Every summer, my husband and I love taking our kids somewhere new for vacation. We believe that habitually going the same places every year gets boring and when it comes to vacation we want to be anything but routine. This year we chose Tennessee as our destination for “new” fun. It is remote, far away from where we live, and has all the components for the great time we were looking for. Wanting to add a little spontaneity to our trip we didn’t book a hotel or anything in advance. We packed our bags, hooked up the GPS, loaded up the van and took off for our Tennessee adventure!

Arriving in Tennessee my family and I expected to see a lot of hills, however, as we got further in what we saw captured our hearts and still does to this day- The Great Smoky Mountains! At first thought it may seem like the mountains are nothing more than an area for great hiking, however you will soon discover that the mountains hold so much more! Within the nearby towns, there is a lot of entertainment and fun for everyone!

After driving awhile, we came to a town called Sevierville. It was there that we saw something off the main road that captured our attention with a massive lit-up funnel like structure coming off the side of it’s building: Wilderness at the Smokies. It is known as Tennessee’s largest family resort and includes one sizable indoor and two outdoor waterparks. It is a great place for families to stay and relax while also having a lot of fun. The outdoor waterparks– Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark and Salamander Springs Outdoor Waterpark– are only open during the summer. The indoor water park (Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark), however, is open year-round! The water parks include several water slides, tube slides, water racers, surf riders, lagoons, rivers, and even spas for us mommies. Our family really loved the Storm Chaser Thrill Ride- which we eventually figured out was the massive funnel like structure that caught our attention to begin with- which is a waterslide that gives its riders a hair-raising experience! Four guests plummet 55 feet down a thrilling, dark tunnel ride before dropping through a zero gravity fall into a funnel where they experience several fast oscillations before splashing into a pool below. Be prepared for the ride of your life! Note: A few of the water rides include a minimum height requirement of 48’’.

After spending 5 hours at the waterparks, my husband and I decided (along with much begging from the kids) that we had to stay overnight at the resort… and we were in luck, a room was actually available! Normally I would suggest booking ahead as they tend to stay booked up.

There are a few different lodging options to choose from at Wilderness. Since we are a family of five, we opted to stay at the River Lodge. We wanted to be sure we chose a room that had enough space for all of us as well as comfort and boy did it deliver! River Lodge offers a variety of suite styles that are designed to accommodate families while allowing for the convenience of extra room to spread out. Our largest suite sleeps up to 15 people, which includes multiple sleeping rooms, a full kitchen and family room with fireplace. River Lodge is also connected to the Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark and also has many other features including: Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark, Cataloochee Creek Adventure Golf, The Thirsty Miner Restaurant, Mountain Marketplace, Outpost Gift Shop, Back Country Arcade, Paint Your Own Pottery, a Fitness Center and Guest Laundry.

Another option, Stone Hill Lodge features upscale furnishings, with a mountain-modern decor. Rooms have flat screen TV’s, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, irons and ironing boards and in-room safes. Stone Hill Lodge also features: Salamander Springs Outdoor Waterpark, Hidden Trail Bar and Grill, Black Bear Boutique, Back Country Arcade, a Fitness Center, a Business Center and Guest Laundry. From double queen hotel rooms to king executive suites, they are sure to have the room that is perfect for your family.

Lastly there is Sanctuary Villas, which are luxurious, golf front villas, less than a mile from all the other Wilderness amenities. All Villas are fully furnished with every amenity your family might desire along with a private terrace and game room. Enjoy golf course seclusion and also waterpark access!

After we checked out of our room and went to the waterparks for one last time, my kids started to get really cranky- partly because they didn’t want to leave but also partly because they were exhausted and were in the need of some good food. When traveling, Trip Advisor is my best friend. My husband and I searched for local places with great reviews and found the Hatflields & McCoys Dinner Show all I had to do was read the online description and instantly it cheered the kids up! If you’re searching for a place to eat and have a laugh, look no further! At the Hatfield & McCoy’s Dinner Show you can enjoy a nice homemade, country style dinner while watching one of the best comedy shows in Pigeon Forge. Dinner includes an all-you-can-eat line-up featuring some of the best food in Pigeon Ford, according to Trip Advisor- and we’d have to agree. The menu included country fried chicken, open pit pork barbeque, a southern style creamy vegetable soup (my absolute favorite – I was even able to buy the soup mix in the gift shop after the show to take home to make), corn on the cob, mashed taters, coleslaw, homemade rolls, and a specialty dessert. Everything was amazing and the chicken was so tender and juicy—we definitely had to ask for seconds and our waiter was all to happy to oblige. We received excellent service and with a smile!

The on-stage staff delivered an outstanding show called “A Family Feud.” We were laughing so hard watching folks dressed in country-style attire—men with straw hats and overalls pick guitars and sing and women with plaid dresses and boots dance and sing and give a great story line filled with humor. There was never a dull moment watching the two families banter back and forth. Just be sure you chew and swallow your food quickly… or the person sitting across from you may not be very happy when coleslaw comes flying across the table because you let out a big belly laugh!

