Day 19 of the Southeast Rhombus Rally Caravan with Friends – Farewell to TN, Hello SC

The last events of the Tennessee Good Sam Rally on Sunday 10/2 are coffee, pastries and a non-denominational service at the pavilion. We could not miss the pastries and coffee breakfast at the pavilion. It was our last chance to see some of our new friends and a chance to say “See You Later, Tennessee.” Because we will be back! We had a great time, we got our Tennessee Caravan Patch and we need to come back to get the guitar or bear patch to go around the patch. You get the caravan patch for the first caravan to Tennessee, you get a guitar (if you caravan again to a spring rally) and a bear (if you caravan again to a fall rally.) You know our group, we will have to get one of each! This picture shows the caravan patches we have earned and the “second” award for Georgia.

We exited River Plantation RV Resort onto Route 321 and turned back onto 411. 411 is also known as Dolly Parton Parkway, named for the famous resident of Sevierville. What impact has Dolly had on this area? In 1986, Dolly wanted to do something for the folks in her Tennessee mountain home. Partnering with Herschend Family Entertainment, Dolly opened her Dollywood family theme park in nearby Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This 150 acre park has grown adding new rides, shows, restaurants and festivals in the past 30 years. Only two years after Dollywood opened, Dolly cut the ribbon on her Dixie Stampede dinner attraction. In 2001, Dolly opened the third of her Dollywood companies in Sevier County, Dollywood’s Splash Country. This 35 acre park, filled with slides, a lazy river and wave pool, is open late May through early September each year. In 2016 she added Dolly Parton’s Lumberjack Adventure dinner show to her collection of quality family fun attractions in the area.

It is not all about the "fun" Dolly believes that education and imagination are cornerstones of success. In 1996, Dolly Parton launched an effort to benefit the children of her home county. Dolly wanted to foster a love of reading among her county’s preschool children and their families. She wanted children to be excited about books and feel the magic they can create. Moreover, she wanted to ensure that every child would have books regardless of their family’s income. With the introduction of Dolly’s Imagination Library, Dolly began mailing a brand new, age appropriate book each month to every child under the age of five in Sevier County. With the arrival of every child’s first book, the classic “The Little Engine That Could”, every child could experience the joy of finding their very own book in their mailbox. By the time each participating child entered Kindergarten, he or she had a 60-volume library of books. The last book of the collection, “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come,” prepared them for school. Needless to say, the program has been a success. So much so that many other communities clamored to provide the Imagination Library to their children. Dolly thought long and hard about it and decided to help develop a way for other communities to participate. With Penguin Group USA as the exclusive publisher for the Imagination Library, the program is now replicated in 1,600 communities throughout the US, Canada and the United Kingdom. Also, Dolly has also been a major supporter of health care in Sevier County. She is the honorary chairperson of The Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation, named for the doctor who delivered Dolly and helped establish adequate healthcare facilities in Sevier County. This organization helps expand the range and quality of health care services available by helping Sevier County meet the continuing challenges of the rapidly changing healthcare field. Today, Sevierville’s award-winning LeConte Medical Center is the proud home of the Dolly Parton Center for Women’s Services and The Dolly Parton Birthing Unit. Dolly has been a busy lady!

Part of 411 are a two lane winding road, but it provides you with beautiful views of the countryside. I love these views!

photo credit, Ball Corp.

As we passed the Bush Beans plant, museum, gift shop and cafe, I noticed a sign for the first time. Ball Corporation, Chestnut Hill. Founded in 1880, Ball Corporation was originally known for the glass canning jars your grandmothers used to use. Today, Ball makes packaging that enables delivery of safe, nutritious food and beverages and convenient household products to consumers around the world. Ball Aerospace is known for its contributions in support of space and Earth science, exploration, national security and intelligence programs. Ball is one of the world's largest manufacturers of food cans, aerosol cans, paint & general line cans, and specialty metal tins. Fruits, vegetables, soup, meat, beverages, or pet food. Ball is North America's largest producer of 3-piece steel aerosol cans, Europe's leading supplier of extruded aluminum aerosol cans and the world's largest producer of aluminum slugs. The Chestnut Hill plant located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, produces three-piece steel food and aerosol cans. The plant’s 143 employees produce more than 1 billion, 100 percent recyclable steel cans annually on eight food lines and one aerosol line. Never knew a Ball plant was this close to Bush Beans.

