| One of the greatest places to spend a family | | | | containing everything from seahorses to |
| vacation is at a National Park. There are | | | | sharks and everything in between. |
| literally dozens of National Parks to select | | | | |
| from in the United States, each with its own | | | | The park itself is the biggest draw. In |
| unique characteristics and activities. | | | | fact, millions of people flock to the Smokey |
| | | | Mountains each year. One of the biggest |
| One of the most popular National Parks in the | | | | attractions within the park is Cades Cove. |
| United States to visit is the Great Smoky | | | | This 11 mile, paved loop takes you through |
| National Park in Tennessee. Not only is the | | | | some beautiful scenery within the park. You |
| park a beautiful treasure, there are many | | | | can also pull off the road at several |
| activities to enjoy right outside of the park | | | | locations in order to take hikes. Some of |
| as well. | | | | the hikes will take you to old churches, |
| | | | houses, and more, all of which have a |
| If you enjoy shopping and looking at crafts | | | | wonderful historical meaning. You can also |
| created by local artisans, the city of Pigeon | | | | take hikes to waterfalls, such as Abrams |
| Forge is a must-see. In addition to its | | | | Falls, while driving through Cades Cove. |
| dozens upon dozens of shopping opportunities, | | | | Don't be surprised if you see several deer |
| you can also take in great shows and even be | | | | and even a black bear or two! |
| entertained at one of the many different | | | | |
| dinner shows the area has to offer. If you | | | | The number of hiking opportunities are |
| are looking for a thrill, on the other hand, | | | | immense in the Smoky Mountains, with many |
| you might want to visit the famous Dollywood. | | | | trails leading running alongside meandering |
| Here, you will find rides and attractions to | | | | rivers and ending in spectacular waterfalls. |
| please every member of your family. | | | | If you aren't up for hiking, however, many of |
| | | | the sites can be seen by car. Even some of |
| Another town to visit while at the Smoky | | | | the historical buildings in Cades Cove can be |
| Mountains is Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg also | | | | easily seen as you drive by. If you are more |
| offers many shopping and dining | | | | interested in nature, a drive down Highway 73 |
| opportunities, as well as a number of unique | | | | through the park will lead you past many |
| and interesting museums. The Ripley's | | | | treasures, including the spectacular Sinks as |
| Believe it Or Not museum and a museum | | | | well as several waterfalls trickling down the |
| displaying memorabilia from the Guinness Book | | | | sides of the mountain in many different |
| of World Records can both be found here. The | | | | locations. |
| Ripley's Aquarium is also a great experience, | | | | |