Keeping Our Rhythm

We were hitting our stride for visiting pancake restaurants. This morning, we dropped by Log Cabin Pancake House for our morning flapjack fix. If a restaurant has cabin and house both in its name does it make it extra special? Well this place certainly had some unique topping combinations. Crystal was sticking with her berry heavy choices, but I still wanted to test the waters. A plate of Caribbean Pancakes was certainly out of the ordinary. The pancakes had slices of bananas cooked into the batter, and then topped with more of them. It was also sprinkled with coconut, powdered sugar, and chopped pecans. These were certainly the most unusual variety of hot cakes I sampled.

Selfie Stops

With breakfast done, it was time to head out of town. Today’s schedule had lots of car time, but we left space for stops, as often as wanted. Passing through the park, on our Smoky Mountain Road Trip, we were enjoying the rushing water from the recent rains. It seemed like every curve we rounded offered another good selfie opportunity. After a while, we decided to get back to the main purpose of today’s drive.

Above the Clouds

With the sun threatening to make an occasional appearance, we headed off to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway. This Appalachian roadway leads travelers along a path from Cherokee, North Carolina to Afton, Virginia. The 469 miles of scenic wonders were too much for our schedule, so we chose the section that leads up to Asheville, North Carolina.  Our path led us through multiple tunnels and past amazing overlooks. The 80+ miles of our route took us around 3 hours with stops. We limited our stops this direction, since we had decided to come back the same way.

Duck, Duck, Beef

With hunger setting in, we pulled in to Asheville to scope out a lunch stop. We saw plenty of familiar names of places on our itinerary, since many restaurants are regional chains. Our final destination brought us to Biltmore Avenue, where we tested out the dishes at White Duck Taco Shop. This place offers some interesting flavor combinations and is clearly a local favorite. (You can read about Blue Ridge and Asheville here.)

Scaling Heights

Our return trip saw the sun beginning to escape from the clouds. With the return of the light, we decided it was the perfect chance to scale Clingmans Dome. We had passed the turn-off earlier in the week, but the rain prevented a visit. This time we found that many visitors had the same idea as we had. We joined the line of hikers making their way up to the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains. Soon we were looking out over the beautiful blue mountains. (You can read more about Clingmans here.)

Da’ Bears

Even though the climb was a challenge, we couldn’t imagine anything that would top it. As we made our way down the mountainside, we came to a small pull=off parking lot, that is near a trail head. Earlier in our trip we had spotted a black bear running across the road ahead of us. It was thrilling and really excited Crystal. If you were following our Instastory, you probably saw her video clips during our Smoky Mountain Road Trip. You can see the clips in our Smoky Mtn. highlight reel on our Instagram profile page. (Connect to our Instagram account here.)

Say What?

As we sat there watching the mother and two cubs interacting, we were amazed to see them grazing on the native grasses. While we knew that they were omnivorous, it was a surprise to see how much grass they consumed. Soon a larger crowd appeared, and we witnessed the reason there are so many warning signs posted around the park. While we sat in our car and watched, others were getting out of their vehicles for closer views. It was a surprise that the mother didn’t get upset, as some people approached within less than thirty feet. It wasn’t long before the bears disappeared into the nearby woods.

Testing Our Skills

Back in town, we dropped our car at our lodging, before heading to dinner. We picked a fairly nondescript Italian restaurant along the strip. With the new influx of visitors for conventions, we noticed most of the restaurants were doing good business. After a meal filled with discussing the bears, we were ready to go explore some more of the strip. Just a short walk from our dinner location, we happened upon the Guinness World Records Adventure. This place was a cross between a museum and an arcade. It had tons of informational areas that taught us the background on some amazing feats that have been performed by average people. Mixed in, there are exhibits designed to allow visitors to attempt to set their own world record. While we may not have broken any standing records, we did get a chance to top our personal bests. (You can read more about our World Record attempt here.)

And Now For Something Different

Our last full day in Gatlinburg dawned with an air of anticipation. While we had enjoyed so many great activities during our Smoky Mountain Road Trip, our time was drawing to an end. The schedule for our day included spending the majority of it in the national park. A hearty breakfast was needed to fuel our activity. Crockett’s 1875 Breakfast Camp was highly rated by many of our readers who have visited this area. While the plan was to vary from our pancake tour, we ended up having Crockett’s version of a flapjack. (Check out the meal we had at Crockett’s.)

Falling For You

Now that our hungers had been satisfied, it was time to get ready for a day of adventure. We stopped by a local deli to pick up the makings of a good lunch, which we packed in our cooler. On this pass into the park, we tried to soak in all of the nature. We found a small waterfall behind the Sugarland Visitor’s Center, but knew we could do much better. Our path for the day had us heading toward Cades Cove, which is one of the most popular sections of the park. We didn’t have time to do much hiking prior to this day, so when we arrived at the trailhead for Laurel Falls, we made sure to stop. The hike is along a paved path, so we saw all ages enjoying this view.

Horsing Around

Once we arrived at our destination, our first stop was the Cades Cove Riding Stables. Crystal and I had an opportunity to go riding in the Rocky Mountains, so we were looking forward to this experience. The previous experience had us in a string of horses passing through the hills. This time our group was limited to just the two of us and our tour guide. What an amazing opportunity to get to spend some one-on-one time learning about life in this part of the country.

Big Wheel Keep On Turning

After our ride, we ate our lunch in the picnic area nearby. Just being in nature was extremely enjoyable and relaxing. Once we finished our meal, we started the auto route that follows the one-way road around Cades Cove. Along the way, there are some pull-offs and stopping points to explore. An old homestead with working grist mill was certainly one of the highlights. (Read more about Cades Cove here.)

A Day in the Life

With our day waning, we wanted to squeeze out every minute of our time on this Smoky Mountain Road Trip. Back in town, we decided to enjoy more of the the day without rain. A stop at  Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf was another chance to challenge our skills. While Crystal was in the lead so far, I was holding out hope of catching her. At this attraction you can spin a wheel to determine what odd manner you will need to putt from. As we played along, we saw lots of familiar cartoon characters.

