ON THE ROAD AGAIN in Pigeon Forge, TN

10/16/2019

DAY 1
That's right. DiscoverCOS is ON THE ROAD AGAIN to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, located at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We found a fantastic fare for a non-stop flight from Denver to Knoxville on Colorado-based Frontier Airlines. We saved about $50 by including our car rental with the flight purchase. Tim at Avis took really good care of us. He gave us a Ford EcoSport for the three day adventure. With gas prices at $2.16/gallon we only used about $12 worth of fuel the entire time.

Colorado based Frontier Airlines NON-STOP from Denver to Knoxville.

Knoxville Terminal.

Ford EcoSport from Avis.

The drive between the airport and Pigeon Forge is very scenic. Along the way we stopped in at Apple Valley Farm and had a burger at the cafe. They have a "topping bar" to top off your burger any way you like.

Historic Landmark church along Highway 321.

Angus Burger with Applewood Bacon.

Apple Valley General Store and Cafe.

THE CABIN

We rented a mountain-top cabin nestled in Smoky Mountain Ridge, a beautiful resort with a natural park setting. It had all the amenities we needed for a fun-filled, autumn get-a-way.

DAY 2
We arrived at the Old Mill Restaurant precisely at noon, and parking was quite a challenge. With a little patience and a few times circling around I ended up with a great spot. There were eleven of us so we decided to have lunch at the Old Mill Cafe, directly across the street from the mill. Sheri told us the Ribeye Steak was awesome, and she was right! It was probably one of the best I've ever had. While we were here we discussed our plans for the afternoon.

The Old Mill Restaurant.

Great time with friends old and new.

Totally awesome Ribeye Steak.

View of the Old Mill.

HIKE TO LAUREL FALLS
While part of our group went shopping, a few of us decided to take a hike to Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

The trail to Laurel Falls.

Autumn splendor.

Sheer drop offs along the trail.

Great Smoky Mountains.

Laurel Falls.

Rocky ledges between the falls.

THE COMEDY BARN
After reconvening at the cabin for a delightful, home-cooked meal of barbeque ribs and chicken tenders we all went to The Comedy Barn for a night of good, family-friendly fun. Two members of our group were actually called on stage to be a part of the show.

DAY 3
Today we spent the day at Dollywood! Rides, shows, food. Did I say food? Each day our group expanded as others joined us or we met up unexpectedly with friends who also happened to be in the area. With more people came more opportunities to eat and snack. Don't miss the Cinnamon Bread at the Grist Mill!

Okay, I'm here. Now where's Dolly?!?!

Pumpkins here, there, and everywhere!

Chicken-fried Steak at The Front Porch Cafe.

We ran into this great family from Tennessee.

Live performances by The Isaac's.

Aunt Granny's Buffet.

Cinnamon Bread at The Grist Mill.

Fun with the gang at Dollywood!

DAY 4
Today we head back to Knoxville to catch our return flight home. It's been a wonderful time meeting up with friends new and old. If you are looking for a great place to get-a-way, may we highly recommend this family-friendly destination that is only about a three-hour flight away from Colorado. Special thanks to all who were a part of it!

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