So, for our 20th Anniversary, Me and the Mrs. took a week, and visited the beautiful Smoky Mountains. I say we went to Gatlinburg (because that’s where our cabin was), but really Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville are all there together. It was a long drive, but not terribly difficult, as it was mostly Interstate travel. We even got to stop at not one, but two Buc-ee’s.

Ok, as a tangent, Buc-ee’s is a really large gas station/convenience store chain. I mean, REALLY big. There’s only two in Tennessee, and we stopped at both.

So, onward and upward we travelled, and arrived at our cabin. I’d rented a cabin from Jackson Mountain Rentals, and as soon as we drove up, we saw a bear across the street rooting in the back of a maintenance truck. Here’s a picture of the cabin.

You can click on the picture to go to the site to see a lot more pictures of the cabin. I’m happy to say these pictures were mostly accurate! There were a few differences, such as a different TV and stand in the living room, an additional metal cabinet in the bedroom, and things like that.

We bring our stuff in, and get settled in. The next day we went out to a local Food City and picked up some stuff and brought it back. By that time, it was lunch, and we went to Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet, where Lisa ate some crab legs.

Over the next couple of days, we went up the Gatlinburg Space Needle, saw the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud show, The Island at Pigeon Forge, and walked downtown Gatlinburg window shopping. Great fun! We even made it to Smoky Mountain Knife Works. Wow, what a huge place! Had every edged object you can imagine!

Just a few of the display pieces. I literally could not think of an edged object they didn’t have examples of. Seriously you should visit if you’re in the area.

So, we left to head back home. Some things I learned that week. I learned there are three general types of drivers in Tennessee. Those that think the speed limit is a “suggestion”, those that think their car will explode if they get within 10mph of the speed limit, and those that hate whatever lane they are in at the moment. Also, screw you downtown Nashville for your funky intersections. I almost died! There were cars and people everywhere, and like seventeen streets all meeting together! Ok, that was hyperbole…it was only like 6 streets. STILL!

Overall, we had a great time in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Sevierville area. Hopefully if ever go back, we can do even more fun stuff!

So my oldest has now graduated high school. John will start college this fall. Not going to lie, I have mixed feelings. I’m proud of the man he’s grown into, happy he seems to be happy and not too traumatized by my parenting skills, and sad that he’ll now be moving out on his own (at least part-time). John, your mom and I love you a whole bunch. Be a good friend, a good man, and a good human being.