Dining Nawlin’s Style

We felt like we had tested most of the mountain cuisines, so this final Gatlinburg dinner needed to be something out of the normal. Tucked away in a shopping alcove near our lodging, we found New Orleans Sandwich Company. Earlier in the summer, we had traveled to NOLA, so a chance to gobble down some gumbo sounded appealing. Boy, were we surprised at how good the food was at this place. By the end of our meal, we felt like we had just dined in the French Quarter.

Elevated Play

With the sun getting close to setting, we had time for one more round of miniature golf. Hillbilly Golf  was recommended by a close friend, so we were sure that we would enjoy it. We started our round by riding an incline train up a mountainside. Once up top, you play the course working your way down the hill. It reminded us a lot of being in the Ozark Mountains, which is one of our favorite regions to visit. This round I won, so in the end I decided to call it even. Since we don’t keep scorecards, it’s mostly just a gut feeling of who played each course the best. In the end, we just enjoy spending time together.

Our Final Flapjacks

In the morning, we packed our car to head west. We said our goodbyes to Gatlinburg, and made one last pancake breakfast stop, before leaving the area. This time, we went all out with our hot cakes of goodness. Smoky’s Pancake Cabin has a menu filled with some interesting flavor combinations, like the Blueberry-Lemon version that I had. Now that we were all pumped up with sugar, it was time to head to Knoxville.

Gateway to the Appalachians

It’s only about an hour from Gatlinburg to Knoxville, so we were pulling in just as the day was getting going. Knoxville sits just west of the Appalachians and we watched the mountains shrinking in our rear view mirror. This is the 3rd largest city in Tennessee, but it is easy to navigate. Since we were only in town for 24 hours, we focused our visit in the Market Square district. From this location, we could easily walk to all of the sites we would be touring. We found this World’s Fair city to be filled with some unique historical attractions, delectable dining options, and interesting outdoor art. (Check out our Knoxville adventure here.)

Making Memories

With our Smoky Mountain Road Trip winding down, we were relishing in our memories of pancakes, mountains, and bears. In just about a week, we had so many unbelievable moments to remember. Trips like this can be exhilarating, but require a good level of planning. We hope that by showing you the places we visited, and including plenty of photos, it might make your planning a little easier. Check out some of articles and let us know what you think. Do you see something we could add to our coverage to make it more helpful? Toss us a note in the comments section below and we will see what we can do. In the meantime, travel safely!

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Hitting the Road

While some would opt to fly to Gatlinburg, from Kansas City, we choose to drive whenever feasible. Knowing that we would be on the road for around 11 hours total, we decided to break up our drive into manageable pieces. Heading out after work on a Friday, we logged the first leg of the trip and spent the night in Illinois. Cruising a northern route, allowed us to pass through southern Indiana and into Kentucky. The sunshine had our spirits high, as we stopped to pick up some research material for potential future destinations. After many scenic stops, and a slow progression through Pigeon Forge, we finally arrived in Gatlinburg by Saturday evening.

First of Many

The next morning we woke to find that the rains had arrived, as well. Our lodging was just a block off of the main strip, so we had tons of options for dining, shopping, and entertainment. From our research, we had noticed an amazingly high number of pancake restaurants. It was decided that it would be fun to see how many we could sample, so our first breakfast was at Pancake Pantry. Since the early 1960’s, this flapjack house has been serving up stacks to customers from near and far. This was a great start to our Pancake Tour of Gatlinburg. (You can see more of our pancake stops here.)

Local Shops

The rain was fairly light, and we were well prepared for it. After spending so much time in the car, we wanted to stretch our legs for a bit. We decided to explore some of the strip. Window shopping is fun for a while, but fortunately many of the shops open up on Sundays. We popped in a few and explored their inventories. Most of the people we met were in a positive mood, even with the weather. We were settling into a relaxed state, and knew it was time to get going on our itinerary.

Rainy Days and Fun Days

Midday was approaching, so it was time to head to lunch. Even though the rain had increased in intensity, we were still impressed with the beauty of the region. Having the Great Smoky Mountains as a backdrop seemed to make Gatlinburg magical. As we made our way toward lunch, we watched some birds in Le Conte Creek.

Brightening Our Day

When life serves up a gray day, we have found that visiting a colorful restaurant will brighten our mood. No Way Jose’s Mexican Cantina is a local chain with three locations. A survey of people on some East Tennessee Facebook groups identified this as a good option. Wanting to mix up our cuisine choices, we picked this one to be our Mexican food destination. Since this day was completely dedicated to pedestrian activities, we decided to enjoy a couple of adult beverages. In the end, this place ended up being a great choice for affordable food and drinks, and bonus points for being located within walking distance. (Read more about Jose’s here.)

Rainy Day turned Fun Day

Since we were already open to suggestions from our connections, our next choice was an easy one. Just across the street from lunch is the Ripley’s Aquarium. This looked like a great place to spend some quality time and get out of the rain. While there is plenty of moisture on the inside, it’s reserved for the specimens on display. We enjoyed exploring all of the exhibits and touch tanks. There were even a couple of surprises awaiting us. (You can read more about the aquarium here.)

More to Explore

We spent quite a while in the aquarium, and by the time we left the rain had subsided. Strolling down the strip, we happened upon a quiet alcove filled with shops. Avoiding puddles, we kept our umbrella handy just in case. Downtown Gatlinburg is very family friendly, and filled with plenty to explore. It seemed like we kept finding these little sets of shops tucked away from view, so be sure to investigate fully.

Get Mellow

By dinnertime, the showers had started again. While they weren’t hard enough to drive everyone inside, they were still a nuisance. Now seemed like a good time to head back indoors and grab some dinner. Mellow Mushroom caught our eye with their groovy color scheme. Inside, we clambered up the stairs that led to their second story location. Here, we had another chance to dabble in some adult beverages. I had just finished sampling some of the local moonshine, so we passed on this opportunity. We ended up discovering some really good pizza at a restaurant chain that we will be able to visit during other road trips (You can read more about Mellow Mushroom here.)

