Birthday Road Trip

Earlier this month, the family went up to Pigeon Forge for the day to celebrate my birthday.  It was such a nice way to spend a Saturday, I had to just share a little with you.

Normally, I dread a drive up I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge.  The big trucks, the curvy road, and lane barriers and the mountains just make for one crazy, claustrophobic, scary ride.  Fortunately it was a lovely day, the traffic was light (with oddly very few semis) and the fall colors were just on the downside of peak.  It was beautiful!

The morning started with a stop I knew the male offspring would enjoy - the Smokey Mountain Knife Works in Sevierville.  After that we did some shopping at the outlets in Pigeon Forge, and then grabbed a light lunch.

Next up was my very favorite spot in Pigeon Forge... The Christmas Place!

I managed to talk the family into posing for some silly pictures.

I really love this store!  I could spend hours just looking at all the decorations and trees.  It's like getting to hang out in Santa's workshop!

From there we went down to the Old Mill.  Where we browsed in the shops... and bought far too much candy!

The day ended with dinner at my favorite restaurant in Pigeon Forge: Mama's Farmhouse. (you can read my previous rave review of it HERE) Seriously... if you like country cooking and are ever in Pigeon Forge you have GOT to eat here!

It was a wonderful day with the family.  Part of the perfect birthday weekend.  Which I don't think I thank the Man of the House enough for putting together for me! 

Road Trip: French Broad River

One of our family plans for this summer is to drive (as closely as possible) the path of the Old Buncombe Turnpike.  The second part of our journey took us north along the French Broad River into Madison County, North Carolina.

French Broad River at Ledges Park

Marshall, NC

 

Playing at the park on Blannahassett Island

Relaxing at the park

Crossing the bridge into "downtown" Marshall

Driving north out of Marshall

Little Pine, Madison County, NC

It's possible there is no more accurately descriptive road name anywhere

That's right y'all - PAYNE'S Chapel!  

 

Road Trip: Poinsett Bridge

One of our family plans for this summer is to drive (as closely as possible) the path of the Old Buncombe Turnpike.  The first part of this journey took us down Old US Hwy 25, through Hendersonville, Flat Rock, and down Saluda mountain to see the Poinsett Bridge in Saluda, South Carolina.

The Poinsett Bridge in upstate South Carolina marked the gateway to the mountains as the State Road of South Carolina began the climb up Saluda Mountain towards Asheville, North Carolina.  Built in 1820, it is the oldest existing bridge in the state of South Carolina and is believed to have been designed by Robert Mills, architect of the Washington Monument.

The drive down Saluda Mountain

A glimpse of the bridge through the trees

Poinsett Bridge's gothic arch

Under the bridge

Male off spring relaxes on the bridge

Looking down from the bridge

Road Trip: Asheville's Urban Trail (Part 3)

The family decided to play the role of "Hometown Tourists" and visit Asheville's Urban Trail - a walking tour of downtown Asheville, highlighting the unique architecture, people, and historic events of the city.

SHEville?

Asheville Community Theatre

Asheville in Motion

City-County Plaza

Veteran's Memorial

Monument Corner

Eagle Hotel