We picked up Interstate 40 East, heading toward the Tennessee and North Carolina State Line. We made a pit stop at the NC Rest Stop, we needed to stretch and take a potty break, especially Lacey! Off I-40, you can find Lake Junaluska. Gorgeous Lake Junaluska has been a mountain retreat for the Methodist church since the early 1900s. Many do not realize that this lake "resort" is open for all to enjoy with plenty of things to do and places to stay. It's at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains near Waynesville and Maggie Valley. Since the retreat's mission is to "renew the soul, mind and body," it's a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life in a very scenic setting.

Historic Canton is also off I-40. Canton is a historic mill town. A couple of our friends from Florida, Dave and Freda Teague are from the Canton area of NC. We would have stopped, but Freda is already in Florida and I am sure Dave is somewhere performing! He is an awesome guitar player and singer! We turned off I-40 onto I-26E toward southern edge of Ashville North Carolina. We passed by Hendersonville, which is the crest of the Blue Ridge Apple Orchard Trail.There are over 17 orchards in the greater Hendersonville area.

We drove  7% downward grade into part of the remote Green River Gorge, southeast of Hendersonville. It is a rugged landscape of steep ravines, coves, and old-growth and mixed hardwood forest which boasts the some of the most popular whitewater rapids in the eastern United States. At its most impressive point, the Green River drops 400 feet in a distance of one and a half miles and runs through a six-foot wide crevice known as the Narrows. The Gorge runs through the Green River Game Lands, a state-owned tract of more than 10,000 acres set aside for wildlife conservation and management. Hunting, fishing, and trapping are allowed on the Game Lands, subject to state regulations. During hunting season, which generally runs from mid-September to mid-May, Sundays are the safest day for hiking (hunting is not allowed on Sundays in North Carolina). The 225-foot-high bridge across the Green River Gorge on Interstate 26 is the highest in North Carolina, and one of the highest in the entire United States.

We crossed the border from NC into SC on I-26, as it skirts the west side of Spartanburg SC. We arrived at Magnolia RV Park & Campground in Kinards SC. It is about our half way point between Tennessee and South Carolina. While we were there for an overnight, we took time to do laundry and relax. Pattye cooked spaghetti for dinner, I made salad and Jackie made garlic bread. We spent the evening relaxing and getting ready for our next leg of this trip.

Stay tuned for the rest of our journey to Myrtle Beach.

Day 18 of the Southeast Rhombus Rally Caravan with Friends – TN Fall Good Sam Rally

Saturday morning at the rally was different than most ... we could sleep in. What no coffee and pastries at 8 am? Nope, we are having a brunch at 10 am! We have never been to a rally that has a brunch. It got us thinking, that we could have a breakfast pot-luck at Majestic Oaks. That would be different and fun! everyone likes breakfast!

This brunch was awesome! Naturally, we had pastries, muffins, eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy. It was all delicious, especially because we did not have to prepare it!

Following brunch, there were Tennessee State and chapter meetings.

We used this time to head back to the Great Smokies Flea Market. Pattye and Jackie needed to get their "To Blessed to be Stressed" t-shirts and both Barbara and Jackie are looking at quilts. This flea market is huge, so going back twice in one week is not a big deal! A flea market is defined as is a type of bazaar that rents space to people who want to sell or barter merchandise. Used goods, low quality items, and high quality items such as collectibles and antiques are commonly sold and thier merchandise can vary from day to day. Vendors often change also. So, we have to go back and see what is there. Once again, the ladies and Jack walked every aisle and some of the outside vendors. Charlie, Bully and Bob waited patiently!

