Beautiful day for my wife's birthday trip to Pigeon Forge TN yesterday. The GT was taken. We travel through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to get there from our NC home. A bit chilly at the Newfound Gap high point at 32 degrees though. Some photos with descriptions under each.


Young males sparring for future seriousness


GT and elk in background


We see elk near the entrance to the national park.


Of course one has to cross the road....


More elk near the visitor center


32 degrees early in the morning at the top of the park


Near Newfound Gap


Cool Gift shop


We always wanted to stop here. It's mostly games and rides for younger folks


Fun stop for mini golf and mountain coaster


Wife putting on course


The two of us on the coaster


Dinner was a blast


Free mousse cake for wife's big day

 

A belated Happy Birthday to your wife. I recall a 2014 tour of national parks in our '14 convertible and one spot where it was very cold.

 

Happy birthday again to your bride, mine retires on Monday. I just was in western NC and traveled to Nashville on my way back to South Dakota two weeks ago, fun except the one lane section...

 

Thanks for sharing such awesome photos of your first road trip of 2025... Also, a very happy birthday to your bride...

 

Thanks for sharing, great pics.

 

I know. I-40 still one lane since Hurricane Helene. What's that now, about 6 months? Why do I have a feeling it would be done by now if it was near Wash DC??

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

 

Very nice - Happy Birthday to your wife.

 

Nice! Looks like a great time! Did a short family trip (~4 days) to Pigeon Forge back in 2023 and definitely want to make it back some day. I can tell you the inside of Wonder Works smells like feet, and is definitely geared towards pre-teens through high schoolers. Cool exhibits and rides inside, kinda made me wish I was 20 years younger, but probably not for anyone not a kid or dragging a couple along.

Love those alpine coasters, we did Goats on the Roof and made it there early enough we got a couple runs in before the crowds. Even before we got home we started looking for where there might be some closer to us but nearest is still 3 hrs away (better than 8 to TN I guess)

A couple other highlights we had were the world's largest knife store (really like a shopping mall for just knives -- but hey you could buy a dinosaur femur for $16k!!!), the Titanic museum (they had some pretty incredible stuff if you're into the ship and artifacts), and if you're into hard spirts, Old Forge Distiller had some fantastic stuff (just watch out, they pour HEAVY).

 

^^ Good tips!! We really enjoyed the Titanic too especially after watching the movie while it's all fresh in your mind.
I used to hit the moonshine stores too and really liked the Cinnamon flavors but since since my heart issues I've really cut back on the alcohol.

 

Great To See You Out Having Fun After Our Scare We Had With You Not So Long Ago!

Best Regards,

Kc

 

Thanks! So far so good with the meds, and a better diet without so much salt.

 

I Would Advise Good Salt as Well other Than Regular!

Both Himalayan and Celtic salts regulate blood pressure and sleep, as well as promote heart health and increase the body's energy. Both are great options so it really comes down to personal preference and what you're looking for from a salt.

KC