"To Disney & Beyond" ~ Road Trip 2010 ~ Final Drive & Final Thoughts

[Spartangirl]

Just wanted to say I am really enjoying your report

I also want to say thanks for the Laurel Falls pictures!

We went for vaca back in June and I picked that trail for us - now you gotta realize that we have alot of little ones - so we packed a picnic and headed up the trail. Wouldn't have been bad except the 75 pounds of babies and stroller I was pushing My husband was pushing Nathan - I mean the guide books say it is stroller accessible and even though it said moderate I figured we were ok - we like to hike and are in relatively good shape. Yep about half way up I was like no - I can't push this thing anymore!!! So we "carefully" turned around, pretty much "chased" the stroller down, and found another picnic sight ... with a nice river view

We didn't get to eat at the Pancake Pantry either - wanted to but the line was always so long but we really liked the Donut Friar

Thanks so much for joining in, Jessica! I'm so happy that you finally got a chance to "enjoy" Laurel Falls, even if it was only through pictures! Wow...the guide book said stroller accessible? I guess "technically" it is, but I understand your struggles, especially with your little ones. There were some pretty steep drop-offs and it was pretty much all uphill.........I'm SO GLAD to hear that you found another picnic sight. There are so many gorgeous places all throughout the Smokies!

Yay...another Donut Friar fan!

this brings back so many memories. i spent almost every childhood summer, at least in part, in the smokies

Welcome to my report and welcome to the DIS! I'm so glad I helped spark so many of your great memories from the Smokies...such beauty to be found there!

Such pretty hikes!!! The falls and views are beautiful! However, I did a double take when I saw that sign about bears! I think I would have thought twice about heading down the path!

The hikes were gorgeous, Jackie! Part of me wanted to see a bear (from a distance of course) and the other part of me was very happy that we didn't have any encounters!

You weren't even kidding! That thing was huge.

We live in Middle Tennessee, but it has been years since we have been over to Gatlinburg. (We saw bears a couple of times when we went, by the way, but we were in a car, thankfully.) We keep saying we are going to, but whenever we get a chance to get away, we head south to Disney World. Whenever I see pictures, though, I say again that we need to get over there - at least for a weekend trip. Thanks for sharing your time there with us.

Hi MeMom! Thanks for joining in! My ultimate goal is always heading to Disney World too, but I'm so happy that we took the time to stop in Gatlinburg and the Smokies. It really is beautiful and would be a PERFECT weekend getaway!

I can not wait to read tomorrow. We go to Tennessee quite often and before we had our children we did the same hike but never went to Clingman's Dome. It really brings back great memories! If you ever get a chance to go back in the summer, I would suggest staying at the Hippensteal Moutain View Inn...it's the most amazing place. It is a splurge but it is so so so worth it! We haven't been in several years because of the kids but it is just beautiful and so relaxing. One note about the Pancake Pantry- we have gone there very often but usually for lunch (they seem to close at 2 on most days). They have amazing burgers that are really different. Once my brother in law got one that had bananas on it...he said it was wonderful! They also have these cucumbers that they bring to the table as soon as you sit down and they are so good! I asked for the recipe once but they don't give it out! Thanks for sharing your adventure!

Welcome to my report! I'm so happy that I was able to spark a few of your memories! The Hippensteal Mountain View Inn....I'll have to take note of that...thanks for the suggestion! Now I REALLY feel like I missed out on the Pancake Pantry! I just have to keep thinking of the "next time" we visit!

I forget all the time that I live so close to all that beauty! Glad you enjoyed your hikes....I just love spotting deer. They are one of my favorite animals.

Melanie...isn't it amazing how we sometimes "forget" what is in our own backyard? The Smokies were gorgeous...when I thought I had seen the most beautiful sight, a new one would come and would be even better!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Holy calzone is right! That thing was huge! Am I the only one who is so Disney obsessed that I kinda sorta spotted a hidden Mickey on the donuts you guys bought?

The hike through the mountains looks beautiful. I wish we would have had more time to explore when we went there last month.

 

[Shannon84]

What beautiful views!! I think the steep drop offs would make me nervous But it really looks worth it for the views and pictures you took.
Looks like you had great weather too which helps!

 

[MinnieTexan]

Lynne, great photos and update! I find myself looking forward to your posts!

We love to go to Gatlinburg and explore. The last time we went, we ate at the famous Pancake Pantry. The menu was pretty amazing, and so were our pancakes. Next we'll try the Donut Friar...looks very yummy! I can't believe we've never been there. I don't ordinarily eat pancakes or donuts...but, when in Rome...

The falls are so beautiful. We love to hike the trails there, but eeek haven't ever seen a bear sign like the one you two saw! We did see elk grazing at sunset. That was pretty awesome. The critters with smaller teeth are more my speed - at least when we're talking about close encounters!