Startling Discovery

Once again, the rain had subsided, but the skies were threatening to open back up at any time. We decided to look for a little indoor entertainment, as we strolled down the strip. About a block away, we happened upon Circus Golf. This multi-attraction site looked promising for a silly time. Inside, we found that the mini-golf course is illuminated with black light, which made for some colorful fun. After playing a round, we decided to add a try at their Shoot’em Up Cinema. This attraction had us mounting up to try our skills at a modern day shooting gallery. While Crystal may get the upper hand at miniature golf, I have a dead-eye aim when it comes to shooting games. Score one point for each of us.

Rinse and Repeat

While the rain may have had us dodging in and out of shops, it made for great sleeping weather. We rose the next day to gray skies, but the rain seemed to be holding off. Breakfast meant another round of hot cakes, this time at Atrium Pancakes. It quickly became apparent that we would run out of mornings, before we ran out of pancake options.

Our First Smoky Excursion

The forecast still called for showers, so our jumbled itinerary had a day that would be perfect for intermittent rain. With a window of two or three hours before the rain, we decided to enjoy our first cruise into Great Smoky Mountain National Park. After a quick stop at the welcome center, we made our way toward Cherokee, North Carolina. Along the way, we enjoyed the amazing views that come with a Smoky Mountain Road Trip.

Just Dropping In

The average time to pass through the park is estimated at around one hour, but we were in no hurry. The plan was to see some of the sights that were along the way. If you follow our Instagram account, you probably saw Crystal’s excitement when we spotted our first black bear. (You can follow out our Instagram account here.) Once we made it into Cherokee, we decided to stop for lunch. We weren’t sure how long our museum visit would take, but we didn’t want hunger to interfere. We found this family owned deli just a few blocks from our destination. Front Porch Cakery & Deli offers some interesting twists on many standard dishes. It was definitely a good find.

Getting to the Roots

Ever since we began planning this trip, a visit to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian had been high on our list. While I am unsure of any Native Indian in my bloodline, Crystal’s is a little easier to identify. Her family bloodline has a significant amount of Cherokee, so this stop was especially poignant. As we explored the museum, we found ourselves walking through the history of this proud people. Even through all of their trials, they have survived. It was an honor to have the opportunity to visit this museum. (You can read more about this museum here.)

Smoky Mountain Road Trip Discoveries

After our tour of the museum, we spent a little time exploring some of the shops in Cherokee. The road back to Gatlinburg gave us another look at the national park. Cruising through the winding roads, we noticed the numerous creeks that run within view of the road. Many of these were swollen from the recent rains, which made them all the more beautiful. We stopped at a couple points that offered easy access to the water’s edge. There are certainly tons of selfie spots dotted all through the park.

Run Forrest

Back in town, it was time to pick a dinner spot. Since this trip wasn’t quite like our other destinations, we were allowing ourselves to pick our dining spots on the fly. Our trip was designed to have us in Gatlinburg during weekdays in the middle of September. We assumed this would be less busy, since schools had started back up. When we arrived back in Gatlinburg, on this Monday evening, we noticed a slew of tour buses delivering crowds at the nearby hotels and lodges. It looks like we weren’t going to have the city to ourselves. Spotting a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant, we realized that we had only dined at the one in New Orleans. It seemed like a good time to test this place out again.

You’re Unbelievable

To avoid the swelling crowd, we had dined earlier than normal. This left us plenty of time for some evening exploring. The Gatlinburg Strip stays busy until around 9:30, when the crowds begin thinning. We had seen the unusual structure for Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and decided to stop by for a visit. Inside we found lots of oddities and interesting factoids. This place has quite a few interactive exhibits, so we found ourselves acting like a couple of kids. (You can see some of the exhibits in this Ripley’s article.)

Putting Around

After our Ripley’s visit, we headed back out onto the strip for some more exploration. We passed by another moonshine outlet, where inside we saw plenty of people bellying up to the bar for their free samples. The shops were filled with souvenir shoppers looking for mementos to remember their own Smoky Mountain Road Trip. For us, we were just soaking in the rainy days and fun days that we were experiencing in this mountain town. We dropped into another one of the indoor mini-golf attractions that dot the strip, and played a quick round. By now, we weren’t worrying about keeping score, but just enjoying our time together. With a third of our trip concluded, it was time to get rest up for more adventure.

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We want to thank Ripley’s for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

People Person

By doing a little research, we were able to discover that each of their sites holds 400 to 700 exhibits. We visited on a rainy evening, after a filling dinner. The chance to walk off some of our calories looked unlikely since we found ourselves wrapped up in examining the displays more than strolling. The museum is designed to highlight the odd and unusual from all areas of life on Earth. Many are concentrated on the strange hobbies that people have engaged in over the years. The life-size statues help paint the picture more clearly.

Highly Skilled

For each display, there is an informational placard. Here, we were able to get some backstory on the person, place, or thing that was being highlighted. The stories from Ripley’s have been heard for many years. As children we would enjoy investigating the oddities galore that were found inside each copy of Ripley’s Believe It or Not books. Everything seemed so exotic and far-fetched that it was hard to imagine. At the Odditorium, you get a better perspective by seeing the exhibits in person.

Somewhat Frightening

One of the areas that Robert Ripley liked to feature was human hobbies. While some would be as simple as swallowing coins or nails, others took a slightly scary turn. The idea of people using their bodies as a living canvas is easily evidenced by the number of tattoo shops. When it comes to having your teeth filed or implants for horns, that is a slightly different idea. While most of us would never consider doing this, it certainly makes for a conversation starter when you see what some others have done.

One of My Favorites

Many of you may not know this, but I have a thing for collecting masks. The walls of our home office hold the ones that I have picked up along the way. When I saw this display, I was immediately drawn to it. To me, it is amazing that so many different cultures, from all over the globe, developed masks as a means of storytelling. It shows that down deep we are all very similar to each other. There is something magical about the ability to change a storyline simply by assuming a new face.

Getting Involved

Inside Ripley’s, we found a variety of interactive exhibits. As always, Crystal had to play the part of the subject, since I was busy behind the lens. Some displays allowed us both to interact, but it would have been difficult to capture those in photos. Rest assured that I was just as big of a kid as she was, during our visit. If you go to the Gatlinburg location, be sure to take full advantage of the mirror walk that captures your image a various speeds. It’s fun to watch the replay of you sliding across the space, even though you had walked at a normal pace.