If after Hatfield & McCoy’s your begging for more comedy on your trip be sure to check out The Comedy Barn also located in Pigeon Forge. The Comedy Barn is actually a sister venue to the Hatfield & McCoy’s and combo tickets are available at a discount when you book both. Just like The Hatfield and McCoy’s Dinner Show the Comedy Barn offered up a ton of laughs and a great meal. Dinner for this show however is served at The Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe right next door. There your family will receive an amazing feast that includes Savory Pot Roast, Fried Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Macaroni and Cheese, Green Beans, Homemade Pasta Salad, Cream of Chicken Soup, Rolls, and for dessert Banana Pudding or Chocolate Cake. The Comedy Barn show times are 5pm and 8:15pm nightly. Tickets are $29.95 per adult and $9.95 per child. You can ADD ON the dinner option for $19.95 per adult and $9.95 per child.

The Comedy Barn has a variety of acts: magicians, jugglers, ventriloquists, comedians, amazing trained animals, tap dancing, live country and gospel music! They also bring unsuspecting audience members into different parts of the show and trust me when I say that will leave your stomach sore from laughing so hard! The Comedy Barn show offers seasonal acts as well and has a special Christmas Show for the holidays. Your family is sure to have endless streams of laughter and fun!

Back in the van and a few minutes away from Pigeon Forge, we arrived in a quaint little mountain town called Gatlinburg. As we drove in we saw a billboard advertising an awesome-sounding attraction called Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. I quickly Googled it and found out that it was voted “The Best U.S. Aquarium” by USA Today in 2017 and it’s no wonder why, it has something to offer the whole family! From penguin encounters, to swimming with stingrays and painting with penguins… no matter what activity you choose at the Aquarium, you and the family will never get bored!

Ages 4 and up can make a new furry little friend— a penguin! Staff members are on-site to monitor the encounters. The penguins are well trained to interact with visitors. They can pet the penguins and even get a photo with them. Children ages 4-7 must be chaperoned by an adult and the staff. Prices are $44.99 for one adult to chaperone one child.

Ever wanted to get up close and interact with a stingray? If so and if you are at least 40” tall and 5 years old, you can splash (swim) with the stingrays for only $29.99! My family was able to swim with the stingrays together and it is something we will never forget! Just be sure not to forget your swimsuit / trunks as they are required attire for this activity. Towels however are provided.

Feeling artsy? And love penguins too? Try a penguin painting class with these little furry friends! For only $79.99 per person, you can help a penguin create a cool work of art. You will choose a color or two, dip your penguin’s feet in the colors, and watch your penguin get to work as he or she walks colored footprints all over a piece of 8×10 white canvas paper! My youngest son absolutely loved this activity because he loves painting and penguins are his favorite animals! Again a chaperone is required here for children ages 4-7 and it’s an additional $19.99 to chaperone one child in addition to the general penguin painting class admission.

Some other cool opportunities at the aquarium include live shows; gift shops; cafés; viewing coral reefs and coral fish; the Discovery Center (where you can get hands-on with aquatic creatures of many types); Gallery of the Seas (you can view octopuses, jellyfish, lionfish, spider crabs, cuttlefish, and other mesmerizing ocean creatures); Stingray Bay; Penguin Playhouse; Ocean Realm; Shark Lagoon; Touch A Ray Bay; and Tropical Rainforest (creatures of the rainforest). The aquarium also offers birthday parties and group activities such as Sleeping with the Sharks (spend a night under a dome watching the sharks), classroom field trips and events (includes discounts for teachers and students and advanced group booking online). General admission is $34.99 per Adult, Children ages 6-11 are $19.99 each and Children ages 2-5 are only $9.99 each. If you would like an Aquarium guide, it is an additional $2.99. Ripley’s also offers combo tickets to Aquarium as well as some of its other attractions.

Beyond waterparks, comedy shows, great food and the aquarium, another amazing way to experience the area is to explore the Great Smoky Mountains itself! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must! The park covers a large area from Tennessee to the North Carolina border. It is known as America’s most visited National park for a reason—there’s so much wildlife diversity, so many beautiful views, great hiking trails and interesting things to do there. While hiking we came across a couple black bears in the distance (always hike with caution), a beautiful assortment of wildflowers, a variety of birds, and fireflies once it got dark along with many other mysterious and interesting creatures that reside within the mountains.

One of the most popular areas of the National Park is Cades Cove. Cades Cove is an isolated valley located in the Tennessee section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The valley was home to numerous settlers before the formation of the national park. It is a very popular place to capture breathtaking views of the mountains. Here, it was possible for my family to see a lot of white-spotted deer, black bears, raccoons, turkeys and other animals. There was even the opportunity to set-up camp close by (with tents and RV’s) if you wish to be further immersed in the wildlife! Around the area we saw a lot of historical houses that dated back to the 19th century. My husband (who is a History Channel buff) loved this! Some of the things we came across were churches, windmills, log homes, barns and old school houses. No matter what you come across, there is sure to be some kind of historic story or fact behind it providing a great opportunity for a history lesson for the kiddos!

