cades cove, great smoky mountains national park

Day 65 – East Tennessee Border Tour Part 2

Day 65 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

OK, after my detour to Knoxville last night, I ended up returning to Sieverville, not far from the continuation of my scenic drive along the East Tennessee Border.  What an interesting place!  Sieverville is just west of Gatlinburg. In between Sieverville and Gatlinburg is Pigeon Forge.  I felt like I was in a mini Vegas except instead of walking down the Strip past hotels and casinos, I drove down Dolly Parton Parkway past motels and attractions including magic, theater, miniature golf, speed racing, the Titanic Museum, moving seat cinema, laser tag, and more!  Well, really Dolly Parton Parkway was a few miles away, but it sounded better to have all the entertainment lining the street with her name.  No worries, I stopped by Dollywood too…though it was closed.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!
john carter

Day 64 – East Tennessee Border Tour

Day 64 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

Since the dogs spent most of the afternoon and evening in VANilla out of the rain, our first stop on the East Tennessee border this morning was at a local park in Elizabethton. We stretched our legs on a mile walk along the Watauga River. Along with the walking trail, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park showcased the reconstructed Fort Watauga and related history. 

Being the center of the Watauga Settlement, the first permanent settlement west of the 13 colonies, this area is considered significant in Tennessee history.  The organization of the Watauga Association (1772), the Transylvania Purchase (1775), the Siege of Fort Watauga (1776), and the Overmountain Muster (1780) all took place on these grounds.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!