have a family of five and most hotel rooms only allow for a four person capacity. Luckily, we came across the Comfort Inn in Pigeon Forge, about 10 miles away from Gatlinburg. It was close to everything and had family suites which accommodated up to six people. The room also had a mini-fridge and a microwave. Perfect! So we booked it for two nights.With the hotel room out of the way, we were able to browse around and find other 'affordable' activities for our family to do. We had our activities roughly planned out but left it flexible...you have to when you have three young children. Naps and temper tantrums can make a trip go from bad to worse in a hurry. With the details out of the way, we were able to pack stress free and enjoy our trip without knowing that we had planned it in advance.
We arrived around 5pm and check-in was quick, due to our reservation. Our room was on ground level, down the hall from the indoor pool, and we had outdoor access to the parking lot. That was nice because we could take our stuff to and from the car quickly while also having a view of out car at night...very reassuring. Needless to say, I was very happy with our stay there and will definitely stay at the hotel again in the future.
Spur of the moment can be fun
This is my husband's family, four generations. It includes him (in the middle), our 3 girls, his dad, his grandmother, his two brothers (ages 16 and 21), and our niece and nephew (they belong to the 21 year old).
Right after check-in, we are settling in and thinking about dinner plans. My husbands dad, Jim, calls to see if we arrived ok. In a spur of the moment idea, it is decided that Jim and Roger's two brother will be joining us the next morning to go to the Aquarium in Gatlinburg. This was supposed to be our family vacation but I didn't mind too much. They are a close bunch and I love them as by blood family.
After all the plans were arranged, we took the kids to eat pizza and then let them cool off in the hotel's swimming pool. After a quick change of clothes, we walked about a clock from the hotel to a Baskin Robbins and ate ice cream outside. It is a small pleasure but the kids were already enjoying themselves and we hadn't done anything terribly exciting yet. Yes! Mission accomplished...happy children.
The more, the merrier
On Monday morning, we woke up early and took the kids to go eat the free breakfast at the hotel It was very good, by the way. They had the usual cereal, muffins, and fruit. The awesome thing was that they also had fresh biscuits, gravy, and scrambled eggs. They also had a station to make your own Belgian waffles...my hubby loved that. Another check goes on the positive side of this hotel. Sorry...food makes me ramble.Anyways, right as we were finishing breakfast, Roger's father called and informed us that they were in the parking lot. We met them outside and after a few moments of chit chat, all eight of us were on our way to the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. It was a very short drive but the views were so beautiful. You get to drive through the stretch of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that connects Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg. It's hard to believe that there is so much beautiful forest between two very busy tourist towns.
Gatlinburg is a gorgeous city. The main part of it, though, is like a tourist strip. It is full of local wedding chapels, shops, and eateries. You could walk around it all day. That had to wait for us though...on to see the fish!
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
These are a few of my favorite shots
You can click on the picture to see the full size version of it.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not Special Edition 2009
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! 2009 (Ripley's Believe It Or Not Special Edition)
Amazon Price: $10.87 (as of 01/04/2010)
Read this review from Amazon:
"This is an excellent rendition for readers interested
in a plethora of curiosities on earth. The book
describes how the Zebrafish repairs its own eyes.
There is a beautiful picture of a monster mushroom.
A bionic hand is depicted along with a robotic
violinist. A section has a curious museum of brain
matter. The Colorado wrestling alligators are shown
in a popular action pose. Lastly, a spectacular
Crystal Cave depicts an atmosphere of pure ice.
The acquisition would make a perfect gift for the
curious at heart." -Joseph S. Maresca
More Ripley's Attractions
- Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum
- Robert Ripley was a great explorer. He traveled the world looking fro the odd and unusual. Whenever possible, he would bring artifacts home and today they are displayed in his museums all around the world.
- Ripley's Moving Theater
- When 3D just isn't enough, Ripley's 4D Moving Theater let's you experience every bump, dip and turn in their new virtual reality simulator.
- Ripley's Haunted Adventure
- Built over an old cave the locals call 'The Sinks', venturing into this haunted house could be bad for your sanity. Enter at your own risk.
Ride 'Em Cowgirl!
After the Aquarium, we walked down the strip to the new Ripley's Marvelous Maze of Mirrors. It was so much fun and the kids loved it. We had to keep them close though. It took us a few tries to get through it.After that, we went back to the hotel for a little nap and we were out and about again. We found a local stable called Big Rock Dude Ranch about 3 miles from our hotel. My oldest daughter didn't want to ride so Roger took our 4 year old, Lynlee, out on the trail. It was her first horse ride and she loved it. Our youngest, Brooklyn, and oldest, Kaitlyn, stayed behind and fed the animals...some goats and chickens. We also watched a few peacocks and bunnies run around the grounds. It really was a treat for all of us.
Do you have a little cowboy/cowgirl?
Throw them a cowboy birthday party!
Small Miracles Let's Pretend Cowboy
Amazon Price: $26.97 (as of 01/04/2010)
Plastic Color Cowboy Hats (12)
Amazon Price: $11.87 (as of 01/04/2010)
25 COWBOY rodeo dance Birthday PARTY BALLOONS western
Amazon Price: $12.49 (as of 01/04/2010)
Rodeo Cowboy Birthday Lunch Napkins
Amazon Price: $4.00 (as of 01/04/2010)
Cowboy Cowgirl Party Favor Bag Birthday Wholesale 12
Amazon Price: (as of 01/04/2010)
There's gold in them ther' hills!
