Yesterday we drove to Cherokee, NC via SR-441 to SR-19 to I-40 and back to Gatlinburg, TN on SR-321.
What a great journey through the Great Smoky Mountains. We stopped in Cherokee, Maggie Valley, the Indian Reservation, Cataloochee and Wilton Springs.
The 35-mile drive from Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC, across the highest peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a drive back in time – and one with amazing views.
We stopped along the way at “Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort”. Bill gave me my regular $20.00 allowance and ,,, we left $ 71.25 ahead of the game!!
Today we ventured to “Cade’s Cove”. We did the 11-mile one-way loop drive. I loved the feel of the Cove’s pastoral serenity and the feel of the protection of the surrounding mountains. The first settlers were there in 1821. It truly is picture perfect!
We saw many early settler homes and churches as well as a working cable mill.
We watched some “Sorghum Molasses” being made. It’s made from the sorghum plant which resembles corn in the field, but the grain crop is best known for its end product – sweet sorghum syrup. Molasses is made from sugar cane. It is very tasty and sweet … going to be perfect on my oatmeal!
We were so hoping to see at least one bear or an elk; however, all we saw was a wild turkey, some crows and one fox! The fox ran through the woods as seen in the above picture but we couldn’t get a picture of him.
Returning from the Cove, we took SR-73 and came upon “The Sinks”. What a neat place to stop and visit. There are pools of clear fresh water which are just beautiful. Some people stop and swim in the pools of water.
On our return home, we stopped for supper at the “Quaker Steak & Lube” restaurant. They are known for the best wings in the Smoky Mountains. Very delicious!
We’ve really enjoyed touring this area of Tennessee and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to visit!
Speckles and Mel have enjoyed their visit as well (except for the tunnels)!
Bill and Barb ... where to next? 