Kimberly suggested that we stop by and see the falls at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, AL our way out of the Anniston area. With all the recent rain it was very beautiful and scenic, a 90ft drop of water! We caught a fisherman down below fishing under a rainbow!
So, to get from Alabama to Kentucky you have to drive through Georgia and Tennessee. We’re sure seeing lots of states and highways. Its fun to find so many crosses along our nations highways!
Just follow that crowd to Dollywood! It was an early Wednesday morning during Spring Break – Dollywood had limited capacity (COVID regs) but we were able to enjoy a day with Buddy and Cindy Ward (Tate’s parents). They work here part time and were able to bring in guests!
We walked, visited, and saw many of the shows at Dollywood. It was interesting to learn that quite a few of the eateries and attractions were closed because they cannot find help. It seems that the COVID unemployment benefits out weigh the desire to work? It was a great day – Thanks Buddy & Cindy!
All you can eat catfish and chicken! We’re lov’in all this “fine” dining! (although we’re starting to look a bit plump LOL!)
We parked at the Welcome Center and rode the trolley into Gatlinburg. So thankful to not have to fight the traffic and try to find a place to park – it was crazy! We decided to go on adventure to Anakesta (“place of high ground”). It’s beautiful – we would recommend this to anyone! Such a different atmosphere away from the noise and crowds down below.
We took a stroll along the 16-bridge Treetop Skywalk. Wow – what a view (and a bit of sway!) from at least 60 feet or more! It’s claim is the longest tree-based skywalk in North America – around 880′ long! Little kids were running across as their parents hung on for dear life. We had fun taking our time across the bridges.
We took the gondola ride down the mountain back to street level in Gatlinburg. I think we are trying to face our fear of heights on this trip! It was a beautiful and gentle ride (except for a few start and stop moments). We’re “all smiles” but hanging on with white knuckles! LOL!
We walked the downtown Gatlinburg amongst all the people, whew, wonder what a summertime weekend crowd looks like!? Had to have some ice cream from Chocolate Monkey to top off the day – YUM!
SO.MUCH.FUN! To top off our Gatlinburg getaway, we really had fun on this mountain coaster! We even stayed for a second time up and down the mountain. Wheee! Highly recommended! (and yes more thrills out of our ‘fear of heights”!)
We had a great time in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN. We’ll cherish these memories until we come back again!