Pidgeon Forge, TN

We visited a new place for vacation this summer.....no beaches for us in 2008 which we missed, but we really had a good time in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Brad's parents have a couple of condo units at a resort in Pigeon Forge, so we were invited to go since it's the last year the week would work for us because we have a school-aged child now. What a relaxing place, and beautiful. The landscaping was breathtaking, the pool was refreshing and the shopping and entertainment was very fulfilling. We attended variety shows with singers doing tributes to famous singers/performers like Elvis or Buddy Holly, and shows with just really talented singers and dancers who made us laugh and our kids smile. Outlet shopping was fun, and we brought home plenty of new clothes for the girls and a few things for us, too. Then, there was Dollywood! Yes, it is Dolly Parton's amusement park, and it was really much better than I expected it to be. There was a wonderful kids' section of the park and rides that we enjoyed, too. We actually went twice during the week, and I took some pics of the kids on the rides which I'll share. Watching Bethany and Mallory enjoy themselves was just the best part of the whole day. Bumper cars, flying elephants, all varieties of animal themed rides, and the carousel....I hope they'll remember how much fun they had.