More Altitude, Less Attitude

When most people refer to Gatlinburg, TN they are talking about Sevier County which includes Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley and Sevierville.  There are so many activities to do year around.  This first thing for a relaxing getaway is picking out a nice chalet such as Happy Daze overlooking Bluff Mountain:

Happy Daze Cabin

1482 Honey Oaks Way, Sevierville TN

Happy Daze Pigeon Forge

Happy Daze Rec Room

You are likely to run into some traffic during the peak seasons of summer and fall.  There was a misty rain, but it did not stop crowds of people from enjoying time with their loved ones.

Gatlinburg

Everywhere you go in Gatlinburg from restaurants to adventure attractions will have photo booth areas.

Kelsie Smoot

Kelsie Smoot (3)

Kelsie Smoot (2)

The Ober Aerial Tramway is a two-mile ride from downtown Gatlinburg to the Ski Area and Amusement park.  The ride was packed with 120 people.  The three cables will hold up to a million pounds. I wouldn’t recommend the tram ride for anyone who is claustrophobic or does not like heights.

Ober Gatlinburg

Ice Skating is one of those skills that once you learn it, you are set for life.

Ober Gatlinburg Ice Skating

For dining options, there is a newer place called the Local Goat.  It must be good because the wait was almost two hours.  A quicker place was a block up called, Bullfish Grill that did not disappoint with their shrimp and grits.

Bullfish Grill Shrimp and Grits

Applewood Farmhouse was the selection for breakfast, but they were on their lunch menu after 11 am.  Their apple fritters served with a signature julep were nice appetizers.  The Fall day called for a traditional pot pie and fried okra.

Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant Pot Pie

No restaurant on the Parkway in all of Sevier County could compare to the food that was prepared in the Chalet.  No cap.  Fresh salmon, jasmine rice and veggies prepared for “Lady Kel.”

Pan Seared Salmon

No dinner is complete without dessert.

Apple Flambe

On a sunnier day, horseback riding at Five Oaks was a challenging, yet a beautiful experience.

Five Oaks Stables Horses

My horse’s name was Sally.  I let her do her own thing in terms of navigating the muddy trail.  It reminded me how teachers need to allow their students to be creative instead of being in total control of everything.

Horseback riding Gatlinburg

The trail was so muddy in parts that I felt bad for using this horse for my amusement.  I thought we were going to sink like the horse Artax on the movie, The Neverending Story.

Horseback Riding Five Oaks Stables

They said this ride was for all experience levels, but I would caution taking this excursion if you need a lot of learning reinforcement.  I was afraid most of the time, especially when the horse in front of me was getting wild near a cliff.

Pigeon Forge Horseback Riding

Like all valleys and mountains, I survived.  Ms. Sally wanted to get some food after dealing with my attitude the whole ride.

kelsie smoot (4)

When you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing.

♡KelsieLou♡

 

About Kelsie Lou

Teacher on the move.
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18 Responses to More Altitude, Less Attitude

  1. Anonymous says:

    Can I hire your chef👍

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Neverending Story reference FTW!! HA!!

    I haven’t been to Gatlinburg in 10 years…so I need to return and check it out. This looked like an exciting and fun trip for sure. Looks like a fun and exciting adventure for sure!! Always nice to get away!!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Oh the chalet! I’m a leafer but missed out this year! Just knowing you got to enjoy makes me 😊! I’m usually in the Boone NC area! Shrimp n Grits are my favorite!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Kelsie Lou says:

      The couple in front of me on the horses were from Florida, near Hollywood.

      I understand a lot of Floridians like/miss 4 seasons if they are from up north. It is a big change from the sand and palm trees. The 4 seasons put you in a good holiday mood.

      Liked by 1 person

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  5. Enjoy Kelsie and Happy festive season to you and your family!❤❤❤❤❤😊☕

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Best wishes for this new year.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Oh well I suppose here is your most rcent post. Hope all is well. Hope that you will drop by. Cheers to you and your loved ones for this new years and always! 💕💕💕💕

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Those bears look racist Af! lol! “Mammyyyyy!”

    Liked by 1 person

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