activities in the Smokies

Best Thrills Around at Rocky Top Mountain Coaster

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One of the best thrills in Sevier County is located across from Dollywood. I finally got a chance to try Rocky Top Mountain Coaster last night and it was so much fun. In fact, I rode it twice! This place is really special, especially in October. Come and take a ride down the mountain with me (as they say) at the speed of fright.

Rocky Top Mountain Coaster has a Halloween themed experience right now, but don’t be worried if you don’t like that kind of thing. It was very family friendly.

When I pulled into the parking lot, I could see the lights and hear the sound effects from above. I have always wanted to take a coaster ride in the evening for an enhanced experience.

It is easy to find the ticket booth and the facilities.

There is a spacious area for people to relax and observe if they want to just wait and watch loved ones ride the coaster.

Good information here.

I highly recommend the ‘re-ride’ option because you will want to ride again. I rode twice and could have gone one more time. You notice new things each time that you ride and experiment with your speed. So much to see and enjoy!

Let the attendant know if you want ‘the scares’ or not. I opted for the non-scary ride and relaxed knowing that I didn’t have to be so nervous. Also, I enjoyed hearing other riders get the ‘scares.’ I found it amusing and laughed out loud on several occasions. They do a wonderful job!

This is the boarding area. It is pretty straightforward. You get in, put on the seatbelt, and get instructions on braking and how to push levers forward at the top of hills. There were over 52 people in line in front of me; yet, I was on my coaster in under 15 minutes. Don’t worry if there seems to be long line because it will move quickly.

The attendants are in costume, but are nice and put everyone at ease…for the moment.

The couple in front were riding at night for the first time.

If you don’t want to be scared then you wear a glow necklace so the actors see you coming and leave you alone. It was chilly so I hoped that they could see it over my neck wrap.

The first hill gives you a nice look over the property. It is a relaxing pace and not too fast.

Here is a Time Lapse video of the first part of the mountain coaster ride.

https://tinyurl.com/yxdf8ukf

There are October sound effects and scenes that glow in the dark.

I like the lighting on the track and ominously humorous signs. It is very dark, but you zoom right along following the track lighting.

It is fun to see scenes in the distance and wonder what you will see there.

At this point, you want the coaster to go a little faster until you see what is ahead.

The lights add to the thrilling experience. I just noticed that my sled reflects the lighting as well.

https://tinyurl.com/y5ar2qfg

I usually ‘granny it’ down a hill on rides like this, using the brake with a heavy hand; yet, I found myself going full speed at certain points and using one hand on the brake and one for photos. I felt very safe and in control. I wanted to feel the full speed of it at times. Then, I realized that it is actually a roller coaster without the big drops. Great fun!

It was fun to ride through a barn. On your first ride, you will wonder what awaits you there.

It reminded me of Disney’s Haunted Mansion scenes—Smoky Mountain style.

Nine minutes later, I was off and in the gift shop. There is a place during the ride that takes your picture. I saw the sign, but didn’t notice a flash.

Because I didn’t know there was a camera taking my photo, this is my real facial expression as I took off downhill.

In summary, Rocky Top Mountain Coaster will be great fun for all ages and family members. Night rides will offer a special experience enhanced by lights and darkness. The ride lasts over 9 minutes and utilizes 4 hills and descents. This was a long ride, in my opinion, but it will leave you wanting more so consider doing the ‘ride again’ option.

To see up to date information on the schedule and special events, go to the Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/rockytopcoaster/

There is a website as well. http://rockytopcoaster.com

I can’t wait to ride this coaster again. In fact, I think that I could ride it frequently and not get tired of it. Let me know when you go because I may want to tag along.

Creative Theater Production of “Annie” Made Us Fall in Love with Theater Again

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We went to see the production of  “Annie” at the Creative Theater in Pigeon Forge and it made us fall in love with theater all over again. I had seen pictures and good reviews on social media of this production, but was even more impressed after seeing it with my own eyes. Take someone special there this week because the performances are wonderful. Now, I will tell you seven reasons why I enjoyed the performance and why you need to see “Annie” this week. 

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1. The Personal Connection

I was initially interested in seeing the production with my sister and her family because the young actress in the lead role is good friends with my niece. They are in the same class together at school in Morristown. We had to come and support her talented best friend!

 

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And we love dogs! What a cute pup for the role of ‘Sandy.’

