Celebrating Our 25th Year Wedding Anniversary In Gatlinburg

January 19th marked our 25th year wedding anniversary. We decided to go to Gatlinburg for a few days during the kids' spring break in April. We dropped them off the other day at the farm to stay with Papaw & Mamaw Lucas and headed to the Smoky Mountains.


We stayed at Shakey Puddin', a cabin in the mountains between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The Puddin' was well equipped with a game room featuring a pool table and Ms. Pacman. The cabin also offered a hot tub, jacuzzi, a nice deck, direct tv, and lots more. Sharon liked everything about the cabin, except for the name.


We ate at several fine restaurants. I think my favorite dinner was at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Louisiana cajun shrimp and rice...mmm, mmm, mighty nice. Sharon's favorite was a fantastic steak at Bear Creek Grill. We also liked the apple fritters at The Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge.


Hot Sauce Heaven At Pepper Palace
We visited some of the downtown stores. Sharon spent lots of time looking at the stupid stuff. I, on the other hand, spend quality shopping time in The Original Jerky Store and Pepper Palace. The Original Jerky Store offered all kinds of jerky. I found elk, venison, kangaroo, buffalo, alligator, and oh, so much more. Pepper Palace had shelves and shelves of sauces and dips. They also offered chips and taste samples of many flavors. I think I was in there over an hour.


The Original Jerky Store Offered So Much From Which To Choose
The entire getaway was fun. It was great that I didn't even have to miss any gigs. I was able to play my Sunday gig at Caproni's Restaurant in Maysville, make the Tennessee trip, and still get back in time for my Wednesday evening gig at Giuseppe's Ristorante Italiano in Lexington. Sharon and I agree that we will do this more often.