In a recent visit with a sister, she asked my wife whether I inherited the Chism travel gene. The question came from a woman more than twenty years my senior who recently visited a cattle drive in Wyoming. My wife just smiled and talked about the trip to Yellowstone. I have met people who return to the same place for vacation each year. My wife and I started our married life with a trip to the Appalachian mountains and a stop in Gatlinburg, TN. We recently revisited this beautiful place of Gatlinburg.
Leaving the stoplights of Sevierville, TN behind, the creek runs beside the roadway and the trees surround pointing the way to Gatlinburg. As we approach downtown the trees give way to hotels and shops. Once you enter downtown the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies can be seen. This is our first stop of the day. Followed by both window and real shopping.
Each aquarium has a personality and focus. This aquarium provides up close experience capitalizing on educational opportunities. From the Rainforest through the oceans, stingrays and the Penguin playhouse. Each encounter is kid-friendly and focused keeping the interest of young and old. A must see on the Gatlinburg visit.
The Village Shops was next on the agenda. A fun find was Coffee and Company. A great cup of coffee and snacks. Our family loves to find Celtic treasures. The Celtic Heritage store was just such an opportunity to buy.
Reflecting on Memories of Gatlinburg
As we drove back to our place we commented about our honeymoon visit to Hillbilly golf and the picture of my wife putting from the covered wagon. This was a precious memory from a special time.
It only takes a minute for things to change. My wife of more than 25 years is a blessing every day.
Have you been to our Beautiful Mountains of Tennessee and visited Gatlinburg?
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