Unusual Factoids

At strategic points in the museum, we came across these placards. A throwback to the original books that we enjoyed, these factoids are what we remember from our youth. My mother was surely entertained when I would read for her, stories from the latest issue. How many of you remember these unusual books from the 60’s and 70’s? We know they continued in popularity since our kids would find these during their school days, as well.

Oddities Galore

It is hard to say just how long we spent exploring the Odditorium. By the time we were ready to leave, the crowds on the Gatlinburg strip had thinned to near nothing. These were the times we enjoyed just walking along and talking about our day. It helps cement the memories by discussing our favorite parts of each stop. The walk also gave us a chance to discuss the upcoming day, and what fun adventures it would hold. While we may not be finding oddities galore like Robert Ripley did, we were still having tons of new experiences.

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Beautiful Vistas

When you hear the name Great Smoky Mountains, your thoughts are of huge hillsides and scenic peaks. In between those mountains are some beautiful valleys. One of the most picturesque is Cades Cove. We made our way into the park via the entrance from Gatlinburg. A quick stop at the Sugarland Visitor Center allowed us some historical and topographical knowledge of the park. Here, visitors can pick up brochures and maps that will help guide them through America’s best free attraction. With all of the recent rain, we knew the hiking trails would be muddy. It was decided to stick to adventures that kept us closer to the main walkways. As we made our way toward the 11-mile loop road of Cades Cove, we enjoyed the amazing scenery that unfolded before our eyes.

Scenic Streams

Where there are hills and mountains you will usually find plenty of streams. The flowing water is inviting to watch and brings a sense of peace. As you make your way through this national park, be sure to watch for pull-offs that signify good viewing spots. If you visit during drier times, you may wish to hike to one or more of the many waterfalls that dot the region. For us, we had to be satisfied with the small rapids that are found in the streams that hug the road along the way through the park.

Wildlife Watching

There is something magical about spotting some of the wildlife that calls Cades Cove home. As we passed along the road, we needed to keep a keen eye peeled for the critters that reside in the park. During our visit, we saw a black bear scurry across the road on its way to a new spot to forage. Wild turkeys were prominent fixtures that seemed to enjoy hanging out along the side of the road. Once we passed into the broad valley, it was our turn to watch the elk grazing in an open field. We joined the long line of cars that had pulled off to the shoulder to witness these graceful creatures in action. Before long, a bull elk appeared from the trees to keep an eye on the does.

Trail Rides

While we had decided that hiking in the mud would be off our list, there was still an opportunity to get a little closer to nature. Once we arrived at Cades Cove, our first stop was the Cades Cove Riding Stables. Since our visit was on a weekday, after the Labor Day weekend, we had an opportunity for a personal tour. Crystal rode on Sky and I was on Frank, while our tour guide Sarah, was riding her horse Salem. The sunshine made us forget about the muddy conditions, and it didn’t seem to bother our mounts in the least. Since it was just the three of us, we mostly spent our time discussing life and traveling. We learned more about each other and by the end of our ride, felt a bond with our new friend. This is one of the things we enjoy most about traveling to new destinations.

Historic Homes

After our ride, we started our slow drive around the Cades Cove Loop. This 11-mile journey offers lots of beautiful sights, as well as some of the original structures from days long ago. One of the areas that can be explored is Cable Mills. With buildings dating back to the mid-1800s, this is a bonus at America’s best free attraction. After parking our car, we walked through the area investigating and exploring each of the buildings. The old farmstead includes a house, sheds, a smokehouse, a corn crib, and a working grist mill. Inside the mill, we watched a volunteer preparing to grind a batch of meal, much like it has been done for over a century.

Jealous Much?

Many of the visitors to Cades Cove come for a chance to spot wildlife. Throughout our visit to the park, we did see a wide range of animals, but none more than the wild turkeys. Where we come from, these are not a rare sight, so we ignored the small flocks that congregate in various places. As we scanned the horizon for bears, elks, or other large creatures, I would do my best to avoid the birds that refused to move for passing vehicles. After a while, it almost appeared as though the turkeys were doing everything in their power to get noticed. There was even one point that a single bird crossed slowly in front of our car while staring at both of us. He was not willing to accept being overlooked.

America’s Best Free Attraction

Touring Cades Cove is an opportunity that is not to be missed. Since most people visit during the summer months, the traffic can be extremely heavy. There are a couple of ways to overcome this issue. We chose to visit after the kids had returned to school, but this isn’t always a good option for families. During the summer months, every Saturday and Wednesday morning is reserved for non-automotive traffic. Visitors can walk or bike around the loop-free from vehicle traffic starting at sunrise until 10:00 a.m. They even have bike rentals at the Cades Cove Campground Store. They also have a deli, where you can pick up picnic supplies, in case you forgot to pack them before heading into the park. With all of these sights to see and places to explore, how many of you are thinking of adding a visit to America’s best free attraction?

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Stacks of Flapjacks

We are sure most of you have enjoyed plenty of these fluffy cakes, as much as we have. While we will usually change things up from one day to the next, some foods are enjoyable enough to sample on consecutive days. When we saw the unusually large number of pancake houses, we felt the need to test out as many as possible. Our days were to be filled with plenty of activities, so we were confident a sweet start would be burned off fairly quickly. We made sure to add some protein to each meal so that hunger wouldn’t return before our regular lunch time.

Variety of Options

The names of the pancake restaurants certainly hint at being in a country setting. We dined on flapjacks in an atrium, as well as a pantry. Many restaurants give a nod to their building with names involving houses or cabins. There was one that we visited that took it a step further and named their place the Log Cabin Pancake House. We guess that they wanted to make sure their customers knew that a cabin can double as a house. Since our lodging was located right off the main strip, we focused our choices to be as close by, as possible. Fortunately, this still left more restaurant options than we had mornings for our pancake tour of Gatlinburg.

Powdered Sugar Overload

While each cake house had its own recipes, one common theme was the excessive number of choices available. Sure the base flapjacks are very similar, although some offered buckwheat or other special grains. It was the toppings that brought out the dizzying array of decisions. We had our choices of all types of berries, compotes, jams, jellies, and fresh fruits. Another common theme of Gatlinburg pancake houses is the use of powdered sugar. Many of the options arrive covered with a fresh dusting of the snow-white, sugary substance. Our pancake tour of Gatlinburg opened our taste buds to some wonderful flavors.