The afternoon activities focused on the theme of the Rally, "tailgating." They wanted everyone to wear their favorite team wear. It could be your local Pop Warner team, favorite High School, College or Pro team. We did not get this information until we were on the road to the rally. It made us realize that we need to check the state web site before we leave home for a rally to see what we need to bring! Jackie has Shikellamy, a school system in PA, shirts for her. Another part of the tailgating theme, was to decorate your rig with your favorite team items and / or colors. Again, we did not learn about it, until too late. We thought about going out and getting some stuff ... until we saw how prepared some people were and realized, we were too far behind the eight ball to make an effort. So, we could handle the last component of the tailgating theme ... watch a game and tailgate with your friends! We have that down pat. The most difficult choice we had ... which game? Lucky for us Notre Dame played early, however ... Wisconsin and Tennessee played at the same time and not each other! But, we found a way to make it work! We had hot dogs and too much other good food, naturally! The Tennessee State Director offered free homemade ice cream at his rig, during the tailgating party ... but, we were too full from all our food to partake. Yes, you heard it right, Miss Pattye opted out of getting ice cream!

This evening included the Veterans recognition, a slide show of pictures from the rally, closing ceremonies for the rally and thank you to all who helped make the rally a success or attended. Some of the numbers were 140 rigs at the rally and the largest out of state group was from Florida. After the Colors were retired, the last of the door prizes were awarded. We were not lucky tonight ... but a guy and his wife that we met on Friday night won a door prize we provided and one of the grand prizes. He sat in front of us, which was a close as the luck got!

The night ended with induction into the "Secret Society" of Jack Asses. Just based on the name, we had to give it a shot! Well, I should say, I gave it a try ... Sandra, Paul and Charlie did not try it. Jackie, Jack, Barbara, Bob, Pattye and Bully became members of the Jack Ass Society while they were in Alabama at a Rally in the Spring! I can't tell you what it involved, but I can tell you I survived and I have the pin to prove it! The other pin is the Florida "Fuzzy Pucker" pin ... I can't talk about that one either! But, if you are at a rally and have the opportunity to become a member ... do it!

We were supposed to have a DJ play, but mechanical difficulties cancelled that. So, they played SAMGO one more time .... the regulars played and none of us won. But, we all had a good time! In the morning, we will say "see you later" and hit the road to continue the adventure!

Day 17 of the Southeast Rhombus Rally Caravan with Friends – TN Fall Good Sam Rally

On Friday, Charlie and I awoke early and I was able to catch a little of the sunrise. We are on a hill, but in a valley … if that makes any sense. I can’t capture the true sunrise, but more the reflection of lights on the clouds and sky. I still love the stillness and beauty of the early mornings.

At 8:15 am sharp, we gathered all the troops and walked down to the pavilion to enjoy the breakfast of pastries and coffee. At a rally, this is the breakfast of Champions. This morning there is a seminar on RV maintenance and on building a Facebook page for your club. Since I am not into maintenance and we already have a Facebook page, we are skipping the seminars. Barbara, Pattye and I need to hit Walmart, so we are making a run. Charlie, Bully and Bob are sitting in the sun, holding down the concrete. They looked very content when we left.

When we returned and got the groceries put away, we just relaxed outside talking and enjoying the warmth, not the oppressive heat we have been having! This afternoon, we can play SAMGO again. I would place a bet that only Jack will join the ladies to play SAMGO. That is a sure bet to win!

Winner, winner, chicken dinner! I won one this afternoon and I got the whole pot! No splitting, this $10 is all mine! However, I am playing 5 cards ... so, the real winning amount is $5 ... but it is still a winner!

We enjoyed a pot luck of BBQ, Chili and many other delicious dishes, before we walked down to the Convention Center for tonight's entertainment. Our community meals are always enjoyable and plentiful! We were unsure to wear our vests or not to wear or vests ... we decided to wear them. 

We are such a good looking bunch! Thanks to Sandy for taking this picture. The entertainment was listed as Barry McGee. Who the heck is Barry McGee? He is an award winning Christian musician, comedian and dramatist. He loves to entertain and minister. For the past twenty three years, he has lived his dream.  Best known for country comedy featuring “Uncle Harvey Tater.” He is also a NASCAR chaplain. Barry volunteered as shop chaplain for Motor Racing Outreach (MRO) and Todd Bodine. He has also worked with Richard Childress Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports. 