Open year-round, the Smoky Mountains of course offers a lot of opportunity for great hiking and even kid-friendly hikes. Some of the more popular destination hikes include Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs, Andrews Bald, Rainbow Falls (a hike to a beautiful 80 foot waterfall that shapes into an hourglass in the winter), and Chimney Tops (a much steeper climb/hike). Our family’s favorite was Rainbow Falls- the waterfall was amazingly beautiful!

Yes, this Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains “Adventure” left my family feeling more than satisfied with our spontaneous and un-routine vacation. Whether your interest is hiking, swimming, laughing until you hurt or getting up close and personal with natures furry and feathery residents, you are bound to have an awesome time and make unforgettable family memories with a Great Smoky Mountains’ Vacay! What are you waiting for!?!

The post Get Away with a Great Smoky Mountains Vacay! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

By Lincoln McElwee

In recent years, the farm-to-table craze has taken restaurants, foodies and the travel industry by storm. In case you’ve missed out on all the much-deserved hype, Omni Hotels Nashville has you covered. With its unique take on farm-to-table dining, Omni Nashville’s Kitchen Notes serves up a warm and homely slice of this not-to-be-missed dining experience.

Whether you’re a self-proclaimed foodie looking for award-winning fare or a novice with a bit of time to spend in Nashville, be sure to visit Kitchen Notes during your stay in Music City.

In fact, Omni Hotels Nashville makes it quite easy for you with hotel packages that’ll have you crooning with joy in no time. Located in the center of downtown Nashville, the Omni Nashville’s guest rooms and hotel packages are sure to add the icing on the cake to an already unforgettable experience.

In addition to room features, such as unique artwork, plush robes, foam and feather pillows, and state-of-the-art bathrooms with granite vanities, the ambience of your home away from home all points to remarkable insight and architecture modeled after the city’s distinct culture. Lodging that runs the gamut from deluxe rooms to King Executive suites and disability accessible rooms will have each guest feeling like a part of the city’s remarkable history!

Omni Nashville has a number of specials and packages to ensure that your stay in Tennessee is hassle-free. These packages include exclusive deals and special offers on all things culinary and romantic, as well as providing a number of stellar options for families as well, such as:

• Country Music Hall Of Fame® and Museum Package
• Includes two tickets to the County Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, a Hatch Show Print poster and breakfast for two.
• Bed and Breakfast Package
• Includes top notch accommodations and daily breakfast at Kitchen Notes. The famous Biscuit Bar is included in the package.
• The Legend Package
• Includes two tickets to the Johnny Cash Museum, breakfast for two and two coffees as Bongo Java

Just in time for Mother’s Day this May 10^th, 2015, Omni Nashville has a package that is sure to fit the budget and make mom feel like a queen with its “Extend Your May” package:

• Extend Your May
• For those looking for a unique and worthwhile vacation (or Mother’s Day vacation getaway) this May, this discount package is the perfect incentive! 10% off of a one night stay; 15% off of a two night stay and 20% off of a stay of three nights or more.

For more information regarding Omni Nashville’s hotel specials and packages, please visit: http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/nashville/specials

With all of the amenities and lodgings in such great hands, you can focus your energy on tasting the very best of what Nashville has to offer. That’s right—Omni Nashville is home to a group of award-wining restaurants that are all right at your fingertips.

Creative cuisine, farm fresh ingredients and inspiring design are what set Omni Nashville’s hotel dining experience apart from its peers. Choose from a variety of establishments that will inspire you to whet your whistle, experience fine dining as well as lunch or brunch in local style. Hotel dining includes Bob’s Steak and Chop House, Kitchen Notes, Bongo Java, and Barlines.

For a particularly rewarding experience, be sure to visit Kitchen Notes, Omni Nashville’s famous restaurant which serves up traditional southern dishes with a farm-fresh, sustainable twist!

The famous Biscuit Bar is served all day, and makes for a fun adventure for breakfast. Kitchen Notes also offers a Breakfast Buffett, Continental Breakfast and a number of completely gluten-free items for those with allergies.

Lunch can be indulged with anything from Black Eyed Pea & Tennessee Ham Soup, Shrimp & Grits or a Blackened Catfish Sandwich.

For supper, try the Fried Green Tomatoes or the Low Country Crab Cake for starters. The Fried Chicken Bucket, Cracklin’ Nashville Pork or Coffee Rubbed Prime Sirloin will have you singing your own entrée tune in no time!

So if you miss the feeling of eating a home-cooked meal, venture on over to Kitchen Notes for breakfast (where you can enjoy the delectable Biscuit Bar), lunch, dinner, or Sunday Brunch. In doing so, you and the family can explore sustainable dishes made from traditional family recipes. For more information about Kitchen Notes, or to download menus and/or view restaurant hours, please visit: http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/nashville/dining/kitchen-notes

Any DIY devotees, antique lovers or Pinterest junkies? Well the interior of Kitchen Notes will also have you buzzing with new ideas in no time. The interior of Kitchen Notes is vintage, and designed with repurposed materials from flea markets and local antique stores. So in addition to a healthy appetite, don’t forget to bring that camera!

