Marty and I said “goodbye” to all our friends at Grand Horizons, as we headed home to East Hartford, Connecticut.
But before heading home, we made a side trip to Cherokee, North Carolina, to see and experience Indian dances that were being presented in front of several souvenir shops. We had our pictures taken with the dancers and the performance was truly magnificent. Their colorful costumes were quite a sight. We went in the shops to see the wares, which were varied, including some that were quite unique. We also got to see an Indian reservation with all the activity that goes on in a village.
We then proceeded to Qualla Arts and Crafts Inc., to see all the various things that are sold there. There were many items, including baskets of all different shapes and sizes. Cherokee beadwork requires great patience and hand-eye skills. You can see this work, plus more, as you view the pieces in the shop. Qualla Arts represents more than 350 enrolled tribal members, whose works express Cherokee spirit with the highest skill. This was an amazing place, and we are so glad we got to see it.
We spent the night in North Carolina and the next day, while traveling through the Great Smoky Mountains, we saw lots of wildlife and many flowers plus beautiful and breathtaking scenery. There are many different type of trees that create a beautiful picture. Endlessly attractive waterfalls are seen several times around each bend in the road while driving, and the landscape includes many log buildings.
After viewing the Great Smoky Mountains, we went to a bear zoo that was located outside the park. In the bear zoo, we got to see and feed some baby bears and got to see the big bears that were in an enclosure, but we were able to throw pieces of food to them.
Now on to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. They are relatively close to one another so we stayed in the Pigeon Forge area and traveled to Gatlinburg when necessary.
Once here, we attended shows. They were all done in extremely good taste, and the first show that we saw was “The Comedy Barn Theater.” This had us in stitches from the moment we entered until we left. They have a talking dog, and this was so funny. The show was high energy, fast paced and loads of family fun. There was audience participation. Loads of kids were called up for different skits, and this just added to the enjoyment. There was singing, dancing joke telling and more.
The next day we went to a show that was at the Smoky Mountain Opry called The Blackwood’s. While they performed various types of music such as country, pop and more, they also sang gospel music, and they did a fabulous job of it. This show was outstanding and had the entire audience clapping to the music.
After this show, we went to the Island, which is located in Pigeon Forge and saw the wheel. This was a fun ride with beautiful views from the top. It is like a Ferris wheel where it goes round and round. From the wheel, we got to see the entire park. Once we disembarked from the wheel, we took a walk through the Island and saw the many stores and other attractions.
Later that afternoon, we went to the Hatfields and McCoy dinner show. While we had dinner the Hatfields and McCoys were performing. It seems there was a long-standing feud between the two. We (the audience) were to help the two family settle their dispute. There was dancing, singing, comedy and mighty feats of strength. While it was approximately two hours long, the show was so fast paced that it seemed to fly by.
The next day, we went to another show that was also at the Smoky Mountain Opry Theater. This was the ultimate variety show, as it included a talented cast of singers, dancers, comedians, musicians and jugglers in the Smoky Mountains. The costumes were quite dazzling, and the special effects added to the show. Performers were dropped from the ceiling on a suspended rope or chair. It was truly amazing.
We also went to Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg. Here we saw stingrays, coral reefs and more. We walked through a tunnel that was underwater, and we saw the world’s most spectacular shark habitat.
After we saw the aquarium, we went to the Country Tonight show. This show was also fast paced and really high energy. There was singing and dancing. The costumes were absolutely beautiful and, here again, the afternoon just flew by.
That night, we again drove to Gatlinburg to attend the Sweet Fanny Adams Theater. This is a terrific show. Every time we go to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, we make it a point to attend Sweet Fanny Adams. The shows are quick-witted sensations and filled with the broadest of humor and the silliest of slapstick. It is a two-hour show and full of fun and audience participation. Toward the end of the show, they have a sing-along and everyone joins in. That night we went to the Dixie Stampede. Here the seats are in a horseshoe around an arena where the performance on horses is held. Before the actual show, there was a pre-show held in the saloon. Dinner is also served on a table that is in front of each seat. While I can say the meal was delicious (served without silverware), the show was outstanding. It was the North vs. the South, and people in the audience were cheering them on.
The following morning we went to Knoxville, and by lunchtime we went on a riverboat that also had a buffet lunch. The time just flew by, as the trip was delightful. It was an hour-and-a-half trip and was so relaxing.
We went browsing in the stores for the rest of the day and saw the World Fairgrounds and the Sunsphere. We stayed one night, and the next morning took the trip home to Connecticut.
By Helene Rubenstein
Published May 6, 2015
