Yes, there really is a Rock Top, Tennessee -- though it is buried in the Smokey Mountains and we didn't actually get there. But we got close! Our journey from Gainesville to Tennessee was rainy rainy rainy, so we were glad to make it without incident to Sevierville, TN for the Escapees RV Rally. This was a 5-day event with about 115 other RVs (some full-timers like us) that included lots of socializing, entertainment, a little education (there is always something to learn when you live in an RV), and lots of free time to explore the area.
Though an ongoing rain pattern continued to plague us, we had two really nice days -- one where we went to Dollywood in nearby Pigeon Forge and one where we explored Smokey Mountain National Park. Needless to say, we needed a lot more than one day to do this National Park, but we at least got to drive/hike up to the big lookout at the top of Klingman's Dome (highest point in these mountains) and did the short walk to the Cataract Falls. We also saw some very dedicated Appalachian Trail hikers as it intersects with Clingman's Dome.
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An incredibly (and unusual) clear day in the Smokey Mountains -- view from Clingman's Dome
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We then moved Max to a small park near Knoxville. Luckily weather was much nicer for this segment of our Tennessee tour and we ended up only taking one day to stay in Max, relax, and catch up on the laundry. We also needed to rest our weary feet! We started this area by driving east to see the Bush's Visitor Center (think beans, not Presidents). It was a real kick learning about the history of this family-run company and how it got its start in little Chestnut Hill, TN. We got to taste test some of their products in their cute (and delicious) cafe, and then stocked up at their store. We even got a picture with Duke, the family dog who keeps trying to sell the secret recipe for their beans.
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| Yes, Jeffrey weighs 149,760 "beans" (Maren wouldn't get on the scale) |
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| Maren posing with Duke and Jay (plus "arrow" road-sign that just happens to be pointing to my head through the window) |
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| Posing with Duke |
Downtown Knoxville had a lot to offer too -- an Eastern TN History Museum (this side of TN has a fascinating Civil War history), a chocolate factory/store, an art museum, and what remains of the World's Fair Park from 1982. The grand attraction in this park is the Sunsphere, where you get a 360 degree view of the city. Funny enough, we got quite a few "Go Gators!" greetings as we walked around town wearing Gator logos.
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| Downtown Knoxville as seen from the Museum of Art |
Our final "out an about in the car" day in this area was a trip to nearby Oak Ridge, TN to see our nephew, Isaac, in a rowing meet. His club had traveled over by bus from Raleigh, NC for a day of racing and his team of 4 won one of the heats. It was a real kick to see him and hang out at the club tent with some of the parents that traveled over too.
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| Nephew Isaac in his 4-man rowing heat |
Our next stop is Nashville and I'm sure our feet will get a workout there as well!