Thank you for sharing your wonderful pics! Anticipating your next update!

 

[TinksThree]

Subbing...your title caught my attention since the Smoky Mtns are our favorite vacation spot (although I am trying to convince DH Disney is pretty awesome too!!). We go to Gatlinburg a lot...every Thanksgiving at least if not more in the year!! The rest of your road trip looks pretty exctiting as well!

We do the same thing at the Wax Museum! That is so much fun posing with
the wax figures! Your pictures were cracking me up!! And I love that huge Christmas store! We collect ornaments also...I am a travel nut and would travel constantly if I could! And we love Laurel Falls. It is such a nice hike. I am always planning a new adventure!

I can't wait to hear more!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I had a few updates to catch up on - I've been a bad DISer!

First of all, how in the world did you ever find out about the llama trek and camel ride? That looked like so much fun!

I can't believe the size of that calzone - I'm full just looking at it. And I'm totally cracking up that you bought a Spartan gnome in Tennessee

The pictures from your hike are beautiful.

 

[redsox721]

Another great update. Love the waterfall pictures. Question--the pictures of you and your hubby together, did you ask someone to take them or do you use a small tripod? Thanks. Looking forward to the next one.

 

[Spartangirl]

Holy calzone is right! That thing was huge! Am I the only one who is so Disney obsessed that I kinda sorta spotted a hidden Mickey on the donuts you guys bought?

The hike through the mountains looks beautiful. I wish we would have had more time to explore when we went there last month.

I LOVE that you spotted a hidden Mickey on the donuts...I had to go back and look! The hike was just gorgeous.......the views were so spectacular!

What beautiful views!! I think the steep drop offs would make me nervous But it really looks worth it for the views and pictures you took.
Looks like you had great weather too which helps!

Hey Shannon! The views really made the hike worth it! Yes, there were definitely steep drop-offs, but as long as you stayed on the trail it was fine. The weather was hot, but beautiful...I couldn't have asked for any better!

Lynne, great photos and update! I find myself looking forward to your posts!

We love to go to Gatlinburg and explore. The last time we went, we ate at the famous Pancake Pantry. The menu was pretty amazing, and so were our pancakes. Next we'll try the Donut Friar...looks very yummy! I can't believe we've never been there. I don't ordinarily eat pancakes or donuts...but, when in Rome...

The falls are so beautiful. We love to hike the trails there, but eeek haven't ever seen a bear sign like the one you two saw! We did see elk grazing at sunset. That was pretty awesome. The critters with smaller teeth are more my speed - at least when we're talking about close encounters!

Thank you for sharing your wonderful pics! Anticipating your next update!

Hi Kathy! So glad you're enjoying my posts...I really appreciate the feedback! I don't normally eat pancakes or donuts either, but when on vacation... I was pretty surprised to see the bear sign posted below the trail...it was a little intimidating! Wow, elk? That would be so cool...especially at sunset! I'm happy to be sharing my pics...more on the way soon!!!

Subbing...your title caught my attention since the Smoky Mtns are our favorite vacation spot (although I am trying to convince DH Disney is pretty awesome too!!). We go to Gatlinburg a lot...every Thanksgiving at least if not more in the year!! The rest of your road trip looks pretty exctiting as well!

We do the same thing at the Wax Museum! That is so much fun posing with
the wax figures! Your pictures were cracking me up!! And I love that huge Christmas store! We collect ornaments also...I am a travel nut and would travel constantly if I could! And we love Laurel Falls. It is such a nice hike. I am always planning a new adventure!

I can't wait to hear more!

Welcome and thanks for joining in!!! I can now see why the Smokies are your favorite vacation spot...it was so beautiful there! Don't you just love the Wax Museum? We had a blast in there! The Christmas store was very cool...it reminds me of a HUGE store that we have here in MI called Bronners. Laurel Falls was a great hike...I'm so glad we got to experience it! More on the way soon...

I had a few updates to catch up on - I've been a bad DISer!

First of all, how in the world did you ever find out about the llama trek and camel ride? That looked like so much fun!

I can't believe the size of that calzone - I'm full just looking at it. And I'm totally cracking up that you bought a Spartan gnome in Tennessee

The pictures from your hike are beautiful.

Hey Michelle! Doesn't it stink when LIFE gets in the way of DISing? Our school year is going to start soon, so I'm trying to get in as many updates as I can before then because I know I won't be able to get on here as much! Oh my gosh...the llama trek/camel ride...I just did TONS of researching and came across it on the web. I thought it was such a crazy and unique thing to do so we gave it a try...SO MUCH FUN! That calzone was the biggest one I've ever seen! Isn't it crazy that we found that gnome in TN??? Right then and there I knew we had to take it home! Thanks so much for the compliment!

