A Smoky Mountains Vacation (Of Course a Bookstore is Involved)

We took a quick, much needed vacation to The Smoky Mountains this weekend. It’s been several years since I’ve been. We used to go twice a year while I was growing up, so it felt amazing to return to a place with so many great memories. Plus, this time I got to take my husband. It was just a great trip all around. So, let’s talk about it.

Smoky Mountains Knife Works

The first place we stopped was the Smoky Mountain Knife Works. If you’re a knife lover of any sort this is the place for you. And honestly, even if you’re not it’s worth the stop because this place is an absolute experience. I splurged on this Case Halloween knife. I figured this was the perfect Case knife to start my collection. I just adore it.

The Old Mill Restaurant

After almost two hours at the Knife Works, we were starving so we headed over to The Old Mill Restaurant. It’s literally a restaurant in an old gristmill. It’s still in operation and you can buy their corn meal and grits in the gift shop. They also use their products in their food as well.

I ordered the fried catfish, and it was absolutely delicious. But my favorite thing there was the corn fritters with maple butter. I could make a meal off of those alone.

The food was so good, and the view is outstanding. I highly recommend this place. You won’t be disappointed.

Book Warehouse/Moon Pie General Store

Next up we went to the bookstore that started this whole obsession which ultimately led to this blog. Book Warehouse is the first bookstore I remember visiting so many years ago. And I have stopped at this store every time I get a chance since then. This place just makes my soul happy. They’ve added on a Moon Pie General Store since then as well. That’s a fun little addition. You can buy a sweet treat to go with all of your books. Check back in tomorrow because I’ll have a haul going up.

Mountain Oak Cabin

Shopping wore us out, so we headed to the cabin to check in. We stayed at Mountain Oak cabin in Pigeon Forge, and it was gorgeous. It was perfectly located in between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. The fireplace was cozy, and the hot tub was exactly what my muscles needed after a long car ride.

Ripley’s Aquarium

The next morning, we woke up and headed into Gatlinburg. My husband is an aquarium lover and he’s never been to Ripley’s Aquarium so that was our first stop, It’s been years since I’ve been but it was just as fun as I remembered. I loved Shark Lagoon the most, I think. It’s a moving sidewalk through a tunnel so you’re surrounded by these huge tanks. It feels like you’re under the ocean. And the sharks were massive.

They also had a unique group of fish and marine life that I haven’t seen in other aquariums. It was such an enjoyable experience.

Downtown Gatlinburg

Of course, since we were in Gatlinburg, I had to hit a few of the shops. It was a grey, drizzly day but it didn’t stop us from having a ton of fun. We stopped for corndogs at Fannie Farkles, got milkshakes at Ben and Jerrys, and spent way too much money in The Village.

The Alamo

The best way to end a good shopping day is with a good meal. So, we headed back to Pigeon Forge and ate at Alamo Steakhouse. I got the prime rib, creamed spinach, and a baked potato. It was so yummy and a perfect meal for a slightly chilly night.

The City Lights

I was shocked to find out that they keep Christmas lights up until February in the Smokies. I was so excited to ride around and see the lights. We rode through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. On the way back from Gatlinburg we took the bypass and I had to stop at a pull off and take a picture. Gatlinburg is a stunning city anytime but it’s breathtaking at night.

Red Rooster

I didn’t mention breakfast on the first day, but we love Red Rooster Pancake House. We ate there both days. I had already started digging in before I remembered to snap a picture. But this is the King French Toast named after Elvis. It had bacon, peanut butter, and bananas on it. Honestly, my stomach is growling just talking about it.

Cades Cove

On the last day we visited Cades Cove. If you’re a history lover or a nature lover this is a must. It’s about a ten-mile drive through the National Park where there is all sorts of wildlife and historic buildings. There are churches, cabins, and cemeteries to explore. Plus, there are great hiking trails throughout the park. Here are a few of the pictures that I took.

Lodge Factory Outlet/Museum

The last place we visited was in South Pittsburg Tennessee where Lodge cast iron is made. It has a factory outlet and a museum all in one building. The museum starts by showing you the manufacturing process and then it tells the history of the company itself.

It’s also home to the world’s largest cast iron skillet. That thing was massive. The picture doesn’t do it justice.

And lastly, I finally got my hands on one of the new USA enameled Dutch ovens. I have wanted one since they launched back in July, and I figured there was no better place to splurge than where they’re made. I went with the red 4.5 quart, and I can’t wait to use it. Plus, it’s a sentimental purchase for me because the company that my husband works at has a small part in the production of that specific line. I just think it’s cool to know where your products come from.

That wraps up our trip to The Smoky Mountains. We had a great time and I already want to go back.

Have you ever been to The Smoky Mountains? What’s your favorite thing to do?

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