Omni Nashville Hotel is also proud to offer its Omni Sensational Kids experience for all of your young one’s needs! Everyone loves feeling special, right? As parents, we know that our children deserve the special treatment that love and care afford them.

To this end, Omni Nashville has created an award-winning program specially designed for kids. Upon check-in, children receive a goody bag for their stay—but not just any ol’ goody bag. Kids receive a backpack filled with a variety of family-fun entertainment that is focused on health and nutrition themed games. The supercharged backpack includes:

• An Activity book with healthy snack recipes and games
• A twisty tomato straw
• Memory match-up cards
• Crayons

And as if the backpack and special treatment weren’t enough, kids also receive milk and cookies delivered to their room on their first night at the hotel.

Omni Nashville hotel also offers spa and wellness services, including a fitness center, pool and spa.

As downtown Nashville’s only full-service spa, Mokara Spa provides guests of the hotel and spa enthusiasts alike with an assortment of spa packages and treatments, including facial and body treatments, salon services and much more! Short on time? No problem! Mokara Spa offers Mokara Lunch & Luxury, where guests can combine spa services with a healthy lunch all within the span of a lunch break.

To inquire about Mokara Spa, visit: http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/nashville/spa

Before you go, be sure to check out the Nashville Event Calendar that Omni Nashville has posted on its website: http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/nashville/things-to-do/event-calendar. Not only will you know what the hotel has in store for its guests on a monthly basis, you’ll be able to plan your itinerary around what the musical—and magical—city of Nashville has to offer as well.

Regardless of your plans in the city of Nashville, be sure to also visit and peruse the merchandise from both state and local vendors at Nashville’s popular general store, Five and Tenn. The site is a 3,000 square-foot retail venue that’s a delight for the foodie and shopper alike.

Five and Tenn is a fun and unique homage to the general stores of old, bringing an original take on the past to Nashville’s colorful present.

The venue includes live entertainment (surprise musical performances) and vendor trunk shows as well as a bevy of stores selling fine leather goods, chocolate, boots and Jack Daniels! For an interactive experience that’s sure to capture the interest of everyone in the family, make Five and Tenn a part of your Nashville itinerary!

For more information on Omni Nashville Hotel or to make a reservation, please feel free to visit: http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/nashville

The post Keeping Tabs on Kitchen Notes: appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

With a new year having commenced, a new season already knocking on the door and Daylight Savings Time back again, it might seem like the old is making way for the new entirely.

If you’d like an exciting blast from the past, however—a rebirth, as it were, a revival of sorts—why not embark upon a festive quest. That’s right! A quest that is all travel and no travail—and one for the entire family—is waiting for you right in Arrington, Tennessee.

If you’re up to the task at hand, visit the Tennessee Renaissance Festival in Arrington where you can travel to all parts of the realm in a 16^th Century family-fun festival!

Owned and operated by Mike and Jackie Freeman, the festival celebrates the merriment of a Renaissance marketplace, with over 60 skilled artisans from all over the country in attendance and with their unique wares on display and for sale.

Celebrating its 30^th year, the Tennessee Renaissance Festival will kick off this year’s festivities on May 2, 2015, with advance ticket sales online beginning April 1st. This gives merry-makers ample time to purchase tickets. Choose from day passes, two-day passes, season passes or even group sales.

An impressive line-up, including variety shows, arts & crafts, traditional food and drinks, games, exhibits, and reenactments, will be held in a reconstructed English village from the 16^th Century, known as Covington Glen.

The village features its own reconstructed castle as well—Castle Gwynn—with tours of the 1^st floor and castle grounds included in your festival admission. Weather permitting, tours are held each day from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Tour Historic Castle Gwynn at The Tennessee Renaissance Festival

Castle Gwynn has an impressive history with the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, starting with the fact that it’s the only festival held at an actual castle—or castell—as it’s also called. Castell Gwynn (White Castle) is a modern-day replica of a 12^th Century border castle in Wales, known as Castell Coche (Red Castle).

Castell Coche served as the prototype for Mike Freeman’s dream house—he designed the initial sketch in his architecture class while in high school—with many talented electricians, engineers, builders, masons, and designers adapting the castle for modern living.

As depicted in the heraldic arms designed by Mike Freeman, Castle Gwynn will eventually be completed as a four towered structure. Currently, two of the towers are completed with a new middle section of brick arches and timber connecting the two. Repair and resurfacing work have also been done—resulting in the entire castle exterior being resurfaced—due to the effects from construction on nearby I-840.

When the festival moved to an adjoining site across New Castle Road due to construction on the I-840, a timber-framed covered bridge was constructed to connect the two structures.

To view the castle, guests must use the Castle Tour Bus both to and from the castle grounds. Use of the bus is also included in same-day festival admission.

At Castle Gwynn, both young and old alike can delight in impressive exhibits and replicas.