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The screenshot above shows the four shows  left this week. IMG_6956 2

2. The Quality

This musical was a hit in 1977 and it is a hit now in Pigeon Forge. I expected a good performance; however, the production set a high standard—and met it. I forgot that I was not in Knoxville, Nashville, Atlanta, or even the theater district in NYC. Acting and voices were wonderful. Costumes were beautiful (or beautifully shabby in the case of the orphans) and the sets were so interesting. Part of the fun of the show is when you see the stage changed from one scene to the next. It is fun to see the change.

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We bought tickets in the balcony and were ready for the show to begin by seven o’clock.

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As you can see, the theater is a nice size with a main floor and a balcony. You can also see the stage and how they change the sets.

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If you sit in the balcony, the safety rail will be in your line of sight, but you get used to it. After a minute, your eyes will be riveted to the stage below.

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3.  The Music

Everyone knows at least two songs from this musical: “Hard-Knock Life” and “Tomorrow.” You will want to sing along and may recognize a few more tunes. In the photo above, the ‘orphans’ were adorable and everyone hit their marks. The young actors kept the pace lively.

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4. Nostalgia and History

This was one of my favorite scenes in the show for several reasons. First, I enjoyed seeing the group together and hearing the ‘Cabinet’ sing. Second, the actor portraying Franklin Roosevelt was so authentic in his portrayal that FDR seemed to ‘come back to life’ in 2019. Third, I knew that they invited a guest to do a cameo for the evening, but didn’t know when he would appear. Follow Creative Theater on Facebook and you will know who to expect in the cameo each day. Our cameo actor for the evening  is pictured above, second from the right.

 

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I know that he had so much fun!

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The musical takes place during the Great Depression so the audience will see historical and cultural references that bring back memories. The radio show and commercials did that for me. The poor people walking in the city reminded us of the hard times during the Great Depression. Presidents were mentioned, like Hoover and FDR. The portrayal of the president was perfection.

5.  Feelings

A good stage production will make you think and it will evoke feelings. “Annie” did both for me.  I found myself smiling during most of the production. I smiled. I tapped my feet and hummed. Surprisingly, a tear even came to my eyes during the first playing of the song “Tomorrow.” It must be the most well known tune from the show, with a theme of optimism in spite of life’s battles. If you listen to the words and think of someone fighting a battle right now then you may also fight back a tear as well.

6. Red Carpet Picture

I had seen a friend post a special picture on Facebook where they looked like they were on a red carpet, standing under a movie marquee. My niece and I found the spot during  the 15 minute intermission and were able to take a picture with ‘Sandy,’ the dog. There was no charge, just a suggestion to show it on social media in order to help publicity.

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This was a wonderful souvenir and we were delighted. What a special touch to an already special event! Make sure that you take your camera/phone and do this by the end of intermission.

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The second act will fly by too quickly so enjoy it!

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I love the curtain call at the end of a play when the actors are recognized for their work.

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What wonderful young performers!

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These were formidable actors in sinister/comedic roles.

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Miss Hannigan was superb!

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Ron Solomon played Oliver Warlocks perfectly and had a wonderful singing voice. It was a pleasure to witness his scenes. Laura Taliferro played a kind Grace Farrell, secretary to Warbucks. I felt transported by her voice as well. She truly had a wonderful aura about her that surpassed the stage.

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A standing ovation for Jennie Marie Davis and the entire cast of “Annie!”

7.  Meeting the Cast

I have never attended a performance where you could meet the cast after the show. You will get to do that at the Creative Theater and it is magical!

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The lead actress celebrates with classmates and home town friends from Morristown.

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These three actors really ‘chewed up the scenery’ and made their marks on the musical. Marvin West was excellent as the policeman and FDR. You forgot that he was in character because it seemed so real. The audience could not control their laughter during the scenes with Jonathan Weathersby (Rooster) and Turner Morris (Lily St. Regis). I will not give away that scene, but it was the high point of the comedy for us. So funny!

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Don’t be shy! During the ‘meet and greet’ after the show, congratulate the actors and get a picture to remember the show. I always wanted my picture with another president!

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We left the theater and walked out to our cars, thinking about what a fantastic show that we had just witnessed in our own county. There are different kinds of theaters here, but this one is quite special. It is a community theater that allows community member to take part in productions and to try different aspects of the stage. It can help teach beginners while letting veterans shine!

