TheRapidsNerd Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 This year for Thanksgiving we opted for a family vacation to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg Tennessee, mainly to play tourists and see Dollywood at Christmas time. Humorously, at this very moment, it is 8:34 pm Thursday November 27, 2008. Yup, the trip isn’t even OVER yet and I’m already doing the PTR! Well, why wait to the last minute on these things? Since there have already been a couple well done Dollywood TRs, you get a smattering of tourist stops from Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg and Dolly thrown in. Sound good? To save a little time, I’m breaking this up into days and will try to name off a few things covered on a particular day. Expect some randomness, but mostly the usual fun and bad jokes. Ok, let’s get to the good stuff, shall we? Day 1 – The Drive Up, Shout Outs, and The Old Mill Said store was also Hot Fuzz friendly. Day 2 coming soon. Smashed Penny Credit #2 for CoasterPalooza. It’s at a convenience store (Jo Ken?) with a Humidor shop in the back, down the street from Holiday Inn, Pigeon Forge. Smashed Penny Credit #1 for CoasterPalooza. It’s at The Old Mill Restaurant gift shop, Pigeon Forge. The Old Mill…AT NIGHT! Topiary combo. Small, medium, and extra creepy. Ok, I’ll admit to craving a little tail now and then. Somewhere, Tyler just had an orgasm. Throw in Vault Icee and it's a party. For the Salt Water Taffy enthusiasts. This much sugar would put ANYONE into a coma! OMG! Pigeon Forge is the Mecca for lost marbles! Now, the people who lost said marbles are another matter… Scratch that. NOW I’ve seen everything. Now I’ve seen everything. I think most can figure this one out. As you can see, we did hit a few shops near the restaurant as a way to walk off an awesome and filling country dinner. This was part of Patriot Park’s light display, located down the street from The Old Mill Restaurant. Try the new Extra Mild! Screw any shred of dignity! Something just puckered. Take a wild guess. Yes, a sauce fit for rodent supportive sea life with sour stomachs. Guess who? I’ll give you a hint, it’s NOT Artie Johnson. These would make fine additions to Lou’s kitchen or, at least, the idea bears careful reflection. Out to dinner at The Old Mill restaurant and I found all kinds of goodies. How can you not grin and think of funkybadger? Nice room, hard bed. ‘Nuff said. I know mountain living is laid back and real simple-like, but this doesn’t say “Resort” to me. Thankfully, to the staff’s credit, this would be fixed and look much better the following day. – Yeah, they were renovating the hotel when we showed up. That’s twice in 2 trips for those keeping score. Oy, my luck! Somebody likes The Fast and the Furious, right? Can’t remember who, but you were thought of, so here’s a pic. Hello CTU! Thought of you when I saw this game. Need a new avatar? Nice pool at the Holiday Inn Pigeon Forge. Knife stores, pancakes, and lazer tag. There HAS to be a connection. All mentioned were in good supply. Adventure Quest for Electerik and his girlfriend. You two got me curious about this one. Too bad there wasn’t more time to try it. You know, I forgot just what this was. Well, the building looks nice anyway. “Not our Dino..” Yep, thinking of your like of Dinosaurs DT. (Yeah, yeah, I could’ve joked Jeff Johnson, but I don’t know him well enough, so we’ll skip that jab.) Wacky, arm-flailing, inflatable tube man! Wacky, arm-flailing, inflatable tube man! Wacky, arm-flailing, inflatable tube man! Weather you want to testify or just raise the roof, wacky, arm-flailing, inflatable tube man! Not 5 minutes after I made the remark “You know, this area really needs a Great Wolf Lodge or a Kalahari…” THIS appeared. Wilderness at the Smokies Water Park. (looks up at sky) Thank you! Smokey Mountain Knife Works. One of several stores secretly supplying the shadowy stronghold of ninjas in the area. One of a couple Elissa signatures this day. BTW, the Bag O Crap was McAwesome! Simpsons toys for a big Simpsons fan, Patman007. Lunch at Burger King and a Frozen Coke credit. Here’s to ya, Jahan! Random rainbow patch in the sky. How do I get the pot-o-gold? A DC-10? Think this was close to Chattanooga, Tennessee. A big hello to NINcub and the other TPR peeps in the area. Driving up to Pigeon Ford yielded some interesting pics and a few shout-outs. This bridge that made me think of Moose. Structurally sound way to start off, don’t you think?
dino Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 Great TR with thoughtful shoutouts. "Wacky, arm-flailing, inflatable tube man!" = Me LMAO
Brandy524 Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 Your captions are always hilarious. Can't wait to see more.
