America Road Trip - Part 4 Great Smoky Mountains

Leaving rainy Nashville behind next stop and another 213 miles to go the next stop was Gatlinburg in the Great Smoky Mountains.

I spent a great deal of time researching where would be the best place to stay in the smokies as we only had one night to stay. Gatlinburg offered everything I was looking for.

Driving to Gatlinburg you pass the town of Pigeon Forge, most famous as the home of Dollywood - A theme park owned by the one and only Dolly Parton. Driving through Pigeon Forge was one of the most bizarre driving experiences ever. It has an upside down hotel and a replica of King Kong and the Empire State Building. The word that springs to mind is tacky tourist town but thankfully that was not the final destination.

Pigeon Forge

Nestled in the heart of the Smokies the small town of Gatlinburg has picturesque scenery, a Moonshine Brewery and lots of personality.

Going at the beginning of August this place was very busy and full of tourists but that didn't distract you from any of the towns charm.

Quaint shops and restaurants line the side of the one road that goes right through the heart of Gatlinburg and pretty much everything is within walking distance.

A few recommendations if you are going to Gatlinburg are;

* To try all different 12 different types of Moonshine that they offer at the Brewery. I managed all 12!!

12 Varieties of Moonshine

* Look out for Racoons

This little guy was hanging out on a shop roof

* Take the sky lift to the top of the mountain for great views of the town. I went up just as the sun was going down so you had great views as the sky changed colour.

View from the top of the ski lift

If you have more time to spare in Gatlinburg there is also an Aquarium and an old fashioned trolley cart that takes you through the town.

Be sure to pay a visit to the Great Smoky Mountain Visitors Centre as they offer great advice on the best walks and drives to do with the time you have in the smokies. Due to limited time we opted for a drive up to Clingmans Dome observatory tower for a quick view from 7000 feet up, before setting off for a drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway. This beautiful drive is incredibly high and through endless winding roads but on the other side we entered the State of North Carolina and one step closer to the final destination.

Thanks for reading my little blog!!