Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and SugarLand

After a rousing breakfast at the Mountain Lodge restaurant just a couple of blocks from our park, we headed toward the bright lights and zip lines of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. Pigeon Forge is just a few miles away, and we were there in no time. Of course the main attraction is linked to a very famous musician, songwriter, actress and producer.

Just up the road, in Sevierville, where Dolly was born, a statue of her has the place of honor at the county courthouse!

Sevierville seems to be a normal town, perhaps with a few more restaurants than most, but pretty middle of the road.

Pigeon Forge, however, has every attraction known to man (or woman). As we drove through town on the main street (The Parkway), we laughed at all the different ways that have been invented to separate a tourist from his dollar! From an upside-down White House to a King Kong themed amusement park to every major restaurant chain ever imagined, Pigeon Forge has it all. One of our staple restaurants when on the road is Cracker Barrel, with a home-cooked theme. There are three CB's within four miles of each other in PF!

One of our favorite sights was a restaurant with a catchy name:

After the urban experience, we felt a need for a slower and more beautiful area. A drive into Great Smoky Mountains National Park gave us the peace we needed.

We pulled onto the Gatlinburg Bypass, which offered an extraordinary perspective of the town.

At the Sugarland Visitors Center, we scoped out some exhibits of local flora and fauna. Seems like we met this guy at home one time!

A short, 3/4 mile Nature Trail led from the Visitor Center through a hardwood forest....

Across the proverbial babbling brook...

To the mighty crescendo of Cascade Falls! Well, maybe it's not Niagara, but the 35 foot high fall is still very pretty. The overcast day was perfect for walking, and we enjoyed the trail immensely!

A bit later, a cloudburst drove us indoors. D prepared a wonderful meal, and, with a piece of peach meringue cake for dessert, we settled in for a quiet evening at home!