You would think that after the stables we would be done but we weren't. My oldest child has an obsession with shiny things, gems and plastic whatnots. We thought that she would enjoy mining for gems. There was a place called Pigeon Forge Gem Mine about half a mile from our hotel where you can buy a bucket fills with sand and dirt and unknown stones. We bought a huge $50 bucket for the girls to share. They each got their own screen and went to town. Anything bigger than a pencil eraser we put in a plastic bag and took inside to the 'assayers' and they told us what we had found. My girls had found small garnets, emeralds, rose quartz, pyrite(fool's gold), and smoky topaz among other various things. We also had a piece of rose quartz cut and polished into a one carat oval stone. It was fun and I would recommend mining to anyone going through town. "Vacation is what you take when you can't take what you've been taking any longer." - author unknown
Finally Home
We were heading home the next day but we stopped at the Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Mall first. It is like a huge outdoor mall...every girl's dream. There was a small carousel on the sidewalk next to where we parked and the girls begged me to ride it. I bribed them by saying that if they were good and didn't whine (their worst habit) while I was shopping, that I would let them ride it before we left. We went to the Old Navy Outlet and The Disney Store Outlet and even stopped at The Fudgery (the best fudge around). The girls were overall very well behaved so they got their carousel ride.
They slept the whole way back to Knoxville. We stopped and rented "Enchanted" and had a movie night at home. It was a great mini vacation and we are planning to do it again at the end of Summer. I have great memories and I am so glad that I could share them with you.
Check out these other lenses about Tennessee
-
Nashville
-
This is my love letter to Nashville, my adopted hometown. We are indeed, country music and grits, but we're much more. We are great dining, cool shopping, serene nature spots, colorful internationals, world class symphony, independent arts. Allow me...
-
Ghost in Tennessee
-
Love a good ghost story? Every area has interesting stories of the supernatural. The Volunteer State is no exception. We have stories about ghosts, ghouls, and specters, etc. A place for haunted houses, spooky stories, ghostly tales and all things pa...
-
Born and Raised
-
"I sit at my computer and stare out my window and realize how beautiful the view is. Normally, I can see a view of the Smoky Mountains but today it's gone. It's early spring and the leaves are returning which block my view. I guess I can bring my gaz...
Don't forget to rate my lens!
- Rate this lens:
- Email it
- Favorite it
- Lensroll it
Wouldn't you love to go to Gatlinburg?
If you have been there or want to go...let me know.
-
Reply
- Joan4 Joan4 Jul 20, 2009 @ 8:51 pm
- We love Gatlinburg! In fact, we spent our honeymoon there almost 50 years ago! Enjoyed all your great photos! Blessed by a SquidAngel!
-
Reply
- Intuitive Intuitive Jun 13, 2009 @ 1:32 pm
- I went to Gatlinburg on a family vacation when I was 10 and I thought it was the most amazing place! I've always wanted to go back as an adult. 5*
-
Reply
- sandyspider sandyspider Jun 9, 2009 @ 10:04 pm
- Thanks for sharing your vacation. Looked like fun.
-
Reply
- Treasures-By-Brenda Treasures-By-Brenda Jun 5, 2009 @ 9:32 pm
- Yes, I'd like to go to Gatlinburg. I'd stay at your hotel and EAT COOKIES IN BED!
Great work; blessed by a Squid Angel.
-
Reply
- Jewelsofawe Jewelsofawe Jun 5, 2009 @ 3:33 pm
- That was fun! Thanks for sharing your vacation with us. I enjoyed it!
- Load More
My favorite charity
The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now.
About this lensmaster
Lensmaster j_barnhart4 has been a member since January 17 2009, has rated 624 lenses, favorited 74, and has created 92 lenses from scratch. Jessica Barnhart donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund, A Day of Hope, and Diabetes Research Institute. This member's top-ranked page is "Loving An Alcoholic". See all my lenses
My Bio
I am a Giant Squid, a Charity Mentor, a Squidoo Angel, and a Rocketmom. I am lucky enough to work from home by making money on Squidoo, SwagBucks, Chitika and Tagfoot. I have two blogs, My Name Is Not Mommy and A Cake A Day. I manage to juggle all of these things around being a sahm of three beautiful girls and the wife of the best husband in the world. My plate is full and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Check out these great lenses...
-
- Loving An Alcoholic
Alcoholism is a disease. It is envious...relentless...and it hurts everyone that gets in it's way. It can't be cured and it doesn't go away. Even when an alcoholic becomes sober, the alcoholism is still th... view lens -
- How To Have The Best New Year's Eve Party Ever!
New Year's Eve is the one night where it is okay for the entire family to stay up all night and celebrate. Whether you are having an adults only party or a family friendly affair, this lens is sure to help you find the best ways to keep all of your g... view lens -
- Christmas Music
Christmas is my favorite time of year. Nothing gets me in the mood for the holidays like Christmas music. Listening to (and maybe singing along with) people singing about snow, and caroling, and chestnuts on an open fire make me feel like... view lens -
- The Squidoo Pay-It-Forward Challenge
Squidoo is a community. We help each other. Whether it be by offering advice in the forums or offering words of encouragement in a guestbook, we stand by each other. I truly believe that when we give, just a little, we recieve more... view lens -
- The Most Fun And Unique Wedding Favor Ideas
Weddings are a time to show your friends and family what kind of couple you will be. From your colors, to the size of the wedding cake, to the song you choose for your first dance; wedding tell who you are as a couple. One of the best way... view lens
by j_barnhart4
Explore related pages
Myrtle Beach- Myrtle Beach South Carolina is one of the East Coast's greatest vacation de...
Gatlinburg Vacations- My wife Jean and I have been on several Gatlinburg vacations up around the Great...
Cabin Rentals in the Mountains- One thing is for sure, having a getaway or vacation in the mountains is about as...
Fall Colors In The Smoky Mountains ~ Romantic Get Away- Fall colors in the Smoky Mountains can make for a magical romantic get away that...
