Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Camping in the Smokies - Part I

This past weekend we spent our 2nd year camping in the Smokies and even though the Fall color wasn't in full bloom it was still fun as ever.

We had originally planned to go next month but our schedules are crazy busy with a bachelor party, and other trips.
We decided to extend our trip by a day this year because the drive is around 4 1/2 hours pulling our trailer and it's just too short for a 3-day weekend.
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This year I stocked up with in-car entertainment.
I have jumped on the busy box bandwagon and let me tell you,
it was a huge hit.
I couldn't find the magnetic letters at the start of our trip, but by the time we go on the road I found them and between them, the metal pencil box, slinky and other pure junk, girlfriend was ENTERTAINED for hours.
No joke!
I also broke out the LSU Barbie I bought her before she was even born.
Barbie was and still is, the new favorite.
It also entertained for at least a good hour.
We arrived at camp around 1:30pm and got set up.
I took these next 2 pictures at sunset but the others earlier.
I decided to do an LSU theme giving my Tigers were playing their first SEC game of the season.
 We stayed in the same campground we stayed in last year.
Right on a creek and perfect location to everything.
 We were tired from our travels and decided to take it easy and hit up a nearby kiddie playland.
Shelby was able to ride several little carnival type attractions.
 This was her first time to ride by herself and she loved it!!
The rides were perfect for toddlers.
 They had a couple of other rides but she was getting tired and wasn't having it.
Our grand finale was the train.
 The next morning we woke up and decided to enjoy the day at Ober Gatlinburg.
This place is a ski resort in the winter, but is open all year with other things to do.
 Including an Alpine Slide Brad thought he could take Shelby on.
(that is, until he discovered she had to ride an open chairlift to get there.)
 The main attraction of Ober is the Ariel Tramway that takes you to the top of the mountain.
While neat, I wasn't overly impressed after having been on the Palm Springs version that is beyond 5,000 times better.
 Still beautiful views and it was a lot of fun.
At the top of the mountain there are kiddie rides they've transplanted for the Summer season along with a playground.
 And, of course the Alpine Slide that Brad did alone.
He said it was great fun!
 We packed a lunch to eat at the top of the mountain and it was really nice.
 Overall, Ober was a good way to see great views but I have marked it off of my list and never need to go back.
 Ober is in Downtown Gatlinburg so we literally cruised out the front door and onto main street where Shelby proceeded to take a nap and we shopped around.
Then back to camp where we played around the creek and got ready to watch the rest of the Hokie game and get ready for the LSU game.
(both of whom lost!!)
A fun start to our trip but the best part will come in tomorrow's post!
After 12-years of living in this region I finally made it to Cade's Cove in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park!
Beyond gorgeous.

5 comments:

Fran @ Sassy Southern Bride said...

What a great trip! I love the Barbie. I know Brats and a lot of other things are popular now, but I will always be a Barbie fan.

Alayna said...

cute town!

starnes family said...

I simply love all the effort you put into your life and travel. You will never regret it!

Sara said...

That picture of Shelby on the swings is adorable! Fun stuff!!

donna said...

Fun! Camping's a great way to spend some quality family time.