Spring Break: Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

  • Post category:Vacation
  • Reading time:7 mins read

Last year, we went to Nashville for Spring Break, and while we don’t normally go to the same place two years in a row, we found ourselves back in Nashville again this year…for a couple of days anyway. The original plan was to spend the entire vacation in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, but when we found out that one of Stacy’s friends was going to be on Spring Break in Nashville the week before, we thought it would be fun to meet up with her in Nashville before she came back home. James’ Spring Break was supposed to be March 27th through the 31st, but we pulled him out of school on the 23rd and 24th and started Spring Break early.

Hopefully this blog post won’t crash the website. We took so many pictures. I tried to narrow it down as much as possible, but there are still around 100 pictures here.

Since James tends to travel better at night when he is sleeping, we left at around 9:00 pm on the 22nd and got into Nashville around 6:00 am, before the sun came up. I have a silly rule when we go to Nashville…we can’t take the same route there and back. From Chicago, there are two ways to get there. We can take Interstate 57 all the way to southern Illinois and then hop on Interstate 24 to Nashville; or we can cross over into Indiana and take Interstate 65 all the way to Nashville. Since we were going to be coming home from Pigeon Forge, we’d be coming back on I-65, which meant we had to take I-57 to Nashville. The bonus of taking I-57 is that we get to stop and say hello to Superman. In far southern Illinois there is a small town called Metropolis, and if you are a Superman fan, you know that Superman lives in Metropolis.

 

James sleeps in a car seat inside a dimly lit vehicle, bundled in a red jacket with the hood partly over his face and wearing blue sunglasses. He's secured with a seatbelt and covered by a Peanuts‑themed blanket featuring Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Bags and travel items surround the seat, and blurred lights outside the window suggest nighttime driving.
Shielding James’ eyes from the lights so he would hopefully sleep during the drive

 

A brightly lit billboard at night features an illustration of Superman flying forward with one arm extended. Behind him is a red outline of Illinois marked with a yellow star. The text welcomes travelers to Metropolis and notes it as the “Home of Superman,” presented by the Massac County Chamber of Commerce. Trees and darkness frame the scene around the sign.
Welcome to Metropolis, Illinois

 

A red van is parked at night in front of a large Superman statue, standing in a classic hands‑on‑hips pose with a blue suit, red cape, and red boots. The rear side door of the van is open and James can be seen wearing a red hooded outfit and covered with a blanket. A brick building with lit windows and a streetlight glow fills the background, giving the scene a quirky, late‑night roadside feel.
Superman statue in downtown Metropolis, Illinois

 

A wooden roadside sign stands on two metal posts, lit against the night. White lettering reads “Welcome to the Soundtrack of America Made in Tennessee #MadeInTN.”
Welcome to Tennessee

 

After a long night of driving, I took a nap for a few hours, woke up hungry and we all went downtown to have some lunch. We had heard good things about Hattie B’s so we decided to check it out. We knew it had to be good when there was a line out the door on a Thursday afternoon. We were not disappointed. That had to be the best chicken I have ever had! We will definitely be back.

 

Stacy, wearing a purple hoodie, stands smiling beside a red and black stroller outside Hattie B’s Hot Chicken. James sits in the stroller, and a pink parking sign on the railing in front of them lists 15‑minute parking rules and towing information. The restaurant’s sign is mounted on a gray brick wall behind them.
Waiting in line

 

A large white styrofoam cup with a red straw sits on a metallic table, printed with an orange “Hot Hattie B’s Chicken” logo. Behind it, James in a stroller wears a red jacket and a patterned neck pillow. Red chairs and warm wooden paneling fill the background, giving the scene a casual restaurant atmosphere.

 

A close‑up of a meal shows pieces of fried chicken on red‑and‑white checkered paper beside a bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese with small red pepper bits. In the background, cups with the Hattie B’s logo sit on a metal table, with other baskets of food faintly visible.

 

A basket lined with red‑and‑white checkered paper holds fried chicken tenders topped with pickle slices. Beside it sits a bowl of baked beans, and in the background a bowl of potato salad is garnished with chopped parsley. A small container labeled “Hattie B’s Hot Chicken Honey Mustard” rests near the food, all arranged on a casual restaurant table.

 

Friday, we went to the Nashville Zoo. We think James enjoys seeing the different animals.