He also provides evangelistic messages at NHRA and NASCAR events. In addition to being a NHRA and NASCAR Chaplain, Barry has also performed as a platform artist with Prison Fellowship and Chuck Colson sharing God’s word through comedy with hundreds of inmates each year. Barry has had the privilege to work with Dr. Tony Evans, Lee Greenwood, Ricky Skaggs, Charlie Daniels, Aaron Neville, and many other celebrity figures. Barry has won 13 Christian comedy awards across the country, including awards in Nashville and Pigeon Forge. He greeted us before the performance started, but it was not until the skit was almost over that we realized that "Uncle Harvey" was the man we met before the show! WOW ... he is good! He picked up this guitar and played it ... I was thinking, Yikes ... the entertainer is going to be upset! Boy, was I wrong, it was his guitar! We were so into what he was doing, none of us took pictures. So , here is a stock photo of "Uncle Harvey."

After the entertainment was over, we got onto the part of the night every rally goer waits for ... the Door Prizes! I don't know why, because we never win ... well, we blew that theory out of the water tonight. Jack & Jackie won, Pattye and Bully won and Charlie and I won. It was a great night for the Carefree Sams of Florida!

The last event of the night was induction into the Mystic Moon Society. Each State has a "secret society." The definition of a "secret society" is a social group that demands an oath of allegiance to join. Some service-oriented organizations, like Lions or Elks, have a great deal of secret ritual within its structure. Rotary and Kiwanis, less so, but these organizations, like the Masons, require oaths of allegiance. Each State's "secret society" has an initiation, some have an oath, some do not. But they key is, once you are a member you can not share the "secrets" of the society with non-members. Bob, Barbara, Pattye, Bully, Jack and Jackie all became members of the Mystic Moon in Alabama. Sandy, Paul and I joined the Mystic Moon Society in Tennessee!

One more day left in the Rally!

Day 16 of the Southeast Rhombus Rally Caravan with Friends – TN Fall Good Sam Rally

Every day of the Rally, they have coffee and pastry items for breakfast in the pavilion. We enjoyed that meeting new people and enjoying the company of friends. This morning at the rally, they have a few seminars, none of them appealed to us. So, some of us decided to head back to the Old Mill area and explore the shops.

Bob and Barbara drove the six of us to Patriot Park, we skipped the trolley today. Our first stop was the Old Mill Farmhouse Kitchen. In The Old Mill Farmhouse Kitchen, you can find everything you need for an exceptional old time breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They sell their famous corn chowder, signature bread mixes & signature salad dressings. The Farmhouse Kitchen also features oils and spices, bottled just for you. They have ample samples of their dips, jellies and sauces all over the store. They sell many kitchen gadgets, cook books and nick-knacks. Recently, they started to sell homemade soups and beans, hot and fresh and ready to eat now or take home and enjoy. You can have the staff help you specialize a custom gift basket.

Bob should have the nickname, the Candy Man, he does like his candy! We knew he would enjoy this shop! At The Old Mill Candy Kitchen, the confectioners use time-tested recipes and traditional cooking methods to create a unique and irresistible assortment of candies and sweets. They pull and cut the many flavors of taffy with machines that have been used for more than 75 years. They still cook in old fashion copper kettles and hand dip many of their chocolates. From homemade fudges and brittles to divinity and chocolate-covered cherries, you'll taste The Old Mill difference in every sweet, chewy bite. 

Keep an eye out for our famous Bear Paws, which are taking the South by storm! These are made from the finest milk chocolate, our homemade caramel, and fresh pecans. The name is true to the size of the confectioneries!

