A Day in the Life: Southeastern US tour--Part 2

This past weekend could not have been more amazing and was a weekend of outdoor fun, gorgeous weather, visiting friends and indulgence; pizza x 2, pancakes, donuts, ice cream, cookies and many other meals eating out and overdoing it. I took Friday off after a horrendous Thursday and we headed out 3 hrs late for Jack Huff's Motor Lodge in Gatlinburg, TN. Advised beforehand that Gatlinburg was going to be somewhat cheesy and full of overweight people walking around in flip-flops, I actually found it to be sort of fun. It is one of the towns that borders the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, and is definitely a touristy-trap sort of place, complete with multiple stores selling fudge, candy, taffy and ice cream. But isn't that what makes vacation fun?!?!

Our plan was to actually go to Asheville, NC and to stop and spend the day in GSMNP on our way there. The weather could not have been better. After a terrible night of sleep (got in late, Ellie slept in bed with us but the place was actually nice. Ellie was a complete trooper for our first hike (2.6 miles round trip, approximately 0.3 miles spent on my shoulders) to Laurel Falls. We also drove through the park to NC, stopping also at Clingman's Dome (highest point in GSMNP and along Appalachian Trail) and Mingus Falls. Both of those hikes were shorter but very steep, with less compliance from Ellie D. From the other side it was just an hour to Asheville where we met up with the Swann family.

Saturday we went to the Biltmore Estate after breakfast and early BBQ for lunch. Asheville has amazing food. It comes out really quickly, is very high quality and just darn good. We spent 4 hrs at the Biltmore Estate, although going through the house with the 2.5 year old during her nap time was a questionable move. Unfortunately Spring has been so early here that all of the tulips were already passed, even though their Festival of Flowers started last week. We didn't even make it to the Winery or through the Azalea garden, but the property is just spectacular and I highly recommend a trip there for anyone looking for someplace to go.

Sunday I went for an 8 mile run through the neighborhood that Andrew's parents live in and it was breathtaking (and grueling for Asheville is VERY hilly). Another ridiculously good meal for brunch and we were on our way back. I can't even describe how beautiful the weather was and just overall what a great time we had!

Jack Huff's. Number 2 on trip advisor and definitely clean!

Entering the park from Gatlinburg

Drzewieckis in front of Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls

Hiking back down (albeit paved trail). If you have a chance ask Ellie about what a good hiker she is.

Observatory at the top of Clingman's dome. Yes that is me carrying Ellie on my back. My calves did not appreciate this hike. It was short, but very steep, and I was huffing and puffing carrying her up.