Jeff, Stacy, and James pose in front of a large stone sign engraved with “Nashville Zoo at Grassmere” and a stylized giraffe design. Jeff wears a blue plaid shirt and carries a black bag, Stacy wears a striped shirt and sunglasses, and James sits in a red and black stroller wearing a gray shirt and black pants. Trees and zoo buildings fill the background.

 

James sits in a red stroller wearing blue sunglasses and a brown patterned neck pillow, holding a Nashville Zoo map featuring a monkey on the cover. The brochure includes membership details, ride‑pass information, and the zoo’s website.
James with his map of the zoo

 

Two bright blue parrots perch on thick rope and wooden branches in a lush, green outdoor habitat. In the foreground, James, wearing blue sunglasses, sits in a stroller, looking toward the birds.
Hyacinth Macaw

 

A squirrel climbs vertically up the side of a wooden building, paused mid‑climb to pose for a picture. In the background, a grassy enclosure holds a black‑and‑white animal behind another fence, with leafless trees scattered around. A small sign with a horse illustration sits on a wooden rail in the foreground.
“Ninja squirrel”

 

A sheep lies on the grass with its head tucked under a wooden fence rail. Its thick, curly wool covers most of its face, leaving only the nose and part of the ears visible. Green vegetation surrounds the sheep, and a patch of dirt or gravel sits on the other side of the fence.
Poor sheep must have thought the grass was greener on the other side of the fence and got his (or her) head stuck

 

Two people in blue shirts kneel beside a sheep lying on the ground inside a fenced outdoor enclosure, appearing to check on or care for it. Two other sheep stand nearby on the dirt. Trees, a wooden fence, and a paved path with a few people and benches sit in the background.
Zoo staff worked to get him (or her) out from under the fence

 

Two people kneel beside a sheep inside a fenced outdoor enclosure, closely tending to or inspecting the animal. Other sheep stand nearby on the dirt. Trees, wooden fencing, and a dirt path frame the area, with a few people visible farther back near a building and paved walkway.
They got the sheep out and were looking him (or her) over for injuries

 

Two meerkats rest on a rock inside a zoo enclosure, one standing upright and alert while the other lies stretched out beside it. Visitors watch from behind the glass, including Stacy in a black and white striped top and James in a red and black stroller. Trees, plants, and a partially visible sign fill the background.
Meerkat

 

James, wearing blue sunglasses, sits in a stroller with a patterned neck cushion, mouth open as if reacting to something ahead. In the grassy area beyond, two large black‑and‑white storks with bright orange beaks stand among trees and bushes.
Saddle-Billed Stork

 

James, wearing blue sunglasses and patterned neck pillow, sits in a stroller at the edge of a fenced enclosure. Several kangaroos lie resting on the dirt and grass inside, surrounded by tall wooden posts.
Kangaroo

 

James, wearing blue sunglasses and a patterned neck pillow sits in a stroller in front of a wooden fence. Beyond the fence, two tan grazing Elands, move across a grassy enclosure surrounded by trees and bushes. A structure is partially visible through the foliage in the distance.
Eland

 

Bright pink and orange flamingos stand and wade in a shallow pond enclosed by a wire fence. One flamingo near the front wears a leg band marked “47.” Grass, plants, and trees surround the water, and a person can be seen in the background observing the birds from outside the enclosure.
Flamingo

 

Stacy, wearing a black‑and‑white striped shirt and sunglasses, leans into a vehicle, interacting with James seated in a specialized red car seat. Stacy holds a large syringe‑style medical device while James, wearing sunglasses and a supportive neck pillow, sits among visible medical tubing and padded safety features. Parked cars can be seen outside through the open door, giving the scene a focused, caregiving atmosphere.
Back in the van, ready to go on our next adventure

 

Jeff, inside a vehicle, holds his fingers in a pinching gesture, visually aligning them with a yellow roadside sign outside that reads “Nashville Zoo Grassmere” and features animal silhouettes. The sign sits near a road bordered by grass, with utility poles and an overpass in the background. The framing creates a light optical‑illusion moment as if the sign is being held between Jeff's fingers.
I squish you

 

After a long afternoon of walking, we were all hungry and ready for a good dinner. There is one restaurant in Nashville that we always must eat at whenever we are in town: The Loveless Café. All of their food is amazing, but they are best known for their biscuits.

