Exploring the Smoky Mountains: A Family Adventure

Exploring the Smoky Mountains: A Family Adventure

At the end of August, I took an unforgettable road trip to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee! The natural beauty was absolutely breathtaking, and the sunsets were simply stunning every single day (just check out the photos!). The only downside? Our trip was far too short, so I’ve decided to plan another visit around Thanksgiving! 🎉

Day 1: Cabin Check-In and Relaxation

We checked into our cozy cabin, which offered incredible value for the price 🏡. After settling in, we explored the charming town of Pigeon Forge, picking up some groceries for our stay. In the evening, we gathered in the cabin to cook together, soak in the hot tub, and play some pool – it was the perfect atmosphere to relax and unwind with friends and family.

Honestly, it’s tough to find these kinds of moments together after starting work again.

Days 2-4: Thrills at Dollywood

Next on our agenda: Dollywood, which many visitors rave about as the No. 1 amusement park! While the park isn’t enormous, we opted for seasonal passes, eager to make the most of our time. Thankfully, being there mid-week in late August meant no long lines, so we enjoyed 18 rides (including a few repeats, of course!).

As the park was in its autumn theme, the pumpkin decorations and lights created a festive Halloween atmosphere 🎃. I can’t wait to return around Thanksgiving when I’ve heard the park transforms into a magical winter wonderland filled with over 6 million Christmas lights! ✨

Day 5: Relaxing and Horseback Riding

The fifth day was all about relaxation. We slept in and went horseback riding at a place we found on Google Maps called Jayell Ranch. The overall experience was delightful, and they even had UTV rides and other activities available. Just a note: make sure to book ahead as prices can be a bit on the high side! 😅

Next Up: Our Bucket List

As we plan our next trip, here are some places we hope to visit:

• Clingmans Dome for spectacular views
• Hiking the Laurel Falls trail to see the beautiful waterfall

If anyone has other recommendations, please share! I’d love to hear what to check out next! 🎯

Cabin Recommendation

If you’re looking for accommodation, I highly recommend Outrageous Cabins! 🏡 Driving up the mountain, these cabins are some of the newest and most well-kept in the area. I spoke with their staff who mentioned they routinely renovate and maintain their properties. Our experience was amazing; the cabin was spacious, clean, and well-organized. As someone with high cleanliness standards, I was pleased to find the hot tub water is changed after each guest! After this experience, I’ll definitely choose them again for my next visit. 👍

#smokymountains #ThanksgivingTravel #USATravel #FamilyFun #OutrageousCabins