Like weaponry and expert craftsmanship? Be sure to check out the Rose-Dan Freeman Collection of Weaponry, including armor and swords, while touring the castle. And don’t miss the elegant designs of Imogene Stone—the festival’s Royal Tapestry Designer—which will also be on display at Castle Gwynn in the Needlework and Tapestry Collection.

The Tennessee Renaissance Festival also puts on Theme Weekends, with this year’s themes as follows:

• May 2-3: Opening Weekend – Family Discount and Community Appreciation

A family discount, this weekend only, to celebrate the opening of the 2015 festival. With the purchase of two regularly-priced tickets, two grandparents and all children 12 years and younger will receive free admission!

• May 9-10: Mother’s Day Weekend

Celebrating Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10^th) all weekend long, the first 400 mothers through the gates will receive a specially-crafted rose!

• May 16-17: Pirate Invasion Weekend

See a bevy of pirates galore—and dress up as one yourself if you’d like—during this themed weekend of swashbuckling fun! Kids can enter the Children’s Pirate Costume Contest or take part in the Children’s Costume Fashion Show that will also be held this weekend as well!

• May 23-24-25: Celtic Weekend

A Celtic touch to the festivities, with various games and contests that will focus on all things Celtic. Listen for Celtic melodies throughout Covington Glen. Kilts are definitely encouraged!

As the Tennessee Renaissance Festival has always strived to be a fun and fascinating children’s venue, the faire offers a number of free—free!—children’s activities.

• Children’s Knighting Ceremony, where young festival goers can become Ladies and Masters, knighted by Queen Elizabeth as Peers of the Realm of Covington Glen.
• Children’s Area, sponsored by Nashville Parent.
• Visit of Robin Hood and Maid Marian, who will involve the young ones in an interactive stage performance.
• Children’s Arts and Crafts Area, with supplies provided by News Channel 5.
• Children’s Costume Contest, in Arts and Crafts Area
• Children’s Costume Fashion Show on Pirate Weekend, where kids can dress up and display their pirate costumes onstage.
• Castle Gwynn Educational Tour

There will be plenty of other activities for children as well, while some shows are reserved for only the bravest of adults! For a full line-up of participants and events, or to download the Daily Entertainment Schedule, visit:  Entertainers and Performers at the Faire – The Tennessee Renaissance Festival

Keep in mind that, though costumes and costume accessories are allowed, there are exceptions. In particular, the Tennessee Renaissance Festival has a new Weapons Policy in place for 2015. Included in this policy are the following noteworthy warnings: (1) all swords, whether brought as part of a costume or purchased on the festival grounds, must be sheathed and peace-tied at all times. No exceptions! (2) Weapons will be inspected at the entrance for the safety of everyone; also (3) arrows must have tips removed and (4) firearms, whether working or replica, are strictly prohibited. For more information on weaponry and safety in general, please read the Rules of the Realm, here: Rules of the Realm – The Tennessee Renaissance Festival

For Educational Day information, and information on School Days at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, be sure to visit the website for updates or reach out to the festival via its Contact Page: Contact Information, Comments and Questions – The Tennessee Renaissance Festival

So if you’re not quite ready to say adieu to the past, try saying huzzah instead! Then go ahead and visit the Tennessee Renaissance Festival in Arrington, Tennessee. After a rewarding day of ribaldry for the entire family, you’ll be glad you did.

For complete information, be sure to visit the festival’s main page: The Tennessee Renaissance Festival – your finest entertainment venue just outside of Nashville

The post A Bit of Old Britain at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival (May 2015) appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Booking this year’s vacation spot in Pigeon Forge, TN made for an incredible family getaway and a much-needed break from our hectic lives.  My husband and I did some research beforehand to find an affordable, family-friendly place to stay that was situated right in the heart of the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains.  We decided on the RiverStone Resort & Spa as our choice of stay because of its ideal location and unique features for both children and adults. As we hoped, it turned out to be the perfect rustic vacation spot for a tranquil, family-friendly vacation.

We pulled up to RiverStone and were warmly greeted by a majestic view of acres of rolling hills and the hazy contour of the Smoky Mountains.  A landscape of green enraptured my senses and I could hear the trickling waters of the nearby Little Pigeon Forge River.  The experience was very relaxing from the start, and I was especially eager to check out RiverStone’s luxurious spa.

Nature is healing and is sometimes just what we need to distress and regain our sense of inner harmony and peace.  My first impression of the lobby space was a warm and inviting atmosphere with its grand stone fireplace and vibrant, earthy colors.  My family and I opted for a 3-bedroom condominium with three plush king-sized beds and two bathrooms…one with a 6ft Jacuzzi tub, with full amenities including a washer and dryer, a widescreen flat panel TV, sleeper sofa and gas fireplace.  It was such a delight reading in the morning while peeking over the horizon from our private balcony.  The fully equipped kitchen with its granite countertop bar area and stainless steel appliances was perfect after a fun-filled day when we wanted to cook a meal and enjoy a restful night in with the kids.  The interior design scheme was also very refreshing and elegant with ambient lighting to provide a comfortable living space for the week.  The condo turned out to be the perfect home away from home for my family, but RiverStone’s log cabin rentals are also worth mentioning for those wanting a cozy cabin space nestled in the heart of the Smokies.  The wooden, ranch-style cabin is situated right along the river and offers a spacious wrap-around porch, lofted space, and stone gas log fireplace.  The online photos depict a charming, woodsy bungalow sited behind a log fence and shaded by beautiful maple trees.

