After spending most of Friday in Gatlinburg, we made our way back to Pigeon Forge. This is an interesting place. There are no casinos, but the lights and signs almost remind me of photos of the old Las Vegas. There were music shows, mini golf courses, and go-kart tracks galore.
There is also a building that looks like it landed upside down. It is an “amusement park for your mind”. We didn’t have a chance to visit this, but it looked neat from the outside.
Also being built is a new museum set to open spring of next year. It is a Titanic museum that is going to look like the actual Titanic!
Friday evening we visited a store that was right up my alley. It is the Christmas Place and they have Christmas decorations for sale all year long! I could have spend hours in there just looking around. The people who own this store also have a hotel across the road.
Saturday morning began with a new adventure for C. When he and his family visited here years ago, he had wanted to try indoor skydiving but changed his mind. This time he was determined to give it a go and he did! He really liked it and was an adrenaline high for a while afterward!
We hit the outlet malls for a little while after this. One of my co-workers gave me a tip for a wonderful place to visit and eat. Before we headed back toward Kentucky, we checked it out. Boy, was I glad we did. The Apple Barn is a great place to go! They have 2 restaurants, The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and The Applewood Grill. We ate at the Farmhouse and it was delicious! They start everyone’s meal with an order of apple fritters with apple butter and their house “Applewood Julep” which is a combination of apple, orange, pineapple and lemon juices. So refreshing!
C had the angus burger and fries and he said it was very good. I had the applewood grilled pork loin with fried apples, mac & cheese and biscuit. Oh, my goodness! It was some of the best restaurant food that I have EVER had! Loved it!
There are several shops at the Apple Barn complex and we visited the candy store and gift shops. I could have worked in their candy shop. It was darling! We picked up some gifts here and purchased 2 bags of the apple fritter mix at the gift shop.
Now, we’re on the road again! Come back soon!
Picture Perfect Cooking 