Going Nuts for Pancakes

Each morning we looked forward to the sampling of a new pancake restaurant. The choices became increasingly interesting with each new destination. Crystal stuck with her fruit-flavored cakes. Some places brought this with toppings that arrived on the plate, while others would bring a side of flavored syrups. One of her favorites is blueberry, so I wasn’t surprised to see that appear more than once. I wanted to spread my flavor-sampling wings, so I looked for some of the more unusual topping combinations. At one stop, I sampled a tropical version that included coconut and banana. Another choice was a nutty and sweet Pecan pancake pictured above. These paired well with the real maple syrup that was a standard feature at every restaurant.

Franken”Cake”

There was one morning that we had planned to forego our pancake tour of Gatlinburg. A visit to Crockett’s Breakfast Camp looked so intriguing, that we were willing to give up one spot to test it out. It was a wise decision, as this place represented Appalachian dining perfectly. During our visit, we learned a valuable lesson about social media. The manager of Crockett’s had been following our Instastory and seen our various pancake photos. When we stopped in, he recognized us and decided to send over one of their signature “Aretha Frankenstein” pancakes. This was certainly a departure from your standard flapjack and so delightful. (Read more about our Crockett’s visit here.)

Sugary Start

When the final morning of our Gatlinburg visit arrived, we decided to take our pancake tour on the road. Heading away from the strip was leading us to Pigeon Forge. Just as we entered the city, we spotted another pancake cabin. There was time to enjoy one more “carbalicious” breakfast, before hitting the road for home. Since we were sure we had blown our diets completely, why not just cap it with an over-the-top meal. This place offered a chance to get sweetness overload, which required ample amounts of coffee to wash down. My Lemon Berry Pancakes had a delicious sweet-tart combination of flavors that made me stuff myself. There was plenty of sugar in this final pancake stop to keep our motors running all morning.

Our Pancake Tour of Gatlinburg

In the end, our pancake tour of Gatlinburg introduced us to more than just a variety of topping options. At each stop, we met some wonderful, welcoming people who share a common interest in food. We all must eat to survive, so why not make refueling our bodies a pleasant experience? This was a vacation, so we were satisfied in knowing that we could return to normal eating when we returned to our daily lives. For now, we are celebrating an opportunity to sample the flavors of the Appalachian Mountains in a beautiful setting. Perhaps you have planned or even made this same trip. If you have visited Gatlinburg, it’s safe to assume that you dined in at least one of the numerous pancake restaurants that dot the landscape. What was your favorite flavor combination?

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We want to thank Ripley’s Gatlinburg for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Getting Started

We were still dealing with the on and off showers but were not going to let that interfere with our plans. After a day of exploring Ripley’s Aquarium, we decided that we might as well check out another one of their sites. (You can read about the aquarium here.) We had finished our dinner and spent some time rummaging through the numerous shops that line the strip. When we came to the Guinness site, we were ready to do a little fun exploring. Once inside, the first task is to get yourself set up with an Adventure Pass. This allows visitors to participate in the world record challenges and perhaps become a record-setter. With pass in hand, it was time to dive in.

Seeing the Skills of Others

Guinness World Records is a cross between a museum and an interactive gallery. Many of the exhibits are designed to show visitors the odd and amazing. A slew of video boards showcase the skills that some of the previous record-setters used to make it to the coveted title of world’s best. Even without the opportunity to become a record-setter, there is plenty to see and do.

One for the Record Books

Let’s face reality, many of the world records are in some pretty obscure areas. It’s unlikely that we will ever obtain a celebrity status that will win us a place in that area of the record book. We enjoy playing some games of skill, like Skeeball but don’t expect to ever top the charts in that area. Of course, we did see a couple of kids making their attempt at Galaga. Neither of us plans to enter into a food-eating contest, which seems to be quite popular. We were quickly discovering that we may not have what it takes to become a record-setter. Oh well, we could still have plenty of fun matching ourselves up to the existing world record holders. I decided that perhaps a shot at paper football maybe my way into the book, but after multiple attempts it was clear that I would not become a record-setter.

Mixing It Up

With my world record dreams dashed, it was time to get back to just enjoying the displays. One that caught my eye was Riley the Rubik’s Cube solver. Hmm. This sounded like an unusual exhibit and one that we would have to see for ourselves. The object is to mix up the colors on the cube to stump the robot. We knew that a simple couple of turns would not be enough, so we jumbled it up. After placing the cube back into the box, the robot takes over. We watched as it methodically spun and turned the cube until all of the colors were back where they belonged. This takes a while since it is much more deliberate in its approach. We have seen kids do this task in mere seconds, but watching Riley helped us better understand how the task is accomplished.

Something for the Kids

The exhibits that allow visitors to become a record-setter are designed to be appealing to all ages. Sure the kids will be all into playing the games, but we saw plenty of adults engaging, as well. We were a couple of them. After all, when was the last time you played hopscotch? Using the Adventure Pass allows visitors to play as many of the games as they desire. While we knew that we had a slim chance of becoming a world record setter, we could still enjoy ourselves. In some ways, the Guinness World Records Adventure is like an interactive arcade. There are plenty of games to be played, and you never know if you might just be the one to get your name in that annual book.

Your Turn

By the time we completed our visit, we had decided that we weren’t cut out to become a record-setter. That’s okay since the fame and fortune would have certainly gone to our heads. The Guinness World Records Adventure offers 10 stations that allow visitors an Official Attempt at setting a world record. We realize that it is a pretty slim chances, but found out that it has already happened more than 20 times. It goes to show that inside each of us, there is a world record attempt just waiting to be released. Maybe you will be the next one to make it into their yearly book. If so, you can bet that we will see it and say, “Hey I could do that!” What world record do you think you could break?

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Mr. Maples

The outside certainly evokes the idea of an old mountain camp, and stepping through the door kept the theme going. The restaurant is named for local legend, David “Crockett” Maples. The frontiersman served in the Civil War, where his company helped protect the Appalachian region. He returned to the Gatlinburg area to operate a supply store with his wife, Mary. At times, Mr. Maples would serve as a mountain guide for visitors, which led to his near demise. A blizzard left him stranded and he nearly froze to death. Severe frostbite cost him both feet, but that didn’t stop David Maples.

