Go Karts and Coasters

In Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge there are tons of fun attractions (not hiking??? *gasp* I know!!!) for families. There are a multitude of go kart tracks, and we did one in Pigeon Forge called Fun Zone Speed Park where a low admission price gets you rides on three tracks. The tracks were decently long and you got about a five or six minute ride which was really impressive. It was a lot of fun, even though I was in a two person car with my mom, the crazy driver!!!! This was how I felt the whole time. Good thrill option (especially if with my mom) for the whole family.

My personal favorite attraction is the somewhat new Alpine Coaster. It is similar to a real roller coaster. The track takes you way up the hill and then you push down on levers to go flying down the mountain, around turns. Totally fun for the whole family (like go karts) and worth the $15 adult ticket price (check out those coupon books around town for deals!). A YouTube link is below. Also note that Goats on the Roof now has an alpine coaster too. I personally haven't ridden it, but I tend to stick to the original. Go check out Goats on the Roof too though...cool place.

Up on a Mountaintop in Tennessee

This past week I was on vacation in Gatlinburg, TN with my extended family.  It was an absolute blast!  We go there often because one of my grandparents is a co-owner of a chalet, but this was the first time we had gone for a full week in the summer.  This week, I want to recap what we did/give tips for what to do in Gatlinburg.  I actually have maybe been shopping, like, twice...because I spend most of my time in the national park, hiking and such, with a couple of trips into Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge for other activities.  Here are the activities I will cover this week:

1. Laurel Falls Trail
2. Chimney Tops Trail
3. Go Karts and Coasters
4. Alum Cave Trail

I have many personal photos that I will share covering these activities, most of which are trails, as I said before.  Here's my challenge to you...next time you travel to Gatlinburg, don't go shopping.  I know, I'm a crazy person, but if these teaser pictures that I took throughout my week don't convince you...I don't know what will.  Happy traveling, and I will update you on these topics throughout the week!

Beautiful views (feat. my acoUstiKats shirt...if you don't know them...look them up, they are my fav a cappella group!!!)

A picture of Mt. LeConte is truly worth 1,000 words

Bonus picture of a baby bear we saw off of our chalet deck

Bonus picture #2 of the baby bear's momma