AA^3: Black Bears

BEARS?!

Stella and I passed through the Smoky Mountains in December of 2012, and we saw a million signs for bears!  I've seriously never seen so many signs warning about bears. You also see signs for no food in camping areas, and picnics areas with bear proof trash cans.  We didn't really hike around too much because we had limited time so we didn't worry too much about the bears except when we were in the KOA cabin and it was pitch black outside, we were kinda worried about bears roaming around. We asked a lady at the near by grocery store about the bears, she said they don't hibernate around there but they usually aren't out and about at night because it gets cooler.  I wonder if this is still true for Spring?


Bear Proof trash cans

We aren't hunters but bear spray really works!

Chivo and I are prepping for a possible encounter with a bear.  We'd really like to come back in one piece!  I remember watching some reality tv a while ago that was in Alaska or something and those guys carried around pepper spray to ward of bears.  The bears are much larger in Alaska - lots of grizzlies - so if this pepper spray wards of grizzlies, I'm game to have it with us in case we run into a black bear.  I did some research about the pepper spray and I found that they have an actual Bear Spray in a pretty large spray can, you can even get a holster for it too.  It's kinda pricey, $45, but I purchased a lifetime REI membership for only $20, so I can return the bear spray if we don't use it.  I'm really hoping that we don't have to use it, because you should be about 20 to 25 feet from the bear, not thrilled about that but I'd rather having some sort of defense than nothing at all.  The guy at the register reminded us to make sure we are downwind from the spray if we have to use it, although I'm not sure I'll remember that if we encounter a bear that's coming at us. 

About $35 to $50

Only a $4 investment

We also bought a little bear bell.  Sites have said that if you make noise, or let the bear bell make noise, you probably won't encounter a bear because the noise let's them know that something is coming and the way away.  If you don't have a bear bell, just make sure you make some noise as you walk along, talk to your friends, say 'hey bear'.  This isn't the time to be sneaky.  Most attacks happen because the bear is spooked or because you are near it's young.  So steer clear of those cute little bear cubs!

Mama bear and her babies

Chivo and I went to the zoo a few weeks ago to check out the wildlife and see how big bears are in person.  We didn't see any black bears but we saw a grizzly bear.  They look so harmless at the zoo but I know from those "I survived an animal attack" shows, that they aren't always so harmless.  I'd rather be safe than sorry and I want to enjoy the outdoors.

Petunia and Chivo at the Houston Zoo

A video of a bear in the Smoky Mountains

AA^3: What's Cookin in Gatlinburg?

 

When I go on trips, I like to skip the chain restaurants as much as possible and check out the local favorites.  I've had some amazing meals by doing this.  On AA^1, I caught green chili fever!  Arizona/New Mexico has green chili everywhere, in everything.  They even had it at Subway.  It was love at first taste. 

Chivo has mentioned that we must have some Tennessee BBQ and he'd like to go on a tour of a distillery.  He mentioned wanting to visit where they make Jack Daniels and asked if Tennessee has White Castles? Tennessee does have White Castle but not anywhere near Gatlinburg.  Jack Daniels isn't super close to us, but if Chivo really wanted to take the JD tour, we could make it happen.  Their distillery is in Lynchburg, TN which is 1.5 hours north west of Chattanooga, TN.  We pass through Chattanooga on our way to Gatlinburg, so we could detour for that if he's really into it.

So what type of food is Tennessee known for?
Sweet BBQ,  Turkey, Mountain Dew, Whiskey (Jack Daniels), and Krystal Hamburgers.

I've never been to a Krystal Burger but it looks really similar to White Castle.  We will probably pass some on the way to Gatlinburg so sounds like a nice pit stop!






I found a website called Inside Gatlinburg with an article listing the 10 best restaurants in Gatlinburg.  The article is from 2008 or 2009 but it has comments from visitors that are pretty recent so I assume the below restaurants are still there.  I'm sure Chivo and I will try a few on the list!


TOP 10 RESTAURANTS FROM "INSIDE GATLINBURG"
1. The Peddler Steakhouse  http://peddlergatlinburg.com/   
2. Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria  http://www.bestitalian.com/
3. Log Cabin Pancake House http://www.logcabinpancakehouse.com/
4. Smoky Mountain Brewery http://www.smoky-mtn-brewery.com/
5. Calhoun's BBQ http://www.calhouns.com/
6. Cherokee Grill http://www.coppercellar.com/Restaurant-Cherokee-Grill-Steakhouse.html
7. Pancake Pantry http://www.pancakepantry.com/
8. Wild Plum Tea Room http://www.wildplumtearoom.com/
9.  Donut Friar
10.  Park Grill http://parkgrillgatlinburg.com/

GATLINBURG RESTAURANTS THAT HAVE MADE TV
Ole Smoky Mountain Moonshine - The first legal moonshine distillery in Tennessee
This place was on "Drinking  Made Easy"  http://www.olesmokymoonshine.com/
I really wanna try Apple Pie Moonshine.  I got some of their apple pie jelly when Stella and I passed through the smokies on AA^2.  I also wanna try the Moonshine Cherries. They are cherries soaked in 100 proof moonshine.  You can also tour their distillery.

