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As the saying goes, the wedding is for the bride, and the honeymoon is for the groom. However, after our beautiful wedding and all the planning stress that comes with it, we were both ready for the honeymoon and some time away together. Choosing a destination was a tough call, but after the hot summer, we opted for the fall colors and cool weather of Gatlinburg, TN. Uncertain how everything would look so soon after the hurricane damage, we were thankful to find our Inn unshaken.

Day one started very early and was quick to remind me why no one likes international airports. With a haphazard course through all the checkpoints, we finally found our gate, and arriving early, I immediately began searching for breakfast. If I had a motto, it would be breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We found a little airport restaurant and ate a light meal while compulsively checking that we had everything we needed. I was a combination of excited, sleep-deprived, and nervous about flying. Before I knew it, we were boarding and settled into tiny seats. The flight was thankfully uneventful, but we were quick to exit and see the colorful state of Tennessee.

Having loaded up the rental car, we started out and marveled at every new thing, as excited newlyweds are apt to do. Making a quick stop for lunch we were on our way to Gatlinburg. The roads were open but winding, and we watched the increasingly changing hills turn into mountains as we neared our destination. Moving out of the city, we drove through narrow dirt roads dotted with far-spaced houses and signs warning of family pets wandering about. Fields with picturesque farms contrasted with the tall trees in every direction. We slowed often to get a closer look at wild turkeys crossing the road or small waterfalls alongside. The road later opened to a larger highway showing epic views of the mountains ahead. Soon after, we drove through town, trying to see all the attractions at once. You could easily spend a month here and never run out of things to do. Mini golf, roller coasters, themed dinner shows, museums, and hotels lined the streets. With so much to see, I was surprised as we soon reached the hotel and pulled in.

Bags in hand, we eagerly followed our innkeeper to our room. It was well worth all the drama of planning a wedding. Laid out like a small luxury apartment, it was gorgeous and immediately welcoming. A fireplace on one wall and giant windows looking out over the river below greeted weary travelers, along with a fantastically soft bed. The room also sported a private balcony with matching rocky chairs. Soon, it became a favorite spot for us to sit together, listening to the river below. My second favorite part of the room was an oversized soaking tub by the wrap-around windows. A perfect way to wind down from a long day with a cocktail in hand. It was beautiful, peaceful, and the perfect choice for us.

Day one came to a close with trying out the Inn’s restaurant. Served mouth-watering food and classic drinks, we relaxed watching the woods, hoping to spot a wandering bear in the trees.

day two

Day two we decided to explore all the attractions of Gatlinburg. Shops, haunted houses, arcades, roller coasters, and even an aquarium were all awaiting visitors. We walked about five miles and still didn’t see everything. With the excitement of fellow tourists, it was easy to rack up steps on my smartwatch that day. As the day began to wind down, we had to stop in the Moonshine distillery, locally known as “The Holler.” This building was artfully designed with open-air seating and a stage for musicians who, on that evening, had their dog alongside. We walked inside the wrap-around store with walls of mason jars sporting every color and flavor of moonshine you could imagine. Unable to choose, we opted for the tasting, which was a blast with our group. I’ll admit I couldn’t feel my face once we had finished the tasting and probably shouldn’t have gone on a shopping spree afterward, but I suspect that was the plan behind their layout.

With our shopping bags in hand, we lingered for the music a bit before finally making our way back to the Inn exhausted.

day three

On day three, we were ready for a break from all the excitement and picked out a nearly three-mile trail that turned into a seven-mile hiking trip.

Slowly driving through the narrow dirt roads, we navigated around other cars, all searching for a coveted parking spot. Openings in the trail were few and far between, but finally, we found a spot near the trailhead. As usual, I packed everything imaginable, and we headed out. I found a lucky walking stick that would later become my best friend. We continued down the trail enjoying the fall colors as we went. Later, we came across an old cemetery with many worn stones marked with faded lettering. Taking a moment to rest, we started again, coming next to a beautiful waterfall. In typical fashion, Maverick took off to climb the waterfall while I took a much-needed rest. Ready to continue on, I stood up only to have my recently healed stress fracture reinjured and turn purple. With three miles to the car, it was a daunting uphill hike back. My lucky stick with an oddly handle-shaped branch was my saving grace, along with Maverick, who now carried my belongings as well. It was a tough struggle, but eventually, we reached the car, and I happily kicked off my hiking boots after leaving my walking stick for the next person to find.

Now, in the comfort of the SUV, we drove down the trail until we spotted a collection of log cabins. Curious, we parked and walked over to see the large marker telling the story of the family who had once settled here and farmed a small section of the land. Going inside the old log cabin and feeling the worn wood, it seemed we could almost touch the past and those who had lived here.

After wandering through the remaining buildings, we finally listened to our hungry stomachs and headed back towards town.

We ended the day at Ole Red, a two-story restaurant with live music and a lively atmosphere. After such a challenging hike, the burger and homemade tater tots were just what we needed. Relaxing with mason jars of moonshine cocktails, we listened to the country artists and tried to decide if we could also manage to eat dessert.

day four

Day four began with the discovery of a lovely cafe with tasty breakfast options and hot coffee to warm you on the chilly mornings. Afterward, we walked to one of our favorite pastimes, mini-golf. Built into the mountain there were two courses to choose from and a discount to come back for the other side. Maverick was eager to break my winning streak as we stepped into line, taking in the surroundings. Nearby, a bright yellow sign was posted warning of bears wandering onto the course and what to do if this happens. Being raised with wolf coyote hybrids this was not something I hoped to experience.

Stepping into the small lift, we rode to the top. With only a few seconds to choose, we picked a course and hopped off. The course was a lot of fun, with interesting obstacles such as tractor parts to maneuver around. I’m sorry to say it was a close match that I scarcely came in second on. Maverick, enjoying his victory, was smiling ear to ear as we went in search of lunch.

Ready for the next adventure, we got in line for the Anakeesta theme park. Armed with drink passes for the fall festival and beer tour, we hopped onto the chair lift and slowly began our ascent. Not fond of heights in the least, I dared look down to see the multitude of shoes, phones, and backpacks that had fallen. Deciding to keep my gaze firmly on our destination, we were thankfully dropped off soon after. Looking around, we were immediately surrounded by social media-worthy backdrops and lots to do. Walking around, we sampled the beer tour, climbed the tower, and tested our skills on the rope course. Before I knew it, the sun was setting, and it was time for the evening light show. This turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the trip as we walked through dark dirt trails, watching the differently-themed light shows and otherworldly music. Bundled up and walking side to side with Maverick, I could have stayed all night enjoying the moment together. Reluctantly, we reached the end and rode a bus back down the mountain, having grabbed the last seat. On our way back, we stopped for a late dinner and dessert, finally calling it a day.

day five

Day five, the final day of our journey, we reluctantly left our Inn and drove into town. Maverick found an Alktraz museum of oddities for us to tour. It was an expansive array of American history and crime throughout the large building.

Afterward, we stopped for lunch and continued towards the airport. Deciding on one last stop, we went to Knife Works and immediately wished for more time to explore this outdoor extravaganza of hunting, camping, and home decor. There was so much to see. We were rushing through every aisle, trying not to miss our flight. I highly recommend taking a tour of this interesting store and the historical artifacts inside.

After a long flight and nearly as long of a drive, we finally made it back home.