Unstoppable Spirit

“Crockett” created a pair of boots with wooden feet. He secured these to his legs and was able to get around with a pair of canes. With the mobility issue solved, he was able to continue his active life until his death at the age of 88 years. When you make your stop at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp, you will want to give a nod to the statue of Maples that can be found outside. Back inside, the smell of frontier food had our appetites revving. After a quick look around, it was time to sit down to a hearty breakfast.

Protein Portions

Crystal decided to sample some standard campside eats. Eggs, bacon, and toast would provide her fuel and the side dish of fresh fruit was a great compliment. An unexpected treat was a dollop of Cherokee Sweet Corn Pone. This delectable, sweet substance is a mixture of cornmeal, sugar, butter, and water. While the recipe sounds simple, the results are out of this world. Good thing they ration this stuff because you can have too much of a good thing.

Not Your Average Bennie

I was feeling much more ‘”out of the ordinary” for my order. For the past couple of years, I have had a hankering to test out as many Eggs Benedict dishes as I can find. Crockett’s has a plate that puts the frontier food spin on this classic dish. The Signature Corned Beef Hash Benedict starts with an English muffin and ends with their homemade hollandaise sauce. In between, they load a healthy helping of corned beef, which they top with two poached eggs. A side order of baked apple slices added a sweet, cinnamon touch to my meal.

Frankenstein Flapjack

During our visit to Gatlinburg, we came to realize that pancake places are abundant. We had already tested a few and decided that we will be compiling a pancake plethora article in the coming weeks. In the meantime, it was our turn at the Thick Aretha Frankensteins Pancake. The manager sent one over for us to sample, and we were blown away by its size. We found out that it is baked, instead of being whipped up on a griddle. The texture was so airy that we kept nibbling away at this monstrous creation.

Full Up with Frontier Food

After filling our bellies, we took a few extra minutes to nurse our coffees. These extra moments gave us time to walk through the day’s itinerary. We knew that the recent rains would make some of the trails less than pristine, but it wouldn’t stop us from exploring a region we had waited so long to visit. With plenty of fuel from our frontier food, the day was ours to seize. It’s time to hit the trails and make the most of our day. What do you think of the tale of David “Crockett” Maples?

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The Hike

At a height of 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest peak along the Appalachian Trail. It also happens to be the highest point in Tennessee. After driving the seven-mile access road, we came to the start of the trail. With another 300 feet of elevation to gain, we knew it would be quite a hike. A stream of visitors was headed up in front of us, with some being accomplished hikers. The trail upwards is paved, so the half-mile hike wasn’t rugged. There are a few resting stops along the way, which were found handy by quite a few of the visitors. As we climbed Clingmans Dome, the parking lot was becoming just a speck below us.

Climbing Clingmans Dome

Once we reached the top of the trail, we came to the long- spiral ramp that leads to the observation platform. The ramp adds another 375 feet to the hike, but beats a steep staircase. As we made our way up, we began seeing the landscape from a new perspective.

Our Prize is in Sight

The trees had towered over us during our hike. Now we began gaining altitude on them. The change allowed us to observe the various levels of the canopy. Built in the post-World War II era, this platform was designed to accommodate the growing crowds of tourists. The tower design allows 360-degree views of the surrounding horizon. Construction was completed in the fall of 1959, for $57,000.

Time to Reflect

With our climb completed, we now looked forward to some resting time. We knew the way down would be easier, but our legs were pleased to end their climb. Our Gatlinburg trip had started by dealing with the remnants of Hurricane Florence, that had moved inland. We jostled our itinerary around so that our indoor visits took place on the wetter days. Earlier in the week we had passed by the road to Clingmans Dome, as we headed to North Carolina to visit the Cherokee Indian Museum. (You can read about that visit here.) By waiting, we ended up with perfect weather and amazing visibility.

Surveying the Horizon

There are a few placards along the edge of the platform, which tell visitors what they are seeing on the horizon. It is said that during overcast weather the views may be as low as 20 miles. On the clearest days, visitors will have a chance to see up to 100 miles away. This allows for views of seven states. While it’s hard to say exactly how far we were seeing, it was obvious that waiting for our visit was the right move.

Overcoming Fear

Once on the platform, I had been completely engrossed with capturing images of the landscape. As the crowd thinned, I noticed Crystal was spending her time near the center of the platform. I suggested she come closer to the edge, and at that time we had an aha moment. After 37 years of marriage, there are still things we discover about each other. I knew she feared heights, but I didn’t figure that it would apply to an area with a wall and railing. When I suggested a selfie along the wall, it threw her into a panic. We solved it by having her keep her eyes set on me, as I moved us closer to the side. It was a reminder of how much we trust each other.

A Pleasant Surprise

With our time on top complete, we made the hike back down to our car. Passing new climbers, it was our turn to give words of encouragement to those contemplating their decision to continue. We made the drive back down the mountain toward Gatlinburg. On our first drive through the park, we spotted a black bear scampering across the road. Crystal was ecstatic about it and even recorded a video for our Instagram feed. This day, we turned a curve and spotted a mother and two cubs near a roadside pull-off. I pulled in and we watched them for quite a while. The experience was a cherry on top of the great day we were having. It inspired a second “bear video”, which ended up in our Instagram feed again. I’ll add a link to our Instagram account, but you will have to scroll over to the Smoky Mtn reel to watch her reaction. The highlight reels are the smaller circles above our posts. We have a reel for most of the cities we have visited, so be sure to check out some of the others. (Here’s a link to our Instagram.) How many of you have seen a wild bear this close?

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Room with a View

We look at chains as being businesses that are succeeding. One of the most difficult things to achieve in the restaurant business is consistency. While it can be fun and exciting to create a new dish, being able to recreate that experience repeatedly is a bit more of a reach. For a business to grow into a successful chain, it must be able to replicate the same experience for customers in each of its locations. Some, such as fast food stops, do this by minimizing the extent of flavors they offer. We don’t find a reason to highlight these to our readers. There are others though, that don’t shy away from letting their originality shine through. These are the places, that we believe, need to be considered as additions to your itinerary when traveling to new destinations.

