Anakeesta.....

Anakeesta...They advertise it as a theme park, but it's really not.



It's situated at the top of a mountain overlooking the ski town of Gatlinburg, Tn. It's beautifully landscaped and has some incredible views.








They also have a single rider rollar coaster called the Rail Runner. It's the first of it's kind in the United States because it rides on a single rail. My daughter and her friend rode it, but I passed. She enjoyed it, but said they could've cleaned up all the construction stuff they left lying around, which was in full view as they rode down the mountain.






They also have a really cool swinging bridge trail that takes you through the tree tops.



On our way down we got a really nice view of Gatlinburg. All in all, it was a nice trip and the food at the top is very good, but be prepared to wait in line. There's just not enough restaurants for the amount of people that are up there. Other than that, I would definitely recomment it, even if you just go for the scenery..:)

{{hugs}}

Trista

mini golf or putt putt?

Which do you call it? I've always called it putt putt. Not sure why. I mean...sounds kind of weird, doesn't it? Putt putt seems more like a small car putt putting along rather than describing miniature gold. Not even sure where putt putt came from, but it's how I've always heard it.

Anyway, regardless of what it's called...:) When we were camping this last trip, we played a round of putt putt.

We had to take a train to the top of the hill and then work our way down the hill by playing the various rounds of mini golf.



My daughter's bestie giving her putt putt lessons...:)

This is my daughter's bestie. Should she go pro? :)






The course was decorated with all kinds of waterfalls and bridges. Even a plane, which is what attracted my daughter to it. She loves anything to do with planes.



Selfie time!! From right to left my daughter, her bestie, and me..:)

After putt putt we headed to The Island in Pigeon Forge for some Ice Cream..:)



It was so good!!



Then we stayed for a bit and watched the fountain. I hope the video uploaded. It's a really cool show..:)

After all this we headed back to the camper for a good night's rest. We had plans to get up early the next morning and head to Anakeesta. Pictures on that to follow soon..:)

Hope you enjoy!

{{hugs}} 

Trista

Camping time...

Before my daughter headed off for college we took one more camping trip. This time to Wears Valley, which is right outside Pigeon Forge in Tn.



Check out the view of Wears Valley from the top of the Parkway. It's gorgeous up there. Not so fun pulling a camper, though...lol



Once we got the campground, it was time to set up and enjoy the view.



The campground is called Honeysuckle Meadows. It's a small campground. It does have a pool, but no showers. The lots are really big, too, as you can see from the picture. It has lots of space and it's very quiet.



Our dog loved it. As you can see, she was in heaven...:)




Had to put the beauty shot in there, of course...:)



The girls enjoyed it, too. We grilled burgers for dinner and just enjoyed the scenery.

We did lots of other stuff as well, including miniature golf and Anakeesta, which I'll post pictures of in the next post. Hope you enjoy!

{{hugs}}

Trista

My life through the lens...

Finally got out of the house last weekend and did a little hiking. It wore me out, but it felt good to be out after that horrible week of recovery.

We hiked to Laurel Falls, a small waterfall outside of Gatlinburg, Tn.

The hike is fairly easy and the trail is concrete, or at least the parts that haven't washed away.

The weather was hot, but the trail is pretty much shaded the entire way. And when you get to your destination, the cool airflow off the falls feels incredible...:)

It's a hike I could do over and over again. And probably will once the weather cools off. Fall in the Smokies is absolutely gorgeous..:)

Since I did so well, I'm now challenging you to get out and get some fresh air. Enjoy the summer!

{hugs}

Trista

Summer camping...

We went camping this past weekend, our first with our grandson, Mason. We went to Pine Mountain RV park in Pigeon Forge, Tn. 

Pine Mountain is probably one of the better parks we've been too recently. Each spot had it's own tree and I really like how the lots had pine trees between them for an added bit of privacy.

The bathhouse was spacious and clean. Thank god for that. Some places it seems don't even bother to clean their bathrooms, but this one did.

The pool was nice too and you could also use the pool at the hotel across the street since they were both owned by the same people.

The only thing I didn't like about our spot was the fire pit and picnic table were too close to the road, but that was my own fault for waiting too late to make reservations and I got the last spot available. Next time, I want to try for one of the spots along the river..:)

Other than that, we had a fabulous time. We spent all day Saturday at Dollywood and roasted marshmallows that night by the fire. Our grandson had a blast and we promised to take him on another camping trip soon.

So far, I've really enjoyed the new camper we bought and can't wait for our next adventure..:)

<<hugs>>

Trista