I love to browse the Old Mill Pigeon River Pottery Store. Since pottery has been made at this very location for over 50 years, they consider the in-house potters experts in this traditional mountain craft. In fact, the artisans created most of the plates, bowls, salt & pepper shakers, and other serving pieces used in the two mill restaurants. Formed and fired on site, selections at The Pigeon River Pottery include hundreds of specialty and serving pieces in many unique glazes, plus a collection of original sculptures from the Pottery's Mighty Bear series which showcases the American Black Bear. You can watch the potters at work each day, from 11am – 3pm.

Sassafras is the newest Old Mill Store. It is the only chic clothing store in the Old Mill district. Select a unique gift, for either yourself or someone else! This store is the perfect stop for the women in your party, although Jack found the "husband" chair and had a second one for a man who followed his wife into the shop. There are endless varieties of color and styles in this eclectic boutique. Sassafras has something for everyone, young or old, probably more for the young!

The Old Mill is one of the most photographed mills in the entire country and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It still functions as it did when it was built in 1830. The Old Mill General Store adjoining our Historic Old Mill, is a favorite shopping destination for a million plus visitors each year. At the General Store, you'll find all of The Old Mill's fresh-ground grains, such as yellow and white grits or cornmeal, a variety of flours, and our famous pancake and specialty mixes. You'll also find homemade jams, jellies, dip mixes, and other popular products from our Old Mill Signature line of foods, as well as a unique selection of gifts, Smoky Mountain memorabilia, and craft items to help you remember your visit to a true national treasure. We love to look at all the items crammed into this area, it is a lot like an old time store!

The Old Mill Creamery is our favorite shop in the Old Mill area. The ice cream parlor churns traditional flavors to scoop into sugar cones or dishes, turn into sundaes and shakes. They offer signature line of ice creams. The flavors incorporate local, farm-fresh ingredients from Lafayette Farm, grains from The Old Mill, homemade candies from The Old Mill Candy Kitchen next door, and spirits from the Old Forge Distillery. One of those signature flavors is Whiskey Ribbon, vanilla ice cream laced through with Old Forge Distillery moonshine and homemade fudge. My favorite is the peanut butter, others liked the Butter Pecan. None of us were brave enough to try the whiskey ribbon!

We got back in time to enjoy the afternoon games of SAMGO in the pavilion. We could not talk Charlie, Bully, Bob or Paul into playing. Jack was the only man represented during the games. Jackie was the one who was really lucky, she won three games! I was lucky and won two games. One game, I had to split with two other winners, so we each got $2, but at least I won! My second win was a solo and I won $5. Whooo Who! The caller was great, she was not too fast and not to slow! We played 6 games and a coverall in about an hour.

An add-on item to the Rally was a trip to the National Quartet Convention, if you were interested in going. The National Quartet Convention (NQC) is an annual gathering of Southern Gospel quartets and musicians. It is held this same time every year. A concert is held each evening, typically selling out for these shows. The shows run from 5:30 pm to 11 pm and feature non-stop music from the major Southern Gospel artists spaced at 10-20 minute intervals. That is a lot of music! Pattye & Bully and Jack & Jackie attended the event. 

For those that did not attend, they had a special SAMGO session. The TN State Director and another TN State Staff member, gave up their tickets to the NQC, to stay back and call SAMGO. I am thinking that some men, tell their wife they want to go, but really don't and these two guys are a prime example of that! Barb and I got Bob and Charlie to play, but none of us were lucky enough to be winners. But, living this life, we are already winners!

We watched a awesome sunset before we played SAMGO. Check back tomorrow for more TN Rally fun!

Day 15 of the Southeast Rhombus Rally Caravan with Friends – TN Fall Good Sam Rally

Before we could embark on our adventure, we wanted to pick-up our registration for the Rally. The program I downloaded from the web, said registration was in the convention center, we walked there ... building locked. Another Rally goer, said yesterday afternoon, they were checking people in on the porch of the office, so we walked over there. No on there, we waited in the chairs for a bit. Still no one. So, we decided to walk to the pavilion, where many of the activities are taking place ... Success! We got our registration packets! Sevierville is located in the foothills of America’s most visited National Park. Not only are the views gorgeous, but the opportunities to hike and get some great pictures are unparalleled. Jack, Jackie and Lacey went to explore the Great Smoky Mountain National Park today. Barbara and Bob have never been to Bush’s Beans, so the rest of us headed there for a tour and maybe some beans!

