Up in the Smokys

We went on a last minute mini-vacation this weekend and stayed in a cabin in Townsend, TN (the peaceful side of the Smokys, as they claim). The area where we picked up our keys was hosting an Art Walk this weekend, with many crafters set up in tents among the galleries and restaurants.

The kids - as well as the fur-kids - loved our getaway! Saturday we drove into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and hiked the trail to Laurel Falls. It was a paved 1.3 mile path that rose 300 ft in elevation. It wasn't difficult, but there were some steep drop offs on areas.

Everyone did great, even little Audrey with some helpful piggyback rides. Miles exclaimed that his two favorite things are "nature and coloring." Me too, buddy. Me too.

The falls were beautiful. We're glad we went early though, when we drove by again after lunch the parking area was overflowing.

We went into Gatlinburg for lunch and had to introduce the kids to Smoky Mountain taffy logs, yum!

At lunch the kids worked on their Junior Ranger workbooks, so on the return we stopped back at the visitor center to get their badges. They are now Junior Rangers at Hatteras National Seashore and GSMNP! If you visit a National Park with kids, I recommend you check out the program. It's a fun way to learn more about the area.

The owners of the cabin we stayed in (family friends) are building a new house near their current rental. We took several walks up the road to enjoy the new view. Hopefully we'll make the cut and be invited to stay in the new house too!