Let's Pretend Like We're In Gatlinburg

Almost seven years ago, Bryan and I went to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for our honeymoon. To me, the place seemed almost magical. We stayed in a pretty cabin in the woods, the weather was perfectly crisp and cool, and it was my first time seeing real mountains.

I told Bryan that I wished we could stay in Gatlinburg forever. He told me that if we did, we'd have to set up shop making airbrush t-shirts for tourists. So we decided against it.

But every fall, when the temperature starts to drop and the leaves begin to change, I feel almost homesick for Gatlinburg. I know that sounds weird, but my heart just misses the charm of the mountains. Here are the things that I'm going to do this fall to pretend I'm there. Join me, won't you?

Decorate the house like a cabin: I'm going to need some plaid blankets ASAP. Also anything with a bear on it is fair game. Luckily, I've already got these sweet oven mitts.

Read Dolly Parton's Autobiography: I started this book before, but I got distracted. I have to get back to it. Dolly talks about growing up poor in the Smoky Mountains, and somehow makes me love her more than I already do. Dolly Parton is A BIG DEAL in Tennessee if you didn't know (Hello? Dollywood?).

Listen to Kevin Wright's Album: Our friend Kevin came out with this beautiful album From the Cornfield to the Shore earlier this year. Every song gives me this feel of taking a road trip in the fall with the cool breeze blowing through the open windows, especially "Tennessee". Listen to the album and/or buy it here.

Eat Pancakes and Taffy: The tourist guides for Gatlinburg, TN should all have pancakes on the front cover. Seriously, you can't drive a block without finding a great pancake place. Add some coffee in one of those camper-style mugs, and you've got breakfast. We got to watch saltwater taffy being made in one of the old-timey candy shops in Gatlinburg, so I'm going to put a big mason jar full of taffy out at our house too.

Have you been to the Smokies? If so, what was your favorite part?