Electerik Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 Adventure Quest for Electerik and his girlfriend. You two got me curious about this one. Too bad there wasn’t more time to try it. I just went again yesterday, with a friend who was in town for the day. The mirror maze is really fun, and longer than I thought. I guess I didn't make it all the way through it the first time. Anyway, lots of familiar sights for me. I live right by the Old Mill, I've pretty much been in all of those stores, and I used to work at the Holiday Inn (pre-renovation). This is "The Inn at Christmas Place," by the way.
TheRapidsNerd Posted December 3, 2008 Author Posted December 3, 2008 WTF? No shout out love for BamaRob21? No worries friend! I wouldn't forget you. Yours is coming a little later on, though I don't know your likes quite as well as CTU's. I live right by the Old Mill, I've pretty much been in all of those stores, and I used to work at the Holiday Inn (pre-renovation). Wow! Curious and cool circumstances. Also curious is that I stumbled on carolinacaniac's Dollywood PTR from last year and he stayed at the same hotel. Between bum internet and faulty head wiring, I should've looked you up. Bummer I missed you, in that we could've hung out one evening. Definitely next time I'm in Pigeon Vegas. Good TR so far. Looking forward to more. Kidding aside, always appreciate the encouragement. Big thanks! Your captions are always hilarious. Can't wait to see more. Thank you. Thank you very hard. Great TR with thoughtful shoutouts. Thank you very hard. Just kept seeing things that reminded me of TPR folks, almost all of whom I've never met in person. Besides, lots of folks have been kind to include rapids stuff in their TRs, so it's more than fair. Day 2 Thanksgiving, Some Dollywood Construction, Wilderness Resort at the Smokies Construction, A little of Gatlinburg We had a late (and delicious) Thanksgiving dinner at the hotel before going out exploring. The idea was to see where things were and get our game plan for hitting up attractions Friday. Yes NASCAR SpeedPark was a consideration for Friday (didn't happen), along with the various Ripley attractions (only saw the museum). The Space Needle was also a possibility. You’re hungry now, aren’t you. Day 3 coming soon. Epic win at Boston’s Shrimp Bucket Restaurant. During a high school choir competition, we stayed at The River Terrace. This is also where I fell in the Little Pideon River. It was cold too. Mysterious Mansion, now in creep-o-vision, which is strikingly similar to beer goggles… Artsy tram shot. Yep, total fluke, but cool, huh? Bearskin lodge, although it registers as the Foreskin Lodge to me. I know, make another appointment for that cat-scan. Curious how I take a picture of The Moving Theater, from a moving car, and it comes out blurry. I REALLY wanted to touch the map. Bloody warning signs… Topographical map of the area. Wouldn’t a hamster have a field day in here? Plaque near the door. This guy really loved this town. (looks around) You talkin’ to me? A bit later we stopped at the Applebarn restaurants and shops. Most of the shops were closed, so we drove into Gatlinburg. Oh yes, there's a full on golf course too. Yep, more human storage. Some deep breathing and a few tissues later, I got a couple more pics. Here’s the hotel entrance. One day I shall ride you with reckless abandon. Hmmm…sounds like a date I had once… I had a geek moment. Allo lovelies. Slide parts! Out in the open! For joy! Wild WaterDome. Two men enter, one man leaves… Enclosed Tornado hotness! Wilderness Resort at the Smokies Construction. I think I just pee’d a little. or…secret ninja base expansion. or…the next generation Funnel Cake stand… It could be an inverted wooden launched dark ride… We drove by Dollywood and found this construction near the parking lot toll booths. Since we all love our dirt piles and footers, here ya go. Start you’re speculation………….NOW! Just like a date I had once. So enticing, but all tease. How long ‘til spring again? Not soon enough. The hotel Thanksgiving spread. The mashed potatoes and banana pudding were orgiastic. (Yes, it’s a borrowed line. Deal with it.) Remember that empty lobby? What a difference a day makes. Given the circumstances, nice work.