Adult Libations

As we explored the “Strip” in downtown Gatlinburg, we ran across a myriad of dining options. You can find just about every cuisine imaginable, but on this day we had a hankering for a pizza. The light rain was enough to keep the larger crowds down, which made our wandering more enjoyable. We spotted the Mellow Mushroom signage near one of the moonshine shops that dot the landscape. Moonshine Tastings are a sure sign that you are in the Appalachian region. Once inside, we took the colorful steps up to their second-story perch. One of the first things to greet our sight was the Moonshine Lounge, which serves up adult concoctions to compliment your meal.

Peace of Pizza

Mellow Mushroom began their journey in 1974, so they have tons of pizza-making experience. Over the years, they have expressed themselves through the artwork that fills each of their locations. While “Peace of Pizza” is a play on words, they have incorporated this theme into their daily lives. In the early days, they would have friends offering to paint the colorful murals to hang in their restaurant. This idea has continued, and each of their stores has its own unique “flavor”.  It reminded us of the unique artwork we found at Artego Pizza in our hometown. (You can see more about Artego here.) With all this eye candy surrounding us, we settled into a comfy booth near the windows. Outside the rain fell along the strip, but we were comfortably positioned to watch the passing storm.

Welcome Surprise

Our server walked us through the Mellow Mushroom menu, which includes a variety of dishes common in pizzerias. While a hoagie or calzone sounded appealing, our visit was destined to include a piece of pizza. Being ones to have our heaviest meal at breakfast, we decided a small pie would suffice. At most pizza shops we would have to compromise on which variety to select when ordering a small pie. Mellow Mushroom surprised us by allowing the combination of two styles on our small pizza. I immediately gravitated to the Mighty Meat, which includes pepperoni, sausage, beef, ham, and smoked bacon. Crystal decided to order the Great White and had them toss on some grilled chicken. We have to admit that we were quite excited that we found a place that allowed this customization.

Pizza Lovers Unite

While we have only sampled the one Mellow Mushroom location, we were quite satisfied with the results. A bite from Crystal’s choice offered a smooth flavor that was kicked up with the tang of the feta cheese. My style was a protein-filled meal, that I knew would sustain me through an afternoon of exploring. Our server was extremely attentive without hovering and seemed happy that we enjoyed our pie. The small size was just enough to satisfy our hunger, without the need for leftovers. (That is something we avoid when traveling.) We noticed that the rain showers had passed on by, so it signaled the time for us to head back out onto the strip. Having identified a new restaurant that we could sample in other locations, we were satisfied with our peace of pizza experience. Have you ever sampled the pies at Mellow Mushroom? We’d love to hear about some of their other locations.

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Getting Some Country Air

We visited Gatlinburg in the Fall, which meant that the weather pattern was a little active. On a day that brought sunshine, we headed over to Ripley’s Davy Crockett course for a hillside challenge. There are two themed courses to choose from, so we went with the one that had the least golfers. Built on a small hillside, there were some stairs to traverse, but not too many.

Adding a Twist

Our mini-golf galore tour started with an added twist. Some of the holes have a spinner that identifies an unusual approach to play. Of course, this isn’t required, but it does make for a few extra smiles and giggles. Just imagine trying to use the putter when on your knees. It’s not as easy as one would think.

Up, Up and Away

While Ripley’s had a hillside, down the road we found a mountainside course. Hillbilly Golf was suggested by one of our friends, and we couldn’t wait to experience it. We actually played this course on the same day as the Davy Crockett one. When the drizzle stops, you take advantage of every minute. At Hillbilly Golf you climb into an incline train, which hoists you to the top of the hill. Tucked away in the tree cover is one of the most unusual courses we have played.

Is That Banjo Music?

We began our game at the top, and the course is laid out to lead you down the mountainside. Along the way, we found lots of nostalgic artifacts that would have been commonplace in many mountain homes and farms. Some city dwellers may be puzzled by these pieces, but visiting a local museum will usually help clear up their use. As the evening sky darkened, we enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of this place. It was certainly unlike any course we have experienced.

Rainy Day Escapes

While the outdoor courses were a little farther off the downtown strip, this didn’t mean that mini-golf couldn’t be found closer in. There were a couple of evenings that we found ourselves ducking out of passing showers. The strip has plenty of shops for this, but we also discovered mini-golf galore in this area as well. Treasure Quest Mini-Golf whisked us away to some of our favorite movie sets. This indoor course allowed us to entertain ourselves while staying high and dry out of the rain.

Lights, Camera, Action!

As we made our way through the space, we saw plenty of notable characters. The course isn’t too challenging, but we have found ways to add fun to each place we play. Be sure to check out all of their props, as they were very inventive with their decor.

Let It Glow!

Okay, that was a pretty corny subtitle, but it made me smile. Speaking of corny, have you ever played mini-golf under black-light conditions? A stop at Circus Golf had us doing just that. This place had a combination of attractions, which had us making a return stop. Their mirror maze didn’t sound that appealing to us, but we did enjoy a round of their Shoot Em’ Up Cinema. This was another chance to pit our skills against each other but in a shooting gallery setting.

Why So Serious?

Most of our selfies are a little more run-of-the-mill. We are usually trying to focus on the site we are visiting, but we thought we’d toss in a couple of the ones we take for ourselves. Life is about having a good time and sharing a few laughs. Sure, there are times to be serious, but not during mini-golf. Here we are playing for fun and bragging rights. Who wouldn’t be surprised to find these terrifying creatures around you during a friendly game?

Finding Mini-Golf Galore in Gatlinburg

It’s easy to see that you can find Mini-Golf Galore in Gatlinburg, so why not add in a game or two during your next Smoky Mountain vacation? The nearby mountains make a wonderful backdrop for a semi-competitive challenge. You’ll get some fresh air and possibly make a few new friends. (Maybe even a mountain full.) This family-friendly activity can get expensive when you add in a group. You will want to check out some of the shops around town for their visitor’s flyers. These are packed with coupons and discounts for many of the attractions along the strip. After all, the games are even more fun when you save a little money to play them.