Growing up in Morristown, we would go see performances at the Morristown Theater Guild. In fact, I first saw “Fiddler on the Roof” there and have never forgotten it. It was magical. In the same sense, I truly enjoyed the performance of “Annie” at the Creative Theater and am thinking about going again this week. Make sure you see this show while you still have a chance. It is amazing theater and made us fall in love with it all over again. 

You will too!

Here is the link to the Facebook page. Keep up with upcoming shows, photos, and video feeds after the performances.

https://www.facebook.com/creativetheatergroup/

 

A Morning Ride at Cades Cove Stables: Our Favorite Horseback Riding Place in the Smokies

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We are lucky to have a selection of horseback riding stables in this area. When you want to saddle up and ride, there is a stable that is particularly worth the drive to the mountains. We had a wonderful morning ride at Cades Cove Stables. Here is a summary of our trip.

Lisa and I wanted a final, fun activity before work resumed last month so we drove up to Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to try the stables located at the entrance. We had tried to ride a week earlier, but a fast moving storm cancelled rides for several hours so we decided to try again a week later. As it turned out, we had the perfect morning and an idyllic ride on our last day of summer vacation.

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We wanted to be in the first group (if possible) so we met at 7:30 and drove through Wears Valley in order to arrive by opening at 9:00 a.m. There are no reservations. First come, first serve. There seemed to be about 30 horses in the stables ready to ride. That was a lot more than I was expecting so they can handle different group sizes.

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Enter the office, sign a waiver, pay, and choose a riding helmet, if you like. I think that they were optional for adults, but we tried them to ‘get the whole experience.’ We like wearing cool hats too.

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You will get a quick lesson from your guide and then saddle up. You can see how easy it is to get up in the saddle with this platform. Lisa’s horse was named Puddin.’

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My horse was very gentle and nice. Her name was Noble. She reminded me of a Palomino.

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Everyone gets a safety check of bridles, straps, and stirrups. They were very thorough.

And away we go!

The trail is about 3 miles so the ride lasts about an hour. It is mainly flat and woodsy.

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About a mile into the ride, the guide will stop and do another quick safety check.

On the way out and back, you get to cross a shallow creek. So relaxing!

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We mainly walked, but there were some sections on the trail that we got to trot. I wasn’t expecting that for a trail ride and really enjoyed it!

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One thing we really appreciated was the fact that our guide stopped at the halfway point and took pictures with everyone’s cameras so we could remember the moment. It is not recommended to use a camera during a ride because it could scare the horse and you need both hands ready–just in case. I took pictures and video for this blog. If I did it again, I would use my clear camera sports bag and just wear it around my neck. It is not easy juggling a camera and riding so the guides will help you with photography. We really needed help with the picture above so it was a nice service. We left a nice tip to show our appreciation for everything.

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At the end of the ride, dismounting is just as easy. You use a platform to get off the horse so all ages can ride.

Dismounting is as easy as pie!

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Our guide, Debbie, was the best. I was impressed that she could ride backwards in the saddle while talking to us. Get a picture at the end of hour so you can remember them and your ride in the mountains.

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There are children’s rides and carriage rides available as well.

Here is a link:      http://www.cadescovestable.com/index.html

In summary, here are the things that we liked the most about this riding stable.

  1. The horses and healthy and well treated. They get every other day ‘off’ in the pasture.
  2. These are knowledgable ‘horse people.’ They know what they are doing. They are friendly too.
  3. The trail is easy so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
  4. The are times that you may trot, if you like.
  5. The waiting area is good. We saw a bear on our first trip.
  6. There is a bathroom next to the office.
  7. The horses are well tempered and gentle.

Here are some good ideas.

  1. Wear old shoes or boots.
  2. Bring a snack and have a picnic in Cades Cove after your ride. Keep it safe from bears in your car.
  3. Wear a sports camera carrier bag around your neck if you want to take photos.
  4. I hate a horsefly and there was one that bedeviled our horses during the ride. Be watchful and gently swat at them if they land near the top of the tail where the horse cannot reach as well.
  5. Maybe wear a hat or a visor.
  6. Crowds are smaller during local rod run weekends and other big events.
  7. Tip your wonderful guide!

 

This was a wonderful way to end our summer vacation. We highly recommend Cades Cove Stables. It is our favorite horseback riding place in the Smoky Mountains!