“You’re in Tennessee, drink like it.”
The billboard, spotted by Dave from the driver’s seat, yanked me out of my progress note writing. I couldn’t help but chuckle. Thanks, Urban Hiker and Hippies & Cowboys IPA, for the laugh.
From Highway 40, Dave also pointed out a golden globe towering over downtown Knoxville. A quick Google search revealed the Sunsphere—26 stories tall, with each glass pane made of 24-karat gold. It was built for the 1982 World’s Fair, the same event where the Rubik’s Cube made its debut. As if that weren’t enough Rubik’s lore, the nearby Knoxville Convention Center houses the world’s largest Rubik’s Cube, a gift from the Romanian government.
We’re about an hour away from Gatlinburg now, and for the first time, a snowy, jagged ridge broke through the oaks and cedars, stealing the spotlight. Its gray-and-white peaks hit me with the kind of awe that feels like home. My Cascade Mountain heart is thrilled to see these Smoky Mountain beauties.
Equally thrilling: the Hilton Honors app lets me pick our room’s location. I, of course, chose the top floor with a mountain view.
Now that we’re here, I’m more than pleased with the snow-covered mountain view, it looks so pristine, whiter than white, almost too perfect—like the fake snow you see in Santa pictures.
That said, I probably shouldn’t go on vacation. My critical eye can’t rest. The missing bell to summon the desk attendant (who was mid-chat with his pal in an open-door office). The bed is somehow less comfortable than my budget mattress back home. The crooked lampshade in the hall. And don’t get me started on the wilting plants—poinsettias and a neglected mother-in-law’s tongue that silently pleaded as I passed, “Water, please. Give me water.”
But for all my critiques, I did notice some thoughtful details. The shower had large, mounted bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and gel, and there was a wall-mounted lotion dispenser next to the mirror.
Still, not being informed about the pool being out of service? A definite letdown for our waterbug family.
To get to Gatlinburg, we passed through Pigeon Forge. After the eighth antique store—each the size of a strip mall—I realized I wasn’t in Kansas anymore. The large town/mini city with a kid Vegas vibe had me sitting forward in my seat, my head swiveling to take in the architectural oddities. Among the highlights: are an upside-down building, a Titanic replica, King Kong scaling a skyscraper, and the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud building.
I also saw two skulls and crossbones flags on life-size ships for pirate shows, one of which we’ll be entering for a dinner and show tomorrow. I’ve kept Evelyn in the dark about what to expect, so it’ll be fun to see her reaction.
Well, that’s it for day one of driving to the hotel action. We’ll catch you here tomorrow and relay all the sights. Take care!
Love, Jaclynn
PS My favorite part of the upside-down house is the mailbox at the left-hand side.
Going On 40 