While it seems like most of the people we know go on vacation during the summer, we can’t. With the 2 businesses we have, in addition to the husband helping with his dad’s concrete business, we pretty much work nonstop through the summer. While it is exhausting, it’s also rewarding. Fall is our absolute favorite season, which makes it a great time for our family to get away for some quality time. Every year (as long as we can afford it) we head south to Gatlinburg, TN for fall break. This year, we took the boys out of school for a few extra days and stayed a little longer for some much needed family fun!
I’m always amazed by the beauty of the mountains surrounding the gaudy tourism of Gatlinburg, but we love it there nonetheless. We did the normal “tourist” stuff… walking the strip, spending time in the national park, etc.
The husband attempted to eat a 5 pound burrito within 30 minutes…
…but gave up soooooo close to the end!
One of our favorite “new” traditions is to drive a few miles to Carver’s Apple Orchard in Cosby,TN. We went for the first time last year. The boys LOVE it there. They have raw apple cider, not to mention several varieties of apples, apple butter, honey, and fried apple pies!
We made sure to stock up while we were there. (#4 had a hard time waiting until we checked out!)
After we were done with our shopping, we stopped at a picnic area in the national park for lunch. The boys (and maybe some adults!) played in the leaves and had a great time. This was my favorite day of the whole trip!
What is your favorite destination when you need to get away?
Are all of those small people yours?! I have never been much of a fan of apples any other way than straight up but can understand the autumnal appreciation society so long as I don’t have to join. I am glad that you are having/have had a wonderful respite from the real world and hope that it carries you over till your next holiday event