Coaster Palooza Posted December 3, 2008 Posted December 3, 2008 I didn't get those smashed pennies. The next time we go to Dollywood, we'll have to stop by those places. Thanks for posting.
carolinacaniac Posted December 3, 2008 Posted December 3, 2008 And I thought we were touristy on our trip! Looks like you got to see a bit of everything though, which is fun with the Gaitlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. I never even noticed the indoor waterpark, where is it located at? I definatly looks like it would be worthy of a visit, is there an indoor waterpark with a tornado slide? Looking forward to your Dollywood pics! It was cool to chat at the park. Hope to do it again sooner than later -Gary T.
tntornadox Posted December 3, 2008 Posted December 3, 2008 Those steel beams in the DW parking lot are for the overpass that will connect the two lots for parking trams. Seeing as Dollywood uses Splash Country's parking lot ALOT during the busy season, shuttle service is almost neccessary. The entire parking lot will look different next season.
DiSab Posted December 3, 2008 Posted December 3, 2008 Damn those sneaky ninjas! You never see them until its too late... Wild Water Dome looks like fun. Dark Tornadoes definitely seem like a good time. Looking forward to Day 3.
TheRapidsNerd Posted December 4, 2008 Author Posted December 4, 2008 Damn those sneaky ninjas! You never see them until its too late... So true. I fear midget ninjas and blow gun darts to the knees. Those steel beams in the DW parking lot are for the overpass that will connect the two lots for parking trams. Thank you and good to know. Well, so much for the next-gen funnel cake stand... And I thought we were touristy on our trip! LOL! Yeah, we wanted to hit a lot more, but time and fatigue won out. Good excuse to go back, eh? Besides, as I've gotten older, I get a kick out of the cheesy touristy stuff. Where else can you get an LED flashlight painted like a watermelon? As for Wilderness, it's in Sevierville on the right as you drive up to Pigeon Vegas. Looks awesome and yet another excuse to go back to a great area. I didn't get those smashed pennies. The next time we go to Dollywood, we'll have to stop by those places. Thanks for posting. I wondered. Gut was saying get pics and mark locations for you. There will be a couple more in the next round from Gatlinburg (Space Needle, The Sign Company and Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum.) With all the machines at Dollywood, figured you had those. Did not have pennies or just would've gotten them and sent them to you. Hey, glad to help out. Well, I over-napped tonight and missed a bunch of things, including dinner with friends, and getting the next round resized and posted. Yes, BOOOOO! indeed. Will post next round tomorrow night after work. Thanks for all the views and good comments so far. Always glad to have them.
CoasterGuy06 Posted December 4, 2008 Posted December 4, 2008 That's weird... I stayed at that Holiday Inn back in October and at the River Terrace when I was there back in 2006. Man I love that whole area.
