I had spent most of the year (2019) hanging out in warm parts of the country, so the idea of hitting snow was a pretty solid buzzkill, even though I love the snow (when I want it, of course).
But let’s be real.. If that is the worst thing to happen, can I really complain?!
Back to a place I can never get enough of.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Although it is home to America’s most visited distillery (The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery) and plenty of other local watering holes, I always find myself more excited for something else.
Tennessee Barbecue!
Sure, it isn’t Nashville, or one of the classically recognized areas for what most consider authentic Tennessee cuisine. And of course I have had my fair share of barbeque living in the Carolinas, but with a platter of barbeque big enough to feed a family, and everything made in-house (including the sauces), there is zero room for disappointment.
Everytime I visit, or am even in the area, I make sure to stop and get some of this barbecue mountain magic (And, more times than not, a nice bottle of shine. It just washes things down so well.).
But more importantly, Gatlinburg sits so perfectly nestled into some of the greatest mountains east of the Mississippi.
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Now, as much as I LOVE the smokies, this time around I was struck with some bad weather. The whole time in this beautiful town, it was pouring rain! But, that did not stop me from venturing into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I mean really, you’d have to be trying to have a bad time.
Honestly, time spent in The Gateway to the Smokies, or the Smokies themselves, is time well spent.
Originally my intentions were to visit one of the famous cavern systems in the area. But of course, they were all shut down for the season… just my luck. So I guess I’ll just have to visit in the future to hit a favorite: Mammoth Cave National Park.
“Back to the point here Adam…”
I went ahead and told myself that I was not going to let the rain ruin this visit, so I bought tickets for an alpine coaster. Which, if you don’t know what I am talking about…
Imagine a sled. With a seatbelt. And four wheels. On top of a roller coaster track. On the side of a mountain.
Yeah, I intentionally spaced all of that out, because it was nuts! I have always seen photos and videos of these alpine coasters and always imagined what it would be like to ride one for myself. Now was my chance. Screw the rain.
After whipping through the track at FORTY miles per hour, feeling my innards press up against one side of my body during 180° turns, and having everything including (and in between) snot and tears running out of my face while getting pelted in the face by half-frozen rain, I can honestly say I would totally do it again, no questions asked.
Highly Recommend.
The National Park is filled with some of the most beautiful views you could ask for. Take a trip through the winding roads of the park and you’ll cross back and forth over beautiful, clear, blue mountain rivers; And soon enough find yourself overlooking some of the smoky mountain valleys. At that moment, you get a sense of how this National Park got its name.
Don’t be afraid to get out, and do some exploring either! The Smoky’s are some of the coolest places for adventure!
Hiking through these dense forests really is an altering experience. Even better, the chances of you seeing wildlife are much better than you’d think! And, if that isn’t enough to be convinced, having an up-close and personal interaction with the mountain streams will, for sure, leave a life long impression on you.
There is a reason why the Great Smoky Mountains are one of my favorite places on the planet.
Other than that I decided to make the most of the rainy days, and threw on a rain jacket to wander around this mountain town. Even with the rain (and it being about 45°), the downtown area was still flooded with people!
One of my favorite aspects of Gatlinburg is the European-esque architectural feel. Whether this is biased because I have visited, and loved, Europe; Or just the quaint vibe given to this thriving small town. It was enjoyable regardless. Definitely a great place to relax for a couple days after partying and being on the go.
The town is abundant with locally-owned coffee shops and diners. Even breweries and distilleries, for those of us who wish. But being able to enjoy my local cup of coffee, while sitting outside on a heated patio, with the snow falling around me… sounds like a dang good moment to me.
But, after so many days spent sipping caffeine and white lightning, it was inevitably time to pack back up and move on. So, one last BBQ meal and a moonshine cocktail, and I toasted to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Until we meet again.
The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast, and you miss all you are traveling for.
Louis L’Amour
Waiting for your next adventure ??? your loving aunt ?
Great post, Adam! The alpine coaster is one thing I wasn’t able to do when I visited Gatlinburg and now I’m regretting it! You made it sound so thrilling. I’ll have to be sure to do it next time.
Thanks, Kara. I, without a doubt, would do another alpine coaster again in the future. Terrifying? Of course. But worth the thrill. Let me know how your experience goes if, and when, you get the chance to try one out!