Observation tower at Clingman's Dome in the Smoky Mountain NP

I’ll tell you about the National Park first. It covers over 500,000 acres and straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The sights are breathtaking and they offer over 800 miles of maintained trails for hiking. The most popular inhabitant of the Smokies is the American Black Bear, there are roughly 1,500 bears living in the park. The most unique inhabitant is the 30 species of salamanders, making the Smokies the “Salamander Capital of the World.” The biggest inhabitant is the Elk, which can weigh upwards of 700 pounds. Yes, Jack and Jackie climbed to the top of the dome!

Back to Bush Beans. We love it there. The first time we stopped on this trip, was just for lunch and Pattye and I hit the gift shop. Naturally, the men had to check out the old trucks and cars at the museum.

This time, we explored the very building where AJ Bush operated his General Store. We saw the movie and learned about Bush Brothers & Company’s 100-year-old canning history and how Bush became the number one name in beans. After the movie, we walked through the century-old history of an iconic family business. There are so many interactive exhibits in the Bush’s Story located in their free museum, Bob had to try a few!

Barbara and Bob have never been to The Apple Barn, so we decided to go there to tour the shops and to enjoy an early supper. The Apple Barn really is a barn, it was built back in 1910 and was part of the farm that the Hicks and Kilpatrick families bought in 1972. They planted our first trees in 1976 and they plant more every year. The orchard has over 4,000 trees. They began renovating the old cattle barn in 1980, structurally, they left it pretty much as it was. The sturdy old barn began a new era as The Apple Barn in 1981. Soon, they added a Cider Room where you can actually watch the apples being pressed into cider in the fall.

With all those apples, they had to include the Apple Pie Kitchen, where we bake delicious treats like fried apple pies, apple doughnuts, and apple dumplins for eating there or taking home. They also have a Candy Factory which produces original sweets, including old-time favorites, handmade on century-old equipment; and develop recipes for making our own ice cream for "The Creamery" ice cream parlor. The original Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant is the big draw for dining, but it could not serve everyone. The Applewood Farmhouse Grill opened in 1995, along with the Apple Barn Winery, specializing in delightful apple and fruit wines. We ate at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. All three men had meatloaf, Pattye had Catfish, Barb and I had fried chicken. Naturally we enjoyed apple fritters with apple butter and homemade soup! We were all too stuffed for dessert, but we took some fried apple pies home for later! We toured the Christmas Shop, the Winery, peeked in the windows of the Creamery, the Candy Shop and the Bakery. We finished our shopping at The Apple Barn's General Store. We always have to squeeze a bear for our friend, Karen. The General Store features a wide variety of handmade mountain crafts, food items, home decorations and collectibles. And of course, apples and cider, from which it all this Apple empire began.

We drove back to the campground to relax, before the opening ceremonies of the Tennessee Fall Good Sam Rally. The opening ceremonies were held in the convention center on the campground. It was a short program that included a welcome, by the Tennessee State Director; an Invocation; presentation of the Colors; Pledge of Allegiance; National Anthem and the Declaration of Rally Open.

There were a few general announcements and a review of the upcoming few days. We met a group from the Memphis area, River M Sams. We enjoyed visiting with them for a time after the opening ceremonies. We also met a couple from Lake Placid. They belong to a chapter near them, but they were here alone … so we brought them into the fold. By the end of the week, Sandy and Paul might rethink joining up with us, but it will be a week they won’t forget!

We finished off the night with a campfire and visiting with new and old friends!

Check back for more misadventures at the Tennessee Good Sam Rally!