Another major highlight of my stay at RiverStone was its full service day spa!  My husband and I treated ourselves to the couples Signature Massage with hot stone and Swedish massage techniques, aromatherapy, and detoxifying herbal mud treatments for the ultimate relaxation experience. Our massage therapists, Jason and Jami, were extremely friendly and left us both feeling rejuvenated and refreshed in body and mind.  RiverStone also offers a variety of services that are sure to satisfy your desires.  I was really impressed to find that RiverStone offers spa options for children as well, and they did a fantastic job pampering my daughter with their Princess Manicure.  I think my daughter felt really special and enjoyed feeling like a fairytale princess while we enjoyed quality mommy-daughter time together.  While we were getting pampered, my husband and son enjoyed a round of golf at the nearby Gatlinburg Golf Course.

Another great feature of the RiverStone was its huge indoor pool.  While the kids splashed in the pool, my husband and I enjoyed a dip in the steamy Jacuzzi hot tub.  My teenage son especially loved the on-site game room with its fully loaded arcade, including pinball, air hockey, and pool table.  It was a shame the lazy river was closed for cold weather because my kids would have had a blast coasting past the overhead waterfalls and winding curves on tubes.  The lazy river is conveniently situated alongside the patio area so it would have been very easy to keep an eye on the kids from one of the lounge chairs.  We will definitely be taking advantage of that on our next visit, as well as the playground and picnic/grilling area they offer. RiverStone’s extensive Fitness Center was equally impressive.  Needless to say, I was very pleased with the full range of activities and balance of indoor/outdoor spaces at RiverStone.

While in Pigeon Forge, we headed over for great food and entertainment with a Southern twist to the Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner show.  It was a treat for all of us and left us reeling in laughter as we munched “with our fingers – no utensils needed” on a good-ole-fashioned four course Southern feast of rotisserie chicken, pork loin, potato, corn, biscuit and the best creamy vegetable soup you ever tasted. Dessert too! Vegetarian options are also available and kids under three eat free when sitting in a parents lap and eating from their plate!  My kids loved seeing the open-air stables with show horses inside as we walked up and the surprise meet-and-greet with the stars of the show while we picked up our tickets heading into the lobby.  We thoroughly enjoyed the world famous saloon with hilarious entertainment put on by some wonderful banjo players with a sense of humor to boot. After the opening show, fully costumed Belles lead us into Dixie’s grand arena where we enjoyed thrilling horse stunts, comedy acts, and an incredible Bluegrass-style musical production. While my kids loved the special effects and rings of fire, I especially enjoyed the twangy banjo and guitar sounds of the Bluegrass and Country band, Mountain Rukus, in the opening act and the barrel races. We all could hardly stop laughing at Skeeter doing his chicken dance and other comical antics. My kids were energized the whole show and learned about Northern-Southern rivalry first hand as the performers sparred in competitive fun.  Overall, I thought the meal and show was perfectly choreographed for an easy flow throughout the evening and I would definitely recommend Dixie Stampede for a fun-filled dinner adventure.

The Lumberjack Feud was another great dinner show we visited and offered a little more action and excitement.  Lumberjack stepped things up a notch featuring the rough competition of flannel-clad lumberjacks over ten different logging events.  The seating is split up into two sections, the McGraws and the Dawsons sides.  We were proud to be a Dawson! My kids were on edge the whole time as we watched this rough and wild bunch compete in chainsaw carving, tree climbing, log rolling, and axe-swinging among other fierce events.  This was no ordinary theatre show!  We really were caught up in the action between the booing and cheering of this enthusiastic crowd.  My daughter even won a “cookie,” or piece of wood stamped with the Lumberjack Feud logo (which was later signed by cast members) for cheering loudly. Lumberjack kept to a family-friendly atmosphere by showcasing a variety of different events.  It was really neat to watch the Timber Dogs fly through the air to retrieve objects and watch these world athletes climb their way up vertical timber posts.  The show came with a flavor-blasting meal to boot.  My family enjoyed chowing down on slow-roasted pork loin, green beans, old-fashioned cornbread dressing, and creamy baked mac-n-cheese.  The homemade Smoky Mountain Berry Cobbler was an equally delicious dessert!  Beneath all the action, the show told an exciting and unique story as we enjoyed a great meal.  I think we all left satisfied and with a new appreciation for the American legend of the lumberjacks.

