Spring Break, Y’all: Blogging from Tennessee

by hookedonhouses on March 24, 2008

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I’m broadcasting from the mountains around Pigeon Forge, Tennessee this week. Take a look at our view!

When we asked our son what he wanted for his 13th birthday, he said “All I want is to take a family trip to Gatlinburg.” Now that he’s a teenager, who knows how much longer he’ll think of family togetherness as a gift? So we’re taking advantage of it while we can.

I figured since you all enjoy peeking inside houses as much as I do that you’d like to see our vacation home rental, too. Welcome to our cabin!

To see more photos of our Spring Break cabin, click “more” below:

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For me, a great vacation is all about where we stay. I know this will shock you, but I’m not a Motel 6 kind of girl. I researched about a million log cabins until finally settling on this one. It had everything we need, including high-speed Internet so I can keep up with all of you while I’m here.

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The kitchen:

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There are three bedrooms. Here’s one:

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And another:

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Whirlpool tub with a view of the mountains that my kids are eager to try out:

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Recreation loft with pool table, air hockey table, and more amazing mountain views:

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Hot tub!

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I’ll leave you with the view from the back porch:

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Don’t worry. I may be on vacation all week, but I’ve got my laptop and I intend to use it. I plan to take you on a house tour of Tommy Hilfiger’s Stone Hill manor and show you the results of my master-bath mini-makeover in the next couple of days, among other things, so check back for those soon!

To rent this cabin or others like it, go here.

UPDATE: check out the photos I took of Dolly Parton’s childhood home in the mountains of Tennessee.

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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Hairy Weisenheimmer March 25, 2008 at 12:07 am

Tennessee is one of my favorites states. I used to do a lot of backpacking in the Smokies and always started and ended my trks there. It’s got a bad case of “tourista” but its beautiful beyond compare once you get into the park.
have a great time!

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2 hookedonhouses March 25, 2008 at 7:38 am

Thanks, Hairy! It does have a bad case of “tourista,” as you said–driving through Pigeon Forge always cracks me up, it’s so kitschy and over-the-top–but the kids love it. And up here in the cabin, it feels like we’re the only ones on the mountain. -Julia

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3 maya March 25, 2008 at 8:07 am

Well, howdy neighbor! I’m just down the road in Knoxville. You’ve gotta tell me which cabins you’re staying in – they look beautiful and we could use a little vacation.

Have a great time in Tennesee! Nice of you to come for the cold!!

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4 hookedonhouses March 25, 2008 at 8:12 am

Hey, Maya! I was telling my husband that I thought you lived around here somewhere and we should stop by to say hello–but he thought it might frighten my readers off if I started showing up at their homes in person. ;-)

It was snowing on us yesterday when we drove here! Looks like it’ll warm up later this week, at least. It’s nice to see signs of Spring here that we don’t have yet in Ohio. Lots of flowers and flowering trees. So pretty.

Click on that link at the end of the post and you’ll go straight to our rental place. I’m sure you could find one you’d love! And you wouldn’t have to drive nearly as far we we did.

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5 Amy March 25, 2008 at 10:07 am

I wouldn’t say you’re in my neck of the woods exactly, but we are in the same state. My family likes to head to east TN for vacations too. It is definitely over the top but the scenery is beautiful. I love the mountains. Have fun in your beautiful cabin!

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6 Carlene March 25, 2008 at 2:54 pm

Enjoyed lunch with you and your beautiful family in gatlinburg tenn. No Way Jose is a fun mexican restaurant. Hope Jacob enjoyed the go carts and Lillie enjoyed the acquarium. More importantly hope your dad finally found you all.

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7 Liz March 25, 2008 at 4:32 pm

I have to say, your view from Mountain Top Hideaway beats the heck out of mine from a Hoosier Holiday Inn. We’re looking at train tracks and Z’s mother is experiencing America for the first time and her view is of a car lot.

So drink up the beauty for those of us who are elsewhere!

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8 hookedonhouses March 25, 2008 at 6:48 pm

Thanks, Amy! Your state is beautiful. We’re having a great time so far. Today we canvassed downtown Gatlinburg (Guiness Book of Records, Ripley’s Aquarium, shopping, ice cream, trolley rides, Go Karts, you name it).

Carlene–it was so nice meeting you today. We did find Dad (he disappeared into bookstore), so we didn’t lose anyone on our outing, and came back to the cabin with the same number of family members that we left with. I can’t believe you found my blog already! Such a nice surprise to find your comment here. :-)

Liz–I am enjoying the view. Just have to let you know we’re having technical difficulties with e-mail, which is why I haven’t written you from here. I’ll try again tonight! I hope Z and T are having a great time at the Hoosier Holiday Inn, even with the view of the car lot.

We’re off to dinner. There are grumblings of, “She’s upstairs blogging again!” -Julia

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9 Andrea March 25, 2008 at 7:01 pm

Your cabin is awesome. I showed Sam and she said, “ooh, let’s go there with Lily today.” So, we are on our way!!

The kids are missing their two favorite playdate candidates. The only thing that is keeping me going is the thought of another trip to IKEA this Friday. In search of pillows and art to match my new comforter. Enjoy your vacation.

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10 hookedonhouses March 25, 2008 at 7:41 pm

Andrea–great! There’s plenty of room. See you when you get here. :-)

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11 francie March 25, 2008 at 9:45 pm

Hey have you heard of Watauga lake in the east Tn mts?

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12 JLB March 26, 2008 at 11:36 pm

If you are still there try “bennett’s BBQ” it is great. Or you could try the “old mill” in pigeon forge. I hope you enjoy “redneck aspen”. I had such a great time there on family vacations as a kid. Love the go-karts. don’t miss Dollywood. I love Dolly and it is a cool place to take kids. Besides I am sure her “twin peaks” cost a lot to keep up…LOL.

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13 hookedonhouses March 27, 2008 at 8:22 am

Thanks for the advice, JLB! That’s helpful. We did the go-karts, which were a lot of fun. If we have time, we’ll check out Bennett’s–sounds good. Today’s our Dollywood Day. I do love Dolly! I think it’s great how she has that book program for kids.

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14 J-Dawg April 7, 2008 at 7:46 pm

MAN, I wish I could stay in an awesome cabin like that! It even has a pool table!!

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15 Cool Springs June 28, 2010 at 7:38 am

Pigeon Forge is one of the most beautiful places in the Southern United States, without question.
Cool Springs ´s last blog ..Franklin Bicycle Store Opens My ComLuv Profile

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