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Coloring a Gloomy Day

No Way Jose’s Cantina is a regional chain with three locations. They opened the first restaurant in 1997, and have been a staple for visitors ever since. Our visit took place on a gloomy September day, but as soon as we approached the mood began to lighten. Once inside, the brightly colored interior laid out before us. Although they had just opened a few minutes before our arrival, the place was already filling up with hungry tourists. The aroma of the cooking dishes made our hungers race, and we anxiously followed the hostess to our table.

Getting Started

Downtown Gatlinburg is laid out well for getting around on foot. With our lodging just off the main strip, we were able to leave our car parked most of the time we were exploring the city. Since we were afoot, it was a perfect opportunity to imbibe in a couple of their specialty drinks. Crystal selected one of their pina coladas, while I sampled a Mexican Runner. They were the perfect touch to accent some Queso dip, chunky salsa, and chips. We noshed on this snack, while we awaited our main courses to arrive.

Affordable Lunches

While reviewing the menu, one of the things we noticed were the affordable prices. This is not always the case in places that are tourist heavy. We were happy to see many meal options below $10 per plate. My choice was the Chicken & Avocado Salad, which is served in a crispy tortilla bowl. It was pretty much like a taco salad, excpt with grilled chicken and slices of avocado. The ingredients were fresh and flavorful, and the Avocado Dressing was a great compliment to the dish.

Sizzling Eats

Crystal went with the Sizzling Fajita Salad, which is also less than $10. It was similar to my meal with the bowl shell, but hers had the addition of fajita meat. There is something special about the sound of the sizzle and the smell of the meat, onion, and peppers. Both of our meals were large enough to fill us, before we finished.

No Way Jose’s Cantina Brightens a Gloomy Day

Our foray into Mexican cuisine in Gatlinburg had been a total success. We had many more meals planned and our confidence was boosted that we would find plenty of delicious meals. Our vacation was off to an amazing start, and we were enjoying all of the southern hospitality that is common for this region. Be sure to check out some more of the flavors of the south by reading our articles from downtown Knoxville. (Here’s a link to the overview article.) Bon Appetit!

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We want to thank Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

1) Visual Experience

Ripley’s Aquarium is large on the outside, but even the size of the building hides just how much there is to see inside. The displays are designed to delight the eye and intrigue the mind. We loved the huge waterfall that can be seen once you enter the building. You will even pass behind it, as you make your way through the exhibits. Be sure to stop for a selfie, since the large atrium entrance is visible through the water.

2) Educational Exhibits

We love visiting sites that further our education. As we made our way through the aquarium, we found tons of displays that include some background information on the creatures we were watching. Some of the displays are plaques, while others are video screens that provide a short presentation. Whatever they had, it seemed like most of the visitors were intrigued by the opportunity to uncover new details about the species that share our world.

Some of the exhibits included creatures that were familiar to us, like piranhas. But others offered a glimpse at ones less common. How many of you have heard of the mudskipper? This unique little creature inhabits many places in the Eastern Hemisphere. That makes them quite an oddity here in the United States. They almost resemble an oversize tadpole.

3) Quirky Creatures

Many of you are well aware of crows and ravens affinity for shiny objects. Did you know that there is a crab that has the same quirky obsession? The Coconut Crab is well-known for its antics of “borrowing” items that it finds appealing. We are betting it was quite a shock to people visiting the areas that these creatures inhabit.

4) Picture Perfect Moments

Throughout Ripley’s Aquarium you will find beautifully designed displays. These days it’s not unusual to see almost everyone capturing the moment with their cellphones. Sharks, octopus, rays, and many more make great subjects for photos. With so many colorful species to see, you will want to make sure you have plenty of memory space and a full charge before visiting. Now if they will only stand still for a second, so we can snap a pic.

Some of our favorites to watch are the jellyfish. They are almost magical, as they seem to be suspended in space. It’s easy to find yourself in a trance, as you watch these creatures dance in the water. Since about 95% of their mass is liquid, it makes sense that they would be so fluid. We figured that it wouldn’t be necessary to need 6 reasons to visit Ripley’s Aquarium, since just watching the jellies is a worthwhile activity. Everything else is just a bonus.

5) Hands-on For Real

We are usually intrigued when given an opportunity to mingle with animals of all kinds. It gets even better when the interaction can be hands-on. Our travels have given us plenty of experiences that will stay with us for a long time. Feeding giraffes, lemurs, and okapi jump quickly to mind. (You can read about that experience here.) At Ripley’s Aquarium, visitors get a chance to touch some unique aquatic creatures.

When we saw the touch tank for jellyfish, we knew it had to be experienced. Don’t worry, not all jellies are dangerous, and these are quite safe. The staff member gave us a quick lesson on how to touch these amazing creatures, without hurting them. This definitely ranks up there as a memorable moment, so you won’t want to miss it.

6)Up Close & Personal Experiences

Jellies weren’t the only hands-on exhibit. Learning more about horseshoe crabs was another delight. Being an amateur fossil collector, I know that this crustacean has populated our oceans for millions of years. These living fossils are almost alien to see and their hard shells add to their intriguing appearance. They are almost a little tank of the ocean, with their hard shell.

Rounding out our list of 6 reasons to visit Ripley’s Aquarium had to be the ability for visitors to get so close to the subjects. Many of us would never have the opportunity to travel all over the planet to witness these creatures in their natural environments. Even if we did, how close do you think we could get without them darting off for safety? Zoos and aquariums help visitors get a closer interaction, that helps cement our relationship with the other creatures that inhabit our world. This is important, as it will possibly spark the next great zoologist or exploratory scientist. It also shows us how delicate the bond is between species.

While we think those 6 reasons to visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies may be enough, there is even more to be seen. As we continued to explore, we came across their “Shipwreck” exhibit. Inside was a nice grouping of displays, that show some of the most famous ships lost to the depths of the seas. There are also some interactive displays that teach how artifacts are uncovered in the vast depths of the ocean. It seemed that the farther we delved into the aquarium, the more exhibits we uncovered. Our time was drawing to a close, since we always pack our itineraries full of fun. As we departed, we knew that we would be taking some great memories with us. After all, how many people can say that they were able to pet a jellyfish?

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