 

A large vintage‑style roadside sign for the Loveless Motel and Café stands beside a sidewalk, lit against the outdoor setting. The sign advertises hot biscuits, country ham, air conditioning, and shows “No Vacancy,” with a banner below promoting a heat‑and‑eat hashbrown casserole. James sits in a red and black stroller in the foreground, while a person in the distance points toward the sign near the roadside. Trees, grass, and a highway frame the background.

 

Stacy, James, Jeff, and Noel pose in front of the large retro blue Loveless Motel and Café sign, which features neon accents and messages about hot biscuits, country ham, air conditioning, and no vacancy. A banner below promotes a heat‑and‑eat hashbrown casserole. Stacy, Noel and Jeff stand together while James sits in a stroller in front of them. The scene sits beside a roadside with trees, cars, and evening light in the background.

 

James sits in a red and black stroller on a sidewalk beside a grassy area. Next to him stands a decorative Loveless Café sign with bold lettering about hot biscuits, country ham, and a note that the area is for motorcycles only, framed by pointing hands and small stars. The scene sits near a roadside with pavement and grass visible, giving it a light, humorous contrast between the stroller and the motorcycle‑only sign.

 

James sits in a red and black stroller on a sidewalk beside a white picket fence and a large tree. Behind the fence, a whimsical yellow triangular character with painted facial features peeks out from the tree. In the background, white buildings with gray roofs sit among neatly kept grass and pathways, including one marked with a “Restrooms” sign.

 

A blue‑and‑white checkered tablecloth is set with plates of warm biscuits, some split open, alongside small plastic cups filled with different jams and spreads. A bottle labeled “Plain Ol' Hot Sauce” sits near a metal caddy holding salt and pepper shakers. A hand reaches toward one of the plates, and part of a printed menu or placemat is visible beneath the dishes.

 

Saturday, we went back downtown to have lunch at Wildhorse Saloon. Eating at the Wildhorse has been hit and miss the last few times we have been in town. A lot of times they are closed for private events, but we were lucky, and they were open to the public. We even got to see Preston James perform on stage while we ate.

 

Wooden tables and chairs fill a dimly lit restaurant where people sit talking over menus and condiments. In the background, a musician plays guitar on a small stage washed in purple and red light, with a large circular logo projected behind them. The space feels warm and lively, blending casual dining with a live‑music atmosphere.
Watching Preston James performing while we ate

 

Inside a large entertainment venue, musicians perform on a stage lit with colorful lights. Two big screens and a backdrop display the “Wildhorse Saloon” logo featuring a stylized horse. Tables and chairs fill the floor, with people seated and others standing closer to the stage. Off to the right, a television shows a sports game, adding to the lively, social atmosphere of the space.
Preston James performing at Wildhorse Saloon

 

A two‑photo collage shows James at different ages beside horse statues. The top image, labeled “2013,” shows James in a stroller next to a large horse statue dressed in a turquoise fringed outfit, indoors with wooden walls and a barrel nearby. The bottom image, labeled “2017,” shows James—now older—in a stroller beside a white rearing horse statue against a brick wall with a cowhide decoration. Together, the photos highlight the passage of time through similar poses in different years.
James at Wildhorse Saloon 2013 and 2017

 

Sunday, we packed up the van and headed over to Pigeon Forge, which was about a four-hour drive from Nashville.  After we unpacked the van at the hotel, we relaxed a bit and decided to go check out The Island in Pigeon Forge.  Trying to describe The Island, I would say that it’s a mix of an outdoor mall and an amusement park. We wandered around a bit and grabbed a bite to eat at Mellow Mushroom, which is a pizza place.

 

A multi‑lane road is busy with cars and SUVs traveling in both directions, lined by commercial buildings and a billboard advertising “$9.98 or less.” In the distance, mountains rise beneath a cloudy sky, and a faint rainbow drops from the clouds toward the peaks. Sunlight breaks through in patches, creating a striking mix of urban traffic and dramatic natural scenery.
Rainbow

 

A large Ferris wheel glows with blue, orange, and white lights against a twilight sky streaked with scattered clouds. People walk around at the base, giving the scene the lively feel of an evening fair or amusement park. The illuminated spokes stand out sharply against the darkening sky, creating a bright focal point in the scene.
Ferris wheel on The Island

 

James and Stacy sit at a restaurant table, James in a stroller wearing a red outfit and neck pillow, Stacy beside him in a black shirt with a green logo. The table holds a slice of pizza with tomato and green sauce, a rectangular plate of small fried bites dusted with cheese and served with dipping sauce, and a bread item on another plate. Two drinks — one dark, one light yellow‑green — sit in clear glasses. Metal chairs and tables fill the casual dining space in the background.
Pizza and pretzel bites at Mellow Mushroom

 

Monday was the day that our entire trip was based around: Dollywood!

