May 20 Gatlinburg, the Smokey's and Pigeon Forge

Some lovely ladies we met at the Grand Ole RV in Nashville had told us about this fabulous Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg.  We decided this morning to give it a shot and so glad we did.  Turns out they were the first Pancake Restaurant in Tennessee and they have been in business since 1960.  Smart folks...no credit cards or checks...CASH ONLY.  They actually have an ATM machine right by the check out.  The food was awesome and the place was packed!  After that we walked up one side and down the other side of the entire main street of Gatlinburg.  Many of the shops offer free samples of their wares and I have to tell you, had we not had a huge breakfast, we could have had lunch just walking up and down the street.  Way too many of the same shops, but at the same time, some really cool unique and interesting shops.  We aren't big "shoppers", but it was fascinating to wander in and out and see all the "goodies".  Paula Deen has a nice shop in town.  I love to collect Christmas Ornaments on our trip, but had to draw the line at a stick of butter as an ornament!  Yes, that's right!! We had to work off all those calories from breakfast so we did not partake of all the goodies, but if you come....enjoy!  After that we drove into the the Smokey Mt. National Park, but before we got very far along we hit heavy fog and some rain so ended up turning around.  In the meantime I had been emailing a client from Knoxville who said as long as we were in Pigeon Forge we had to check out "The Island" so we stopped there on our way home.  Awesome place and we would have missed it without the recommendation.  Cool shops, lots to do and a pleasant surprise.  Ended the wandering at the Smokey Mountain Moonshine shop where you get free samples of about 10 flavors of moonshine.  Needless to say....nap time when we got home!

No....we did not eat it all, but oh boy...YUM!!!

Saw this guy across the road as we were shooting pictures of the mountains.  Wild turkeys are all over the place.

The waterfall is timed to music and all the way around are rocking chairs so you can sit and enjoy the "show".  We figure this part of Tennessee is designed for young families with kids....everything has a ride, candy or something that will appeal to kids and young families.  Can't even imagine what this place is like in the summer.  We really have enjoyed traveling in May and I shutter to think what it will be like as we travel in July and August.  We so enjoy NOT standing in long lines!