Seasons

Here it is, already the middle of fall, and winter is closing in on us…and I’m already thinking about vacation travel. In fact I’m going to send away for some colorful brochures and other info, all designed to make the winter days more bearable by creating dreams of the warm and pleasant days ahead.

We have no definite plans yet, but a trip to Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina is being discussed. Specifically; Knoxville and Asheville and all points in between those two cities. The in between includes the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. This whole area is filled with local artisans in wood, weaving and clay; all things that I enjoy seeing. Plus, the two cities are college towns and so there are some cultural elements that go along with that label; galleries and museums. Plus some coffee shops that don’t have a Starbuck’s sign hanging outside!

There are 118 miles between the two cities; the road taking you through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg where tourism is big business and then into the quiet of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No fast food or t-shirt shops allowed in the Park! Once you get to Asheville, there is the Biltmore Mansion and Estate to see and I understand that’s almost a full day tour. Plus, you have to see the Grove Park Inn… and dozens of art galleries.

(What a bummer! My satellite connection decided to die for a few hours this morning…)