 

The Dollywood entrance sign stands on a stone base with white pillars, the large stylized lettering accented by a butterfly motif. Colorful flowers line the landscaping in front, and a partly cloudy sky stretches overhead.

 

A vintage green Coca‑Cola delivery truck with red wheels is parked in front of a yellow building with white trim and arched stained‑glass windows. Hitched behind the truck, a green and red trailer painted with “Dollywood or Bust” is stacked with old‑fashioned suitcases. James in his red and black stroller sits in front of the display. The building behind them is marked as the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame & Museum.

 

Outdoors in a wooded area, a Stacy stands beside a stroller with James in it, holding a drumstick and tapping on a large black circular drum. Behind them, a wooden sign reads “Lumberjack Jam Band,” inviting visitors to make music. Trees, fallen leaves, and colorful planter boxes with yellow flowers frame the lighthearted scene.

 

In front of a cave‑like mine entrance made of artificial rock, Stacy pushes James in his stroller. The opening is fenced with wooden planks and covered in warning signs, including “Danger,” “No Trespassing,” and “Keep Out.” Inside the dim entrance, a large vulture figure perches on a bar. The whole scene is staged to look like an abandoned, unsafe mine.

 

A bronze firefighter statue stands beside a commemorative sign mounted on stonework, with metal letters above spelling “Saluting Our Firemen.” The sign features a fire department emblem and a quote from Fire Chief Edward F. Croker about the nobility of the profession. Trees and greenery frame the scene, giving it a quiet, honoring feel.

 

In a wooded outdoor area, a weathered informational sign is mounted on a wooden frame. At the top, an illustration of a bald eagle’s head sits inside a decorative border. The sign shares facts about the bald eagle’s species, vision, wings, and diet. Trees and foliage surround the display.

 

Several bald eagles perch on thick wooden logs inside a wooded, fenced enclosure. The ground is covered in green moss and scattered leaves, with tall trees rising throughout the space. A mesh fence surrounds the habitat, giving the scene the quiet, protected atmosphere of a sanctuary.
Bald eagles

 

Although James couldn’t go on many of the rides, he was able to go on a train ride pulled by an old locomotive.

 

A black steam locomotive marked with the number 70 moves along a track bordered by green shrubs, sending a plume of smoke into the air. Small American flags are mounted near the front. In the foreground, green benches and trash bins line a paved walkway where people stroll, some with strollers. Behind the train, rustic buildings create an old‑town atmosphere, including one with a sign for a tintype photo studio.

 

Several people ride on a vintage‑style train car. James in a stroller wearing sunglasses and a red neck pillow sits beside Stacy dressed in a gray shirt. A train conductor in a uniform and hat stands near the front of the car beside red metal panels and controls. A wooden platform and a sloped‑roof building appear in the background.

 

The view from an open‑air train car looks ahead toward a steam locomotive releasing a cloud of white smoke as it pulls several passenger cars through a wooded area. Leafless trees and patches of green grass line the tracks, and a small fenced wooden structure sits off to the right. The scene feels calm and rural, capturing the steady motion of a scenic train ride.

 

A rustic wooden shed with three weathered plank doors stands in a clearing, each door reinforced with diagonal crossbars. Two short posts connected by a horizontal beam sit in front of the structure, and an old wooden wagon with faded reddish panels rests in the grass to the left. Leafless trees and dense forest growth fill the background, giving the scene an abandoned, rural feel.

 

A small rustic wooden cabin sits in a wooded clearing, with a covered porch holding two rocking chairs. Each chair is occupied by a life‑sized mannequin dressed in old‑fashioned rural clothing — one in a red dress, the other in blue overalls. Tools and objects hang on the cabin’s exterior wall, and a split‑rail fence runs through the grassy area surrounded by trees, giving the scene a staged, historical‑village feel.

 

From the open‑air train car, a wide grassy field stretches out toward a line of bare and partially leafed trees. Beyond them, low mountains rise under a thick, gray sky. A dark vertical post on the right edge of the frame hints at the train car’s structure, grounding the scene in the quiet, overcast landscape rolling past.