Another great update. Love the waterfall pictures. Question--the pictures of you and your hubby together, did you ask someone to take them or do you use a small tripod? Thanks. Looking forward to the next one.

Thanks so much, Cheryl! Up to this point in the TR, all of the pics of the two of us are from the use of a tripod. I call it our "travel tripod." It folds up to the size of a small tripod, but extends to a full size tripod. Very handy when traveling! There will be some pics in the TR where someone took our picture and some where we do the "arm stretch!"

 

[Spartangirl]

Monday, July 26, 2010
Clingmans Dome, No Way Jose & Big Hair

Our hiking in the Smokies wasn't complete just yet. Chris and I still wanted to make it to the highest point, which was Clingmans Dome. We set out for Newfound Gap and our first stop was Chimney Tops for some cool pictures.

Our next stop included pictures of the North Carolina - Tennessee border and the Appalachian Trail. We found it so exciting to be able to stand on the REAL Appalachian Trail!

And...who could forget the beautiful views?

Our final stop was the famed Clingmans Dome...

Here are a few shots I took along the way...the views were pretty cool on the hike up!

I thought this butterfly was so pretty!

Here's the tower!

After a steep climb to the top, we were able to enjoy some spectacular views, along with a drastic temperature drop! The weather in Gatlinburg was in the 90s and at Clingmans Dome it was in the 70s...absolutely perfect!

After a full day of hiking, we headed back to our hotel to drop a few things off. Soon, we were ready to go again! As we left the room, we heard a few claps of thunder and noticed an occasional bolt of lightning. Chris and I were planning on walking to the far end of the strip to eat at the Smokey Mountain Brewery. However, as we were walking, the rain started "pouring buckets," so we ducked into Cooter's.

Chris and I were both Dukes of Hazzards' fans growing up, so it was fun to check out the little museum.

Looking outside, it didn't look probable of making our dinner destination anytime soon, so we changed our plans. We noticed a Mexican restaurant called No Way Jose's that was directly across the street from us. As soon as the rain let up a little bit, we made a break for it.

We were seated within 10 minutes, after being given a wait time of 25. Our server brought us yummy chips and salsa and we both ordered the famous strawberry margaritas. They were very strong and very good!

Side note ~ Notice my hair in any of these pictures? I usually wear it STRAIGHT...not so much with 80% humidity! For any of you "Friends' fans," I felt like Monica in the "ping-pong" episode where her hair got bigger with each clip! ~ End side note

For dinner, I had a taco salad which was pretty good!

Chris had a Macho Macho Grande Grande steak burrito which he loved! I just liked saying the name of it!

After dinner, the sky was still dark and we could hear thunder and see lightning. So, we decided to call it an early night. Chris and I went back to Zoders and sat on our peaceful balcony for the last time. We didn't stay out there for too long because we wanted to get an early start the next morning. We were going to be headed to DISNEY!!!

Up Next: Headed to my "Happy Place!"

 

[Disneygrl36]

Sitting here waiting for my hubby to get home, so we can head to the airport to head to WDW for his conference!!!!
Loved the update & the pictures of the moutains. It really is beautiful up there. We went on a hike recently just across the NC border & saw those same type of butterflys!!!!

Wow that margarita looked awesome!!!!!

Yeah, Disney is next!

 

[Princess_K]

It looks like you had a great time in Gatlinburg...and you got some beautiful pics!

 

[stacikristine]

What great updates! That's so fun that you and Chris get an ornament from every place you visit. We do that too--and it's so fun to look at the tree and be reminded of the different places we've been. With all of the traveling you two do, you'll have to have 3 trees before long!

Those garlic rolls and the calzone look AMAZING! I'm reeeeaaaaallllyyyy hungry right now, and that definitely didn't help!

Your hike sounds so great. We love hiking and exploring too. If you ever come to OK, you need to visit Turner Falls near Davis. We camped there last year and we hiked all around, and it was gorgeous. Your pictures are fantastic--as always! And each time I see one of your pictures of the two of you that isn't an "arm extended shot", I get more convinced that we need to get a tripod. I can tell you were having SUCH a good time together!

 

[ashleighbass06]

That is absolutely beautiful! I am going to have to make it there at some point in my life (I'm sure DBF would agree in a heartbeat. He's already packpacked in the Smokies twice!)

Our final stop was the famed Clingmans Dome...

Hey! I hiked the sea portion of the mountains-to-sea trail...in the Outer Banks. Gosh I love North Carolina. I want to move there!

Can't wait to hear about DISNEY!

 

[Jennifer48]

Another great update!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I love all of the pictures you took along the hike. Just gorgeous!

