Two motorcoaches were on this three-day tour. On our first day, we enjoyed lunch at a Cracker Barrel in Rocky Top, Tennessee (formerly known as Lake City). Our first adventure was at a store called “Smoky Mountain Knife Works” in Sevierville. I must say I have never seen as many knives in one place, every imaginable shape and size! This may sound like a store that appeals to men only, but not true. It is huge in space and variety of merchandise to appeal to all. I purchased a jar of Corn Cob Jelly. It’s an old-time recipe that dates back to the 1800s. It can be found in the Appalachian states, the Dakotas, and Nebraska. It is known as a substitute for honey, and yes, it is made from juice from corn cobs.

We checked into the Country Cascades for a two-night stay. Pete, from Country Cascades, stepped on board our coach to welcome us and made us all promise “to eat fried chicken,” among other promises, so we would be certified southern hillbillies! I wish I could remember the whole “promise” speech. It was hilarious. Our evening meal was at a very nice location called Five Oaks Farmhouse. Great southern-style food such as meatloaf and an out-of-this-world dessert, a big piece of chocolate cake and I ate the whole thing! Our evening event was time spent at The Island, a shopping and entertainment complex. There’s a giant Ferris wheel, dancing water fountains, live music, shopping, relaxing, eating, but for me, I couldn’t eat another bite!

The next day, we departed for a half-hour drive to Gatlinburg, where we stopped at Sugarland’s Visitors Center and picked up our guide. He spent a couple hours with us as we drove to the top of the mountains. He talked about the mountains, trees, bears, foliage, etc. He talked about the 2016 fire (the worse fire in Tennessee of the last 100 years) that claimed 14 lives and over 2,800 homes and businesses. More than 200 emergency response agencies from 50 counties, and 3,535 first responders came to the city’s aid. Dolly Parton hosted a nationally televised telethon, “Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund,” that brought in more than $9 million for relief efforts. These monies went directly to support those who lost their homes. Our guide said the fire was started by two teenagers dropping lit matches on the ground along the Chimney Tops Trail. Local prosecutors dropped charges against the boys because other fires from downed power lines contributed to the Gatlinburg fire and their actions were determined not to have caused the deaths.

We went for a scenic ride on the Ridge Rambler vehicle up to the summit where we enjoyed Anakeesta. We were to have a choice of how we wanted to reach the top, however, due to rainy weather, the Tour Tennessee people decided we would not ride the Chondola (chair lift). This new adventure location is a year or two old and is fast becoming Gatlinburg’s number one place to visit. Our lunch was waiting for us in a covered patio area with a fantastic view. We had time to explore the Vista Gardens where we found the Anavista Tower. After climbing the eight flights of stairs, one could experience a 360 degree view of Gatlinburg and surrounding mountains. There was a Treetop Skywalk with swinging bridges that I would have enjoyed, but our time was up and the rain began. Even with some clouds and sprinkles, it was a nice visit. Some of us wanted to return on the chair lift but the rain changed our minds, so it was back down the way we came up, on the Ridge Rambler.

Tonight’s dinner was at Mama’s Farmhouse Restaurant where we enjoyed a delicious dinner served family style. From there, we went to the Comedy Barn Theater. Boy, did they provide comedy! Plus singing and dancing (clogging). At the beginning of the show, several beautiful birds were released from the stage and flew over the entire audience. The birds performed several tricks on stage as well. The juggler was pretty amazing. Marge Ellis ended up on stage as part of one comedy routine. Next morning, she told me that she laughed so much that it affected her voice. I must admit, I did my fair share of laughing, as did the entire group.

After a few more exciting stops, it was too soon time to begin our trip home. We spent time at the Incredible Christmas Place for shopping. Then, we were on our way to Mountain Valley Winery for wine tasting and more shopping. Last, we stopped at The Apple Barn Restaurant for lunch. This place is a must when visiting this area. So I’m coming home with wine, cheese and chocolate! Oh, yes!

From the escort seat of Maxine Harris

Croswell's Smokey Mountain Splendor