4th of July: Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

We decided to go out of town this year to celebrate the 4th of July. Jon and I took the boys and went with my parents and my niece Carsyn to Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge. It’s a short, easy drive and there is SO much to do! We stayed right on the line between the two towns so it was pretty easy to get back and forth. We had such an awesome time! It was very relaxing, and because everything was so close, we could just hop back over to the hotel for the boys to nap. Next time we go we’ll definitely rent a cabin rather than stay in a hotel, but it worked. My parents stayed out with my niece so we let Kade nap in their (adjoining) room and just let Jase rest in our room.

Some of the places we visisted: WonderWorks, Hatfield & McCoys, Bear Country, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, Guinness Book of World Records, Davey Crocketts Putt Putt, the Aquarium, Sky Lift, The Island

Some of the places we ate: Apple Barn, The Peddler Steakhouse, Log Cabin Pancake House, Bubba Gump’s, Hard Rock Cafe, Timberwood Grill, Melting Pot, Blaine’s Grill & Bar

I think Jase experienced every emotion on the go-karts. He went from beyond excited, to scared for his life, to having a blast. It was hilarious!

I have to admit…I love arcades! I like to play games where you can compete like the basketball, ski ball, air hockey, throwing games, etc. Not the video game type stuff.

Looking back on pictures I realized I didn’t dress up AT ALL while we were there! I was pregnant- 6 or 7 weeks I think?

So many of the places had some super fun, hands-on stuff to do. WonderWorks was really neat, and the Guinness Book had an interactive segment at the end that was a blast! We also had fun playing putt-putt right next to our hotel. Me, Jonathan, Dad, and Carsyn played after the boys went to bed. (For the record, I won the back 9. Both times.)

The aquarium was great. The boys had a great time! We haven’t taken the boys to the Georgia Aquarium yet, but it’s on our list.

We also rode the ski lift and the big ferris wheel (which was thankfully enclosed) at the Island. The Island was probably one of our favorite places. Lots to do & see, tons of little shops, and it’s entertaining without having to spend tons of money if you don’t want to.

I didn’t get to see any fireworks this year because it was too late and the boys needed to get in bed, so I stayed in the room with them while they watched from the parking lot.

So thankful for a sweet time making memories with our family.