summer vacation – JONIAMAC

This year vacation, my family and I went back to Pigeon Forge, TN. This was our 5th time back. Usually, we rent out a cabin but this year we brought our RV, along with family friends. We stayed at the KOA which was awesome. It was right next to the strip where everything is at, so we got to everywhere within 5-10 minutes, it was behind the Old Mill area and a park so we were able to walk over there. There was a pool, a general store (where you can get snacks, drinks, they even had souvenirs), a laundry mat, and bikes to rent, wifi, and much more. If you don’t have a camper, they do have cabins you can rent out.

Day 1:

We got there on Saturday afternoon. We set up the camper/campsite, went to dinner and Walmart. Some mornings we would cook and then go out for that dinner or vice versa.

Day 2:

We walked over to the Old Mill. At the Old Mill, they have shops, restaurants, and the Old Forge Distillery where you can taste samples of moonshine. I am not a big drinker, to begin with, I did try a few flavors, and Moonshine is not for me.

For dinner, we went to Applewood Farmhouse (better known as Applebarn). First, the scenery is gorgeous. The food there is so delicious. If you ever visit the Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg area this restaurant is a must. If you do take a trip to Applewood make sure you go on a very empty stomach. The restaurant is family style. With every meal is served with complimentary family serving of their Apple Fritters and homemade Apple Butter (the best part), Applewood Julep, a choice of homemade farmhouse soup or salad, and dessert. When you decide which meal you want, you also get a choice of two sides that you share with your group.

Day 3:

Our group of 9, we all traveled to Gatlinburg. There are so many things to do in Gatlinburg, there are shops, great restaurants, distilleries, attractions such as Ripley’s, white water rafting, enjoying the view on the Sky Lift, and so much more.

Day 4:

Was a day of exploring nature. We drove through the Great Smoky Mountains and the view is just breathtaking. We also traveled through part of Cherokee, NC to visit the Mountain Farm Museum and the Oconaluftee River Trail.

Day 5:

My sister, our friend, and I went to The Island in Pigeon Forge which is a family fun eat, shop, play, and stay. My friend and I decided to get on The Wheel, a cute enclosed Ferris wheel. The Wheel was 200 feet high and it went around 6-8 times, I use to work at the Orlando Eye which is twice its size, I have to say I’ve been spoiled and I was a little judgemental. The ride was nice but it could have been better. We also checked out some of the shops on the strip.