Today is our last full day here in Tennessee. It's going to be rainy, like most of the others. For maybe the first time on a vacation, I'm not really ready to go home. After 5-7 days, I'm usually ready to head for home.
The cabin is creepy and creaky. The bed is hard and the pillows hurt my neck. The dogs have no good places to be walked. I should be ready, but I'm not.
This vacation has been good for us. We are in a tourist trap, but haven't fallen prey. The touristy stuff just isn't for us. We don't enjoy high priced shows, except on occasion. In fact I've learned something about myself this trip. If it isn't sports related, I prefer nature made over man made.
We have taken full advantage of being in a mountainous area. We have taken several mountain drives. Windows down, soaking in the fresh air and enjoying the sounds and sights that go with it. There's something amazingly free about being on the side of a mountain with no cell service. It's like being unplugged enough to enjoy life the way we did before we were tied to technology.
Of course we had our day trip to North Carolina. It was still beautiful, even in the rain. But mostly, we've just explored.
We have done a little shopping. Ok, maybe a lot. And maybe it was all me. It's been several years since I walked through a mall of any kind and shopped at will. Honestly, shopping isn't my thing. I do most online and usually know exactly what I want before going into a store. Browsing through stores for the heck of it just isn't my thing. Now that I've done it, I'm probably good for another several years.
Besides our daily lounging and exploring, we've had some awesome food. As we talked last night, after a year of living with limited choices, even mediocre food has been amazing! We started with Corkys BBQ. We may end up there for lunch today. It was very worth it. On recommendation, we tried the Old Mill the next day. Oh my goodness! Corn fritters, biscuits and I had a plate of turkey and dressing that was more than I could eat.
Tuesday, in our exhaustion, we chose a buffet. We walked out praying we'd not get sick. Wednesday, we had a great, but expensive lunch. I had a turkey sandwich with bacon, avocado, sirracha mayo and grapefruit chutney....so good. When we got back, we headed to Margaritaville for lots of loud music and a burger and tacos with Caribbean flair. Our first time eating at this chain in the states and I have to say it is much better in other countries.
Yesterday, we tried a fresh mex place that left us both a little hungry. That was ok cause dinner was awesome. We tried Mellow Mushroom. So good! The best part was that they had vegan cheese for my half of the pizza. We finished the day with a couple melt in your mouth, hot now Krispy Kremes.
I can't forget, we've tried a couple of the dozens pancake houses. First was Smoky Mountain Pancake House. Eww! It was by far the worst meal we've had. Then we tried Log Cabin pancake house. It was the highest rated. Better, but still not great. Neither of them got our order right and neither had impressive pancakes/waffles/French toast. We will probably try two more and hope for a winner.
The dogs have gone with us almost everywhere and have done very well...mostly. Our anxious little guy decided to play with my husbands cell one day but did no damage. Yesterday, he decided to chew the corner of my bible and left me with an opportunity to exercise forgiveness.
We have felt good, so vacation has agreed with us. Kents knee hasn't hurt even with all the walking. My stomach has been a mess because I've not been able to tightly control dairy intake and I have no probiotics with me. I still continue to deal with this stupid virus. When tired, my eyes still won't blink right. I've still got a fair amount of face and ear pain from the inflamed nerve. I'm so ready for that to end, along with the vertigo.
Overall, this has felt like our first vacation after a long, hard year. It's the first time either of us have felt recharged. It's definitely the first time we've felt like we've gotten away from life. We have loved it.
No clue what we will do today, but I'm sure it will include good food and a drive in the mountains.
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