TheRapidsNerd Posted December 4, 2008 Author Posted December 4, 2008 Ok, here's a little bit more until tomorrow. Day 3 Part 1 - Gatlinburg Space Needle And we'll squeeze out this update with another Smashed Penny Credit for CoasterPalooza. More Gatlinburg tomorrow. More Betty Boop for Lou. There were a few reminders of her this day. Lazer tag on the level below. Man I miss Q-Zar and the Photon centers. This stuff just isn't the same vibe. Back on the very welcome ground level is the arcade. Some pretty views in the quiet, early morning. Glad I did it and yes, I got a 360 video as well. I had really wanted to do this, and got reminded just how much I hate heights. Yes, it's beautiful once you get to the top, but the ride up really pushed on my anxiety. Was white knuckling the window support and had my eyes shut muttering "What have I done? Why did I want to do this again? etc." Humble pie aside, for those who've never been up in the Space Needle, here's a full 360 series of views. We started our morning off on a high note with the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
TheRapidsNerd Posted December 4, 2008 Author Posted December 4, 2008 That's weird... I stayed at that Holiday Inn back in October and at the River Terrace when I was there back in 2006. Man I love that whole area. Good taste sir! Yes, it seems Holiday Inn is TPR approved. That whole area really is a nice place and I enjoyed the friendliness of it all. Day 3 Part 2 - Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum, Pancake Pantry, The Village, Patriot Park Everybody was dragging today after a rough night sleep. Even so, another sunny and beautiful day, even more great food, and touristy stuff in downtown Gatlinburg. The crowds rolled in around 1pm, so we decided to take off and chill in the afternoon before heading out to dinner. Well of course I got video! Don't be ridiculous... Next part in a few. After brunch sweet shop next door was making taffy. Guess what instantly sprang to mind? Yep, Robb's "Gimme some candy!" line. I've been reading this site way too long! Lol! You know, I wanted to make a clever joke about waiting in line for the Pancake Pantry, but it just didn't pan out. Good thing we were stopping here for brunch. Awesome pancakes and bacon and still top notch 15 years after my last visit. Down the street was this arcade and food stand. The sausages and onions smelled soooo good. It's also safe to say that a name like Fanny Farkle is Steampunk approved. The store on the right is called All Sauced Up. Sounds like a good TPR party or a Gretchen Wilson song. This would be Mr. Wadlow's perspective of downtown Gatlinburg. Ripley's Museum Smashed Penny Credit. It's in the room near the swinging bridge illusion. Oh no! I saw what happened to the last guy who talked to you… “Excuse me. I do not mean to pry, but you wouldn’t happen to have six fingers on your left hand, would you?” – Indigo Montoya Absolutely amazing! I’ve never seen a ruler that big before! You know, Robert Wadlow really did a lot of living during his 22 years on the planet. Definately something to look up to. If you said “Loo”, give yourself some sugar free taffy…just text Ryan for the details. Or email Dan. Either way. Time to play “Spot the TPR Member”. 2 headed calf, 4 legged bird, 2 headed goat. If this is the livestock, I’d hate to see the owners. No, I don't think they're from Alabama... Well detailed carved wooden steam engine. So how’s it going Matt? “I’ve met women with necks 15 inches long…”. – Robert L. Ripley I used to love this show when Jack Palance (Curly in City Slickers) was the host. Was also a big fan of That’s Incredible with John Davidson, Kathy Lee Crosby (?) and Fran Targenton. I don’t think the one on the right even knows what it’s supposed to be either. We’ll just chalk it up to modern art. Terminator Beta, Santa Clause from Futurama, or the Vault Scarecrow’s pissed-off cousin. Choose now! Believe it or not, we stopped at the Ripley Museum.
TheRapidsNerd Posted December 4, 2008 Author Posted December 4, 2008 More from Gatlinburg... EDIT: I'll work on my spelling and grammar. My typos have gotten pretty bad of late.. Talk about a sweet ending to this round of pics, although, I could be stretching it a bit. Day 4 Dollywood coming soon. Thank you all for reading this far. Why do I want Freedom Fries all of a sudden? Weird... This was also part of a Trolley tour and linked up to other light displays all over town. Back to Pigeon Forge and out to dinner later, we stopped back by Patriot Park to check out the light displays. Seemed like a bright idea at the time. While heading back to the car, yet another Smashed Penny Credit. It's at The Sign Co. on the main drag headed towards the Aquarium. Yer lookin MIGHTY FINE in 'em jeans too...in the Smokies! The Brit Gal is getting a lot of press this trip, eh? Part of the fountain square. What? I'm tapped for one-liners tonight. Awesome on so many levels! Thought it was the Alvey's doing at first. I'd buy TPR wing sauce, wouldn't you? Apparently, it comes in a bottle with a goatee and pistols. Makes that spare can seem kind of lame, huh? There was an interesting Celtic store down this way with Guiness souvenirs right in front of the door. You could buy kilts too. If you've worn one, you know how much they rock. I'm fond of fountains and waterfalls. If you saw this years Opryland USARemnants /Opryland Hotel/Opry Mills TR, this is par for the course. Random shot of some of The Village. I liked the closeness and Tudor style of it all. Quite soothing place really. For the Yankees enthusiasts. This was in one of the art galleries. The Village History for those interested. Next to Pancake Pantry is The Village. Some interesting shops and what not. This was a special place for my high school girlfriend and I. Should she ever stumble on this TR, yes, I still remember the Village and the wonderful smell from the magnolia trees.