 

An old log cabin and a smaller wooden structure sit in a grassy clearing surrounded by trees. The cabin has a weathered metal roof and a small multi‑pane window, with plants growing around its base. The smaller wooden structure stands nearby, and behind them a wooded hillside shows early spring growth. A dirt path and patches of green grass frame the quiet, rural scene as it rolls by.

 

From the train, a wooded area comes into view with scattered trees, fallen branches, and sparse undergrowth. A black bear statue stands near a gray container in the center of the scene. Off to the right, a small wooden structure sits partially collapsed among the trees.

 

A black steam locomotive labeled “Dollywood 70 Pigeon Forge” sits behind a black metal fence, a plume of steam rising from its stack. Trees and a hillside fill the background. In the foreground, James sits in his stroller after a relaxing ride on that train.

 

After our train ride, we needed to find somewhere for James to lay down for some tummy time. We found the first aid building and asked if he could lay down there for a bit, and they said absolutely.

 

In the first aid building, James lies face‑down on a padded table with a towel and a small blanket decorated with colorful cartoon vehicles under his head. Beside him, Stacy sits close, gently holding his arm and looking toward the camera. A bag, cords, and equipment rest against the wall in the background, giving the scene a calm, clinical feel.
Tummy time at Dollywood first aid building

 

After tummy time, we grabbed some lunch and wandered around a bit.

 

Next to a wooden fence, a small outdoor display mimics a comical grave site. A sign on the fence tells a word‑play story about “Shott” and “Nott.” Below it, a red‑and‑orange fire hydrant, a wooden crate, and a mound of rocks form the staged grave. A headstone at the end reads “Here Lies John Nott not Shott,” with a pair of boots sticking out from under the rocks to complete the joke.
Shott and Nott

 

A weathered sign hangs on a rough stone or timber wall in a dim, mine‑themed setting. The aged paper describes an 1879 flood that trapped miners and mentions ore cars being used as rescue boats. Mining tools and low lighting surround the sign, giving the scene a somber, historical feel.
1879 flooded mine

 

One of the reasons we wanted to go to Dollywood was because we had heard and read that they were very accommodating to those with disabilities. They really are. Everyone we talked to was very understanding of James’ needs and was willing to give us whatever we needed. Even the available handicapped parking was unbelievable. I have never seen so much handicapped parking before in my life! It was pretty much handicapped parking as far as the eye could see.

 

A large parking lot stretches across the scene, filled with rows of cars, SUVs, and minivans. Trees line both sides of the lot, some still bare and others beginning to leaf out. Several buildings sit in the background beneath a mostly cloudy sky with patches of blue. A tall light pole stands near the center, anchoring the view of this busy, everyday setting.
Handicap parking

 

A large outdoor parking lot is filled with rows of cars, SUVs, and trucks. A white wooden fence runs along the left side, and beyond the vehicles a wooded hillside rises, with some trees still bare and others showing early spring growth. Overhead, thick clouds drift across a partly bright sky, blending the busy lot with the surrounding landscape.
Handicap parking

 

Thank you Dolly and Dollywood staff for making everything disability friendly and being so accommodating. You really went above and beyond what we expected.

Monday night we had dinner at The Old Mill Restaurant. We ran into one minor problem that was quickly solved by their amazing staff. The restaurant is on multiple levels, and James’ stroller wouldn’t fit on the lift to get us down to our table. A couple of their staff members came to our aid and carried James down the stairs. It was another fantastic meal.

 

At night, the rustic wooden building marked “Old Mill Restaurant” glows with warm light from its windows and peaked rooflines. Several vehicles are parked out front, including a white SUV and a red pickup truck. Stacy, wearing a backpack and pushing James in his stroller, walks toward the entrance, where an American flag hangs nearby.
The Old Mill Restaurant

 

Inside a rustic restaurant with wooden floors and railings, several staff members in light blue shirts and yellow aprons work together to carry James in his stroller down a wooden staircase. Some guide the chair while others stand nearby to assist. The scene shows a coordinated effort to help navigate a space without an accessible ramp.
Carrying James down the stairs to our table

 

Tuesday we went to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee:

 

The exterior of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies features bright blue and yellow walls with stone accents and large glass panels. Flags fly on tall poles near the entrance, and a sign in the foreground points visitors toward the aquarium, information center, and parking garage. Stone steps, railings, and landscaped greenery frame the approach to the building.

