A Tourist inTennessee
Sometimes in our travels we just have to acquiesce and be a tourist. And since we’re in SE Tennessee, Gatlinburg /Pigeon Forge fits the bill. As a matter of fact, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are one giant family playground guaranteed to melt your credit card!
You can find an endless supply of tee shirt/souvenirs shops, theme park style attractions, alpine slides, zip lines, restaurants etc. etc. all in the shadow of the Smokey Mountains.
There are a couple of attractions that are well worth battling the crowds and traffic. One is the Aquarium and the other is the newest attraction called Anakeeska.
Getting to Anakeeska requires a chair lift ride to the top of the mountain which at times you are dangling 75 feet up. Not for the faint of heart!
Once at the top, you’re greeted with a fabulous view complete with rocking chairs, beautiful gardens, a great lunch spot and walk in the tree tops.
A few years back, this whole area fell victim of a catastrophic forest fire that was deliberately set. The fire destroyed several hundred area homes, businesses, and devastated acres of precious woodlands.
Though Mother Nature is working hard to repair the land, the scars of the fire will be visible for years to come.
The Smokey Mountains are spectacular in their own right and the Gatlinburg area has much to offer for family fun. If you decide to make the trip, just be prepared for the crowds.
Without Hesitation 
Sometimes bring a tourist is just what you need. Gatlinburg is beautiful anytime of year. Since I’m one of the “faint of heart” thank you for the pictures from Anakeeska. Happy and safe travels to you both.
Jennifer
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