On the road with Heath Hawkins

also see - Branson Lodging Reviews - Heath Hawkins Reviews

Elwood Smooch’s Old Smoky Hoedown

Family vacation 2005

I decided to take a trip a few miles outside of Branson. Actually a few hundred miles from Branson. In late July of 2005 my wife and I left for our yearly family vacation. This year we decided to visit the Great Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.

Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre

Let me say that the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre in some ways played right into our expectations. They thrived on the life of the audience and the drama was thick.

The Mountain Harbor Inn Bed & Breakfast

That is exactly what Candi and I found in July of 2005. We decided to spend our family vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Mountain Harbor Inn Bed & Breakfast invited us to spend a couple nights with them.

Ripley’s Aquarium, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure & Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum

Once inside three huge prehistoric creatures hanging from the ceiling greet you. Then you start the self-guided and self-paced tour. The crowds were out in full force, but you are free to spend as much time as you like at any of the displays.

DollyWood

Growing up in a small town in Northeast Arkansas almost certainly meant I would be a country music fan. As a kid there were two country stars that I especially remember, Kenny Rodgers and Dolly Parton. I even memorized many of their songs.

I always wanted to see Dolly Parton live in concert. So far I have not had that opportunity. However, after my visit to DollyWood I got the next best thing. I got to tour the Dolly Parton Museum and see her world famous “wig” collection.
 

Alpine Mountain Village Cabins - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

When I think of the Great Smoky Mountains, I automatically have scenes of mountains and meadows with the mist and fog hanging in the early morning air. I imagine myself setting on the front porch and hearing the distant sounds of bluegrass music.