Day 1 found us leaving later than planned due to dropping off the trailer for repairs, so our seven hour drive turned into a nine hour drive due to the holiday traffic. we collected our after hours check in paperwork from Carolina Vacations and headed up a mountain to our new home away from home. We arrived exhausted and after dark so it was time to unpack and head for bed. Finding light switches in a house you don’t know is always interesting…
Day 2 forecasted beautiful weather, so we decided it was time to see the area. We wanted to get on the Blue Ridge Parkway where it begins next to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, so our first stop was Cherokee, NC.
Quiet and peaceful, even on a holiday weekend, this entrance of the national park is a nice change from the touristy chaos of Gatlinburg.
We headed onto the Parkway where for every tunnel there is two overlooks to stop and view.
We stopped at Waterrock Knob Visitor Center to get Ethan his packet to complete and earn the Junior Ranger Badge. If you have kids between 5-12 years old, the Junior Ranger program is a great way to keep them entertained and learning as you visit national parks.
We left the parkway at the Waynesville exit to enjoy some time in their downtown before picking up our groceries at Walmart. This shopping area is just the right size with a variety of stores and restaurants sporting live music to keep you there for awhile. We recommend stopping into Mast General Store for awhile.
A full day and great way to begin this vacation.
Wandering with the Williams Family 