Gatlinburg

We've been burning up the roads! The day after our first Christmas in our new home, we headed up to  Aiken to do Christmas with Mima and Pops. Then we were off to Gatlinburg for a short but enjoyable family vacation. Jack's first trip to Gatlinburg! It was a lot of fun.

We were only there for two nights but we stayed in the best hotel near the aquarium (Greystone Lodge) overlooking the creek. The rooms are so nice and the view is very charming. Our first order of business was to drop everything and head to the Doughnut Friar. For those of you who don't know, it's a sacred Cleveland tradition. To my knowledge (and I have little), the doughnuts are made in the shop that's been there since Jesus was a boy, they are fried and warm and amazing. Jack devoured about three before we had to put a stop to the grandparent induced sugar madness.

Next, we walked the strip, a bunch of shops on the main road in Gatlinburg. We bought a pair of cute pajamas for Jack, checked out a clock shop, and just killed time. My favorite thing to do in Gatlinburg! That night, we went to Hard Rock cafe and Jack went back to the room with Mima and Pops (presumably to consume more doughnuts) and the rest of us when to the arcade.

Below is my mountain man...back up ladies, he's spoken for. :)

The following morning, we ate at the all-time best breakfast place on the planet...the Apple Barn. I can't even tell you how good those apple fritters are. I want one right now. After visiting the gift shop, we went to the outlet malls and found some great deals!

Back to the room for a quick nap, followed by dinner at Loco Burro, and then, the aquarium. Gatlinburg has one of the best aquariums. Jack thoroughly enjoyed himself and it was the most fun I had the entire time.

Jack enjoyed making a huge mess of the last place we went to eat. He's a quick one, I tell you. Fastest hands in the south. He managed to turn my coffee over before I knew what was happening. It was the first time that had ever happened and luckily it was cooled so no one was injured in the making of that horrendous mess.

Despite the rain and cold, we managed to have an absolute blast! I can't wait to go back, hopefully next time, we can stay longer...and maybe it won't be so cold! :) Katie doesn't like the cold!