Day 13 & 14 of the Southeast Rhombus Rally Caravan with Friends – Moving & Arrivals of more Friends

Today is Monday, it is the day we move campgrounds. We depart Eagles Nest and move to River Plantation. It is a long haul, all of 5 miles. But with the Pigeon Forge traffic, it took us over 15 minutes. Pattye and I took their car, and Charlie and Bully drove the motorhomes. Pattye and I went ahead and Bully and Charlie followed. Traffic is so crazy on the parkway in Pigeon Forge, Bully passed us once. We were able to get ahead of them again. Charlie was bringing up the rear and naturally, he caught every light on the parkway.

After we arrived at River Plantation and got the motorhomes mostly set up, Pattye and I headed to Walmart to get some groceries and stuff. By the time we got back, Bob and Barbara had gotten there and were getting set up. Jack and Jackie got there just ahead of us and were not set up yet. It is great to see everyone again. There is nothing better than camping with friends! We spent some time enjoying each other’s company and relaxing. Even though, we did not have a long drive, the other two couples did.

Tuesday we got up to an overcast day, with just a little on and off nuisance drizzle. We drove to Walmart. We can park in the Walmart lot and pick up the Trolley at its northern most stop. We rode the trolley to the depot and purchased our wristbands. 

Our first stop after we got out wristbands was the Comedy Barn, to get our tickets for the Tuesday night show. While we were there, Bob had to play the shooting game. 

After Bob did it, Pattye and Jackie had to give it a try! I love Pattye's style!

Jackie was a great shot, I would not want to get on her bad side!

Jack had to use the restroom, no wonder he was smiling ... check out the sign on the door! After we got our tickets, we decided to walk to The Island, because that is what we are going to do tonight after the show to see the water fountain show.

To our surprise, the water fountain pools were empty and had workers instead of water. Naturally Jackie had to ask them if it would be fixed tonight. One worker said no, another worker said I don't know. It sure is a strange sight! 

While we were on The Island, Barbara and Bob were brave enough to try some moonshine at Ole' Smoky Moonshine. I love the look on Barbara's face ... priceless! Some of use walked the shop area and others headed to the Margaritaville Coffee Shop. Some of our favorite shops were Emery's 5 & 10 General store, The Sneaky Squirrel and The Pepper Palace. The crew that went to the coffee shop, swore all they had was coffee ... but the sticky white substance on their faces, tell another tale .... there definitely were some cinnabon rolls eaten while they were in there!

We continued to ride the trolley around getting off and on, stopping at shops and shopping. We hit several quilt shops, Pyrex and Corningware. Boot stores, clothing and purse shops. We rode the trolley back to the depot and were going to the Old Mill Potter’s Café for a late lunch. Some of us, did not have cinnamon rolls and we were getting hungry! There was a 45 minute wait. So, we decided to use some coupons that Jackie had for CiCis pizza. 

We thought we had seen one close. We were right, Google told us it was ½ a mile from where we were. So, we decided to take the back road to the parkway and we should come out pretty close to CiCis. We did! We enjoyed our buy one get one buffet free lunch. All of us have not been to a CiCis since it closed in Zephyrhills. After lunch, we decided to grab the trolley back to the cars and relax, before we had to get to the Comedy Barn for our show.

Charlie and I have been to The Comedy Barn Theater before, but no one else has. We love it, and hoped they all would too! It is the funniest clean family comedy around! Once you see it, you will understand why year after year The Comedy Barn, is voted the most award winning family comedy variety show in the Smoky Mountains. It features magicians, jugglers, ventriloquists, animals, talking animals, comedians, live country and gospel music! It was truly a night of laughter, for all of us! this show can entertain everyone from kids to senior citizens. 

After the show, we headed to The Island. We were ready to show the water fountain show to everyone else ... well, it was still broken. We learned that the pump was broken. There were two guys in the pond still, shoveling rocks ... but no water or skyward spiraling water jets .... kind of a let down, because it truly is one of the greatest free shows you can see! We did capture pictures in front of the ferris wheel, but again, just not a spectacular with out the colored lights and water from that show!

 So, we waited for the trolley and headed back to our cars in Walmart. It was an early night, we were home before 11:30 pm! 

Check back to hear more about our Tennessee Good Sam Rally in Sevierville at the River Plantation RV Resort.