Fun Fall and Mountain Memories: Our Great Smoky Mountain Getaway

Hello friends! It feels good to be home! We spent last week enjoying a mountain getaway with friends in Franklin, NC. Our visit was a combination of amazing, exciting, and relaxing. I think it may have been a thousand times better than I expected.

The drive up the mountains to our cabin added a bit of adventure. With a steep guardrail-less drop-off on the right, I briefly feared death until we reached the top safely. But the terror vanished the moment we pulled into the driveway. The cabin was stunning, and the scenery was nothing short of heavenly.

The weather was pure autumn. It was a treat to experience real fall weather and real fall scenery. Living in Florida with only two seasons — Hot and Don’t-Go-Outside-Or-You-Will-Die — I loved seeing the leaves turning and feeling the crisp air.

We did a lot of touristy things, like wandering through downtown Franklin and browsing its charming local shops. One afternoon, we hopped aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Moonshine Tour - served, I might add, by the world’s most over it train employees.

Watching the scenery roll by from the train was equal parts relaxing and entertaining, and the moonshine tasting added a fun twist. A few flavors leaned more toward lighter fluid and Robitussin and weren’t anything you’d actually want to savor, but honestly… who cared? We were with friends! Drinking moonshine! In the mountains! On a train!

Another day was dedicated to exploring the Highlands, where we hiked to a waterfall, shopped, and enjoyed a delicious meal at Wild Thyme Gourmet. Back at our cabin, we relaxed with pizza, a movie, and a hilarious game night — the perfect way to unwind after busy days.

The only downside to the trip - besides the wet dog that had a giant abscess on it’s ass and was in our train car for some unfathonable reason and smelled like a wet dog with a giant abscess on it’s ass - was the way I stupidly dehydrated myself by spending too much time in the hot tub (I cannot lie, vodka was involved) and ended up feeling miserable for a few hours later in the day. Lesson learned.

Other than that, our getaway was pure joy. It was filled with shopping, exploring, laughter, and making memories with friends…oh, and did I mention, laughter? And more laughter. I may not have hit the gym all week, but my abs got a serious workout.

Vacations like this remind me to slow down, appreciate the little things, and treasure the company of people who make life sweeter and nourish my soul.

Want to see some photos?

The fish and chips at Great Thyme Gourmet were so good, I considered writing them a love letter. Flaky, crispy, and irresistible.

And the spinach, brie salad with a crab cake on top was the kind of meal you dream about after the last bite.

I can still hear this picture. Nature is amazing, don’t you think?

Our ride is here. Choo! Choo! Next stop, Moonshine O’Clock!

A cute souvenir picture thing from the train ride.

Good morning sunshine! This is the view from our cabin. Seriously, how beautiful is this place?

The great room of our cabin, where cozy meets please-don’t-make-me-leave.

Now it’s your turn. Have you ever visited the Great Smoky Mountains? What did you like best?