CNN iReport

Other than Dolly-Wood, Pigeon Forge and it's many comedy dinner shows, helicopter rides, amusement parks, mini golf , race car tracks and all the fast food joints you can imagine ( As well as some fine restaurants) there are The MOUNTAINS!

Ahhh yes, in the good old days.... that's where we went!  Just to see the mountains.

The Smokey Mountain Parkway is one of the most beautiful in our nation.    I am partial of-course.

A nature lovers dream, hiking, white water rafting, horse back riding, camping and just pic-nicking for the day is a delight. Hundreds of species of plants, flowers and animals call the mountains home.

The Black Bear being our most famous critter.

About an hours drive from Knoxville, Tennessee "that once scruffy little city", it is a fantastic alternative to those far away, gas guzzling vacations.

Gatlinburg is a small tourist town nestled in the shadows of the greenest mountains in the land of the free. More delicious food, shops and stores to please every interest.  Kids from one to one hundred one will never get bored.

Ripley's offers a very nice aquarium, with lots of hands on participation.

Over the the mountain as the crow flies, about thirty-five miles is Cherokee North Carolina.

Now the two lane road is a real treat in it's self!Your be-hind meets up with your face going around the circle curves.

The trip is worth the seat clutching drive. Just chew on that gum and keep popping your ears!

The passion play" Unto These Hills"  the story of the "Trail of Tears" is in it's 58th season.  It is an open air theater, backed by the serene mountain scenery. This a very eye opening and heart breaking saga of the first Americans .The beautiful art work of the Eastern Band of The Cherokee Nation is a breath taking experience.

An afternoons short drive , a weeks camping trip, or motel lovers paradise, The Smokey Mountain getaway is our choice for a stay close to home four seasons of the year!