 

A large silver fish swims close to the aquarium glass, its rounded body and small fins catching the light. A smaller greenish fish moves in the background among rocks and plants. In the foreground, part of James' face is visible as he looks at the fish, creating a quiet, close‑up moment of observation.

 

An underwater scene shows sandy terrain glowing with greenish light, surrounded by coral and aquatic plants. Several silvery fish with yellow tails swim near the top of the frame, adding gentle movement to the quiet, natural setting.

 

In a large aquarium tank, a scuba diver in full gear swims among a school of colorful fish, including yellow, white, and black‑striped species. Coral formations and plants cover the sandy bottom, and the fish move around the diver in all directions, creating a vibrant underwater scene.

 

In a dim aquarium gallery, part of a James' face is visible in the foreground as he looks toward a large tank glowing with greenish light. Farther back, another person stands at the glass, watching aquatic plants sway and a large fish resting near the bottom. Bubbles rise toward the surface, giving the scene a quiet, underwater atmosphere.

 

A large shark swims above a curved glass tunnel, its body lit by cool blue light as it glides near a rocky wall. The transparent tunnel below gives viewers a clear look at the shark from underneath, creating an immersive underwater scene.

 

Visitors walk through a clear underwater tunnel while a large shark swims overhead, lit brightly from above the water. Stacy looks up at the shark as smaller fish and plants fill the surrounding tank. James' stroller is visible among the group, emphasizing the family‑friendly, fully immersive aquarium setting.

 

A brightly lit sign stands out against a dark background, reading “75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor — Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.” The glowing text creates a strong contrast with the surrounding darkness, giving the display a solemn, commemorative feel.

 

A wax figure of Franklin D. Roosevelt stands behind a podium with the presidential seal, framed by two American flags. Behind him is a large reproduction of a historic newspaper front page with bold wartime headlines. The scene is arranged like a museum display, highlighting a moment of U.S. leadership during World War II.

 

A memorial wall with a bright red background displays tall white plaques engraved with long columns of names. A separate plaque on the left honors those who lost their lives in action on December 7, 1941. The clean lines and vivid colors create a quiet space of remembrance.

 

Through a large aquarium window, stingrays rest on the sandy bottom while a shark glides through the blue water behind them. Reflections of lights and faint silhouettes of people appear on the glass. In the foreground, part of James' face is visible as he looks toward the tank, taking in the underwater scene.

 

Through a glass enclosure, several penguins stand on rocky terrain with small cave‑like openings behind them. Their black‑and‑white bodies contrast with the dark stone. In the foreground, part of James' face is visible as he looks in at the birds, creating an intimate moment of observation inside the exhibit.

 

A massive replica of a Megalodon shark jaw stands upright in a museum exhibit, surrounded by a protective railing. A rock‑textured sign above it reads “Megalodon Jaws.” In the foreground, James sits in a stroller near the display, while other visitors and exhibit pieces appear in the background. The scene emphasizes the enormous size of the prehistoric shark’s mouth.

 

From inside a vehicle, a stone‑lined tunnel entrance comes into view on a mountain road. Several construction workers in high‑visibility vests and helmets stand near the opening alongside a white pickup truck. Orange traffic barrels line the roadway, and the surrounding landscape is rocky with sparse trees and patches of grass.

 

From the driver’s perspective, a concrete tunnel stretches ahead, lit by rows of rectangular yellow ceiling lights that cast a warm glow. Orange‑and‑white traffic barrels line the lane, indicating restricted space. The curved tunnel walls show seams and markings as the road continues forward into the lighted interior.

 

From inside a vehicle, the view looks out through a concrete tunnel toward a curving road lined with orange traffic barrels. A stone barrier runs along the left side, and beyond it are leafless trees and a hillside under a partly cloudy sky. The dashboard and lower edge of the windshield frame the scene, emphasizing the transition from the dim tunnel interior to the brighter landscape outside.

 

Wednesday, we had a good breakfast at Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant in Pigeon Forge and ventured to Cades Cove, which is a valley within the Smoky Mountains.

 

A colorful roadside scene features a large rooster statue with bright red, blue, and orange feathers standing near several business signs. A tall sign advertises “Sawyer’s Pancakes” with an image of a pancake stack, and another sign below promotes breakfast with eggs and bacon. Nearby, a sign for “Americana Inn & Suites” rises above parked vehicles along the street. Stacy in a blue shirt with a patterned backpack walks beside a building painted in bold blue and green accents. Utility poles and wires line the road, giving the area a lively, traveler‑friendly feel.