coasterdude5 Posted December 4, 2008 Posted December 4, 2008 Hey I could see our (crappy) hotel that we stay at! Gatlinburg's awesome. I've never been in the space needle and I've never been there at Christmas, so those are two things I need to do. Great photos! Did you take a ride in the chair lift?
thrillerman1 Posted December 5, 2008 Posted December 5, 2008 It's cool to see the Intamin Space Needle get some love. Such an icon of Gatlinburg and something I've always wanted to do everytime I've visited. When I was a little kid, my greatest aspiration in life was to open a hamburger joint in the G'burg...always loved the place. Oh the taffy shop is a must everytime I visit too. Great TR!
dino Posted December 5, 2008 Posted December 5, 2008 Bearskin lodge, although it registers as the Foreskin Lodge to me.Funny, yet so wrong at the same time... Great updates. Everything in the Gatlinburg area seems to have such a "down-home" feel to it. Like you just took a step back in time.
Guy T. Koepp Posted December 5, 2008 Posted December 5, 2008 TheRapidsNerd wrote: This was a special place for my high school girlfriend and I. Should she ever stumble on this TR, yes, I still remember the Village and the wonderful smell from the magnolia trees. Why is this? Did you two "do it" behind the Magnolia tree? Guy "Curious minds want to know." Koepp
TheRapidsNerd Posted December 5, 2008 Author Posted December 5, 2008 Oops! Dupe post. Itchy mouse finger.
TheRapidsNerd Posted December 5, 2008 Author Posted December 5, 2008 TheRapidsNerd wrote: Quote: This was a special place for my high school girlfriend and I. Should she ever stumble on this TR, yes, I still remember the Village and the wonderful smell from the magnolia trees. Why is this? Did you two "do it" behind the Magnolia tree? Sorry Guy, no juicy details here. The serenity and charm of The Village (and the fun of Gatlinburg) just helped the two of us reconnect during a rocky time in our relationship. It was just romantic and we had "a moment". Couldn't help but think of the good times during that visit 15 years ago. Quote: Bearskin lodge, although it registers as the Foreskin Lodge to me. Funny, yet so wrong at the same time... Just how my mind works sometimes. That, and I kept thinking "Ripley's Erotic Adventure" per Tyler's joke on Ripley's Haunted Adventure. It's cool to see the Intamin Space Needle get some love. Such an icon of Gatlinburg and something I've always wanted to do everytime I've visited. When I was a little kid, my greatest aspiration in life was to open a hamburger joint in the G'burg...always loved the place. Oh the taffy shop is a must everytime I visit too. Great TR! Thank you very hard and you taught me something new today! Didn't realize Space Needle was Intamin, let alone similar to Magic Mountain's. Very cool indeed. Great photos! Did you take a ride in the chair lift? Thank you very hard. Did not have enough time (or maahbles) to do the Tram or Chairlift this trip. Maybe in the summer or whenever I get back to the area. If so, will get a PoV, with proper blessings/approvals of course. As always, the kind words and views are most appreciated. Last round of pics will be up later tonight or tomorrow at worst. Whether the jokes will get any better is anyone's guess...
WildStangAlex Posted December 5, 2008 Posted December 5, 2008 Wow The Wilderness Looks Incredible! Have you ever been to the one in the Dells? It makes Kalahari combined with Great Wolf Lodge look minuscule!
