September 20 to 28, 2020
Trip Leader: Wilson McLaren 508- 869-2451
The Great Smokey Mountains
Featuring Gatlingburg Tn. & Asheville, NC
September 20-28, 2020 $2,400.00 per person
9 Days/ 18 meals
Highlights: Travel to the America’s heartland to enjoy the Great
Smokey Mountains, Pigeon Forge, TN, Dollywood Theme Park,
Smokey Mountain Railroad, Thomas Wolf Civil War Museum,
The Biltmore Estates. There is a lot to do on this trip. Check out
this Flyer Travel to America’s heartland to enjoy the wonder of the Great Smoky Mountains, fabulous shows and gilded age history in Tennessee and North Carolina. On Day One we overnight in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley at the Strasburg Fairfield Inn and Suites before continuing to Pigeon Forge, TN our home for the next three nights. After checking into the Springhill Suites by Marriot, we will dine at the ‘Bull Fish Grill’ and enjoy a lively show at the Comedy Barn Theater. After breakfast the next day we will head to Bollywood – Dolly Parton’s music-themed park — to discover music and fun and shows all day long. We return to the hotel to freshen up and then enjoy dinner at the ‘Applewood Farm House’. On Day Four we enjoy mystery and beauty on a mountain adventure with our local guide to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park – America’s most visited National Park. This evening enjoy raucous entertainment at the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show. On Day 5, we depart for beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. We will stop in Bryson, NC to board the classic Great Smoky Mountain Railroad and enjoy an exciting ride through the peaks and gorges while enjoying lunch as we take in the marvels of the surrounding countryside. After we check into our The Doubitree Ashville – Biltmore Village hotel we will enjoy dinner and a show at the Blue Ridge Mountain Opry. The next day we will meet our guide for a tour of historic Asheville. Nestled in the heart of the Smokies, the town boasts classic homes along tree lined streets, the linen and wool industry that clothed Presidents and Millionaires, literary giants such as Thomas Wolfe, Civil War history and the urban trail known as the ‘Museum without walls’. After lunch on your own, we will take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway that cuts and meanders along the ridges and valleys of the Smoky Mountains. We will stop at Chimney Rock State Park and take an exciting elevator ride to the top to enjoy breathtaking vistas. This evening we will dine at The Gathering Place, that serves sumptuous ‘farm to table’ delicacies from the region. On Day 7, we will spend the day exploring the fabulous Biltmore Estate. Dating back to the Gilded Age this opulent mansion and surrounding grounds was the home of the wealthy Vanderbilt family. Spanning 75 acres with luscious gardens and statues the 250 room mansion is ‘America’s largest home’. We will be treated to lunch at the Deer Park Cafe that offers estate raised produce and goods perfectly prepared for a great dining experience. We end the day with shopping, exhibits and browsing around Antler Village. Located on the estate this classic village boasts one of America’s most visited wineries and we will enjoy a ‘Wine Experience’ that includes a tour and tasting. This evening dinner is at Tupelos, Honey South Cafe, an Asheville icon restaurant serving up southern fare with a twist. We head towards home and overnight again in Virginia at the Fair field Inn and Suites, with dinner at Hang-Outs restaurant located in the hotel, before returning home the next day.