Tennessee Vacation, Part 1

In 2022 we had a Smoky Mountain Thanksgiving. Everyone loved it and we wanted to repeat the experience. Unfortunately, the Wills couldn't make it this year, but we decided to take the trip with just our family. I booked a cabin in April in an incredibly convenient location. We were all very excited about being close to so many things we enjoy (restaurants, Dollywood, the Parkway, the Relic Room, etc). We planned on leaving at 5am on Saturday morning. On Friday night, I realized we didn't have our check-in information. I sent a message and received a quick response notifying me that they had to cancel our reservation due to some sort of syncing error (I understand this to mean that they double-booked using a different platform). We were literally in the process of packing the car! They had sent a message on Wednesday night, but I missed it. Although, that would have still been less than 72-hours notice on a house we booked more than 6 months ago. Not cool!

I immediately called VRBO and they were super helpful, which is a nice contrast to the experience we had with Airbnb when something similar happened (slightly more notice on that one). They offered to book us into a hotel. They also said they would refund us AND pay for the new booking. They offered us 3 rooms in okay hotels (La Quinta, Clarion, etc). But, we had no idea if the rooms would be together and it seemed risky. Plus, some in our family were really opposed to a hotel, wanting that cabin experience or nothing. The only problem--it's Thanksgiving week and everything was booked. The VRBO representative was super patient and we widened our geographical search. She found one opening in Dandridge, which is about 30 minutes from our original booking and 50 minutes from the activities we had planned. But, we were relieved we didn't have to cancel our trip and took it. 

We left as planned on Saturday morning at 5 and the drive went smoothly. We got to our house around 3 and were able to check in. It is across from a massive lake, or what would be a massive lake if it wasn't the dry season. It is actually crazy how low the lake is, the  nearby docks just end at the empty lake bed--it's weird and we wonder if this is normal or a drought. Anyway, the house is nice enough and we all have a bed and room to spread out and a washer and dryer. Our first night, we went to a quick dinner at Wendy's and then Walmart for supplies. 

Sunday, we went to Dollywood. It was packed! There were long lines for everything, but we stayed from opening to close and had a fun day. It emptied out the last hour and I think we did more rides in that hour than we did in the other combined 9 hours we were there. But, we also walked around and enjoyed the beautiful lights and atmosphere and enjoyed the cinnamon bread and other treats. We took the day at a leisurely pace and didn't let the crowds bother us. 

Monday, we had planned to go to Cades Cove, but it was 90 minutes away and we decided not to make the drive. Instead, the girls found a more local state park--Panther Creek (30 minutes away). It was a beautiful day and we did a "moderate to difficult" hike. There were some parts that were definitely difficult, at least for me. After the hike, we had a picnic lunch. It was very beautiful.

Thomas being silly

Pretty view

Into the woods we go

Climbing

We saw a couple of areas where we think there would be waterfalls. But, the craziest part was this completely dry riverbed (Anna's picture).

After the hike--Kara practicing her photography

Luke and Jack killed time by racing. 

After our hike, we went to the Bush's Beans Visitors Center. We learned how they make their famous baked beans. And, the process might surprise you. But, you'll have to visit for yourself to find out. Just kidding! First, they put a piece of bacon in the bottom of the can (the bacon is important to 98% of their customers, but 96% throw it away) then, they add the beans, then the sauce. Then, they cook it right in the can before labeling and shipping. Bush's buys 20-25% of the white beans produced in North America. But, enough bean fun facts.

After Bush's, I dropped Thomas and Jack at the Dandridge courthouse to view their local museum. Dandridge is the second oldest town in Tennessee. Then, I took the other kids back to the rental (only 5 minutes) before returning. The museum was super small, so I met them outside and we went into the coolest bookstore--the Unkind Raven. It is located in a historic house and they sell new, used and rare books. They had a kids room where books are free and a room for crafting. They also had a tortoise who loves people, he was very active and interested in us. One room had been used for a meeting with Union officers. When they retreated, the Confederacy took over and toasted the Union officer who left behind a whisky flask. It was cool to be in that same room.

From there, we went into a couple of other cool shops, then headed back to the rental. We rested for a few minutes, then headed out again. This time to the Alpine Mountain Coaster. I had bought the tickets before the booking snafu, so it was almost an hour away, but we still wanted to go, we've gone on every Tennessee trip. It did not disappoint. After that, we had a late dinner at Chick-Fil-A (we aren't adventurous travel eaters) before calling it a day. We had planned on doing the Winterfest Walk, but we were tired. 

It was a long, fun, day.