Gatlinburg, Tennesse

April 19th – April 26th

After a wonderful time in North Carolina, it was time to start heading west. Our first stop was Gatlinburg TN in the Smoky Mountains! We were told it was a fun town surrounded by beautiful terrain. We were excited to get back into the woods and into more of a nature setting.

The drive through North Carolina and into Tennessee was beautiful. As we got into the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, we were awestruck by the beautiful trees and rolling hills and mountains. We had enjoyed all of our stops up until this point, but, our souls came alive as we got some fresh mountain air!

After a long drive, we arrived at Greenbrier Campground where we were scheduled for a week. Our RV spot was nestled up to the pigeon forge river. It was beautiful! I asked the camp host how the fishing was around the campground and he said excellent. The boys were excited.

We were starving after setting up camp and one thing I’ve heard about Tennessee was the amazing BBQ. So, we went and got Hungry Bear BBQ nearby. It was great! We were off to a good start.

The first few days the boys spent tons of time on the playground meeting new friends and enjoying breaks from school. They also were getting some good fish! Over the weekend, we met a wonderful family from TN and the boys had a blast with their kids! They also homeschool and we had great conversation with them. We also made our way to Laurel Falls in the Smoky Mountains and had a wonderful hike.

Gatlinburg is like a big circus with tons of arcades and things to do along the main strip. We did lots of tourist “stuff” including hitting the arcade, going to an amazing aquarium, going to the top of the space needle (wonderful views). We also found the most amazing cinnamon bread one could ever taste! The aquarium was particularly great and we learned more about the life of Robert Ripley.

We did another hike up to Grotto Falls and the drive was beautiful! On the hike, we happened to run into some of our new neighbors from the campsite whom we had not yet officially met. As we passed each other on the hike, we stopped for a visit on the trail and got to know them. God has brought some wonderful people into our lives throughout this journey and we were so grateful to meet new friends. We ended up connecting with the family and enjoyed a night around the fire as their 12 year old son led us in worship!

After the hike, we ate the best BBQ of our lives. Bennett’s BBQ in Gatlinburg. Wings, Brisket, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, BBQ Chicken AND, the best Peach Cobbler we’ve ever had!! Honestly, we still talk about this meal. PLEASE GO if you are ever in Gatlinburg.

Our time in Gatlinburg was truly incredible. Beauty all around, great meals & friends, boys having a blast with kids and being in a town where it felt like normal life again. We look forward to coming back to the Smoky Mountains! Our next stop was Nashville and well, that was a different story….