I Love Photography

Cades Cove is one of my favorite. Very peaceful and serene.

@Autumnglow: Yes, I remember my father used to love to go there, and in October, we would go for several days and camp in the campground there. During the summer we would camp in Pigeon Forge, and sometimes we would even get a hotel room and stay in Gatlinburg. I know the area has changed so much since I was a kid, but the memories will never fade.

@minarth008: Gatlinburg has the main strip now that seems to never sleep. But, tucked away in nooks and crannies are special little gems. For instance, the Donut Friar where I get my favorite hot cocoa and cinnamon bread. Simple things are best.

@Autumnglow: I know what you mean. I have no doubt the things I remember from Gatlinburg no longer exist. My aunts and uncles used to love to go there to a minature golf course on a hill near the beginning of Gatlinburg on the Pigeon Forge side called Hillbilly Golf. There was also a chair lift that went partially up the mountain. I have pictures of my parents on that from back in the 60's. Then they added Ober Gatlinburg with the cable car? I used to like the space needle they had but my dad hated heights so he wouldn't go up on it. There was an arcade underneath and a store called Rebel Corner. I remember the taffy shops, and Ripley's museum. Up that street from the space needle there was a Holiday Inn where we would stay from time to time. I spent most of my day time in Pigeon Forge at the water parks, and I know that most of them are gone now. My favorite one as called Mountain Ocean, and it was a huge wave pool. I remember when Dollywood was called Goldrush Junction when I was a kid, and then it became Silver Dollar City. I have heard that before it was Goldrush Junction it was called Rebel Railroad. Back then though the main attraction was the steam train, and mock gunfights, and a few small rides. See? Now you got me started... lol

The mini golf, the space needle, and sky lift are all still there. The best parts are deep in the mountains along 321. I am sure you heard of the recent forest fires? So sad, but I believe regrowth will come back in the spring.

Thank you for sharing.

@Autumnglow: Yes I was kept abreast of the fires because I have a cousin that lives in Gatlinburg. She said she could see the fire, but it didn't get close to her home. It is a shame though, that is such a beautiful area, and it will take years to recover.