travel & lifestyle blog by carly Barnes kibler
I’ve said this before but I like to consider myself somewhat of a donut connoisseur. I’m constantly on the hunt for the new greatest donut of my life. In Gatlinburg, there is no better place than The Donut Friar. Located in The Village this shop is a donut hole in the wall. Once you enter The Village from the parkway just go straight back. Look for the sign with a friar holding a piled high plate of perfection and get in there! Continue reading “THE DONUT FRIAR”
Gatlinburg has been a tourist destination for years but just recently it’s been on the map for moonshine, whiskey, and wine tastings. Now, there’s one more adult beverage you have to sample on your way to the national park. The Mead Bar can be found inside The Savannah Bee Company next to Anakeesta on the Parkway. In case you aren’t as familiar with the ancient libation, mead is made primarily of honey. The term “honeymoon” comes from medieval times when it was customary to gift the bride and groom with enough mead to last one full moon. Continue reading “THE MEAD BAR”
Since I grew up in Sevier County, going home and seeing all the decorations feels like Christmas to me. I love to watch my hometown go nuts for the holidays. I look forward to driving to my dad’s store on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and seeing the “12 Days of Christmas” scenes. God help me, I even like to drive the spur on the way to Gatlinburg at night just so the darkness of the tree cover can open up to an electric light parade. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite places to visit in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to ring in the Christmas season. Continue reading “THAT’S CHRISTMAS TO ME”
As much as I love going for a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park I can’t bring my fluffy son with me on every trail. I’m not referring to those short legs! There are only two approved trails for dogs in the national park and they are “The Gatlinburg Trail” and “The Oconaluftee River Trail”. My husband and I wanted to take Joe into the park and get to see the gorgeous leaves before all they all end up scattered on the ground. Joe really enjoyed himself and fell asleep as soon as we got back to the car. Continue reading “DOG-FRIENDLY TRAILS IN GSMNP”
Gatlinburg’s newest tourist attraction, Anakeesta, is a Cherokee word meaning “the place of the balsams” according to their website. I am part Cherokee (my great-grandmother’s name was Morning Dove) but I wouldn’t dream of vouching for the language. Anakeesta is located across the street from the aquarium in case you’re wondering but it’s pretty hard to miss the huge brand new building next to Arrowmont.
Here is a sampling of the festivals we attended this year! We hope to change it up next year and see what other fun happenings Tennessee has to offer. Festivals are the best-ival. Continue reading “BEST OF THE FEST: 3 SUMMER FESTIVALS IN TENNESSEE”
