This past Thursday, we went to foothills of the Smoky Mountains to stroll along the streets of Gatlinburg. It’s gorgeous there this time of the year!
In The Village, they have the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen. Naturally, we got chocolates while there as well as in Pigeon Forge earlier from the candy kitchen at The Apple Barn & Cider Mill.
I know, I know you want to know how these chocolates stack up, right? The simple truth is, it was more fun to get the chocolates than eating them. Okay, I’m fibbing. The thing is the chocolates weren’t fantastic. For the most part, the candies from both places were only good, nothing real special. In fact, the truffles we got from The Apple Barn & Cider Mill came from Texas and 2 of the 6 pieces we thought were bland earning them a poor rating (Triple Chocolate and Cappuccino). The others (Black Forest, Key Lime, Espresso, and Hazelnut) get only a good rating. The spirit of the season is what made the candy buying and eating the most fun part and chances are high we’ll do it again. Join my linky party and I’ll be by to visit you soon. I’m really pushed this week. Phew!
Thanks for stopping by, my friend and have a fototastic day!
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Too bad the chocolate was lackluster. At least the village was pretty.
Liz, I can’t expect every piece of chocolate I eat to be to die for now, can I? lol
Very nice pics. Would love to visit.
It looks like a beautiful place though, so the visit wasn’t a waste I guess. But not great chocolate is a disappointment. My mom and I were at the Lindt store today…. they give free samples when you walk in the door. I wanted to just keep walking in and out – LOL
Les, I think the store clerk would catch on pretty quickly, if you pulled a stunt like that. lol But, I know what you mean. Lindt makes some good chocolates. We buy their candy cane and their dark mint truffles just about every Christmas season.
It’s been years since I’ve gotten out and walked around Gatlinburg. It’s always been so crowded when I’ve been there that I tend to avoid even driving through.. Christmastime it gets especially crowded.
Pigeon Forge is another thing though. I’ve been over there to eat and look around some, but even that can get hectic. During my last few visits to Maryville I’ve mostly just stayed around there or driven over to Knoxville. I’m due for a Gatlinburg visit but probably won’t make that until summer–maybe.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Lee, tourism wasn’t too much of an issue for us last Thursday. We purposely went then knowing the weekend is usually a nuthouse anytime and with it being Christmas…I can only imagine how busy it gets. The sales clerks at the Apple Barn said the weekend before was horribly crowded with visitors. July & August are the heaviest tourist months for the mountains. Keep that in mind if you visit next year. The week days tend to be less hectic, too. The good thing with DH out of work is we aren’t forced to go to the mountains on the weekend. The park reopens the road out to Clingmans Dome April 1st. That’s something to think about, too.
Great pictures! A few years ago (like 20) we drove through Gatlinburg. We had wanted to stop, but it was just too crazy. Pictures are a great way to visit vicariously, though…
John, we usually take the over-pass when going to or leaving the park to avoid traffic in Gatlinburg. If you come back this way, you can park in Pigeon Forge and ride the trolley into Gatlinburg. A lot of folks do that, especially those who are lodging there. There’s so much to see in that tiny town that it’s amazing.
Beautiful photos.It reminds me of a town in the UP of Michigan.
McGuffy Ann, you and Dave should visit sometime. I know you’d love it!