I didn't find any other places that were on TV, the closest ones are in Knoxville.  We might go to Knoxville so here are those restaurants:

MAN vs FOOD
Sweet P's BBQ  http://www.sweetpbbq.com/
He had a  Gigante Burrito, a 4-lb. burrito stuffed with chopped pork, barbecue beans, coleslaw and more, plus a half -pound of mac and cheese and a half -pound of banana pudding.

Ye Old Steakhouse http://yeoldesteakhouse.com/
Steak as big as you want.






Westgate Resort Dining
Westgate Smokehouse Grill - Country style dining.  Serves breakfast,and dinner, not sure about lunch. It's won some awards from the Gatlinburg Rib Fest for it's BBQ.
Roaring Fork Snack Bar - Sounds like typical snack shop foods.  Hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, french fries, salad.
Mason Jar Lounge - A bar with bar food like wings.
Smoky Mountain Ice Cream Shop - Dessert time!!  It sounds like it also has some snacks like chips and soda.
Marketplace & Grocery Delivery Service - Open 24 hours a day with your normal grocery store goods.


Westgate Dining
 

 

 

Trip Advisor suggested restaurants

 

 

AA^3: Crossfit Chivo

Chivo is big on crossfit. He goes to his 'box' about 4 or more times a week. Sometimes I feel like I have to tell him to take a day off to let his body rest. I am enjoying the benefits of him being so into crossfit. :) He recently got his L1 Crossfit Certification, which I believe allows him to be a crossfit trainer. I personally think it's pretty impressive. Crossfit intimidates me. I feel like you have to be in shape to start crossfit, atleast endurance wise. I'm working on that and Chivo is teaching me some crossfit moves. I think he's trying to convert me.  For now though, I'm fine with my cardio and weights being separate.  He is in better shape than me, but I'll get there soon enough.

Anyway, while we are in Tennesse, he would like to visit a 'box', workout with them and get a souvenior shirt. I'll be getting a mani pedi while he is doing that. :)

Here are a few Crossfits somewhat close to Gatlinburg, TN:

Smoky Mountain Crossfit - 10850 Chapman Hwy, Seymour, TN 37865 (about 40 mins from our resort)

Drop-in Rate (for out of town guests): $15 per visit

I like their reason of why you should go to their gym.  They sound legit: 
"CrossFit gyms are individually owned and operated. We are NOT a franchise. Many different styles & disciplines, many different outcomes. We practice true CrossFit without the need to dress it up, make it fancy or turn it into something it is not. The beauty is in the simplicity." - Smoky Moutain Crossfit

Plenty of shirts to choose from.  They look kinda cool.  I may have Chivo pick one up for me.

 

 

Knoxville Crossfit  - 4432 Middlebrook Pike Knoxville, TN 37919 (1 hour away from our resort)

 

Try a mid-week class for FREE! If Saturday just is not in the schedule for you, join us during one of our regularly scheduled classes. No appointment necessary – a coach should recognize your new, beautiful face and immediately work to get you acquainted with the workout of the day.

 

I think Chivo will like the Smoky Mountain Crossfit, over Knoxville Crossfit so no need for anymore research.

Chivo busts out Crossfit moves everywhere we go!

AA^3: Awesome Abodes

LODGING
As I mentioned before, Chivo and I are staying in a timeshare in the Smokies. It's called Westgate Resorts. I'm not really sure what type of room we got, hopefully one where we have a private bedroom because 2 of Chivo's friends may be joining us for part of the trip.  But if not, I'm pretty laid back and we can all just be comfy cozy together!


WESTGATE TIMESHARE
"This mountain hideaway covers about 70 acres next to the Great Smoky Mountain National Forest, in the quiet community of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Next to the Great Smoky Mountain National Forest, this earthy getaway offers a range of activities include white water rafting, nature hiking, tennis, golf, seasonal skiing, and antique shopping. At the Smoky Mountain Westgate Resort, guests can enjoy the extensive on-site water park, Wild Bear Falls (additional charges apply). Resort services include concierge, business center, Express Check-In/Out, small fitness center, free parking, outdoor pool, and Jacuzzi. The Westgate Deli is located onsite and will provide guests with the basic groceries.Every beautiful rustic log cabin features mountainside or creek side views, garden spa tubs, washers and dryers, dishwashers, microwaves, and fully equipped kitchens.Westgates Serenity Spa offers a full day spa menu of relaxing services such as facials, massages, body treatments, waxing and nails." - travelocity.com

Pros:
Free Trolly service to Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge.
Close proximity to downtown Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Great price for a weeks stay.
24 Hour Fitness Center
The views look amazing.

Cons:
$20 per person per visit for Wild Bear Falls Waterpark.
$10/night Wifi charge - from online review, one router for a whole building
Pushy timeshare sales staff - from online review, we will have to wait and see if this is tru

CAMPING

Chivo has mentioned wanting to go camping in the Smokies. Normally I'd be up for this, but the last time I was in the Smokies, I saw signs for bears EVERYWHERE!!! Not so sure I'm keen on having only a thin piece of fabric in between myself and a black bear.







Camping (in a KOA cabin) Townsend/Great Smokies KOA Stella and I stayed here on our AA^2 trip. We loved it! Our Cabin was little right on the bank of a river. It was peaceful and basically right in the mountains. 

Pigeon Forge KOA Dollywood is across the street. I have a feeling that this KOA might be busier because it's right across from Dollywood.