GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE
Pam and I wanted to try one of the many 3 day/2 night vacations that are included with the Coastal Package. We looked at the offers, searching for a trip within a days drive, and found many attractive excursions. Settling on Gatlinburg, Tennessee, we reasoned that the middle of July would be a great time to travel to the cooler mountains. We were right!
Up early on a Friday morning, we headed west to the mountains. Gatlinburg is about a four-hour drive from our home, so we thought we would get an early start and stop at Mt. Mitchell on the way. Mt. Mitchell is the highest mountain east of the Mississippi and is located in northwestern North Carolina, about half-way on our journey to Gatlinburg.
We arrived late in the morning and took the long drive to the top and walked the remaining ¼ mile to the peak…beautiful views…even though it was a bit overcast. Of course, this time of the year with high altitudes, it usually is a bit hazy. (See our pictures below.)
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| Pam and I ....very high up! |
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| View from the top of Mt. Mitchell |
 Downtown Gatlinburg - Mountains in the background After our visit to the lofty heights of Mt. Mitchell, it was time to head to Tennessee. We leisurely drove the Blue Ridge Parkway towards Asheville. If you get the chance to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge, don’t miss it! It is constant vistas to the left and right or both, absolutely breathtaking! We arrived in Gatlinburg later that afternoon. Gatlinburg is nestled in the foothills of The Great Smoky Mountains. A very picturesque small town, (although a bit too commercial for our taste,) it bustles with families, couples, and honeymooners shopping at outlet and specialty shops, eating at great hometown restaurants, riding the ski lift to the top of a close-by mountain, and visiting the many Ripley museums and other town attractions.
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 Pam and I in the Smokys |
 Pam and I by the fireplace. Upon arrival, we checked into our motel, The Gatlinburg Town Square. Check-in was a breeze. The room was nicely appointed. It was quite large, with a kitchenette, which included a sink, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, and dinette set. There was a separate vanity/make-up area, apart from the bathroom and shower. But the best part…a fireplace! Okay, okay…so it’s July…but use your imagination. We turned up the air conditioning until it was quite chilly and then lit the fireplace! All-in-all...a very nice room. The rest of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday we enjoyed the area. Again lots of great restaurants, way too many gift shops (ouch! my wallet!) and beautiful mountains only a couple miles away. Now the important stuff. Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Our cost of lodging ~ $22.00 for room taxes. That’s it! The accommodations were free as they were included in the Coastal package. The rack rate on our room was $109 per night. The taxes you would have to pay regardless, so our savings was $218 for two nights in Gatlinburg. Our only expense…food, gasoline, AND those gift shops! At least, we did not have to pay for the room. ANOTHER GREAT COASTAL DEAL!!!
Pam and Michael Cable |
