Our Vacation to the Smoky Mountains & Nashville

Finally went on to vacation after a while. We went to Smoky mountains national park, stayed in a town called Gatlinburg in Tennessee. We drove there, it was about 620 miles one way. Left Sunday morning and got back on Friday this weekend. The resort we stayed at was called Westgate Resorts; we got a room on one of the buildings on the hill with a good view so it was fun waking up to see the mountain right across. Luckily we got a good hotel with a full working kitchen with all necessary appliances including a toaster, oven, gas, and washer. One bedroom with 2 full bathrooms, and a jacuzzi. so it turned out to be good. Our bedroom had jacuzzi as well so Shruti did an epsom salt bath first night and I did little too but I was uncomfortable because of my giant legs and small bathtub and got settled/rested up for the trip ahead.

Views from the top of the resort were amazing, mountain range all across, Mt Le conte :D, and other mountains in the range. First day we went to Cades cove which was 1.5 hours away. Had fun driving in the mountains, zig zag roads and nothing but greenery on the side. Cades cove was this 11 mile scenic loop with stops on the way. Most interesting thing I found was that this guy named John Oliver came to that area in the 1830s and built his home there. His family and generations after that lived there. We saw that house. Can’t imagine waking up in that house, walking out and seeing a big mountain in front with nothing but open fields. Crazy. Also here is where we saw bears; 5 of them; a small, big one, and a mommy bear with her 2 or 3 cubs. Was fun to see that. People brought their big lenses to take good pics of wildlife. We had our pixel :D But it was pretty cool to see that people lived in those areas 200 years ago. After that we did a small hike, 1.3 miles, to see laurel falls. Falls were alright but the hike was pretty steep. It was still good to get out in nature and get those steps in ;) Went to this pizza place after that hike, called Big daddy’s pizzeria had a really good spinach artichoke dip so that’s stuck in memory. Overall tiring day but not a bad thing :)

Next day, we went to this place called Clingman’s Dome. It was about 45 mins away. There was some traffic on the way but the drive was beautiful. It is the highest point on the Appalachian trail, about 6500 feet. As we were driving up, scenery kept getting beautiful and wide. All eyes can see were mountains, greenery and that perfect ‘kudrati drishya’ I drew as a kid in painting class in India. Barely saw any mountain there but glad and grateful to see that painting come before my eyes as real. Once parked, views were amazing to see everywhere. I mean just look at it below.

Then there was a half mile maybe hike up to the dome that was built years ago to get even better views. Hike was on a paved road but was a steep man. Was really fascinated to see so many older people on this trail. Once we hiked but we had to walk on the path to get to the top of the dome. Views from there were stunning. We were above the trees so we could feel the wind clearly. Could see far on one end the town we were staying in. Could also see the same mountain range that we could see from our hotel. We were on the other side. Got some good pics, video clips. Got cold up there but yea really enjoyed the beauty of nature. After soaking all that, we came back to Gatlinburg. We had a suspension bridge to go on to. We went to skylift park. We first took a trolly up, idk how high but it was high enough for me to get sweaty hands. Then once we got up there, they built a bridge that was just on suspensions and you had to walk from one end to the other. It was scary. At mid point they kept the floor transparent glass so you can see below. I did not do that at all. Just kept looking at Shruti who’s walking in front and her hair :) Coming back I did peak a little towards the end of that glass floor. Still scary. Was glad to do it and get it over with too. Got ourselves some ice cream in the village afterwards :)

Next day we decided we’ll drive to Nashville and check the city out. It was about a 3.5 hours drive and rain in the middle didn’t make it fun but we got there before noon and found parking in the city so it was good. Luckily it rained just for a few mins and then cleared out so we could walk to broadway st, street where essentially every restaurant has a live band playing. Was fun to see that. Also didn’t know that Titans stadium was right there across the river. Was cool to see that. Also tried this place called E+rose, which seemed like a restaurant but it was just a grab and go healthy food place. Really liked it. I Wish they had it here. Wanted to go to famous Indian chef Maneet Chauhan’s restaurant but they were closed for lunch so couldn’t :( We were back on the road to Gatlinburg after spending 4 hours in Nashville.

Next day was the last day to do stuff before we left on Friday. Since I wanted to really visit Clingman’s dome again we did that after brunch at Crokett’s breakfast place. Was really good, especially the pancakes man; buckwheat nut and fruit pancakes; healthy and delicious. Would have it daily if I could ;) It was much windier than usual up at the dome so we didn’t stay long but it was awesome to see the views of the mountain range again. We also saw the Ten/NC border line board. That’s where we saw some hikers that were going through AT trail. Was cool to see a woman be on this for the past almost 2 months. Shruti was so impressed that she wanted a picture but didn’t get it. Overall my favorite spot in the smokies. We also played mini golf afterwards, sat on swings at the top of the resort and chilled out. Got to see NFL draft round 1 at night as we packed and slept in. Eagles finally drafted a guy who can catch :D

Then we drove back the next day. Wasn’t a bad drive as we switched back and forth so we could get enough rest. Stopped by at a Thai place in Virginia on the way. Was pretty good. Overall, good trip, a trip we’ll always remember. Road trips, mountains and good healthy food are our thing :)