TheRapidsNerd Posted December 5, 2008 Author Posted December 5, 2008 Day 4 Dollywood Country Christmas Great day all around! Q2Q was an epic win for the shows. The food was terrific, and excellent lights during the night time. Really loved the friendliness of staff all around. Made the day VERY enjoyable. This final round of pics... I'll go out on a limb and say this a well decorated tree. More pics in a few... Back outside after great seats courtesy of Q2Q, we headed towards the middle of the park. The folks wanted to just grab a sandwhich and thought I was crazy for insisting on hunting down the legendary "Skillets of Dollywood". They would soon see the light. No, it's not raining white cheddar cheese fries (though that is a pleasent thought). That's real snow that falls during the Smokie Mountain Christmas show. Show was excellent. Vocal harmonies, particularly the men, were great, and the petite gal who played the little girl almost stole the show. Job well done folks! I chuckled when they sang Gloria. We sang that same song for a choir competition during the already mentioned trip in high school. Oddly, and especially at night, this place had a look and feel very close to Opryland USA's. Wow! A plastic green butterfly! No worries. It looks better at night when it's all lit up. The rapids is closed. The Reindeer out front should have told you. (BTW, does that right leg look painful to anyone else?) Some of the decorations. Mr. Goodwrench doesn't look impressed. He just hasn't seen the food yet. The bus runs on rainbows and butterfly power and no driver has ever gotten a traffic ticket...ever. With all the other stuff to do and shows to see, I missed this one. Yet another excuse for a summer trip. Yeah, like you really NEED an excuse to visit this park! Though I failed to get that exclusive Dolly Tram PoV, we did check out her old tour bus after getting my new best friend, the Q2Q.
SteveC Posted December 5, 2008 Posted December 5, 2008 ^well I'm rather hoping, and like the plastic butterfly, it will be so much better lit up at night
TheRapidsNerd Posted December 5, 2008 Author Posted December 5, 2008 And now, the rest of the story... Oh sure, EVERYBODY has it from the outside. But how many have this pic from the INSIDE? And at that blazing speed? Just a little more on the way... Best part of the day! Humorously, I took more vids than pics in this area. On the plus side, I have video proof that the Huss ride was working. Success! Finally met up with Gary (Carolinacaniac) and his friends. Had a great time talking shop, and even filmed them during their run on Thunderhead. Gary, so glad we could hang out for a bit and will definately look you guys up if I'm out your way. Always great to meet another TPR member! The TNT Vulture (sounds like a wrestler doesn't it?) was on auto-speil and said something about "fire in the hole" and burritos. That's when the amused grey hoodie man looked over. Mystery Mine broke mysteriously. I was mystified. It's an unwritten country law to have this shot, or you get taken out behind the woodshed. The southern among us know this is NOT a good thing. Peter Gabriel anyone? Anyone? I like this shot. So yeah, it rained harder after the train ride. Humoursly, Gary (Carolinacaniac) and I had be playing txt tag all day trying to meet up between shows. I think he was behind me on the train at one point. This is what you would see if you sat in my lap and faced the other way. Now if you're facing this way, you'd better be cute and single. This is what you would see if you sat in my lap. If you add up those numbers, they do 11!!1!!, whatever that thing is. Or, if you do it the normal way, they come out to 13. My fave shot of the day. Hopefully the train enthusiast will enjoy the next few shots. Time to ride the Dollywood Express. Yes, I was drug off this train years ago for some little show they did during the ride. I had to wear a dress and wig at some point...with my mullet. Wish I could find the pictures of that. Then again... Reason # 634,765 to come back to Pigeon Forge in the summer. For the fake rock enthusiasts. How's it goin' Shane? It will be mine. Oh yes. That credit will be mine. Ahh yes, a nerd in his natural habitat...near the rapids ride. Ok, so there MIGHT be a couple leaves to clean out. That's what, 5, 10 minutes tops? Booo! C'mon guys! It's only 40 degrees, raining, and november. For this. Here's your love BamaRob! No, I was on a mission... After that wicked awesome lunch, it didn't matter one bit that the clouds rolled in, the temps dropped, and it started to rain. Yes, now the folks would understand the true and undeniable power of the legendary "Skillets of Dollywood". And there was much rejoicing! I'll give you a moment... All hail The Weenie Man! To think, these were derived from the front part of the steam train! Brilliant! OMFG! It's better than I could've possibly imagined! (If you have a copy of the Hallelujah Chorus, play it now. Go ahead...I'll wait...)
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