Every year when I was growing up, we would go to Gatlinburg in the fall for vacation. We always rented this same little house, and I remember it being some of the best memories I have from being a kid. Then the owners sold our little rental house, and we just drifted into going elsewhere for vacations. So last year we decided to take a family vacation and go to Gatlinburg the week before Christmas. It was beautiful and so much fun, though it was cold. It was a great chance to wear all the winter clothes that never get used in Charleston.
We stayed at the Margaritaville hotel in Gatlinburg. It was a beautiful hotel and our room had an extra little bedroom with doors, which worked out great for me and the minion. The only drawback was that all the food in the hotel was super expensive.
The hotel was right on this beautiful creek with I loved. It really made you feel like you were in the mountains and not in the business district.
They have an adorable parrot that lives in the lobby. It's super fun to watch and take pictures of.
The Pancake Pantry is a must visit. We ate there two different mornings and everything was amazing. These were the chocolate cherry crepes.
I always have to take pictures with nutcrackers whenever I find them. This one was in the candy store next to the Pancake Pantry. They had great chocolate and taffy.
Sweater: Michael Kors
Jacket: White House Black Market
Pants: Banana Republic
Shoes: Linea Paolo (Nordstrom)
Hat: Vince Camuto
Necklace: Versona
We stopped to look around the Mountain Mall and these were the super cute elevator doors.
We found a neat indoor putt-putt course. It kept the minion entertained for an hour or two. He absolutely loved it.
The view down the stairs at the Mountain Mall
The precious little birds that live in the dining room at the Applewood Farmhouse restaurant.
Turtleneck: Banana Republic
Pants: White House Black Market
Sweater: White House Black Market
Necklace: Black House White Market
Earrings: Nordstrom Rack
Shoes: Linea Paolo (Nordstrom)
Checking out the apple barn at the Applewood Farmhouse. He wanted to use them as balls.
Sunglasses: Dolce and Gabbana
Coat: Miss Sixty (Burlington Coat Factory)
We stopped at the little corner kiddie amusement park and arcade where I rode my first ride when I was about Cameron's age. Thomas was his favorite ride.
We had to get some Marble Slab ice cream after riding the rides, even though it was cold.
So if you are looking for a fun and different place to go visit this Christmas, go check out Gatlinburg. It may be cold, but it will be beautiful and there is so much to do. And because it isn't a peak season for them, there are no crowds and everything is a bit cheaper. I also loved their Christmas decorations and all the lights they put up. All together it was a really special family trip.