Too bad it rained and you had to change up your dinner plans. However, the meal you had looks pretty yummy!

 

[SoonerGirl]

That stinks that it rained your last night, but at least it didn't hamper the day, just your dinner plans

I think your hair looks cute curly

 

[Spartangirl]

Sitting here waiting for my hubby to get home, so we can head to the airport to head to WDW for his conference!!!!
Loved the update & the pictures of the moutains. It really is beautiful up there. We went on a hike recently just across the NC border & saw those same type of butterflys!!!!

Wow that margarita looked awesome!!!!!

Yeah, Disney is next!

I hope you two have a great time, Melanie! It was so beautiful in the mountains and those butterflies had such a pretty color! The margarita WAS awesome! Yep, DISNEY will be in the next update!

It looks like you had a great time in Gatlinburg...and you got some beautiful pics!

We had a fantastic time in Gatlinburg...and thanks so much for the compliment!

What great updates! That's so fun that you and Chris get an ornament from every place you visit. We do that too--and it's so fun to look at the tree and be reminded of the different places we've been. With all of the traveling you two do, you'll have to have 3 trees before long!

Thanks, Staci! I know...our tree is getting pretty full! That's cool that you two collect ornaments too! We have so many people comment on our tree and all of the unique ornaments we have.....plus, like you said, it's so fun to be reminded of all of the places that we have been!

Those garlic rolls and the calzone look AMAZING! I'm reeeeaaaaallllyyyy hungry right now, and that definitely didn't help!

Sorry! They were AMAZING!!! I could go back there and have the exact same meal again!!!

Your hike sounds so great. We love hiking and exploring too. If you ever come to OK, you need to visit Turner Falls near Davis. We camped there last year and we hiked all around, and it was gorgeous. Your pictures are fantastic--as always! And each time I see one of your pictures of the two of you that isn't an "arm extended shot", I get more convinced that we need to get a tripod. I can tell you were having SUCH a good time together!

We've never been to OK, but I'll definitely keep Turner Falls in mind if we do. Thanks so much for the suggestion! Thanks for the compliment on my pics! I LOVE bringing a tripod with us. Yeah, it can be a pain sometimes when having to carry it, but I never regret it when looking back at the pictures. We really do have a great time together...I can honestly say that in our 9 years of marriage, each year has gotten better! Chris is truly my best friend!

That is absolutely beautiful! I am going to have to make it there at some point in my life (I'm sure DBF would agree in a heartbeat. He's already packpacked in the Smokies twice!)

Hey! I hiked the sea portion of the mountains-to-sea trail...in the Outer Banks. Gosh I love North Carolina. I want to move there!

Can't wait to hear about DISNEY!

Oh my gosh, Ashleigh, I was blown away by how beautiful it was in the Smokies.....definitely go if you ever have an opportunity! North Carolina is beautiful, isn't it? I bet the hike was so pretty in the Outer Banks. DISNEY is definitely next!!!

Another great update!

Thanks so much, Jennifer!

I love all of the pictures you took along the hike. Just gorgeous!

Too bad it rained and you had to change up your dinner plans. However, the meal you had looks pretty yummy!

Thanks so much! The views were unbelievable and just seemed to get better as we went along! We were a little bummed about the rain, but happy about our find in No Way Jose's. We really did have a good meal!

That stinks that it rained your last night, but at least it didn't hamper the day, just your dinner plans

I think your hair looks cute curly

We were a little bummed about the rain........However, there was actually a rain threat everyday! We happened to get very lucky that it only rained on that last night! Thankfully we found another good restaurant! Thanks, Michelle...I guess I'm not used to seeing it that way!

 

[hlrababy]

yay for Cooter's!!! haha We love going in there and seeing all the cool stuff from the show!

I still need to figure out how to burn a commercial on my computer and upload it on here. I don't know if I told you, but a couple of years ago, Chad and I were at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the nascar race. Well, we were walking by and I looked over and said to Chad, "OMG, that is John Schneider!" They were filming a commercial for Duke Fest that they had at AMS. Well, this lady walked up to me and asked if I would like to be in the commercial. Of course I said yes!! I had to hold the microphone up to John as he was teaching someone how to slide across the General Lee. So cool!!

 

[MinnieTexan]

Another great update! You two are very photogenic, and love seeing all of the places you visited. Appreciate the food report from No Way Jose - I've often wondered what their food is like. Those margaritas look delicious! We'll add to our Gatlinburg to-do list too!

Looking forward to your next post!!

 

[redsox721]

Another great update. I am so enjoying your trip. The views are incredible. I showed your pictures to my husband and now he's very exciting about doing this trip next year. I love your photos. Can't wait for the update from WDW.