For a special dinner with the family, you might want to check out the Old Mill Pottery House Café & Grille, located in the heart of Pigeon Forge’s charming Old Mill Square.  This was a favorite spot on our trip with its delicious family-style meal and Old World character. My husband is a meat-lover and greatly enjoyed the delicious hand-cut Black Angus ribeye steak and I was raving over the Praline Grilled pork chops.  Gazing over the menu, there were a lot of options including hearty soups, southern catfish and fresh seafood, signature sandwiches, and quality steaks.  This venue epitomized Southern charm and comfort, offering homemade cakes, brownies, cheesecake, and other delicious desert options.  We felt right at home eating from handcrafted dinnerware, which was beautifully crafted by artisans next door at Pigeon River Pottery.  The kids menu for kids 12 & under was also fantastic and offered yummy choices of a drink, chicken tenders, mac-n-cheese or a hamburger, along with fries or a fresh fruit cup.  Afterwards, my family enjoyed a pleasurable stroll through the Old Mill Square.  It was nice to get away from the hustle and bustle and tour this traditional place. 

I’d say our stay in Pigeon Forge was a major success with unforgettable memories.  There’s such a diverse range of activities and places to visit here, which was nice because I think everyone in my family took away something special.  It was refreshing to have some down time alongside our lively dinner shows at night.  I would highly recommend visiting this scenic spot if you’re planning your next vacation getaway!  Our trip turned out to be a fun-filled adventure that my family will always remember.

The post A Mountain Paradise appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Vacations are a time honored practice in my house. Every year we pack up the kids and head off to a destination on the east coast to build family memories. Last year was not going to be any different. Our older boys are in high school now, so we are focusing more on getting away with all of our kids. There are only a few more years until our sons will be heading off to college, so I want to be sure that I take advantage of  vacation opportunities while they still live at home. With that in mind, we set out for a stelar family vacation last fall. Last year’s vacation spot was in the Great Smoky Mountains.  We wanted a family friendly hotel to stay in located near fun and affordable activities to do together. We found that in Pigeon Forge. With four kids still in the house, we needed a large hotel room. This can be a problem for some locations, but not for The Inn on The River in beautiful Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Inn has rooms of all sizes. I was able to find the room that fit our needs on their website which has great pictures of the room sizes available.  While booking, I was drooling over the rooms with a king–sized bed, fireplace and Jacuzzi, but reality hit fast and I booked the mini suite with two queen beds, a pullout sofa and a private balcony. The room was everything we thought it would be: Comfortable beds, plenty of room for every member of my family, and a great breakfast included in our reservation. This was not just a breakfast based on a box of stale donuts.  The Inn not only had waffles, fresh fruit, cereals and yogurt but also biscuits, sausage and gravy.  Breakfast is very important to me on vacation. If I don’t have food, I turn into a demanding diva. My blood sugar levels need sustenance in the morning, and my two teenage boys feel the same way. The Inn filled our mornings with breakfasts that had an at-home feel to them.

Large rooms, comfortable beds, a warm lobby and filling breakfasts are three of the four requirements that I have for a hotel. The fourth requirement for my family is a pool. Pools provide kids of all ages with a place to get their wiggles out. If I booked a room somewhere without a pool I would end up with a bed jumping competition of Olympic proportions in my room. The pool at The Inn exceeded my expectations. Not only was there an outdoor pool, there was also an indoor pool. Since the vacation was in during colder weather, the indoor pool was perfect. Fortunately, it only rained one day on our vacation. We had planned on being out hiking that day, but the rain kept us in and the pool saved the day. Instead of Olympic style long jump competitions on the beds, we had a family day spent relaxing and swimming in the indoor pool.

The Inn On The River was the launching point for our vacation, but the Smokies had so much to offer, we had to get out and explore some of the amazing activities found there. The trick was not doing so many activities that we would end the days stressed, but also not doing too few activities, which would lead back to long stretches of children jumping on the hotel beds. My husband and I have to hike on every vacation, so that was the first activity we sought out. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of our favorite places on the east coast to hike, and it is a reasonable drive from Pigeon Forge. My husband poured over maps for weeks planning which trails we would hike. More embarrassing than admitting to my children’s bed jumping ways, is admitting to one of our hikes in the Smokies.  My husband had picked out the trail at Clingmans Dome.  Clingmans Dome is the highest spot in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I have a strong fear of heights. I thought that the Dome would be my vacation moment to overcome this fear, but alas, it was not. While my children were enjoying the 360-degree views found at the top of Clingmans Dome, I was sitting at the bottom of the Dome’s path trying to fight off the dizziness that sometimes comes with fear of heights. While that was an embarrassing experience with my family, the view of the fall colors on the short hike to and from the Dome made the entire trip worth it for me. The Smokies offer truly breathtaking views, and no trip to the Smokies is complete without a hike to enjoy them.

The best thing to do after a day spent hiking in the woods is to spend some time relaxing inside. The Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show was the perfect fit. The dinner show is located in Pigeon Forge, so we didn’t have to take a long drive to get there. The food was mouthwateringly fulfilling: fried chicken, barbecue, potatoes, beans, desserts and more. The food was only part of the evening. The show was sensational, and it kept everyone entertained.  The blend of banjos, singing, dancing and laughter was perfect. We were even able to avoid some of the crowds by going to the show on a weeknight.