 

An Elvis Presley statue stands indoors, posed mid‑song with a microphone, wearing a light jacket, dark pants, and a red shirt. In front of the statue is James in his stroller, resting against a cushioned headrest. The background includes a wooden wall, a window looking into a gift shop with colorful clothing, and a fire extinguisher mounted on the left.
James saw Elvis at Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant

 

Inside a wood‑paneled room, a large seated bear statue rests against the wall, flanked by two tall rabbit figures holding flowers. In front of the bear, James sits in his stroller with padded head support and a red‑and‑black frame. The wall behind them is decorated with framed pictures and carved wooden accents, giving the space a warm, cabin‑like feel.
We had a beary good breakfast at Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant

 

A grassy pasture stretches across the foreground, with several horses grazing near wooden fence posts and two metal water troughs. Behind the field, a hillside rises with a mix of evergreen and leafless deciduous trees, and the sky above is clear and bright blue. The scene feels quiet and rural, with the horses adding gentle movement to the open landscape.
Horses at Cades Cove

 

Stacy, wearing sunglasses and a blue “Make‑A‑Wish Illinois” shirt stands beside James in his stroller who is also wearing sunglasses and resting comfortably. Behind them, a grassy field stretches toward wooden fences, scattered trees, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky. A few people walk near a building in the background, giving the scene the feel of a relaxed day outdoors.
James and Stacy at Cades Cove

 

An outdoor information board for Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands in a wooden frame, divided into sections labeled “Information,” “Activities,” and “Programs.” The panels include safety notices, park rules, wildlife guidance, bear awareness, water hazards, and details about ranger programs, along with a small park map. A bird illustration appears at the top beside the park name. The board is filled with printed text and images meant to orient visitors before they explore the area.
Cades Cove Information

 

A wooden outdoor sign reads “Snakes Active Around Buildings” in white lettering. It’s mounted on a simple wooden post structure, set against a natural backdrop that suggests a park or trail area. The sign serves as a clear wildlife caution for visitors moving through the space.
We were warned about snakes being active around the buildings

 

A dark‑colored snake lies coiled on a forest floor covered in dry leaves, twigs, and scattered branches. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating patches of light across the ground. A piece of weathered wood sits to the right, and the snake blends naturally into the earthy tones of the surrounding debris.
We were warned…and there’s a snake!

 

The Cable Grist Mill stands beside a flowing stream, with its large wooden water wheel turning in the water. The weathered wooden building has a shingled roof, and sunlight filters through the surrounding trees. A wooden walkway leads to the entrance, where a person in a blue shirt with a red‑and‑yellow design is standing. The scene feels rustic and peaceful, set deep within the forest.
Cable Grist Mill

 

The Cable Grist Mill sits in a wooded area, with its wooden structure and large water wheel positioned beside the building. A wooden flume carries water toward the wheel, and trees and shrubs surround the mill. A dirt path runs nearby, giving the scene a quiet, historic, rural atmosphere.
The back of Cable Grist Mill

 

An old wooden corn crib made of horizontal logs stands in a wooded area with leafless trees and patches of greenery. The structure has wide gaps between the logs for ventilation and a steeply pitched roof extending outward on both sides. In front of the crib, Stacy, in a blue shirt and sunglasses stands beside James in his red stroller. A split‑rail fence runs along the background, and the ground is a mix of concrete and grass.
Corn Crib

 

A white wooden house with a stone chimney stands on a grassy lawn, with a person standing near the chimney. Behind it, a small log cabins sit among leafless trees, and hills rise in the distance under a clear blue sky.

 

A metal-framed wild hog trap sits outdoors on a gravel path, with wire mesh sides and an informational display panel attached to the front. The sign reads “This is a Wild Hog Trap” and includes photos and laminated sheets explaining the purpose of the trap. Grass, trees, and a nearby wooden structure frame the scene, giving it the feel of an educational stop along a nature or historical site.
Wild hog trap

 

Stacy, wearing a blue shirt and black pants, walks along a dirt path while pushing James in his red stroller. Next to them stands a rustic log cabin with a wooden shingle roof and a simple front door. Grass and leafless trees surround the cabin, with a split‑rail fence and a few parked vehicles visible farther back, giving the scene the feel of a rural or historical park.

