My husband and I go away for our anniversary. This time, we included his daughter and our grandkids. They are getting older, and this will probably be the first and last big trip we take with them. What a whirlwind few days. It was funny, I rented a minivan and when our 5 year old grandaughter climbed in and saw her car seat in the back she said, "Grandma, I'm too far. This car is too big." After the long drive (four hours is too long for me and my arthritic knees) and multiple bathroom breaks, we made our first destination the Pirates Voyage dinner. Before I continue, I will highlight my favorite things but leave some for you to get to experience if you ever go. I also don't show pictures of kids' faces for their protection.
https://piratesvoyage.com/
It's a combination dinner and a show. If you arrive early enough, you can get a mermaid or pirate face painting. It's a set dinner they bring you throughout the performance. If I'm being honest, the food wasn't that good, everything to dry, especially the chicken.
The show was amazing. The based the storyline of Davey Jones and his sunken treasure. Lots of acrobatics involved and audience participation. My grandaughters favorite part was the mermaids. I recommend this at least once for the great acrobatics.
Then we checked in where we stayed, the Brookside Lodge https://www.brooksidelodge.com/
The rooms were very nice and comfortable. We were next to a small stream, which was nice sitting outside at night. The breakfast is misleading, though. Only offered biscuits and gravy, pancakes assorted cereal and eagles. The key card showed you could order eggs and bacon for an extra fee, which wasn't true. Our last night, the elevator didn't work for a few hours. We didn't see it, but other guests saw a bear in the morning near the stream.
We ventured off to Dollywood, the kids and daughter in law went to Splash Mountain, a separate part of dollywood until about 4 pm, then they joined us while my husband and I explored Dollywood I rented a scooter for the day, which was a great thing. The park is full of steep pathways, some where it was so steep scooters and strollers weren't allowed, so I had to find the alternative path. The park was great, and only the complaint is that the employees we encountered weren't knowledgeable when we asked for direction to different locations within the park. The dog stunt show was impressive, and listening to Dolly Partons' relative sing was a good experience. The dance party was a lot of fun. The staff broke down steps, and people danced along while waiting for fireworks and the Drone show.my http://dollywood.com
The next day we went to a few different tourist attractions. https://www.skylandranch.com/
The mountain coaster was fun for the kids. We rode the shuttle bus to the top where there were animals, stores, and other things. If I was local, I would go to some of their functions they offer at night. The boys tried roping a bucket. Grandaughter played in the playground. They offer a hayride up the mountain where you can interact with the animals. I took the shuttle bus back down with grandaughter and one grandson. Everyone else took skylift back down to our vehicle.
Then we were off to my favorite attraction, Alcatraz East Crime Museum. https://www.alcatrazeast.com/
I'm a crime junkie and loved this place. It was very sad at times, and displays pulled at my heart strings like seeing Caylee Anthony's backpack she was wearing when they found her.
I couldn't walk through without feeling a sense of sadness, but I'm glad I went.we got the devises so we could have an audio tour. You start in the Western era and have crimes, go through Al capone Times, torture devices, modern crime, assassinations, robberies, mass shootings, unibomber, 911, and so much more They also have an interactive crime lab. In the end, they had an area where they honored fallen officers. The 911 display brought tears to both my husband and I. They had a roo. That had a flag with the names of those lost, a murel of New York with a piece of the building. They showed about a 3 minute video of the tragedy. A wall next to the room was full of letters. The serial killer area had memorabilia that made mt skin crawl and yet fascinating. Towards the end, they had four vehicles. Oj simsons Bronco and Golf Club's, Ted bundy Volkswagen, bonnie and Clyde shot up car and John Dillingers truck. I definitely want to return in a few years.
Then we had dinner at Dollywood stampede
https://dpstampede.com/pigeon-forge
It was great entertainment and good from. They had some audience interaction and a beautiful fun show. My favorite was the end when the riders were carrying us flags and dressed in white with red and white lights. They released doves, and it was such a patriotic moment. Unfortunately, my phone died halfway through the show.
After checking out, we took old-time photos and had a great time doing that. We went to the Parrot Mountain Gardens https://www.parrotmountainandgardens.com/
What a great place. Upon arrival, you see birds on perches not caged. The place had all kinds of birds and parrots. Some in cages some in the open. Some you could touch and feed. I loved it, and so did everyone else. Do be prepared for steep hills.
After we left we headed through the smokey mountains to cherokee north carolina
And went to watch the production Unto These Hills https://visitcherokeenc.com/play/attractions/unto-these-hills-outdoor-drama/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvvmzBhA2EiwAtHVrb4Ot7h9SJN3PWqqWeWtvlO4voKwMDvMIyXeHpIUDnLSQhVM9gMIlrRoC3QUQAvD_BwE
It's a play put on about the Cheokee Indians and Trail of Tears. It's a sad story that should be watched by everyone once.
We stayed at the Cherokee casino https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee?utm_campaign=gmb&utm_source=google&utm_medium=local&utm_term=Harrah%27sCherokeeCasinoResort&utm_content=hotel&y_source=1_NDM2NjkyMC03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3Di77
The rooms were very impressive and ein I wo. Some money the employee who got my information said his great great grandfather was one of the people the play was based off of.
We had a great time and made lots of memories.
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