Some fun and games!

We did take a little time to do fun stuff in Sevierville! One night we went to a minor league baseball game- the Smokies are a double A team for the Chicago Cubs. Unfortunately they lost, but it was a good game and there were great fireworks after the game. I had some Cracker Jacks at the game:

Is it just me, or did Cracker Jacks have more caramel back in the day?!?

Last year we visited Bush’s Best (yes, the baked beans company) but their museum was closed- so we had to go back!

The history was very interesting, and I liked their mission. This is the original family house:

And part of the plant:

Those tall towers are where they pressure cook the cans of beans- and I think they do something like 20,000 at a time!

Guess where we went- DOLLYWOOD! 

Yep, we went and had a good time!  We would describe it as a cross between Disney and the old Six Flags Magic Mountain, when they had Spillikin Corners craft area.  It looks like you are out in the country:

There are several roller coasters and other rides, areas with rides for little kids, lots of restaurants, craftsmen making things, and shops.  They also have the largest bald eagle sanctuary in the world.  The eagles cannot be released because they are either injured, sick, or imprinted on people.  They are amazing to see!

This was the Flower and Food Festival, so there were several flower/plant displays. You started off going under this canopy of umbrellas:

So pretty! Some of the flower displays:

And here is one called The Coat of Many Colors showing Dolly’s mom making a coat with different materials:

We did not buy the food festival pass, which allowed you to sample 5 items- it seemed expensive ($37), and we were only interested in a couple of the items they offered.  You could buy the items outright, but the lines were a little long.  We did try one of the food festival items, a funnel cake with whipped cream, fresh berries and lavender honey- DELICIOUS! 

We found Dollywood charming and would definitely go back!

On our last day in Sevierville we ran some errands, did some chores and drove through Pigeon Forge.  It really is a playground for families, with big attractions, shows, and more miniature golf and go-kart places than you can imagine!  (See pics from last year) We tried a new restaurant , The Local Goat, based on the recommendation of the campers next to us, Viv and Dutch!  This restaurant has 4.5 stars on Yelp, is highly recommended on Trip Advisor, and was terrific!  I tried a Kentucky bourbon ale which was delicious- you could really taste the bourbon and the beer- sounds weird, but it worked!  Jerry had teriyaki filet kabob and I had shrimp and grits- so yummy!  If you are ever in this area, you have to try The Local Goat!

Thanks, Viv and Dutch- hope to see you in Cali later this year!  Campers are the best!