 

Our bright red minivan is parked in a marked accessible parking space, with Stacy in a blue shirt standing near the front and pushing James in his red stroller. Other vehicles are parked farther back, and the lot opens into grassy fields with scattered trees. Low mountains rise in the distance under a clear blue sky, giving the scene a calm, scenic backdrop.

 

After we finished walking around Cades Cove, we drove the Cades Cove Scenic Loop before heading back to Pigeon Forge:

 

A brown roadside sign stands at the edge of a wooded area, pointing visitors toward Cades Cove. The sign lists directions for the Scenic Loop Road straight ahead, and the campground and picnic area to the left, along with icons for gas, restrooms, and picnic facilities. A vehicle passes on the paved road beside the sign, surrounded by dense trees and undergrowth.
Cades Cove Scenic Loop

 

From inside a vehicle, the view looks toward a brown roadside sign in a wooded area. The sign reads “Cades Cove Scenic Loop — Closed at Dusk — 11 Miles.” A smaller sign stands farther down the gently curving road. Trees and undergrowth line both sides, giving the scene the feel of entering a forested park drive.
Cades Cove Scenic Loop

 

From inside a vehicle, the view follows a narrow paved road bordered by grassy fields and wooden fence posts. Another car drives ahead in the same lane. Off to the right, inside the fenced area, a red‑and‑white warning sign reads “Danger — Stay Back 50 Yards — Wildlife Can Be Dangerous or Killed.” Trees and a mountain range rise in the distance under a clear blue sky.
Cades Cove Scenic Loop

 

From inside a vehicle, the view shows a narrow paved road in the woods with a shallow stream of water flowing across it. A white SUV drives ahead, moving away from the camera. Trees line both sides of the road, and the red hood of the photographer’s vehicle is visible in the foreground, emphasizing the sense of driving through a quiet, rural area.
Cades Cove Scenic Loop

 

A grassy field stretches out toward a line of leafless trees, with mountains rising in the distance under a clear blue sky. A large tree branch frames the top of the image from a shaded foreground. Near the center of the field, a small dark animal stands alone, adding a focal point to the peaceful landscape.
Cades Cove Scenic Loop

 

From inside a vehicle, the view looks down a paved road lined with tall trees and patches of grass. On the right, two brown signs give directions: one points left toward Sparks Lane with “2 miles to exit,” and another points straight for the Scenic Loop with “9 miles to exit.” A smaller black sign also marks the turn for Sparks Lane. A white vehicle drives ahead on the road, and part of a red hood is visible in the foreground.
Cades Cove Scenic Loop

 

From the driver's side of a vehicle, the view looks out across a grassy field bordered by a wire fence, with forested mountains rising in the distance under a clear blue sky. Inside the car, the Dodge steering wheel and part of the dashboard are visible, with a hand resting on the wheel. The scene blends the calm of the countryside with the sense of being mid‑drive.
Cades Cove Scenic Loop

 

From inside a vehicle, the view looks out toward a parking lot with several parked cars and SUVs. A hand rests on the steering wheel in the foreground. Outside, a few people walk near a white SUV, and beyond the lot, a wide open field stretches toward a line of trees and distant mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Cades Cove Scenic Loop

 

From inside a vehicle, the view looks toward a yellow caution sign posted among tall trees. The sign shows a bicycle going downhill, with additional panels reading “Danger,” “Steep Grade,” “Sharp Curves,” and “Walk Bikes.” Sunlight filters through the forest, and part of the dashboard and a colorful flower garland hanging from the rearview mirror are visible in the foreground.
Cades Cove Scenic Loop

 

And that’s a wrap for our vacation. Well, I guess not quite. After we got back to the hotel after our Cades Cove excursion, I laid down to get some sleep. We drove through the night again to get back home, and I had to be rested for the 9.5-hour drive ahead of me, although with the time zone change going from Eastern time zone to Central time zone, we got home about 8 and ½ hours after we left.

I think that was probably one of our better trips. It was a lot of driving, but we did so much and gave James lots of new experiences, and after all, that’s what it’s all about right? We don’t know how much time James has on this Earth, and chances are that his life will be cut much shorter than most of us. We want him to see as many sights and experience as many things as he can. Eastern Tennessee is gorgeous country. If you’ve never been, you need to put it on your list of places to visit.