When I bought our tickets to the dinner show, I decided to buy a package deal so that we could see both the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show and the Family Comedy Show at The Comedy Barn. This award winning family comedy variety show went above and beyond my expectations for the evening. After a second day of hiking the picturesque trails of the Smoky Mountains, we were ready to sit, relax and be entertained. My favorite part of the show was when three men were pulled out of the audience for part of the act. When they were selecting men from the audience, my husband shrunk lower in his seat than I have ever seen him shrink. That made for a good laugh, too. The skit with those men was the funniest one of the evening, and there were plenty of funny skits. They also have a Christmas comedy show that runs late in the year.

A vacation is not a vacation for my boys without riding some roller coasters. Dollywood’s “Smoky Mountain Christmas” (Nov 10– Dec 30) offered up roller coasters and so much more. Dollywood is a family friendly one hundred and fifty-acre theme park.  While my husband and sons were repeatedly riding America’s first wing roller coaster, I was hiding my fear of heights while enjoying the many Christmas shows with my daughter. Our favorite show was Appalachian Christmas. I love Bluegrass music, and this Bluegrass take on Christmas music was outstanding. The Carol of The Trees was also amazing. There were so many trees lit up, my children loved it. The whole park was decorated and lit up for Christmas. This was a great time of year to go to Dollywood.

Two days spent at an amazing amusement park, two days spent hiking, two evenings set aside for comical entertainment, and one rainy day spent in the pool. This vacation was one of our favorites. The Smoky Mountains truly do have something to offer everyone. Spend some time in the Smokies with your family this year. Plan your vacation today by visiting http://www.myinnontheriver.com to check out the great hotel we stayed at in Pigeon Forge. The dinner shows can be found at http://www.hatfieldmccoydinnerfeud.com and http://www.comedybarn.com. Dollywood and Clingmans Dome can be virtually explored at http://www.dollywood.com, and http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/clingmansdome.htm.

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Dreaming about taking a dip? Are the kids still sporting their floaties wishing they could get in one last swim? Don’t fret… just because Jack Frost has arrived doesn’t mean you can’t catch a wave! Check out Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee.

Situated at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, this resort offers year-round entertainment with 700 acres of both outdoor (check out the Wild Vortex, their outdoor thrill slide) and indoor attractions. Your family’s winter blues are sure to melt away as they throw on their favorite swim suits and head to The Wild WaterDome, their 60,000 square foot indoor water park!

It can be hard to plan a vacation that the whole family will enjoy.  At the Wild WaterDome, there is truly something for everyone. The kids will love Washout Mountain, the interactive water playground complete with slides, water cannons and plenty of ways to get soaked!

Your teens definitely won’t roll their eyes when you tell them about the Smokies Surf Rider, the Southeast’s only indoor surfing simulator. You can watch on as 19,000 gallons of water go rushing under their surfboard each minute, giving them a realistic 5-foot wave to practice their shredding! 

While the kids are off playing, you can relax in the Magnolia Grove Hot Spa, which is a part indoor, part outdoor hot tub that is open year round. There is nothing like feeling the chill of the air on your face as your body is submerged in toasty warm water! Finally, you can all meet back up to go down one the indoor tube slides together, or even plunge down the 55-foot tunnels of the Storm Chaser if you are feeling brave! 

If you need a break from the water, just head over to Adventure Forest, the indoor “dry park” at the resort. This dry park, which just opened in March, offers all sorts of activities including: a three-story ropes course, a multi-level enclosed laser tag arena, mini-bowling, black-light mini-golf, more than 100 arcade games, a ‘Laser Maze,’ a 25-foot tall spring ride, a 23-foot climbing wall and more. With this many options, your family will never want to leave!

When it comes time for meals, you won’t have to look far! The Wilderness at the Smokies has six on-site restaurants available to you.  There is one for every situation, ranging from delis and snack shacks, if you are looking for a quick meal on the go, to full sit down restaurants and a buffet, for a nice family dinner. Find your favorite and become a regular, or mix it up and you will never run out of yummy dishes to sample!

When the kids are all exhausted after a long day in the water, you’ll be happy to know that a warm bed (and even a fire place!) awaits you near by at the Stone Hill Lodge and the River Lodge. These two hotels in the Wilderness at the Smokies can accommodate your group, regardless of size.  From a cozy room for a family of four to one of the multi-room suites that can sleep up to18!  This would make the perfect setting for a family reunion or a birthday getaway.

Finally, prepare to make your co-workers jealous when you return home with a nice summer glow. The Wild WaterDome indoor park features a see-thru, energy efficient, Foil Tec roof, which allows UV rays permeate through it so that you can get your tan on year round! Stress free vacation planning, a happy family and getting some vitamin D? It just might be enough to get you through the rest of the winter!

And you never know who you might run into!

For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies or to book your vacation, call  877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

The post A Winter Water Land appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.