Is there something about travelling that makes us crave taffy? Let’s add to the list of overprized, ridiculous attractions – a Jurassic Park boat ride, some kind of Titanic ship, an Upside House (not sure what it was for, too puzzled by its oddity), more magic shops than Diagon Alley, shows, shows, and more shows. I bet if the average family counted up all the money wasted, er, spent in the great Smoky Mountains it would account to more than a trip to Disney.
But I guess this is the great Americana family vacation. Is it though? Is this what should make the Smokey Mountainsgreat? What happened to the history of the area? The stunning nature? Is it all lost to that great sucking sound on US-441? Google Maps still names it as a scenic parkway, but I could hardly tell past the billboards and bright lights. If this is what a vacation with kids is like, then no thanks. This is more painful than changing a loaded diaper.
I was happy to explore the natural of beauty of the area on the hike I
griped about in a previous blog, the rafting experience also griped about, and the cavern trip. It was away from the traffic and mayhem of 441. I can’t say that I came away unscathed by the assault of tourist traps. Alas, she bit her teeth into my wallet for a family outing to the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show. For $50 a person, we were served a Southern style dinner with soft drinks and entertained with a show of song and dance about the famous feuding families. The talent for the most part was quite good, in particularly the dancers. But the constant hints to lure patrons into the gift shop were overwhelming. It was as if the plot of the show was to sell more junk. Even the tasteless creamy soup we had with dinner was pushed in powder packages. Hint, just warm up milk and throw in a chicken bouillon cube and some garlic powder. I’m not saying it will taste good; I’m just telling you how to replicate.
