#apple barn

The Apple Barn story began in the early 1900s,  when the barn was built by the  Mullendore family.  Here, they raised cattle and planted tobacco.  Seventy years later, the barn and property were purchased by the Hicks and Kilpatrick family and they planted their first apple trees in 1976. A Visit to the Apple Barn is a tradition for the many families that visit Gatlinburg on a regular basis.  I…

Tips to get in the Holiday Spirit!

How do you get into the holiday spirit? Right after Thanksgiving the Holiday season really begins. My friend Linda was down for the Thanksgiving, and we kicked off the holiday with a bit of fun. Here are a few tips! These may sound simple, but sometimes doing one or two can kick you in holiday mode! Plan a holiday trip. This year I have a holiday trip to Elkhart, Indiana as a Christmas gift for…

Pumpkin Patch a fall tradition

Can you head from fall to winter without going to a pumpkin patch?  They offer an array of pumpkin choices! I can’t!  I have to stop. The pumpkin patch It is one of those things that makes the season like turkey on Thanksgiving, or chocolate on Valentine’s Day!  Some things just are!

A couple of weeks ago, the grandkids were out of school.  It was teacher’s institute day. and I had some time.  We…

Family Fun returns to the Fraser Valley- Apple Barn opens August 19

You know Fall is just around the corner when the Taves Family Farm Apple Barn opens for the season. This is one of my favorite times of the year, wandering through the orchards picking Honey Crisp, Ambrosia, Fuji or Jonagold apples as the air cools, the leaves change and the days get shorter. The Taves Family Farm is usually a weekly stop for a cup of hot apple cider after a chilly soccer game or…

Family friendly places in the Smokies #hiking #familyfun #foodie #yum

It was a lovely, dry morning, just perfect for a walk in the woods. We were pretty tired out from the previous day’s long drive, so we decided to do an easy hike. We started out at the Elkmont Nature Trail, but after about 30 minutes in, we came across a large muddy scree, so instead of tiptoeing through it, we decided to cut our losses and head for the Little River Trail instead. Along the…